Category 1. Strategic Leadership

The school leader of a high school assesses reading scores, which have shown a steady decline for the last few years. The chairperson of the reading department asks the school leader for assistance in identifying methods to boost students’ reading abilities. Which of the following data will be most important for the school leader to suggest that the chairperson share in guiding the department’s instructional decisions?

• Subskill reading assessment scores.

• Reading scores from other schools.

• Longitudinal reading achievement.

• Student population demographics.

Answer explanation

Option (A) is correct. Subskill reading performance data will enable teachers to discern exactly which reading subskills (such as vocabulary) to spend more time teaching.

During an annual review of school programs, a school leader asks committee members to refer to the school improvement plan while reviewing the effectiveness of various programs. By taking this action, the school leader demonstrates an understanding of the importance of

• Creating a culture of shared leadership among facutly.

• ensuring curriculum programs are research based.

• meeting the needs of diverse populations.

• analyzing accomplishments against a benchmark.

Answer explanation

Option (D) is correct. The school improvement plan provides detailed expectations for improvements and is being used by the school leader in a manner that encourages the committee to compare the actual progress to the goals set.

A school leader is planning to change the inclusion model currently used in the special education program. Each of the special education teachers is promoting a different model. Which of the following is the school leader’s best first step for building consensus among the teachers?

• Allowing teachers to choose the model that best meets the needs of their student roster.

• Gathering input from school leaders who use each of the proposed models.

• Discussing the pros and cons of each model to allow teachers to view the options objectively.

• Postponing the decision until further research on inclusion and special education is conducted.

Answer explanation

Option (C) is correct. Agreeing to remain open-minded keeps the focus on the solution and not debating to win. Collaborating on solutions and evaluating the pros and cons of each choice allows the best solution to present itself in a diplomatic manner that builds consensus.

The school leader of a middle school wants to assess the effectiveness of a new science curriculum that has been in place in seventh grade for one year. Which of the following methods will provide the school leader with the most valuable data?

• Comparing the performance of seventh graders on the annual state science assessment with the performance of previous seventh graders.

• Comparing seventh-grade students' report card grades with their grades in fifth and sixth grades.

• Discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the new curriculum with science teachers at the end of the school year.

• Surveying parents and students for their feedback on the effectiveness of the new curriculum.

Answer explanation

Option (A) is correct. The results of the state assessment test are valuable because they provide quantifiable information by comparing like to like—in this case, seventh graders with seventh graders.

A school leader is working with the campus planning committee to develop a new strategic plan to better focus its efforts. The school leader wants the planning committee to begin by identifying the current state of school programs and campus culture. Which THREE of the following questions are best to ask to help the school leader address this goal?

• How can we measure progress toward new goals?

• What are our strengths and weaknesses?

• What resources do we have to work with?

• What long-range goals are needed to support improvement?

• Which faculty are supportive of the change process?

Answer explanation

Options (B), (C), and (E) are correct. The first steps in the strategic-planning process are to address the current status of the campus, including strengths and weaknesses, current available resources, and existing supportive personnel.

Which of the following is the best reason for a school leader to ask teachers, parents, and other community members for suggestions to improve teaching and learning at the school?

• To build a shared vision among various stakeholders.

• To give teachers an opportunity to request instructional materials.

• To encourage business partners to mentor students.

• To justify annual professional training for teachers and staff.

Answer explanation

Option (A) is correct. School leaders should solicit input from stakeholders, including teachers and community members, in order to build a shared vision for the school.

The school leaders of elementary, middle, and high schools in a district set a goal of working together to decrease dropout rates among at-risk students. Which of the following will most effectively facilitate meeting the goal?

• Establishing a professional learning community (PLC) in which school leaders will examine data, propose and test solutions, and track progress.

• Hosting parent outreach programs that emphasize the benefits of education and ways parents can work to encourage student attendance.

• Planning professional development for school leaders on research-based strategies for supporting the academic success of at-risk students at each grade level.

• Holding school-based study groups that investigate the root causes of the conditions that put students at risk of academic failure.

Answer explanation

Option (A) is correct. Professional learning communities are structured to systematically work together across grade levels to study the problems and seek solutions. By establishing PLCs that monitor student attendance, behavior, and academic performance, the school leader promotes collective responsibility for monitoring factors that affect dropout rates.

A school leader works with a committee of stakeholders to craft a new school vision statement. The most effective first step the school leader can take to support the committee’s work is to...

• 
  indicate the inadequacies of the existing school vision statement.

• draft a vision statement that shows the school’s new direction.

• survey staff members regarding their core beliefs about instructional practices.

• facilitate dialogue to eliminate obstacles and validate committee members’ thoughts.

Answer explanation

Option (D) is correct. By facilitating dialogue with committee members, the school leader is able to identify and address their concerns and have a better understanding of their thoughts and ideas.

Given the changing mobility rate of students, the school leader decides to see whether there has been an impact on the overall student population. To gather the most relevant data, the school leader should review...

• student learning goals.

• school processes.

• student demographics.

• teacher perceptions.

Answer explanation

Option (C) is correct. Student demographics will best show whether there has been a change in student population.

A school leader invites community members and parents to join a school improvement committee. Which of the following actions by a school leader will best promote accountability among the committee members?

• Sharing student achievement data with the stakeholders.

• Developing a shared agreement regarding the stakeholders' roles.

• Celebrating the stakeholders' collaborative contributions.

• Organizing the stakeholders into subcommittees.

Answer explanation

Option (B) is correct. Developing an agreement to clarify roles is an appropriate next step in ensuring accountability. If roles are vague, it is unlikely that stakeholders will share accountability for school progress.