|  | | MESPA Home > Press Room > MESPA Executive Director Reports |  | Keep the Principal Peloton rollin’
 | | P. Fred Storti, MESPA Executive Director |
September 2007 --
Report from MESPA Executive Director P. Fred Storti
Minnesota Principals’ Academy: Beginning or End?
After 29 days of training during the past year, our original leadership group has completed certification as trainers using the National Institute for School Leaders curriculum. Using this research-based curriculum our NISL-certified, trained principals will be teaching their units this year to our first cohort composed of principals from around the state.
Will this be the end of the Minnesota Principals’ Academy or the beginning of a successful statewide professional development program for Minnesota principals? In 2005, former Senator Steve Kelley crafted legislative funding for the academy. The Minnesota Department of Education and the University of Minnesota were named as principle partners in the development of the academy; Commissioner Seagren (Minnesota Department of Education) and President Bruininks (University of Minnesota) are strong supporters of this instructional leadership training for principals. It was a great start, but unfortunately in the wee hours of the session, the 2007 Legislature did not renew the funding.
If our members want the Minnesota Principals’ Academy to continue, we need to tell the story to our community leaders and legislators. Ending the academy now would be like stopping the Tour de France after two of the planned 22 stages. Everyone has shown up with training, experience, fit and ready to ride as pros, but suddenly while in progress, the grand NISL Tour and Minnesota Principals’ Academy is shut down. Lets keep the Principal Peloton rollin’ so that we can help our children achieve at a higher level!
National Conference for State Leaders
On “the hill” in Washington D.C., there is a continuum of opinions regarding when NCLB will be reauthorized and to what degree the mandate will be fixed or reworked to be more supportive of public schools. On July 26, about 400 K-12 principals from across the nation attended the National Conference for State Leaders, which is a joint effort of NAESP and NASSP – to help influence decisions made on “the hill.” Your MESPA President Dick Oscarson, MESPA NAESP State Representative Jean Clark, and I met with Minnesota Congressmen and women. Our purpose was to provide real life stories of principal successes and challenges with the federal mandate of No Child Left Behind and IDEA.
New Tools to Serve You Better in 2007-2008
After receiving feedback from our principals across the state, it was clear that there is a need for data leadership skill building. To that end, we have developed a partnership with TIES in the form of a one-day seminar, October through November, offered at six locations throughout the state. Please see the enclosed flyer for registration information, or check out our Web site at www.mespa.net.
Also, in the near future at www.mespa.net, you will notice a new look and an easier way to find the plethora of information on our general and members only Web site. Our goal is to assist our members with relevant, quick, and accurate information that will help you as instructional leaders. Your comments are always welcome.
Say Yes to NO Book Read Campaign
By now you should have received the tool kit for the Minnesota Says Yes to No campaign. This collaborative, emanating from the book No, Why Kids of All Ages Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It by Dr. David Walsh and initiated by MESPA and MASSP, is the right work for principals to engage in with your teachers, parents, and school-communities.
This book has an excellent research base and hands-on suggestions of how parents can more effectually raise children and collaborate with schools. Author and psychologist David Walsh makes a compelling case that studies show self-discipline can be a greater factor in student achievement and success in life than intelligence. If I could pick one book to give to my daughters when they have children, this would be it.
Take Your Mark, Get Ready…
Finally, your work as a school leader is more important then ever! As instructional leaders, principals inspire, challenge, motivate, and support so that our students achieve, become self-reliant, and successful in school and life. Thank you for the leadership you have provided and have a great start to the school year...Go!
|
|
