EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

 

Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Administrative Endorsement Program

540 Hour Internship Handbook

Version 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

East Tennessee State University

Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis

Administrative Endorsement Program: Educational Leadership Internship

Conceptual Model / Outline  (version 2003)

 

Complete the Self-Assessment of Leadership Competencies.

 

Identify four competency areas to be strengthened.

 

Develop growth plans with performance objectives and suggested activities for each of the four competency areas.

 

Submit growth plans to your ELPA committee chair for approval.

 

The intern will:

Complete the site agreement(s) and obtain signatures

Review the growth plan with the supervising administrator / mentor

Maintain a log of activities

Maintain reflective journal entries

Complete the self-evaluation document

 

The supervising administrator / mentor will:

Continually help design and provide activities of benefit to the student

Observe the intern

Provide verbal feedback

Complete the supervisor evaluation document

 

At completion of the internship the intern will convey to her or his ELPA advisor / committee chair:

A complete log of the internship activities (540 hours) from the six settings

The reflective journal that was maintained during the internship

A reflective essay on peak experiences from each of the six settings

A written statement describing progress in the four identified competency areas

Self-evaluation and supervisor evaluation forms

The summative essay describing how the internship incorporated increasingly more administrative or leadership responsibilities for the student over time

 

The advisor / committee chair will:

Evaluate the materials and complete a written evaluation document.

Meet with the student both to provide to and receive feedback from the intern in terms of how ELPA can improve the internship program and how the intern plans to continue self-evaluation and professional growth in the future.

Convey the materials to the program coordinator along with a document certifying completion of the internship requirements.

 

WHY FIELD EXPERIENCE?

 

RATIONALE

 

Inherent in the ELPA mission to provide leaders for the 21st century is the need for clinical experience and the development of collaborative relationships with schools and related agencies. The clinical experience provides an opportunity for students to strengthen administrative skills learned during graduate training in educational leadership.

 

PURPOSE OF THE INTERNSHIP

 

The internship experience is designed to provide you with a link between theory and practice in educational leadership. It is planned not only to provide you with training situations for developing your leadership skills, but also to provide community and school agencies with professional assistance. The internship is intended to encourage you to pursue diverse experiences in a variety of educational settings, and to participate in other wide-ranging leadership activities. The Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) Standards, which are used in the development of course activities and program design, will be used to assist in the development of internship activities related to topics presented in each of the core courses during your program.

 

PURPOSE OF THE HANDBOOK

 

This handbook is intended to serve as a guide for planning and record-keeping during your internship. It is expected that you will take full advantage of the opportunity to tailor your field experience to both your learning needs and the agencies’ needs for professional assistance. Prior to initiation of field experiences your academic advisor / committee chair must approve your plans for your internship.

 

INTERNSHIP OPTIONS

 

You are responsible for contacting the district and/or agencies where your internship will take place. Final arrangements for your internship will be reviewed and approved by your advisor/committee chair and the supervising administrator at each school site or community agency.

 

Each student, at the beginning of the internship, must complete the Self-Assessment of Leadership Competencies, which is based upon the ISLLC standards. The results should be used as a basis for selecting the competency areas for improvement and setting your professional growth objectives. They may also provide benchmarks as to your growth during the internship experience. The ISLLC Standards are the standards upon which state licensure as an administrator are founded, and are used in planning ELPA course activities and program design.

 

 

DISTRIBUTION OF THE 540 HOURS

 

Each student will spend a minimum of 100 hours in each of the following settings:

1.     Elementary School

2.     Middle School

3.     High School

4.     School District Central Office

5.     Community Agencies

6.     For the remaining 40 hours of the internship, the student will document experiences in settings selected for their contributions to the student’s awareness and understanding of diversity.

 

NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to ensure a balance between experiences in regular and special education during the internship activities.

 

REPORTING GUIDELINES

 

For each of the six required settings, the student will maintain a log of the hours spent and the activities in which the student was engaged, as well as a reflective journal.

 

In addition, the student will complete the following:

 

1.     The student will write a reflective essay on the activities in each of the six settings that contributed most to the student's growth, describing the activities and reflecting on her or his professional and/or personal learning experiences.

2.     The student will complete a written statement discussing his or her progress toward meeting learning objectives in each of the four competency areas identified through the self-assessment.

3.     The student will write a summative essay discussing how the internship experience incorporated increasingly more administrative and/or leadership responsibilities for the student over time.

