As this school year continues to pass by at a blink of an eye, I continue to wonder when the administration begins to think about the coming year. It sounds weird but my school has crazy numbers in certain grades and as the grade levels move up, the proper staff must be ready to receive the students. I ask this because I am on the school council and many of the parents seem preoccupied with changes going on at the high school and not a lot is discussed about the present. Our school is busting at the seams and more children continue to enroll throughout the year. We already have classrooms in trailers, one being mine, and no more room to add trailers. There are currently 143 third grade students posed to move into 4 fourth grade classes. Having 35 students in a small trailer will be a nightmare and I don't really want to move classrooms again. This is my third different classroom I have been in while teaching 4th grade.
This has been an on-going problem. Each year something crazy happens and teachers get shuffled around during pre-planning. As a leader, I believe these situations should be worked on throughout the year with the help of the regional superintendents. Principals can't wait until students return to make these decisions. I understand crazy things happen in education. Having a plan before school lets out for summer will be beneficial for teachers and the students. I brought this to the attention of my principal just the other day. She mentioned that the construction going on at the school, new roof, is her main focus right now. I then reached out to the lead parent on the council and she said she will put it on the agenda for our next meeting.
As I continue my journey to leadership, looking and working ahead of schedule is something I will need to find clarity in. When is the right time to plan ahead so my staff and students will not be affected by late decision making?
James,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog post. You bought up a good point that I didn't even think of. I've thought about this point in the shoes of a teacher. I've been in a trailer with 30+ students and switched classrooms as well. However, thinking about this in the shoes of a leader is a different discussion. Proper planning is vital to determine the correct placement for students before the next school year approaches. I feel it's always better to be safe than sorry. As a leader, I would prepare for the worst since enrollment is uncontrollable. Furthermore, as you pointed out, early planning is very important.
I totally concur with your post. In previous years, I have not been told my assignment until a couple of weeks before schools starts. However, as it happens, teacher turn over, teacher relocation, and other unforeseen things happen that cause prior planning to be amended. It seems to me that planning should happens right after intent to return forms are sent to the teachers as well as the students. In my case, as a special educator, I can work across different grade levels; however, it never fells that something in our department happens and causes lack of support to be provided to certain students. As I move forward into leadership, I will definitely make it my mission to plan prior to the upcoming year. Great post!
ReplyDeleteJames, I can assure you that this varies from administrator to administrator and I know that you will learn from the mistakes you've witnessed. You are right, these late decisions directly impact students and staff, which is not best practice.
ReplyDeleteIn our school we begin planning very early- in fact we're in the beginning stages now. As March and April roll around, we will begin creating our master schedule for the following year with the ILT team. After the master schedule is created, then ELL, Gifted, and Sped can create their schedules. Once all schedules are set, we can predict staffing for support programs as well.
Regarding room assignments, this is done early as well. County sends projections out in February to principals. Based upon those projections staff are hired, transferred, or leave. Then, classroom assignments take place. Our current administration did something I had not seen done before.....they asked for feedback on an map they created. Staff provided feedback and then a final map was drawn up by administration.
Last year was the first year we left school knowing exactly what to expect the coming year, with only a few unexpected exceptions. This alleviated SO much anxiety and stress from staff so we could focus on preparing for our kiddos.
You are not alone in your experiences- I think it is more the rule than the exception but as we reflect on those practices which are beneficial to teaching and learning and those which leave more to be desired, it will strengthen us as future leaders.
Great comments from everyone! Yes, planning begins now. Usually after contracts are signed, administration can begin to plan for next year. Room assignments were always complete prior to teachers leaving for the summer. This gave teachers the opportunity to pack and label their boxes for their new room assignment. The custodians moved the boxes to the new room over the summer.
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