Term paper

“…a superintendent’s ability to ascertain and analyze stakeholder dispositions is critically important, especially with respect to acquiring economic and political support for district improvements” (Kowalski, 2013, p. 73).

“…a superintendent’s practice is focused on large-scale, systemic reform and institutional development” (Kowalski, 2013, p. 199).

Missouri Superintendent Standards:

Standard #1 Vision, Mission, and Goals:  Superintendents have the knowledge and ability to ensure the success of all students by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community.

Standard #2 Teaching and Learning: Superintendents have the knowledge and ability to ensure the success of all students by promoting a positive culture and an effective instructional program, applying best practice to student learning, and designing comprehensive professional growth plans for staff.

Standard #4 Collaboration with Families and Stakeholders:  Superintendents have the knowledge and ability to ensure the success of all students by collaborating with families and other community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.

Scenario:

You are the new Superintendent of Jackson Park School District!

In 1955, Jackson Park was one of the fastest growing suburbs in the United States.  By 1970, virtually all available land had been developed into subdivisions, apartment complexes, condominiums, and strip malls.  Located just 15 minutes from a large urban city’s downtown, the community had attracted middle-class and predominately white residents.  Between 1955 and 1970, the school district’s enrollment had increased by 175%, and seven new schools were constructed.

The first enrollment downturn was recorded in 1979, and thereafter, the number of students declined annually until 1996.  During this period, the average daily membership in the district dropped from 11,500 to 6,400, and four school buildings were closed.  After 1996, however, the enrollment increased modestly each year until 2008.  The upturn was attributable to changing community demographics.  During the downturn era, there was a substantial turnover in single-resident properties, and the community became less homogeneous demographically.  As examples, census data in 1990 showed that 5% of the community’s population was classified as members of a racial or ethnic minority; in 2020, that figure was 63%.  In the school district, 6% of the students in 1990 had qualified for free or reduced price lunches; in 2019, that figure was 51%.  During the same time span, the percentage of students living in single-parent families increased from 9 to 54%; the percentage of students qualifying for ELL services increased from 0 to 27%; the percentage of students not completing high school before age 19 years increased from 12 to 36%; the average age of teachers increased from 29 to 54, and the percentage of white (non-Hispanic) teachers and administrators declined from 96% to 82%. The community is now segregated into distinct neighborhood areas with significant differences in economic wealth.

When you were hired for this position, the Board of Education made it clear they value and celebrate the diversity of their school district and expect their new superintendent to bring fresh leadership to bear on stagnant academic performance.

What will you do?

1. Define the problem(s)/issues/leadership challenge(s) presented in the case. Discuss the foundational principles of practice relevant to the problems and leadership challenges in the scenario. Drawing upon relevant literature from the course, discuss the theoretical basis of your analysis and the evidence based leadership approach(es) called for in the scenario or situation.
2. Address the challenge(s):
   • Explain your plan (drawing upon the content of the specific courses identified).
   • Provide a detailed explanation of the steps of the plan and a timeline/sequence. Be clear about what you would prioritize.
   • Explain who you would involve, why and how you would involve them, and the role they would play.
   • Provide an explanation of how you would monitor and evaluate your work.

Throughout the response, discuss evidence-based best practices learned in coursework, cite relevant literature, and provide examples to justify and support your response.