 

 

The Internship Mentor & Mentor Relationships

 

The faculty of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis are deeply grateful for the willingness of educational and community leaders to become involved as Internship Mentors.  A section of this handbook specifically addresses the mentor relationship and provides guidelines to assist in preparing the Internship Mentor for this experience.  Following is a brief explanation of the importance of the Internship Mentor in this aspect of the student’s educational experience.  It is recommended that the Internship Mentor become familiar with this handbook in order to understand the student’s requirements and the responsibilities of the Internship Mentor.  It is equally as important that the student become familiar with the responsibilities of the Internship Mentor.

 

The mentoring relationship represents the foundation of the internship. This relationship has the potential of rewarding the student with enormous professional benefits.  The mentoring process can assist the student administrative development, satisfaction, and leadership through the creation of a quality relationship with the identified mentor.  The mentoring relationship is a complex interpersonal process that has governed professional practice in all disciplines.  Mentoring can take many forms and exist in many settings, and remains one of the most effective means of professional induction and guidance.  Mentors can shape an environment to be conducive to growth and development of novice leaders.  The internship should be designed to build heavily on the positive benefits of mentoring.  Mentoring can facilitate professional growth in a highly individual and holistic manner, matching learning needs with interests and needs of community and business-based professionals.  These professionals will act in a mentoring capacity as the student functions in the intern role.

 

Because of the importance of the mentoring relationship, the selection of an Internship Mentor is critical to the student’s success during the internship.  The student, the student’s Committee Chair, and the Internship Facilitator should work together to match interest and learning needs with a potential mentor.  Through this relationship, the student should experience the rewards of increased self-confidence, acquisition and refinement of appropriate leadership skills, and a clearer understanding of organizational leadership.

 

There is no required or standardized format for the internship log or for reflective journal writing.  Use word processing and / or spreadsheet programs with which you are comfortable and that will meet your needs. Please note that the reporting guidelines do not call for the development of a portfolio. You may choose to use a spreadsheet or word processing application through which you can record your hours of service in each of the settings and indicate the standard or competency that you addressed during the activity. The application should also allow you to describe the activity, its location, and insert a brief reflective journal entry. During each semester you will be asked to complete a reporting form (included with other documents at the end of this handbook) on which you will indicate your progress with internship activities.

 


Directions for the Internship Mentor to Follow

for Internship Planning and Completion

 

Inherent in the Department’s mission is the need for clinical experience and the development of collaborative relationships with schools, businesses and community agencies.  The mentoring program demonstrates one way in which the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at East Tennessee State University is working cooperatively with public school districts and private organizations to use proven leaders as mentors in the preparation of educational and community leaders of tomorrow.

 

By definition, a Internship Mentor is an experienced role model who guides the professional development of a less experienced individual through coaching and advising (Hersey & Blanchard, 1990).  As mentoring evolves to meet the needs of different professions, its definition will necessarily change in emphasis, although the main idea – a relationship between an experienced person and a less experienced person wherein the latter learns about the organization or profession – will remain constant (Muse, Wasden & Thomas, 1988).

 

Appropriate Qualifications for an Internship Mentor

 

v      Has confidence in his/her own personal and professional development.

 

v      Enjoys giving support and encouragement to aspiring leaders on a one-to-one basis.

 

v      Has a personal reputation as an experienced effective leader.

 

v      Is knowledgeable about current educational issues and practices and/or current issues and trends effecting businesses, industries and communities.

 

v      Possesses an understanding of political and organizational dynamics in relation to education.

 

v      Has an understanding of generic leadership/management skills and key behavior.

 

v      Is committed to the mentoring process.

 

v      Has made the necessary arrangements to have time available to work with a student over an extended period of time.

 

v      Does not have any current supervisory or evaluation role in relation to the student.

 

v      Is open to new ideas.

 

v      Is sensitive to the needs and concerns of others.

 

v      Practices effective listening skills.

 

v      Presents a professional demeanor.

 

The Functions of an Internship Mentor

 

v      Mentors foster a belief in self.

 

v      Mentors teach specific skills.

 

v      Mentors challenge and give responsibility.

 

v      Mentors give feedback.

 

v      Mentors help in development of a leadership perspective.

 

v      Mentors encourage professional growth through reading, professional groups and academic preparation.

 

v      Mentors provide insight into the social and political mores of the profession and the organization.

 

v      Mentors help the student build a professional network.

