Administrative Internship Experience/ Administrative Competencies Final Reflection

Throughout the past year, I have had the opportunity to experience the complex role of the school administrator. During this short internship year, I was exposed to the other aspects of a school that are outside the realm of a classroom teacher. School administrators are responsible for ensuring that schools are effective by serving the needs of all students. School administrators must be familiar and have experience with all competencies, because each competency plays a role in leading a successful school. Below I have listed the competency and describe my internship experience within the competency and what I have learned about each competency during my internship. Competency 001 The principal knows how to shape campus culture by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community. I have attended a variety of different meetings (Staff, FAC, SDMC, Parent, administrative & cluster meetings) throughout the year, talking to different school stakeholders about various school concerns. Whether I was contacting parents updating them on their student progress or discipline issues, meeting with teachers about faculty concerns or meeting with administrators to discuss the revision of the school grading policy. During my internship, I have learned that it is very importation to be aware of what is going on at my campus and to ensure that all stakeholders feel valued and apart of the school culture. I also learned that data and resources should used to guide administrative decisionmaking. It is also important to revisit the campus vision often to assess whether or not goals have been reached. Competency 002 The principal knows how to communicate and collaborate with all members of the school community, respond to diverse interests and needs, and mobilize resources to promote student success. Communication with staff, students and community is key. When working with various school stakeholders to revise the discipline policy and to implement a new tardy policy during my internship, I have learned that a school that has positive collaborative efforts will be more successful at reaching school goals. As an administrator, I must be willing to work with all people and be open to all suggestions in order to continually improve the school. Appropriate forms of communication should be utilized and it is important to remain solution oriented during all types of campus conflict.

Competency 003 The principal knows how to act with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical and legal manner. An administrator is a role model for all school stakeholders. When I would complete student discipline or school rounds with my campus supervisor, I was able to see how much all students, staff, parents and community members respect him. He is expected to make sound judgment calls and ethical decisions. During my internship, he instructed me on the importance of knowing the school laws and policies. I have learned that most administrative decisions are based on what is in the best interest of the children. It is also important to be accepting and sensitive to all people and POVs. Competency 004 The principal knows how to facilitate the design and implementation of curricula and strategic plans that enhance teaching and learning; ensure alignment of curriculum, instruction, resources, and assessment; and promote the use of varied assessments to measure student performance. During my internship, I participated in curriculum planning at both administrative and departmental levels. I have learned that it is imperative that the implementation of strategic curriculum plans is a necessity for a school to successfully educate its students. As an administrator, it is important to designate other school administrators to oversee the different subject areas of curriculum. Curriculum specialists or any additional resources should be utilized to help each subject area break down data and explain the data so that the teachers are able to interpret that information to drive instruction. Competency 005 The principal knows how to advocate, nurture, and sustain an instructional program and a campus culture that are conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.

Throughout this entire year, I participated in many professional development opportunities for teachers and for school administrators that has given me the opportunity to see from the perspective of the school administrator. I have learned that being aware of available resources and technology that will assist a school to stay progressive and innovative, which could reduce the possibility of student and staff disinterest. Goals should also be set to initiate and invigorate school growth and development that caters to student needs. Competency 006 The principal knows how to implement a staff evaluation and development system to improve the performance of all staff members, select and implement appropriate models for supervision and staff development, and apply the legal

requirements for personnel management. My principal utilizes her administrative staff and various school stakeholders to help make many school decisions. I noticed this fact when attending numerous school meetings during my internship. I have learned that staffing placements and dismissals should be data driven and based on student needs. I also learned that a school administrator should support staff as much as possible because without staff help, the goal of an effective school would not be possible. Competency 007 The principal knows how to apply organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills to ensure an effective learning environment. Administrators must delegate the multiple duties that encompass a leader of a campus the size of my school. The internship has shown me that one administrator cannot complete all task singlehandedly. Data is a tool that should guides most school decisions in addition to the input of other school stakeholders. It is important for an administrator to stay encouraged, even when the job becomes difficult. Competency 008 The principal knows how to apply principles of effective leadership and management in relation to campus budgeting, personnel, resource utilization, financial management, and technology use. My principal continues to be well aware and informed when it comes to the school budget. She continues to make thoughtful purchases and has been willing to spend money in needed areas. I have learned to make sure that funds are allocated appropriately and to utilize other monetary resources that the school has such as money from the PTO and donations from business partners before using limited school funds. Competency 009 The principal knows how to apply principles of leadership and management to the campus physical plant and support systems to ensure a safe and effective learning environment. When analyzing the fire drill safety and efficiency of my school, I learned the necessary steps that should be taken during a crisis situation. School safety and security should be the top priority of an administrator. All administrators are responsible for ensuring that every student is safe at our school at all times. An administrator must be familiar with safety protocols and procedures. All of the competencies help guide every decision that a school administrator makes on a daily basis. Administrators must remain aware of these responsibilities at all times. This internship has afforded me the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the day in the life of a school administrator. As my time in graduate school is near complete, I am nervously and anxiously waiting for my first opportunity to help lead a school to success.