Leadership Matters August 2013 issue.pub

Vision 20/20 initiative seeks input from Illinois superintendents Survey of school leaders ends August 16; to be followed by community survey

IASA’s Vision 20/20 initiative is entering a new phase by conducting a survey of Illinois school superintendents and other school leaders regarding their thoughts about public education and specifically about areas on which the Vision 20/20 committees are focused.

to disseminate the survey link to their community by using their school district communications lists and websites. “The data from both surveys will be extremely important to the work of the Vision 20/20 committees,” said Dr. John Gatta, president and chief operating officer of ECRA Group, Inc., a Rosemont- based national research, leadership and strategic planning firm whose role will be to manage, facilitate and document the project. “The institutional knowledge and expertise of superintendents throughout the state can be a powerful tool in the development of this strategic plan for the transformation of public education in Illinois.” existence.” Provide a “Back to School” theme for the school district’s board of education meeting. The start of a new school year is an important time for the educational community. It is a time to instill an excitement about learning and a time for communicating to all individuals the mission and vision for your school district. It is also an opportunity to bring a renewed awareness of the importance of the public school system. Successful school superintendents tend to approach “Back to School” as a holiday event that provides opportunities for reflection, renewal and stimulation to promote new energy for the purpose of focusing on establishing a quality educational opportunity for all students. Best wishes for a great “Back to School” coupled with another excellent school year!

“It’s really important to tap into the expertise and insights of the real education leaders, the people on the front lines throughout the state,” said IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark. “I encourage all school superintendents to take a few minutes to offer their thoughts regarding what public education ought to look like. The information gleaned from this survey will help guide the work of the Vision 20/20 committees, and your voice could have a lasting impact on the future of public education in Illinois.” Following the conclusion of the school administrators survey, a survey invitation will be sent to the broader community. The survey of the general public is scheduled begin on August 19 and run through September 15. IASA members will be asked school year is a positive experience for all of your students and their families." Meet with your administrative cadre to discuss the “Back to School” agenda and provide an opportunity for engaged conversation regarding the new school year. Encourage each administrator to embrace the “Back to School” holiday/event concept. Meet with your facility management team and schedule a facility walk-through for each site to inspect all facility maintenance and construction projects and to inspect the condition of each building to determine readiness for the opening day of school. Establish a formal meeting with all new staff members. Use this time to provide your own personal welcome to the school district. Make sure they walk away with a strong sense of “meaningful (Continued from page 10)

Back to school tips ————————————————————

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