a. Focus on Learning and Teaching, Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment: The principal leads the discussion about standards for curriculum, instruction and assessment based on research and best practices in order to establish and achieve high expectations for students.
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Universal Lesson Plan Template: In August, NRMS introduced a new Instructional Framework to be used K-12 and across all content areas. Before we welcomed staff back for the 2017-2018 school year, myself, the administrative team, and the instructional coach collaborated to create a universal lesson planning document for staff to utilize. This document was showcased later at a principal's meeting as an exemplar and is now widely used as the lesson plan template in most middle schools in the district. Though my experience in creating the tool was collaborative, I also have individual experience with the document each week as I complete lesson plan reviews for the math department.
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Walkthrough Form: This document is a copy of the walkthrough form I use to provide feedback to staff during short, informal classroom walkthroughs. The form reflects two initiatives that the school adopted for the 2017-2018 school year: NRMS' Instructional Framework and AVID. I also script and categorize levels of questioning during the lesson. I provide feedback to teachers based on the lesson structure, instructional activities, the strengths of the lesson, suggestions to take it to the 'next level,' and I offer my support. I have completed over 50 walkthroughs using this instrument across 6th, 7th, and 8th grades this school year.
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b. Focus on Instructional Time: The principal creates processes and schedules which protect teachers from disruption of instructional or preparation time.
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Master Schedule: I enforce the schedule when there are extenuating circumstances such as when the bells needing to be off or we have an abbreviated day. For example, I visit rooms to remind teachers when it is time to switch classes. I have also facilitated "take-out" lunch by calling classrooms to schedule the staggering of lunches and ensure a smooth schedule.
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Transition Duty Map & Schedule: I am responsible for monitoring Transition Duty between electives to ensure staff are present as they are assigned duty. Holding staff accountable for duties and responsibilities ensures our transitions remain well-supervised and safe. In addition, being present myself during transitions allows for increased visibility for both staff and students.
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