Deborah's reflections

My journey to becoming a K-6 TL.

Case Study 2: Read carefully the second case study located in Resources > Case Studies. It is about how poor communication can lead to dissatisfaction and a school culture that is negative and festering. How would you tackle this problem?

There are clearly enormous issues to be addressed in Case Study 2. However, initially the TL could suggest to the Principal that communication and trust is first priority. All staff need to have input in how simple, inclusive and regular communication channels can be set up within the 3 schools. Smith,B. (2016) suggests an integrated leadership style to maximise human resources and promote a higher organisational commitment by staff. This leads to a positive effect on school culture. This is a glaring priority for the Principal before staff can move on. It is important that all staff feel part of the process in order to build commitment to the organisation. A few staff members  who are interested along with the school executives, could be allocated time to research communication structures used by other schools with multiple campuses and literature on the topic.

Using data gathered by the group, a basic structure of meetings needs to be devised with a collaborative and inclusive system of developing the structure. All staff need to be given the opportunity to provide suggestions to promote inclusive, collaborative approaches. After a trial period, review of the structure by all is imperative to have a positive commitment by staff in all three campuses. Staff need to be clear that the purpose of this action is to promote inclusive communication for all. A third review of organisational structures needs to be scheduled for 12 months time to iron out problems or start again.

From day one, the teacher librarian (TL) needs to make personal contact with each and every library staff member and introduce themselves and create a culture of valuing all. A transactional leadership style is needed to firstly establish good communication channels before a transformational leadership style can begin to really improve the culture and learning outcomes. An improved sense of personal well being and collegiality is paramount. Staff need time to work and socialise together in order to build a sense of collegiality. Professional development as a group off campus may begin to promote connections between staff. Not the team building, walking on fire style but a general/relevant to literature/library general PD.

The Principal needs to create a three year plan to build school culture. Review of vision/mission statements and strategic plans with all staff given time to review and create these ideas. The TL needs to mirror this on a smaller scale in the library.

Or resign!

Free-Photos / Pixabay

 

Reference

Smith, B. (2016). The role of leadership style in creating a great schoolSELU Research Review Journal, 1(1), 65-78. Retrieved from https://selu.usask.ca/documents/research-and-publications/srrj/SRRJ-1-1-Smith.pdf

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Draft 2 of Draw.io

  1. Draw diagram.
  2. Export as PNG file .
  3. Save to desktop.
  4. Insert into blog.
  5.  Tick as decorative.
    Draft 2. 
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Draft 1. Draw.io

Draft diagram using Draw.io

My attempt at adding a Draw.io file to my blog as practice for assessment one clearly has issues. Moving the file around has been difficult however fellow students Marika and Judith have been kind and clever enough to offer advice on the Discussion Forum. I was working mainly on the mechanics of Draw.io rather than the concepts so these are only superficially considered in this case. Back to the drawing board.

 

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Discussion forum:Week 2, Module 2. Management Theory.

The school I work in is within NSW Department of Education in a primary school. In the past I have also worked in Diocesan Catholic Schools. At the deepest level, I agree with Elizabeth Bradley’s forum post (22/7) that Mintzberg’s Machine organisation is at the core of the schools operation. Professional and divisional organisations fit within the promotions structure and training requirements for all staff. Recent validation review has really heightened our focus on ensuring policies and strategic directions platforms are in place. Additionally, it has allowed us to identify areas for improvement. Innovation organisation is also present in stages and grade level meetings whereby teachers are encouraged to be creative and to experiment with new ways to interpret outcomes. Leadership is also encouraged with opportunities to lead staff professional learning.

Staff are affected by all Management styles in schools but I would have to say it is the Machine or bureaucratic level that can be the most frustrating. Instead of enhancing our day to day operation in schools it can, at times take away from our focus on education and occupy our time with administration tasks.

Reference

Kokemuller, N. (2017). Mintzberg’s five types of organizational structure. In Hearst Newspapers: Small business. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/mintzbergs-five-types-organizational-structure-60119.html

Free-Photos / Pixabay

 

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How does the content of Colvin’s article relate to school libraries? In point form, note down your thoughts on your blog.

 

Hermann / Pixabay

 

  • Colvin (para 12) describes a successful corporation is one with shared values.  School libraries as part of the larger organisation of schools do have the shared value of education for all.
  • The “human centred view of success” (para 13) is also relevant to libraries as each of our students and teachers have a different learning style. As such we adapt and modify programs to suit the nature of the group or individual in our care.
  • Colvin describes the use of info tech is removing the monotonous and repetitive tasks common in our history and leaving the more creative. School libraries with their growing reliance on ICT is also taking some of the more time consuming tasks of sourcing data to allowing more time spent on learning from and to applying new knowledge.

Reference

Colvin, G. (2000). Managing in the info eraFortune, 141(5). Retrieved from http://archive.fortune.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2000/03/06/275231/index.htm?iid=sr-link1.

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Module 2.1: Activity and reflection Go to the CSU Library and explore the library site. How does this library change information sources to information resources? Note down 5 items in your notes.

  1. Primo Search. This is crucial for online and attending students access to the enormous database of articles, journals, literature and online resources.
  2. Library Resources Guide. This service lists significant information for students who are studying particular courses. e.g information services.
  3. BrowZine Journal Viewer. This is a catalogue of journal articles with abstracts to assist students to quickly locate specific items.
  4. Online Workshops and Tutorials. Step by step lessons in how each library service functions and it’s usefulness.
  5. Copyright, Intellectual Property and Referencing Resources. Guides on how to legally use information and reference correctly.

These are only 5 of the many services of the CSU library. Online study is well supported and thorough curation and access of information sources has allowed students the resources they require to learn in their field of endeavour.

References

Retrieved from: http://student.csu.edu.au/library

 

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Leadership thoughts…

EContti / Pixabay

Leadership is creeping up on me.

I have 18 months of full time TL experience under my belt in a Primary School and the job is becoming bigger every term. Until now I’ve made small changes here and there, however a makeover of the physical space and a huge cull of old unused books has given me a fresh (although daunting) start. Instead of care taking, I am beginning to see myself as gradually owning the job and with this involves increasing leadership. This is not my natural position in the school. In ETL401 the term leading from the middle came up and it sits well with me. The TL has a unique overview of what is happening in the daily life of the school. We communicate and work with everyone in varying degrees at varying times and have the chance to work with all the students. TL leadership is supportive and collaborative. Perhaps ETL504 will change my mind and leadership will creep up on me differently. We will see…

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