Reflection is a useful skill because it allows one to make
meaning of a given experience.
Superintendents must master this skill in order to maximize their
effectiveness in their role. Throughout
the Lamar Superintendent Certification program, we have been engaged in
activities that require us to reflect upon our learning in a manner that will
develop a deep understanding of the Texas Superintendent Competencies. Specifically, I have been acutely concerned
about my ability to oversee the proper management of state and local funds for
an entire district. The reflections in
the EDLD 5342 forced us to reflect on issues such as basic issues impacting the
state formula used for the state funding of local schools. Additionally, a reflection covering equality,
equity, and adequacy of state funding of local schools enhanced my
understanding of the current lawsuits filed by my district and many others to
fight the current formula.
Throughout the Lamar Superintendent program, we
utilized blogs to post our reflections over certain topics. This format allowed other students to comment
on our thoughts, furthering our understanding by examining the viewpoints of
fellow classmates. I found one of the
most profound blog assignments was when we posted our strengths and weaknesses
as a Superintendent by completing the SBEC Post Self Assessment. It was nice to see that many of my fellow
classmates and I still had concerns in some areas while we all showed a great
deal of growth overall. This exercise
helped my hone in on the few areas I have left to gain a deeper understanding.
The supervised Superintendent internship gave me
various experiences and forced me to reflect in writing my perception of the
learning achieved while completing the activity. During one of my activities, I was engaged in
working with the curriculum department to create a method to analyze district
assessment scores. As a team, we
examined several models and came up with one that was the most ideal fit and
the simplest to explain. I was most pleased
to be a part of a team that achieved this task and it showed me the importance
of involving a team in any decision-making process to create a solution that is
a best fit for a maximum number of individuals.
The assessments in the course were often tricky I
erred on a few due to a failure to read the test items closely. This is a skill any superintendent must
master to be successful in their role.
Policies and laws are often filled with nuances and unforeseen
implications. An ability realize this
and make timely plans to prepare is a useful skill to survive in the
superintendent role long term.
I will continue to use reflection to guide my
learning and ensure that each of my experiences to further develop my skills as
a practitioner. Additionally, I will
seek professional development and assistance from colleagues when I am unable
to determine the most appropriate course of action.
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