W. Va. Code R. § 126-165-5

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 126-165-5 - Standards of Professional Practice for School Principals

5.1. Role. The effectiveness of the school principal, next to that of the classroom teacher, is the single most significant influence on student achievement. Principals who have interpersonal and collaborative skills combined with technical expertise in instructional leadership can dramatically elevate the overall effectiveness of a school. Each school has its own unique culture, level of expectation, priorities, procedures and programs that come together to positively or to negatively influence student learning. It is the role of the school principal to elevate the quality of operations and to align the efforts of staff so they coalesce to support the learning and well-being of each student. Certainly, this is a challenging and complex expectation. The nine standards and functions outlined in this policy are a descriptive guide to help leaders move in this direction. Central to the nine standards is the premise that principals can no longer be expected to do the complex work of moving the school forward by themselves and with little assistance and authority. First, there must be quality, school-specific support services and resources from the district office; services and resources that are based on the student data and professional needs of the school. Second, there must be an increase in the leadership of teachers; teacher leaders who promote and instill a sense of collective accountability and who engage staff in on-going collaborative discussions on how to improve school and classroom practice to improve student learning. This culture of cooperation and results will not develop by itself. This must be organized, valued, nurtured by the principal with appropriate supports from the central office including time for teachers to meet, structures for collaboration and quality professional development. Third, principals and teachers must be given appropriate flexibility to make school-based decisions about the research-based processes and strategies to improve school and classroom practice. If these conditions are put in place, then principals can be the leader of a team of leaders empowered to create those conditions that enhance the learning of all students in the school.

5.2. Standards.

5.2.a. Demonstrates Interpersonal and Collaborative Skills.

5.2.a.1. The principal acts ethically and professionally in personal conduct, relationships with others, decision-making, stewardship of the school's resources, and all aspects of leadership.

5.2.a.2. The principal develops the leadership capabilities of others and delegates appropriately, fosters a sense of teamwork, and makes decisions by collaborating with staff, students, and the community.

5.2.a.3. The principal leads with interpersonal and communication and effectively builds relationships with staff, students and the community.

5.2.a.4. The principal places children at the center of decision-making to promote each student's academic success and well-being.

5.2.a.5. The principal acts according to and promotes the professional norms of integrity, fairness, transparency, trust, collaboration, perseverance, learning, and continuous improvement.

5.2.a.6. The principal models a positive attitude and recognizes individual and collective accomplishments.

5.2.b. Creates a Clear and Focused Learning Mission.

5.2.b.1. The principal collaboratively sustains a learning-centered vision, mission and goals that promote the academic success and well-being of each student and reflect student needs in a changing nation and world.

5.2.b.2. The principal works in collaboration with staff and the community and utilizes relevant data to develop and promote a vison for the school on the successful learning and development of each child and on instructional and organizational practices that promote such success.

5.2.b.3. The principal develops shared understanding of and commitment to the mission, vision, and goals within the school and community and strategically develops, implements and evaluates actions to achieve the vision for the school.

5.2.b.4. The principal uses the school's vision, mission and goals to develop a sense of urgency for change and a commitment to actions necessary to bring about that change and collaboratively build a focused and coherent set of strategies for school improvement.

5.2.b.5. The principal works with staff to evaluate the alignment of school initiatives with the mission and goals and adjusts them to changing expectations and opportunities for the school, including addressing needs and situations of students.

5.2.b.6. The principal models, pursues, and commits to the school's mission, vision, and goals in all aspects of leadership by communicating progress and celebrating success.

5.2.c. Facilitates Rigorous Curriculum, Engaging Instruction and Balanced Assessments.

5.2.c.1. The principal demonstrates a commitment to advancing student learning by prioritizing leadership time and efforts and working with staff to improve learning by continually assessing the school schedule, staff assignments, and use of resources.

5.2.c.2. The principal creates a climate of accountability where all staff demonstrates a collective sense of responsibility for student learning and a commitment to the mission, vision, and core values of the school.

5.2.c.3. The principal promotes instructional practice that is consistent with knowledge of child learning and development, effective pedagogy, and the needs of each student.

5.2.c.4. The principal works with staff to ensure instructional practice that recognizes student strengths, promotes a healthy sense of self, is intellectually challenging, is authentic to student experiences, and is differentiated and personalized.

5.2.c.5. The principal ensures a rigorous standards-based curriculum and engaging instruction in each classroom by monitoring instruction and providing processes of collegial discussion, observation, feedback and support.

5.2.c.6. The principal uses benchmark and summative assessment data to guide and modify school programs, allocate resources, assign staff and alter time to promote student academic success.

5.2.c.7. The principal aligns systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment within and across grade levels.

5.2.c.8. The principal works with district and school staff to implement a coordinated system of enrichment and intervention for students whose academic growth is not progressing satisfactorily.

5.2.c.9. The principal promotes the effective use of instructional resources and technologies that reflect current best practice.

5.2.d. Builds and Sustains a Positive Learning Climate and Cohesive Culture.

5.2.d.1. The principal works with stakeholders to identify core beliefs and values that create a student-centered, learning-focused school.

5.2.d.2. The principal models, communicates and promotes core beliefs and values and builds and maintains a safe, caring, and healthy school environment that meets the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of each student.

5.2.d.3. The principal articulates, advocates, and cultivates core values that define the school's culture and stress the imperative of a child-centered education with high expectations for continuous improvement.

