Assignment:
Strategic Problem-Solving - Activity Two - Establishing and Aligning Measurable Goals
This assignment has three components. The components include a memo, documentation, and a reflection.
I. Memo:
You will continue to assume the role of a new hypothetical principal at a campus as you respond to the issues related to the Agricultural Science Program found in the letter of concern by the hypothetical superintendent. As in the last strategic problem-solving assignment, the letter is found in the resource packet. In this activity, the candidate will prepare a four-paragraph written memo that addresses the following prescribed actions (superintendent directives):
a) Describe how different types of data were used to formulate two (2) measurable Agricultural Science Program goals with semi-annual benchmarks that are aligned to identified needs;
b) Share strategies or changes needed/implemented to attain measurable goals;
c) Identify efforts to build the capacity of the instructional team;
d) Justify a request for a future need (this could include staff development, additional personnel, supplies, facilities, or any other justifiable need.)
Special note: While preparing the simulated memo and attachments, you must address the superintendent directives described above. When addressing the superintendent directives, you will use the Stage 2 "BUILDING BLOCKS" found below to frame your memo. Use each building block as the topic for one paragraph.
Stage 2 Building Blocks
a) Ensured alignment of activities/actions - paragraph one;
b) Identified and recommended changes in practice, procedure, and policy needed to support improvement efforts - paragraph two:
c) Built capacity of instructional leadership - paragraph 3;
d) Predicted needed resources needed including personnel, supplies, facilities, and others - paragraph 4.
In the memo, you should write one paragraph on each individual stage two building block. It should prove easy to address the superintendent's directives (a through d) in these four paragraphs.
II. Documentation
Additionally, you are expected to attach simulated documentation that supports your four-paragraph memo to the superintendent.(Be creative!) The documentation is limited to two (2) additional pages. Documentation examples could include:
- Hypothetical enrollment figures
- Adjustments in program procedures
- List of new course offerings
- Professional development certificates
- Budget worksheets
- Meeting notes
- Teacher observation notes
- Curriculum changes
Many more items could justify or support your memo - BE CREATIVE
III. Activity Reflection:
This submission requires an Activity Reflection. Answers to the following reflective questions are required in the Activity Reflection: (BE BRIEF- Use no less than 3 and no more than 5 sentences to answer each question in the reflection.)
1. How does this response make sense?
2. Describe how the response fits with the established criteria and models the elements found in the building blocks?
3. What issues did the response address?
4. In what other way could this issue be addressed and prove equally or more successful?