Today, Wednesday, September 21st, I had an opportunity to meet face-to-face with our district’s Superintendent, Dr. J.D. Kennedy in his office. Knowing that I had spent much time and effort organizing and revising my Intern Plan a couple of times already, I figured the meeting would be of a formality of a “job well done” plan. However, much to my surprise, Dr. Kennedy had already visited my “plan” prior to me arriving and was awaiting my entry into his office so he could give his professional response and of course, the proposed revising of my intern plan.
As we went through each activity and the competency it related to, he offered his critique based upon his many years of experience. In order for Dr. Kennedy to properly advise me on the needed changes to my plan, he first wanted to know what my “weaknesses” were based upon my test of competencies I had taken 4 weeks ago. Then, taking these weaknesses into consideration, he quickly and efficiently changed or added to 11 of my 38 activities in order to strengthen my knowledge.
Specifically, I needed to attend meetings related to budget, bonds, and adverse employment action. Immediately, he had his secretary put me on the weekly “cabinet meetings.” He also requested that I start attending bond meetings, the first of which started in just 3 ½ hours after the conclusion of this morning’s Intern Plan meeting. This bond meeting was with the selected architects in proposing how we should budget an already passed school bond for expansion and renovation for 3 high schools, 2 elementary schools, 3 middles schools, and buying of land for future school sites. Immediately, I felt the impact of his changes to my plan and the strengthening of one of my weaknesses.
In addition, Dr. Kennedy added to my: 1) Strategic Planning to include me evaluating how to streamline the District Strategic Plan down to our core business, 2) Data Collection and Analysis by having me coordinate the transfer of data to REEL Learning in the 3 areas of at-risk a) Attendance, b) Achievement, c) and Behavior, 3) Learning Theory by reviewing Tom Schmoker’s Design Qualities (this is one of our new district initiatives), 4) Use MAP testing to when Evaluating Student Achievement, 5) Use our new district grading policy when reviewing a Change Process, 6) Interviewing key personnel in determining how our school menu is selected and how it fits with our wellness program as it relates to Food Services and 7) Parent Involvement to include specifically way to promote cultural diversity as it relates to our Hispanic and African American students.
Once our meeting concluded and I went back to revise my Intern Plan again (this time with experience guiding my activities), I realized that I was not only venturing into areas I was not familiar with, I was adding to experiences that would prepare me properly as a future superintendent.']
4 comments:
Tom,
I can feel your energy as you embark upon this new adventure. The opportunities presented to you will give you the experience and confidence to have a rewarding internship. I wish you the best as you continue to move forward in this endeavor.
It looks like you had a great meeting.I am glad to see that you are being given the opportunities to grow in your capacity as a leader. It speaks volumes about your Superintendent and his respect for you.
What great opportunities your superintendent has provided. Must have been a great feeling walking in and knowing that he cared enough about your growth as an administrator to take the time to really review your plan and develop ways to strengthen your weakness.
Tom,
That was a great meeting. The superintendent had taken time out of his schedule to review your plan prior to your meeting. He had great insight and expertise to help you with your plan. Sounds like you will have a great learning experience this year.
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