Reflection+TF+-+8+Leadership+and+Vision

[|Standard VIII Leadership and Vision.doc]
 * Standard VIII Leadership and Vision**


 * Self Assessment**

Leadership and vision are the two components of Standard VIII. “The foundation for successful technology implementation requires educators and policy makers to possess a viable vision for technology use, enact the vision, and link the vision to other important organizational endeavors” (Williamson & Redish, 2009, p. 179). So the two are interwoven together; each one relies on the other. In EDLD 5306 Concepts of Educational Technology, we reviewed and discussed the four areas of the Texas Education Long Range Plan for Technology. The state of Texashas a vision of what skills and knowledge with which students need to be equipped to be successful in the 21st century. Throughout the course of my studies, I have gained experience with developing and reflecting on what my vision of technology in the school district should be. Our EDLD 5301 Research course allowed us to formulate our own vision of leadership as it relates to technology. Vision and leadership is a major component for quality schools in general. “It is people, not programs, that determine the quality of the school” (Dana, 2009, p. 8). I believe this is the foundation of a strong, progressive technology leader.
 * Learn as a Leaner**

EDLD 5339 Organization and Management Issues course discussed various methods and strategies a leader can use to make sound decisions in an organizational setting. One core topic was site-based decision making, and how that would could give control back to the local stakeholders. As we delved deeper into the discussion of site-based decision making, we uncovered the reality that a good leader will use an arsenal of decision making skills, such Nominal Group processes, Delphi Techniques and Brainstorming activities, depending on the activity and need of a given topic or problem. But in the end, the leader must form the vision first, and then his leadership will make it happen. As I have learned from 27 years of coaching, you must have your parents, athletes, assistant coach and administrators buy into your vision for your program, or you’ll have significant difficulties, if not the impossibility, in accomplishing your goals.

Any leader who is successful will tell you that during the course of your leadership, you’ll have some crucial conversations with your stakeholders. “When stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions start to run strong; casual conversations become crucial” ( Grenny, McMillan,Patterson & Switzler, 2007, p.14). I’ve learned from experience through multiple meetings with parents, administrators and peers that it is important to really listen to the other person, and to reflect on what they are saying. Good leaders will listen and then talk; they know it is not always about their power, but about building good relationships so as to create a strong stakeholder foundation and support system when implementing their vision.
 * Life-Long Learning**

Throughout the coursework and life lessons, I have learned that I’ll need to formulate a strong vision of technology to be a successful leader. Collaboration is a key factor for the success. Reviewing what has worked in the past and researching what is needed for the future will help me to shape a well formulated vision. I believe that site-based decision making is the key to being successful in developing a clear technology vision. As with any vision, you must have a lens that will focus the points so they become clear. It is my hope that through continued action research, professional development and leadership experiences, I will become that lens for my school district. Furthermore, I believe that as I take on more leadership experiences in technology, I will refine my vision for educational technology. “ Each Wal-Mart store should reflect the values of its customers and support the vision they hold for their community” (Walton, n.d., p. 1). The mission statement of Highland Park School District: “ go in to learn, go forth to serve,” urges me to keep exploring ways to reflect that value in my leadership and vision as a technology leader.

Resources

Dana, N.F. (2009), //Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher//.Thousand Oaks,CA: Corwin Press.

Grenny, J., McMillan, R., Patterson, K., Switzler, A. (2007), //Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when Stakes are High//.New York,NY: McGraw-Hill.

Sam Walton. (n.d.). BrainyQuote.com. Retrieved August 4, 2011, from BrainyQuote.com Web site: [].

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do//.Eugene,OR: International Society for Technology in Education.