As schools begin to implement the Common Core Standards, principals are being urged to focus on instructional leadership. Unfortunately, most U.S. principals lack the time to be instructional leaders. True reform would restructure the principal's job into three.
Principals Are Not the Best Instructional Leaders
Maeve. every time that I read one of your articles, I think how blessed we are to have you as our Education Reform Editor. You have obviously "served time in the trenches." Your articles reflect best practices. You have practical solutions for real-life problems. Thanks for an outstanding article.
Connie,
Thank you for your kind and supportive words. Only this morning I was asking myself why I write these articles. I hope that people are reading them, but I don't get much feedback.
Yes, I've been there--about 30 years in the public school classroom, grades 7-12, six years in an exclusive private school, 7 years at the university level, and 2 years in community college/technical school. I was also very involved with reading instruction when my children were small.
Again, thanks for your comment. It has refreshed my day!
Maeve, I know what you mean about not getting much feedback. My forums are quiet, but I post almost every day. People don't play my Sandwich name game, but it has had almost 400,000 views. Sometimes, I play by myself. At other times, I have a couple of dedicated players. However, a LOT of people look.
You've had many page views on your forum. I think that you would be surprised if you got your calculator out and added them up! While people often don't write back, they are interested in what you have to say. Keep writing; you are making a difference.
Maeve, I apologize because I am a lurker even though I know how good it is to hear from a poster.
I once taught (my credential is current) but now I only go in to help with the state testing. I have witnessed the great burdens upon a principal and I agree that reform is necessary. The system is in an emergency state as far as I'm concerned.
Keep educating the public as you're doing. Your information is being read.
Lori,
Thanks for coming forward out of the shadows! Thanks to you and Connie, I feel a new surge of commitment.
Who knows, maybe some of my silent readers are sharing my articles on Facebook. Wouldn't that be great?
If I've learned anything from this exchange--other than that real people are reading my stuff--it's to get off my duff and do some commenting of my own.
Maeve, a lot of the time I forget to visit other editors' sites. Then, I see an article promoted on New Posts and I comment.
Do what you can and enjoy your BOL time.