 

v      Mentors are available for discussion.

 

v      Mentors give support and encouragement.

 

v      Mentors are role models.

 

v      Mentors share their information and influence.

 

The Purpose of Mentoring

 

The primary purpose of mentoring to students in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at East Tennessee State University is to prepare a new generation of leaders who will enter their leadership positions confident and capable because of the combination of solid academic preparation and extensive practical experience with outstanding mentors.  The mentoring program is specifically designed to meet the following objectives:

 

v      To prepare confident, caring and capable leaders.

 

v      To improve the quality of leadership in schools and organizations.

 

v      To provide on-the-job professional development opportunities for future leaders.

 

v      To strengthen the relationship and balance between theory and practice in the field of leadership studies.

 

v      To recognize and gain from the expertise of experienced leaders.

 

The Value of Mentoring

 

There is consistent evidence that suggests that mentoring benefits the mentor, the student and the organization.  The following are some of the benefits cited by those who have served in mentoring programs.

 

For the Student Intern:

 

v      Provides extensive field experience.

 

v      Introduces student to different styles of leadership.

 

v      Expands knowledge of leadership skills and management practices.

 

v      Provides an opportunity to associate with a successful role model.

 

v      Provides opportunities for honest and constructive feedback.

 

v      Exposes interns to the realities of politics in organizations.

 

v      Provides the intern with ongoing support and encouragement.

 

v      Helps the intern build a professional network.

 

For the Internship Mentor:

 

v       Recognizes the mentor for their achievements, abilities and contributions to the organization.

 

v      Gives the mentor the opportunity to learn by teaching in both formal and informal settings.

 

v      Assists the mentor in staying up to date in their field of expertise.

 

v      Gives the mentor and university faculty members the opportunity to associate as colleagues.

 

v      Allows the mentor to take pride in the achievement and career advancement of their interns.

 

v      Exposes the mentor to fresh ideas.

 

v      Expands the mentor’s professional network.

 

For the Organization:

 

v      Increases leadership talent pool.

 

v      Expands the knowledge base and skill level of potential leaders.

 

v      Builds opportunities for networking.

 

v      Fosters increased leadership productivity and effectiveness.

 

v      Provides cost-effective development experiences for aspiring leaders.

 

v      Provides an opportunity for cooperative efforts between the organization and the university.

 

v      Exposes individuals within the organization to new ideas, current research and innovative practices.

 

Questions for Reflection by the Mentor

 

The opportunity to become a mentor carries with it a personal commitment.  In order to ensure an appropriate level of commitment, the following questions should be considered by the potential mentor.

 

v      Am I ready and willing to be a mentor?

 

v      Do I have the time, resources, knowledge, skills and behaviors to serve as a mentor?

 

v      What are my areas of strength and weakness as a mentor?

 

v      For what role(s) do I feel most comfortable in providing mentoring (e.g. practitioner, educator, researcher, manager, etc.).

 

v      What characteristics do I bring to the mentoring relationship?

 

v      Are my personal and professional goals such that I can commit to being a mentor?

 

v      What do I expect of the mentoring relationship?

 

v      What are the benefits and costs of becoming a mentor at this time?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How the Mentor Sets the Stage for a Successful

Internship Experience

 

No mentoring relationship can remain static.  A successful Internship Mentor ensures that the relationship with the intern is constantly changing and growing.  Each internship setting involves three stages of mentoring:  INITIATION, DEVELOPMENT and INTERNSHIP COMPLETION.

 

Initiation

 

One of the first things the mentor and intern must do is to discuss their individual expectations for the internship within the framework of the program.  The initiation stage is marked by the mentor introducing the intern to others and giving the intern an orientation to the organization.  This “getting acquainted” stage is when the respect and trust that will determine the success of the internship begins. 

 

The Initiation Stage corresponds with Step 3 and Step 4 of the Steps for the Student to Follow for Internship Planning and Completion.  Please refer to this specific section in this handbook.  During this stage, the Internship Mentor will be asked to sign the Internship Site Agreement.  A copy of this agreement is provided as Appendix F.

 

Development

 

The goals established for the internship are pursued in the development stage, where the real learning and teaching between intern and mentor occur.  The mentor is allowed considerable flexibility to match internship activities to the needs, desires, background and aspirations of the intern.  The intern observes the mentor, attends professional meetings, and is delegated more responsibility and more complex tasks during this phase of the relationship.

