School Business Management, Part 5

Question 1: Explain how a principal can gain support and reduce resistance to change.

Answer 1: Certain groups in schools are affected the most when there is change. These groups include the faculty, students, parents, school boards, principals, other administrators, and the state departments of public instruction. The most support or the most resistance to change can come from each of these groups. Principals must remember that every group has its opinions, and the most professional approach is to respect, listen and accept those opinions even if there is some disagreement. One of the most important groups that principals need to consider during the change process is the faculty. It is crucial to get the faculty involved because if the faculty does not understand why a particular change is necessary, there will be less support, and the implementation of a new program may be unsuccessful.

Question 2: Discuss the process a principal goes through during the adoption of an innovation.

Answer 2: The first stage principals endure during the adoption of an innovation is the awareness stage. The stage involves becoming aware of a new innovation, but not yet having a great deal of information about it. Often principals may not have a strong enough interest in finding out more information about a subject. At the interest stage, they begin to show signs of interest and desire to gather more information and may begin to develop negative or positive feelings regarding the innovation. At the mental stage, principals have to decide if the innovation is something worth trying and they must evaluate the innovation, deciding how it will be implemented. Respected members of the school community may be asked to assess the innovation. During the trial stage, the innovation is implemented on a trial basis. Next is the adoption stage, and this is the point when implementation of the innovation is completed. The last stage is the integration stage and the new innovation now becomes part of a school’s daily routines.

Question 3: Explain why a principal should assess staff abilities.

Answer 3: Principals should assess staff abilities to identify strengths and to find ways to keep encouraging those strengths. As mentors, principals have the ability to encourage their staff members and to help them believe in themselves. Assessments can provide opportunities to determine staff members’ needs. Some teachers may need more materials because there is a shortage in a particular area. Others may need more support and encouragement. Assessments are not opportunities to highlight weaknesses. Instead they can be used to motivate those in need of guidance. In order to have an effective school year, the entire school needs to come together and work as a team. Making sure the staff’s needs are met will help ensure that students’ needs are met, which will support progress and student achievement.

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