Leadership Matters!

Overview

• Provincial

• District

• School

Understanding Ontario’s Leadership Framework

Background/Context

• Ontario Leadership Strategy (OLS) 2008• Board Leadership Development Strategy (BLDS)• Ontario Ministry Leadership Framework (OLF)

2006

Launched in 2008, the OLS is a comprehensive plan of action designed to support student achievement and well-being through a coordinated and strategic approach to leadership development, based on research and consultation with education partners.

Ontario Leadership Strategy (OLS)

Board Leadership Development Strategy (BLDS)

As part of the OLS, each district in the province is provided with funding and support to develop and implement a Board Leadership Development Strategy.

Goals of the OLS and BLDS

• Attract the right people to leadership roles• Develop personal leadership resources in

individuals and promote effective leadership practices

• Develop leadership capacity and coherence in organizations to strengthen their ability to deliver on education priorities

The Ontario Leadership Framework (OLF)

The OLF, first set out in 2006, provides the foundation for all aspects of the Ontario Leadership Strategy (OLS).

It describes what good leadership looks like, identifies successful practices, and includes a critical number of Personal Leadership Resources (leadership traits and dispositions), that have been found to increase the effectiveness of leadership practices.

Key Components of the OLF

• School-level Leadership Practices• The K-12 School Effectiveness Framework

(SEF)• District Effectiveness Framework (DEF)• System-level Leadership Practices• Personal Leadership Resources• 5 Core Leadership Capacities

Goals of the OLF

To provide a robust research foundation on which to base the elements of the OLS.

To help ensure that leadership practices and personal resources support the key goals of improving student achievement and well-being.

To provide a common language and understanding for leaders to engage in discussions about effective practice.

OCDSB Perspective

OCDSB Leadership Narrative

Leadership is exemplified by people who are able to impact those around them in a positive way. Our leaders are energetic, empathetic, motivated, trustworthy, knowledgeable, and good communicators. Our leaders share a common vision in their commitment to all students. Our leaders understand that their role is one of support. They lead by example, they seek input, and they listen. As an organization, we encourage and foster these qualities. In challenging and prosperous times, we are defined by the relationships we build.

OCDSB Guiding Principles of Creative Leadership

Each individual has unique capacities and ideas that need to be recognized and tapped into.

OCDSB Guiding Principles of Creative Leadership

By harnessing these individual capacities, the organization will be enriched and invigorated.

OCDSB Guiding Principles of Creative Leadership

The culminating effect will be to achieve a culture of engagement in which people feel valued and where learning is ongoing.

OCDSB Guiding Principles of Creative Leadership

This learning context will provide the optimal conditions in which we can reach and teach all the children in our care, enabling them to become successful global, digital citizens with strong critical and creative thinking skills and an appreciation for diversity.

Conditions for Healthy and Creative Individuals and Organizations

• A safe and positive environment

• Time to create• Autonomy and empowerment• Respecting and trusting culture• Open communication,

feedback, and recognition

• Having the necessary methods/tools/resources supported by professional development

• Encourage leadership at every level

• A purposeful environment• Teamwork and collaboration• Passion

School and Parent Partnership

Role of Principal• Important source of information• Receive and respond to school council

recommendations• Attend school council meetings• Ensure a school council is in place• Communicate to community• Keep record of meeting minutes and financial

records

School Council Involvement

• Developing a school profile

• School Improvement Planning

• Principal Profile

• Fundraising

• School Events

• Other

Principal/School Council Relationship: Tips for both

principals and school councils

• Communicate Often• Align Goals• Put Students First• Be a Good Listener• Stay Organized• Have a Positive

Attitude

• Help With Rumor Control

• Know the School• Understand Policies• Be Visible• Respect Roles• Show You Care