5.2.d.4. The principal implements programs and processes to ensure the school is safe, orderly, well-maintained and conducive to learning.

5.2.d.5. The principal cultivates and reinforces student engagement in school and positive student conduct.

5.2.d.6. The principal ensures that student extra-curricular and co-curricular activities are well-coordinated, equitable and add value to student learning, character and citizenship.

5.2.e. Promotes Continual Professional Growth and Attracts and Retains Quality Staff.

5.2.e.1. The principal implements district processes for hiring and mentoring new staff that result in the recruitment and retention of highly effective personnel and promotes the personal and professional health, well-being, and work-life balance of faculty and staff.

5.2.e.2. The principal delivers actionable feedback about instruction to teachers and staff members through valid, research-anchored systems of supervision and evaluation designed to support the development of knowledge, skills, and practice.

5.2.e.3. The principal works collaboratively with staff to analyze a variety of data, including data on instructional practices and student achievement, to design and implement research-based approaches for professional growth, and to address the school's professional development targets.

5.2.e.4. The principal develops the capacity, opportunities, and support for teacher leadership and leadership from other members of the school community, to organize, support and sustain teacher collaborative teams for enhancing professional growth.

5.2.e.5. The principal empowers and motivates teachers and staff toward continuous learning and improvement.

5.2.f. Acts as a Student Advocate and Creates Support Systems for Student Success.

5.2.f.1. The principal ensures that student achievement and well-being are the central focus of all school practices and decisions and works to develop this commitment among all the staff in the school. The principal ensures that each student is treated fairly, respectfully, and with an understanding of each student's culture and context.

5.2.f.2. The principal creates an environment and implements practices that ensure each student has equitable access to effective teachers, learning opportunities, academic and social support, and other resources necessary for success.

5.2.f.3. The principal creates support for programs and processes that address student physical and social-emotional needs by communicating their link to student academic success and provides accommodations to meet the individualized learning needs of all students.

5.2.f.4. The principal works with staff to effectively use the state data system to identify and diagnose students with physical and social-emotional needs and address student misconduct in a positive, fair, and unbiased manner.

5.2.f.5. The principal ensures there are programs, services and timely interventions to address student physical and social-emotional needs including wellness, counseling and social services.

5.2.g. Manages Operations to Promote Learning.

5.2.g.1. The principal institutes, manages, and monitors operations and administrative systems that promote the mission and vision of the school.

5.2.g.2. The principal ensures that the school adheres to federal, state, and local policies and code.

5.2.g.3. The principal strategically manages staff resources, assigning and scheduling teachers and staff to roles and responsibilities that optimize their professional capacity to address each student's learning needs.

5.2.g.4. The principal follows district processes for obtaining, allocating, managing and monitoring the distribution of school fiscal resources.

5.2.g.5. The principal works with district staff to provide efficient and effective transportation and child nutrition services.

5.2.g.6 The principal ensures that school facilities are safe, well-maintained and used to maximize student learning.

5.2.g.7. The principal ensures that the school has processes for the storage, security, privacy and integrity of data and information systems and utilizes these data systems to deliver actionable information for classroom and school improvement.

5.2.g.8. The principal protects teachers' and other staff member's work and learning from disruption.

5.2.g.9. The principal develops and administers systems for fair and equitable conflict management among students, faculty, leaders, families, and community.

5.2.h. Connects to Families and the Larger Community.

5.2.h.1. The principal maintains a presence in the community to develop productive relationships and uses knowledge of demographics, culture and community needs to inform school decisions and develop school programs.

5.2.h.2. The principal is approachable, accessible, and welcoming; and creates and sustains positive, collaborative, and productive relationships with families and the community for the benefit and safety of students.

5.2.h.3. The principal engages in open and two-way communication to keep families and the community informed regarding the school and involved with addressing student needs, problems, and accomplishments.

5.2.h.4. The principal works with the district staff to develop school processes for communicating with and responding to print, digital and other media.

5.2.h.5. The principal works with staff and stakeholders to advocate for and create family involvement programs and community partnerships that advance the school vision, mission and goals.

5.2.h.6. The builds and sustains productive partnerships with public and private sectors to promote school improvement and student learning and align services to students and families.

5.2.i. Effects Continuous Improvement.

5.2.i.1. The principal exhibits interpersonal and organizational skills associated with leading and sustaining successful change and seeks to make the school more effective for all students, teachers, staff, families, and the community.

5.2.i.2. The principal develops and promotes leadership among teachers and staff by empowering them with the collective responsibility for meeting the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of each student.

5.2.i.3. The principal creates the expectation and provides the structure for all staff to participate in collaborative teams; develops, supports, and participates in the work of collaborative teams; and ensures that appropriate data is collected, accessible, and used to guide school and classroom improvement efforts.

5.2.i.4. The principal works collaboratively with school team(s) to design and implement job-embedded and other professional learning opportunities and engages others in an ongoing process of evidence-based inquiry, learning, strategic goal setting, planning, implementation, and evaluation for continuous school and classroom improvement.

5.2.i.5. The principal ensures accountability for continuous improvement by working with teams to establish and monitor school and classroom performance targets and benchmarks and promotes inquiry, experimentation, and innovation in implementing improvement.

5.2.i.6. The principal energizes improvement efforts through openly communicating the need for, the process for, and the outcomes of improvement efforts and the celebration of both individual and collective success.

W. Va. Code R. § 126-165-5