 

The Development Stage will be guided by the specific objectives identified by the student through the completion of their Professional Growth Plan.  The objectives must be signed by the student, and approved by the Internship Mentor and the Internship Facilitator (ELPA faculty representative).  For the student’s information, the self-assessment instruments(s), the Priority Listing of Core Competencies, and the outline for the Professional Growth Plan are provided in Appendix A, B, C and D.  The Internship Mentor may wish to review these instruments to develop a greater understanding of the complete internship process.

 

Internship Completion

 

The Internship Mentor’s role in the completion of the internship is to verify the completion of all planned tasks, activities and clock hours.  This is accomplished by the completion of the Mentor Evaluation of Intern form.  It is the student’s responsibility to provide all necessary documentation to the Internship Mentor. 

 

The Internship Mentor may become familiar with the “clock hour” requirements for the internship by reading Step 2 of the Steps for the Student to Follow for Internship Planning and Completion. 

 

The Mentor Evaluation of Intern is provided as Appendix H.  This evaluation should be provided to the ELPA faculty representative serving as Internship Facilitator.

 

Mentoring and Coaching:  The Role of the Internship Mentor in Developing Leadership Skills

 

The Internship Mentor is a valuable asset in developing appropriate leadership characteristics in the student.  Following are some important areas of emphasis for your consideration during the internship experience:

 

Leadership – Ability to motivate and guide people to accomplish a task or goal.

 

Problem Analysis – Ability to identify the important elements of a problem situation and seek out relevant information to determine possible causes and solutions.

 

Sensitivity – Ability to perceive the needs and concerns of others; resolving and diverting conflicts; dealing tactfully with persons from diverse backgrounds.

 

Organizational Ability – Ability to use time and resources effectively to accomplish short and long term goals.

 

Delegation – The ability to effectively assign projects and tasks to the appropriate people giving them clear authority to accomplish them and responsibility for their timely and acceptable completion. 

 

Planning – The ability to clarify a goal or objective and develop a strategy to accomplish the desired results.

 

Implementing – The ability to carry out programs and plans to successful completion.

 

Evaluating – The ability to examine how outcomes compare with previously defined standards, goals or priorities.

 

Oral Communication – The ability to make clear oral presentations of facts and ideas.

Basic Principles of Mentoring

 

v      Provide time every day to meet (chat) with the student.

 

v      Aggressively assist the student with learning and growing personally and professionally.

 

v      Demonstrate your personal concern for the student; be a friend.

 

v      Help the student become acquainted with the values, customs, resources and nuances of a leadership role.

 

v      Build the self-confidence of the student; don’t tear it down.

 

v      “Empower” the student by helping the him or her to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitude that will make the student successful.

 

v      Don’t place limits on the professional growth of the student.

 

v      Work closely with the student.  Include the student in all possible decisions and activities.

 

v      Don’t protect the student from failure or from the frustrations and emotions associated with the job.

 

v      Do monitor performance and provide feedback.

 

v      Alert the student to salient contextual conditions operating in the particular work setting.

 

v      Accept the student as he or she is, without judging or valuing the person.

 

v      Don’t confirm the student at the present level of performance.  View the student as being in a state of growth.

 

 

Potential Problems in Mentoring Relationships

 

Conflicts

 

Conflicts in the mentor/student relationship should be used as educational experiences in conflict resolution for the student.  Every effort should be attempted to resolve differences.  If differences cannot be resolved informally by the mentor and intern, the Internship Facilitator should be called upon to assist with the resolution of the conflict.

 

Some Reasons for Failures in Mentoring Relationships

 

v      There is a conflict in values.

 

v      There is poor “chemistry” between mentor and student.

 

v      Initial rapport is not established.

 

 

Potential Problems

 

v      Mentor is too protective and controlling.

 

v      Mentor has a personal agenda to fulfill.

 

v      Mentors may not acknowledge the limitations of their students.

 

v      Students may get only a limited perspective from their mentors.

 

v      Students may become too dependent on their mentors.

 

v      Student may idealize or idolize their mentors.

 

v      Students may become “carbon copies” of their mentors.

 

v      Formal mentoring arrangements may be too structured.

 

v      Mentors may compare all students to an ideal vision or standard of performance which may never be realized.

