Instructional Leadership in Early Numeracy and Literacy

Topic of Module:  Instructional Leadership in Early Numeracy and Literacy
Date:  April 12th, 2013
Presenter(s):  Craig Crawford and Gail Blanchette
Summary:  This module looked at current assessment data, literacy and numeracy “Look for” documents, as well as the components and process of school review.   
Reflection and Application:  From this module, I learned that “effective instructional leaders are intensely involved in curricular and instructional issues that directly affect student achievement” (Cotton, 2003).  We must understand as educators and school administrators that student achievement is our main concern.   
With regard to instructional planning as a leader, I believe it is important to set clear goals, expectations and give teachers options as offered, for example, in the “Look For” documents.  It is also important to establish a team mentality when attempting to empower teachers.  We are all different and this is a good thing.  I think encouraging staff to make decisions, take on positions of authority, and share their knowledge and expertise are means of empowering staff members to become leaders in their own right.  This way, teachers will be more apt to help each other while taking responsibility and invested interests in curriculum and student achievement.  If there is a team mentality and clear goals set collectively and revisited often, I think administrators can rest assured that teachers will do what they need to do to attain those goals.  Teachers are professionals and they understand their own strengths, expertise and the things that make them unique as educators.  When those common instructional goals are not met, an administrator intervene and help a fellow teammate be successful, perhaps by suggesting alternatives to their current instructional planning process.
Assessing the ASDN data in literacy and numeracy and discussing the role of the administrator in instructional leadership during this module were very helpful for me.  I know have a better image of best practice for administrators in this regard.
Resources and Readings from:
Cotton, K. (2000). The schooling practices that matter most. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.