Review of Reflection

Doing a reflection allows me to analyze and dissect situations that have occurred.  Looking back over previous reflections, I have realized how much I have learned and grown during this experience.  Reflections are important because it allows you to look back over what you have learned.  It also permits me to see how I have grown as a leader. 

My first reflection was based on action research.    It allowed me give my interpretation of what action research meant to me.  I applied how I would utilize action research.  ”As a superintendent, I could use action research to promote collaboration between administrators and teachers. For example, Beaumont ISD has recently adopted a new curriculum called CSCOPE. Teachers are trying to adjust to the new state mandated test, STAAR, and CSCOPE. There have been a slew of questions. Utilizing action research, teachers can study CSCOPE and come up with a plan of action. After acting upon it, all participants can collect and analyze evidence.”   The reflection helped me to understand why this practice could be an advantage for a superintendent. It would give school districts with the same demographics to collaborate and share ideas and practices.

I also interviewed Carrol A. Thomas of Beaumont ISD. He has been the Superintendent for 15+ years. He invited the Deputy Superintendent of BISD to sit in on the interview. He is a very knowledgeable and caring individual. He was very informative. Despite how he is portrayed by the media, he is an enjoyable and informative individual. Throughout the interview, I placed an asterisk by responses that were intriguing to me.   While completing my reflection, I realized what makes a good superintendent.    I realized that he/she needs to be supportive, encouraging, and data driven.

I learned that Budgeting and Finance has proven itself to be one of the most difficult parts of the certification for me. There is so much information to attain. Through this, however, I have learned that my district is doing an outstanding job in following TEA guidelines. It also gives me the opportunity to compare my district with other districts.

I didn’t realize that the Superintendent played such a major role in the budget process. I was also shocked to learn that he did not have the last say in the process. The Superintendent must be conscious of the budget and the needs of the community. The budget and budgeting process allows us to use available resources for students while remaining within guidelines.

While completing the post SBEC self-assessment and reflection, I realized that Domains I and II, were my most “comfortable” domains, and Domain III is where I still lack the most knowledge. I didn’t respond to a lot of the competencies with an “I”, but I guess that was to be expected; however, I would like to reflect on the competencies that I considered as strengths. I am nowhere near an expert, but I do have quite a bit of understanding of the following competencies.

I plan to use reflective practice as a superintendent to encourage the faculty and staff to reevaluate their jobs and decisions.  At the end of the year, I would like for each individual to reflect upon what they liked about the school year and what they didn’t like.  They would also have to provide reasons and suggestions that are appropriate to their field of expertise.    This is a very effective practice that needs to be in place.  It would help each individual, campus, and district to grow.