School Leadership Teams
in Magnet Schools
Strategies for Building Capacity for
Effective Teacher and Principal
Success
Creating Successful
Magnet School Programs
In successful magnet schools, leadership is not
the role solely of the principal; leadership
functions are clearly expected from other staff.
“I try to empower teachers, to get good people dedicated
to students and our philosophy, and just let them go.”
Magnet principal, Hamilton County, TN
“If you throw an idea at them they run with it.”
School administrator, Montclair Public Schools, NJ
Creating Successful Magnet
School Programs
“There is growing recognition … that if
principals … are to be effective instructional
leaders, other leadership … responsibilities
traditionally expected of them must be
shared. This is especially true for magnet
school principals who … must ensure that
their school’s theme-focused curriculum
aligns with state academic standards, must
market the school to parents and the
community, and must generate supportive
partnerships.”
Magnet School Leadership
Responsibilities
• Providing effective instructional leadership
• Ensuring that the school’s theme-focused
curriculum aligns with state academic
standards
• Marketing the school to parents and the
community
• Generating supportive partnerships
• Others?
Leadership Considerations in
MSAP Grant Selection Criteria
Plan of Operation
The effectiveness of the plan for utilizing
resources and personnel to achieve the
objectives of the project, including how well the
applicant utilizes key personnel to complete
tasks and achieve the objectives of the project
Leadership Considerations in
MSAP Grant Selection Criteria
Quality of Personnel
Other key personnel [in addition to the project
director] are qualified to manage the project
Teachers who will provide instruction in
participating magnet schools are qualified to
implement the special curriculum of the magnet
schools
Leadership Considerations in
MSAP Grant Selection Criteria
Project Design
Address the educational needs of the students
who will be enrolled in the magnet schools;
Carry out a high quality educational program
that will substantially strengthen students’
knowledge and skills
Encourage greater parental decisionmaking and
involvement
School Leadership Teams
Quality Personnel
• The principal must empower key people to join
him as change agents in magnet schools.
• The chosen principal must be capable of initiating
and sustaining change over time through
collaboration.
• Empowering principals are aware of progress and
make necessary changes along the way.
School Leadership Teams
Choice of Principal
• In Race to the Top, some options for turn around
schools include replacing the principal and having
a structured redesign.
• One option discusses keeping the same principal
but completely changing the instructional program
for the school.
• Look carefully at the principal to see if he/she is
an empowering leader and capable of
implementing change.
School Leadership Teams
“The brick walls are there to see how badly you want it.”
• Empowering principals clarify/define the
vision.
• Empowering principals are keepers of the
vision.
• Key leadership needs to understand
the vision.
• Good leaders never give up
-no excuses
School Leadership Teams
“No job is beneath you.”
• Empowering leaders understand all components of
the magnet program.
• Empowering leaders form a magnet team of 7 to 9
people.
• Strong teams work to implement all components
with fidelity.
• Strong teams get constant
feedback and involvement
from the staff.
School Leadership Teams
“Tell the Truth”
• Empowering leaders explain what will
happen each year of the MSAP grant.
• Effective teams develop a detailed three
year implementation plan.
• Empowering leaders keep the
focus on what is good for children.
• Good leadership helps
identify any areas of conflict
and works through them.
School Leadership Teams
“Show
•
•
•
•
Gratitude”
Ensure that key leaders feel appreciated.
Ensure that teachers and students feel appreciated.
Celebrate successes.
Encourage progress by tracking
outcomes on the three year
implementation plan.
School Leadership Teams
“Your dreams for your school will come to you.”
• When doing the right thing for children the
universe will conspire to help you.
• The three year implementation plan will
make your dream a reality.
• The school will own the problems
and the successes.
School Leadership Teams
Questions???
Dr. Kim Morrison
kmorrison@wsfcs.k12.nc.us
Mr. Steven Brockhouse