 

 

The Mentor’s Role in Preparing for the Student

 

The typical student intern is concerned about doing well and hopeful that you will consider him or her as a valuable resource.  The student desires to gain valuable experience from the mentoring relationship to assist him or her in becoming a more effective leader.  The intern should be treated as a welcome addition to the professional staff.  The responsibilities assigned should reflect your desire to see that the intern is actively involved in worthwhile tasks that will facilitate the learning experience.  

 

The better the student feels about his or her place of importance in the organization, the sooner you will have a capable leader helping with  the responsibilities of leading a successful organization.  Therefore, preparing for the student is important.  The following Mentor’s Checklist outlines some important considerations in making the first few weeks of the internship positive for both of you.  You may want to discuss these items with the student to ensure that your expectations for the internship match those of the student.

 

 

Mentor Checklist for Preparing for the Student Intern’s Arrival

 

v      Does the student have building and office access, as needed?

 

v      Does the student have use of a telephone for business purposes?

 

v      Will the student be given a tour of the facility?

 

v      Does the student have access to a computer, copying machine, etc., as needed, and understand procedures governing use of office equipment?

 

v      Will the student be introduced to the staff at the staff meeting?

 

v      Will the student be introduced to the other professional employees?

 

v      Will the student be introduced to the secretaries, custodians, and other support staff?

 

v      Will the student be introduced to appropriate clientele and community leaders?

 

v      Have tasks been planned for the student to do during the first week?

 

v      Has time been scheduled to meet with the student at least once each week to discuss the internship?

 

v      Are the responsibilities to be assigned structured to allow the student to be at the university for mandatory seminars and courses?

 

v      Have plans been made to take the student to at least one professional meeting?

 

Mentoring Through Effective Feedback to the Student

 

Giving feedback is a way of helping another person to consider changing his or her behavior.  It is communication to a person that gives that person information about how he or she affects you.  Used properly, it can be a helpful “guidance-control” mechanism for an individual to use in altering his or her behavior. 

 

Criteria for Useful Feedback  (Schmuck & Runkel, 1994)

 

v      It describes rather than judges.  Describe your own reaction.  Avoid “judging” language so that the other person will feel less defensive.

 

v      It is specific rather than general.  Instead of saying “You are dominating,” you may say instead “Just now when we were deciding the issue you didn’t listen to what I said but continued to talk.”

 

v      It takes into account the needs of both the recipient and the giver of the feedback.  Feedback can be destructive when it serves only your own needs and fails to consider the needs of the other person.

 

v      It is directed toward the behavior that the other person can improve.  Frustration is only increased when a person is reminded of some shortcoming over which he or she has no control. 

 

v      It is requested rather than “dumped.”  Feedback is most useful when the recipient has asked for it.

 

v      It is well timed.  Feedback is most useful when it occurs as soon as possible after the given behavior.

 

v      It is checked to ensure that it is clear.  Ask the recipient to try to rephrase what you have said.

 

Reviewing and Analyzing Behavior

 

Begin your feedback by recognizing effective behavior.  Focus on the behavior, not the person.  Describe the behavior and how or why it was not effective.  Ask the student how he or she might change their behavior for better results.  Respond to the student’s suggested behavior changes.    Check the student’s perceptions of their performance and the discussion you have had regarding effective and less effective behavior.  Are they clear about areas of strengths and areas that need improvement?  Was your feedback clearly understood?  Ask the student how they feel about their performance – What they did well.  What they would do differently.

 

Strategies for Implementing New Behaviors

 

Ask the student to outline how he or she plans to implement new behavior within the context of his or her job responsibilities.  Review the following six questions.

 

v      What will be done?

 

v      How will it be done?

 

v      Who will be involved or affected?

 

v      Where will it be done?

 

v      When will it be done?

 

v      How will it be monitored and evaluated?

 

Ending the Feedback Session

 

Successful feedback sessions will include a review and summarization of the session as follows:

 

v      An analysis of the students attributes and successes.

 

v      Suggestions for improvement.

 

v      Strategies for implementing new behavior.

 

v      Establish the date, time and focus of your next contact with the student.

 

 

Mentor’s Role in Helping Student Assess the Feedback Session

 

Mentors can play a valuable role in helping students understand and accept the feedback experience.  The following points can be of assistance to the student in gaining the most from feedback regarding their performance.  The mentor may find it useful to share these points as he or she counsels with the student.

 

v      Make a sincere effort not to be defensive.  This has much to say about what you allow to go on inside yourself as about what you allow yourself to say overtly to those who are giving you feedback.  Be vigilant to be open.

