A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by ensuring management of the organization, operations, and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment.
Name of Case Study: School Security
Questions the Case Answers:
1.How can an administrator help maintain security in the school during the time before classes begin each morning?
2.How can an administrator confront potential problems in a timely and effective manner?
Scenario:
Students begin arriving at Green High School up to an hour and a half before regular classes begin because the school participates in what is called Zero Period. This is a full class period, limited to seniors, and begins an hour before the regular school day. As the time for regular classes gets closer, the mall hall (commons area) and band room areas get very congested. With up to 2500 students in and around the building each day, it is important for the administrators and some faculty to be proactive regarding safety and security in the school.
The six administrators at Green High School, along with an average of twelve faculty members per day, have been assigned different duties stations throughout the school. The six administrators are located in areas of highest student traffic: side student parking lot, bus unloading area, front of school, mall hall, and the rear student parking lot. Faculty members are also located in each major hall area and various restrooms throughout the school.
The purpose of duty is to a) maintain noise control in the mall hall area while zero period classes are in session; b) identify and confront potential problems; c) identify concerns regarding dress code, use of cell phones and other electronic devices, and reducing public display of affection between students; and d) represent a visible presence during unstructured time and deter possible student misbehavior.
Response to Questions:
By having predetermined duty assignments, the administrators at Green High School are able to reduce student discipline issues, often before they escalate into major problems. Since duty is performed each school day, administrators can monitor ongoing student peer relationships and head off potential problems while disagreements are still small.
Discussion:
The administrators described in this case study can be classified as proficient regarding ISLLC Standard 6. There is clear evidence that the administrators are able to curtail many potential issues by being visible and proactive throughout the student body.