The following information has been adapted and/or quoted from the FPLS Matrix (2023).
Domain 3: Organizational Leadership
Standard 8: School Management
"Effective school leaders manage the organization, operations, and facilities in ways that maximize the use of resources to promote a safe, efficient, legal, and effective learning environment."
Indicators:
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"Organizes time, tasks and projects effectively with clear objectives and coherent plans."
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"Establishes appropriate deadlines for him/herself and the entire organization."
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"Manages schedules, delegates, and allocates resources to promote collegial efforts in school improvement and faculty development."
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"Is fiscally responsible and maximizes the impact of fiscal resources on instructional priorities."
Reflection on Coursework & Experiences
The purpose of standard eight is for school leaders to demonstrate their ability manage the school as a business. The projects that most closely align with this standard are the administration interview, calculating the weighted full time equivalent of a school, and developing a school's operating budget. One of the components of this standard is the ability to allocate the necessary resources to improve student learning. Within the administration interview, there is a discussion with Goldsboro Elementary Magnet School's assistant principal, Ms. Froess, where she addresses how she collaborates with the instructional coaching team every summer to manage, delegate, and allocate instructional resources for the following school year. Additionally, the weighted FTE and operating budget are projects that support the administration interview as it provides a guide to the fiscal resources of the school and aides in making appropriate, logical decisions that will support the school as a business.
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I enjoyed working on the projects for this standard because I am naturally an organized, logical, and data-driven person, which are considered to be some of my leadership strengths. Working with the bookkeeper at Goldsboro Elementary Magnet School, I was able to properly assess how to calculate the weighted FTE and operating budget given a specific school scenario. Stepping into a leadership role, I believe the only way to truly make an impact on student learning and achievement is by having the business skills needed to ensure the school, as a whole, runs smoothly and can provide the resources needed for success.