Let's talk about Transfer Theory. It is critical that teachers show student how their learning transfers to other areas of life. But are we aware of how our learning as administrators transfers to the Superintendency? What skills do you see that apply to the Transfer Theory? Budgeting, Curriculum, Facilities and Maintenance. What are the specifics?
Cheree, This is a great question. I have often wondered during my tenure as a superintendent how future superintendents could be better prepared for the job than I was. Of course, all of the topics you mentioned are critical for success in the superintendency. All of the skills you listed can be taught to some degree. However, the ability to make quality decisions in a crisis environment, the ability to deal with ambiguous data as one determines the best course of action, the capacity to understand and empathize with populations who have vastly different beliefs and backgrounds, and the skill to broker solutions and negotiate compromises when special interest groups and conflicting interests manifest themselves at the schoolhouse are all critical skills that are very difficult to teach. One of the goals of this program is to provide our students with tools that will enhance their skills and maximize their ability and capacity to excell in these areas in which preparation is difficult. For example, the ability and the confidence to utilize blogs and wikis can be very powerful strategies in addressing school issues that may not have clear-cut solutions. Dr. Creel
Wow! You brought up a variety of the "unseens" of the job of administrators, and yes superitendents. Many people never realize how the intricate details of the behind-the-scene responsibilites are critical parts of how a campus and a district are judged by the community.
We have an administrative intern working with us on campus and she sits in occasionally on conferences I have with students and parents. Her questions tend to be, "How did you know that about the student you just met?" It can't be taught. We must learn how to listen for the subtle cues given by students, parents and stakeholders and show empathy, compassion and concern for the well-being of ALL people.
Let's talk about Transfer Theory. It is critical that teachers show student how their learning transfers to other areas of life. But are we aware of how our learning as administrators transfers to the Superintendency? What skills do you see that apply to the Transfer Theory? Budgeting, Curriculum, Facilities and Maintenance. What are the specifics?
ReplyDeleteCheree,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great question. I have often wondered during my tenure as a superintendent how future superintendents could be better prepared for the job than I was. Of course, all of the topics you mentioned are critical for success in the superintendency. All of the skills you listed can be taught to some degree. However, the ability to make quality decisions in a crisis environment, the ability to deal with ambiguous data as one determines the best course of action, the capacity to understand and empathize with populations who have vastly different beliefs and backgrounds, and the skill to broker solutions and negotiate compromises when special interest groups and conflicting interests manifest themselves at the schoolhouse are all critical skills that are very difficult to teach. One of the goals of this program is to provide our students with tools that will enhance their skills and maximize their ability and capacity to excell in these areas in which preparation is difficult. For example, the ability and the confidence to utilize blogs and wikis can be very powerful strategies in addressing school issues that may not have clear-cut solutions. Dr. Creel
Wow! You brought up a variety of the "unseens" of the job of administrators, and yes superitendents. Many people never realize how the intricate details of the behind-the-scene responsibilites are critical parts of how a campus and a district are judged by the community.
ReplyDeleteWe have an administrative intern working with us on campus and she sits in occasionally on conferences I have with students and parents. Her questions tend to be, "How did you know that about the student you just met?" It can't be taught. We must learn how to listen for the subtle cues given by students, parents and stakeholders and show empathy, compassion and concern for the well-being of ALL people.