 

v      If you are having trouble understanding what someone is saying about you, or if you want to check the accuracy of your understanding, see if you can think of examples of what the person is talking about and ask them.  Not everyone is skilled at giving you good feedback, so you may need to help them do the right thing in order to reap the benefits of feedback. 

 

v      Be certain you understand the feedback by summarizing it briefly.

 

v      Share feelings about the particular behavior(s) that have been discussed (e.g. why you may find them hard to change, why they developed, etc.)  This can encourage openness among the discussants, and reduces the tendency for defensiveness.

 

v      In the end, it remains your right to evaluate what you hear, decide what to believe, and decide in what respects, if any, it is personally worthwhile to make an effort to change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step #1: Complete the Self-Assessment of Leadership Competencies

 

As you think about professional growth and the internship, it is important that you engage in a critical self-assessment of your current leadership skills and abilities. The Self-Assessment of Leadership Competencies should be completed prior to meeting with the Internship Mentor and finalizing your “target” internship sites.  The self-assessment will assist you in identifying your current strengths as an educational leader, identifying opportunities for professional growth, and selecting areas to work on during the internship. Items in the assessment are taken directly from the knowledge and dispositions sections of the ISLLC standards. The performances section of the ISLLC standards document may serve as a guide for suggested activities to address each area.

 

Once you have identified your current areas of strength, as well as areas needing development, you will be much closer to identifying appropriate field experiences.  The experiences you select should fit into the competencies and be clearly linked to skill building around those competency areas. You will obviously want to select an internship site that will supply ample opportunity to work on the identified skill areas and the opportunity to work with a mentor whose area of expertise matches your learning needs.

 

The results of the self-assessment should be used as a basis for selecting target internship sites, selecting the Internship Mentor, setting growth objectives when the placements are finalized, and reviewing your progress during the internship. 

 

Competencies To Develop During The Internship:  The ISLLC Standards

A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by

 

1.     facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community.

 

2.     advocating, nurturing, and sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.

 

3.     ensuring management of the organization, operations, and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment.

 

4.     collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.

 

5.     acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner.        

 

6.     understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.

 

 

 

It is important that leaders engage in critical self-assessment at all stages of their careers. To do so as you begin to plan your internship will enable you to plan activities that address your professional development needs. The purpose of this instrument is to assist you in identifying your current strengths and weaknesses as an educational leader.  The instrument is based upon the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium: Standards for School Leaders, the ISLLC Standards, upon which the ELPA program and administrative endorsement in the state of Tennessee, are founded.

 

Circle the number below that best reflects your perception of your current level of competency with each item. Average your rating scores at the end of each of the six sections. Transfer your score for each competency to the summary sheet that follows the assessment.

 

§         A score of  5  represents outstanding competency.

§         A score of  4  represents very good competency.

§         A score of  3  represents satisfactory competency.

§         A score of  2  represents limited competency or experience.

§         A score of  1  represents no competency or experience.

 

 


Standard 1. A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community.

 

Assess your knowledge and understanding of:

 

Learning goals in a pluralistic society                                           1   2   3   4   5

The principles of developing and implementing strategic plans      1   2   3   4   5

Systems theory                                                                        1   2   3   4   5

Information sources and data collection                                     1   2   3   4   5

Data analysis                                                                            1   2   3   4   5

Effective communication                                                            1   2   3   4   5

Effective consensus-building and negotiation skills                       1   2   3   4   5

 

Assess the degree to which you engage in activities that

demonstrate your belief in and commitment to:

 

The educability of all                                                                  1   2   3   4   5

A school vision of high standards of learning                               1   2   3   4   5

Continuous school improvement                                                1   2   3   4   5

The inclusion of all members of the school community                1   2   3   4   5

Ensuring that students have the knowledge, skills, and

  values needed to become successful adults                              1   2   3   4   5

A willingness to continuously examine one's own

  assumptions, beliefs, and practices                                          1   2   3   4   5

 

 

Doing the work required for high levels of personal

  and organizational performance.                                              1   2   3   4   5

 

                                                                     Standard 1 Average_____

 

 


Standard 2. A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by advocating, nurturing, and sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.

