Evaluating the School Principal

Last year, I attended a Principal's meeting where we looked at the Principal Quality Practice Guideline: Promoting Successful School Leadership in Alberta.

Over the summer, I had more time than I do during the school year to reflect on my practice. When I look at relationship, I think I have a good handle on establishing rapport with students, staff and parents. However, looking at the leadership dimension - fostering effective relationships, the key word is effective. The guidelines state "The principal builds trust and fosters positive working relationships, on the basis of appropriate values and ethical foundations, within the school community -- students, teachers and other staff, parents, school council and others who have an interest in the school."

That's a tall order. How does one balance the needs of the stakeholders and remain true to oneself?

I think it's all in the principles one lives by. You cannot manage to juggle the needs of all of these people unless you already live it. One needs to always act with fairness, dignity and integrity. One has to demonstrate a sensitivity to and genuine caring for others and cultivate a climate of mutual respect. One must promote an inclusive school culture respecting and honouring diversity. One must demonstrate responsibility for all students and act in their best interests. One must model and promote open, inclusive dialogue. One must use effective communication, facilitation, and problem-solving skills. One must support the processes for improving relationships and deal with conflict within the school community. One must adhere to professional standards of conduct.

Of course, no one is perfect. And when a conflict does arise, a principal must go to the reason he or she is at school: the student. If in doubt about handling a certain situation, if one asks the question, "is this good for learning?" or "is this good for students?" and the answer is "yes", then the principal is on the right track.

Let's go back to the key word, "effective." If the relationship fosters learning and teaching for success, then I would consider it "effective."