The WVBE would like to invite the public to comment on the Recommendations for Transforming School Leadership in West Virginia submitted to the West Virginia Board of Education by Imagine WV. These recommendations are submitted for public comment by the WVBE with the intention of providing a starting point for deeper deliberation and stakeholder input.
Please click here to find the full Imagine WV report. The 30-day comment period will end on September 20, 2014. We thank you in advance for your thoughtful input.
This report and recommendations were approved by the Imagine WV Board of Directors on April 29, 2014.
RECOMMENDATION 1: Redesign the role of the principal from
building manager to instructional leader.
Learning and student achievement improve in schools where the principal is an instructional leader.
RECOMMENDATION 2: Redesign principal preparation programs in
West Virginia's institutions of higher education to align with the
role of instructional leader and incorporate a strong clinical
foundation.
Transforming the school leadership will require the WVBE to adopt more stringent program approval criteria based on the new role and program elements of a rigorous clinical preparation program.
RECOMMENDATION 3: Establish WVBE, or an independent authority
established by the Board, with the authority to screen and approve
applicants to principal preparation programs.
Transforming school administration should include a well-designed process for selecting and approving applicants. Applicants should be screened by a committee of the WVBE based on selective criteria established by the Board. Successful completion of an approved program, assessment of competencies, and licensure would follow a similar Board approval process.
RECOMMENDATION 4: Redesign the salary schedule for school administrators.
Salary adjustment for successful completion of an approved principal preparation program should be conferred when the program participant assumes the position, not when he or she receives the credential.
RECOMMENDATION 5: Adopt a career ladder for teachers; one
that clearly articulates advance instructional roles and
credentials, accompanying clinically-based graduate level training
for each advanced credential, and corresponding salary adjustments
for various clinical positions.
One attractive possibility is the creation of the position of "master teacher" or "teacher leader," where good teachers are trained and assigned the additional role of assisting other teachers. These teacher leaders would be paid extra for performing this role.
Click here to comment on the recommendations.