 

Assess your knowledge and understanding of:

 

Student growth and development                                              1   2   3   4   5

Applied learning theories                                                            1   2   3   4   5

Applied motivational theories                                                     1   2   3   4   5

Curriculum design, implementation, evaluation, and refinement   1   2   3   4   5

Principles of effective instruction                                                 1   2   3   4   5

Measurement, evaluation, and assessment strategies                 1   2   3   4   5

Diversity and its meaning for educational programs                    1   2   3   4   5

Adult learning and professional development models                   1   2   3   4   5

The change process for systems, organizations, and individuals  1   2   3   4   5

The role of technology in promoting student learning and

  professional growth                                                                 1   2   3   4   5

School cultures                                                                         1   2   3   4   5

 

Assess the degree to which you engage in activities that

demonstrate your belief in and commitment to:

 

Student learning as the fundamental purpose of schooling           1   2   3   4   5

The proposition that all students can learn                                  1   2   3   4   5

The variety of ways in which students can learn                          1   2   3   4   5

Life long learning for self and others                                           1   2   3   4   5

Professional development as an integral part of

  school improvement                                                               1   2   3   4   5

The benefits that diversity brings to the school community         1   2   3   4   5

A safe and supportive learning environment                                1   2   3   4   5

Preparing students to be contributing members of society          1   2   3   4   5

 

 Standard 2 Average ____

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard 3. 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.

 

Assess your knowledge and understanding of:

 

Theories and models of organizations                                        1   2   3   4   5

The principles of organizational development                              1   2   3   4   5

Operational procedures at the school and district level                1   2   3   4   5

Principles and issues relating to school safety and security          1   2   3   4   5

Human resources management and development                      1   2   3   4   5

Principles and issues relating to fiscal operation of

  school management                                                                1   2   3   4   5

Principles and issues relating to school facilities and

  use of space                                                                           1   2   3   4   5

Legal issues impacting school operations                                    1   2   3   4   5

Current technologies that support management functions           1   2   3   4   5

 

Assess the degree to which you engage in activities that

demonstrate your belief in and commitment to:

 

Making management decisions to enhance learning

  and teaching                                                                           1   2   3   4   5

Taking risks to improve schools                                                 1   2   3   4   5

Trusting people and their judgments                                           1   2   3   4   5

Accepting responsibility                                                              1   2   3   4   5

High-quality standards, expectations, and performances             1   2   3   4   5

Involving stakeholders in management processes                       1   2   3   4   5

A safe environment                                                                   1   2   3   4   5

 

      Standard Average_____

 

 

 

Standard 4. A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.

 

Assess your knowledge and understanding of:

 

Emerging issues and trends that potentially impact the

  school community                                                                   1   2   3   4   5

The conditions and dynamics of the diverse school community   1   2   3   4   5

Community resources                                                               1   2   3   4   5

Community relations and marketing strategies and processes     1   2   3   4   5

Successful models of school, family, business, community,

  government and higher education partnerships.                        1   2   3   4   5

 

Assess the degree to which you engage in activities that

demonstrate your belief in and commitment to:

 

Schools operating as an integral part of the larger community     1   2   3   4   5

Collaboration and communication with families                           1   2   3   4   5

Involvement of families and other stakeholders in school

  decision-making processes                                                      1   2   3   4   5

The proposition that diversity enriches the school                       1   2   3   4   5

Families as partners in the education of their children                  1   2   3   4   5

The proposition that families have the best interests of

  their children in mind                                                                1   2   3   4   5

Resources of the family and community needing to

  be brought to bear on the education of students                      1   2   3   4   5

An informed public                                                                     1   2   3   4   5

 

      Standard 4 Average_____

 

 


Standard 5. A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner.

 

Assess your knowledge and understanding of:

 

The purpose of education                                                          1   2   3   4   5

The role of leadership in modern society                                     1   2   3   4   5

Various ethical frameworks and perspectives on ethics               1   2   3   4   5

The values of the diverse school community                              1   2   3   4   5

Professional codes of ethics                                                       1   2   3   4   5

The philosophy and history of education                                     1   2   3   4   5

 

Assess the degree to which you engage in activities that

demonstrate your belief in and commitment to:

 

The ideal of the common good                                                  1   2   3   4   5

The principles in the Bill of Rights                                                1   2   3   4   5

The right of every student to a free, quality education                 1   2   3   4   5

Bringing ethical principles to the decision-making process            1   2   3   4   5

Subordinating one's own interest to the good of

  the school community                                                             1   2   3   4   5

Accepting the consequences for upholding one's

  principles and actions                                                               1   2   3   4   5

Using the influence of one's office constructively and

  productively in the service of all students and their families        1   2   3   4   5

Development of a caring school community                               1   2   3   4   5

 

Standard 5 Average _____

Standard 6. A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.

 

Assess your knowledge and understanding of:

 

Principles of representative governance that under gird

  the system of American schools                                              1   2   3   4   5

The role of public education in developing and renewing a

  democratic society and an economically productive nation        1   2   3   4   5

The law as related to education and schooling                            1   2   3   4   5

The political, social, cultural and economic systems and

  processes that impact schools                                                 1   2   3   4   5

Models and strategies of change and conflict resolution as

  applied to the larger political, social, cultural and

  economic contexts of schooling                                               1   2   3   4   5

Global issues and forces affecting teaching and learning              1   2   3   4   5

The dynamics of policy development and advocacy under

  our democratic political system                                                1   2   3   4   5

The importance of diversity and equity in a democratic society    1   2   3   4   5

 

 

Assess the degree to which you engage in activities that

demonstrate your belief in and commitment to:

 

Education as a key to opportunity and social mobility                 1   2   3   4   5

Recognizing a variety of ideas, values, and cultures                    1   2   3   4   5

Importance of a continuing dialogue with other decision

  makers affecting education                                                      1   2   3   4   5

Actively participating in the political and policy-making

  context in the service of education                                           1   2   3   4   5

Using legal systems to protect student rights and improve

  student opportunities                                                              1   2   3   4   5

 

  Standard 6 Average_____

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Summary Worksheet

 

Use this worksheet to summarize your critical self-assessment. High average scores represent areas of strength. Low average scores represent opportunities for growth during your internship.

 

 

 


                                                                                      Average Score

 

 

Standard 1. Facilitating Shared Vision                                         _____

         

Standard 2. Developing Effective School Culture/Program           _____

 

Standard 3. Ensuring Productive Learning Environment               _____

 

Standard 4. Collaborating With Community                                _____

 

Standard 5. Demonstrating Personal/Professional Integrity         _____

 

Standard 6. Maintaining Global / Systems Perspective                 _____

 

 

The ISLLC Standards can be accessed and downloaded in PDF format at the following URL:             http://www.ccsso.org/standrds.html

 

 

NOTES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Priority Listing Of Four Core Competency Areas

Identified On The Self-Assessment Of Leadership Competencies

(This planning document is not to be included in the Internship Report)

 

Competency Area—Priority  #1:  ______________________________

 

Description of Need: _________________________________________          

 

_________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________

 

Competency Area—Priority  #2:  ______________________________

 

Description of Need:  _________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________

 

Competency Area—Priority  #3:  ______________________________

 

Description of Need:  _________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________

 

Competency Area—Priority  #4: ______________________________

 

Description of Need:  _________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________

 

 

Note:  On the forms entitled Professional Growth Plan you should develop your formal growth plan.  Your plan should reflect the manner in which you will address the competency areas listed above.  Once you have developed your growth plan you will need to work with your Internship Mentor and Internship Facilitator to get it finalized and approved.  You may need to add additional pages.

 

 

 

 

 

Internship Site Agreement

(A Site Agreement Is Needed For Each Intern Placement Site)

 

 

___________________________________, a graduate student intern from the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at East Tennessee State University, has been given permission to complete his or her internship the following school/organization:

 

Name of the School/Organization___________________________

 

Address: _____________________________________________

 

____________________________________________________

 

____________________________________________________

 

Phone Number:  (______)________________________________

 

 

I am familiar with the expectations of the internship and have reviewed the proposed objectives with the intern.   I believe this placement will help the intern meet these objectives.   I will be available during the proposed time of the internship to serve as a mentor/facilitator for the student. 

 

 

Intern: __________________________________________  Date:        

 

 

Internship Placement Site: ________________________________

 

 

Internship Mentor: __________________________________ Date:       

 

 

Internship Mentor’s Title__________________________________

 

 

ELPA Internship Facilitator: __________________________ Date:

 


Professional Growth Plan

 

Core Competency To Strengthen # ____.   ____________________  

 

SPECIFIC LEARNING OBJECTIVE # (What do I propose to learn?) 

 

____________________________________________________

 

____________________________________________________

 

____________________________________________________

 

LEARNING RESOURCES AND STRATEGIES (What resources and strategies will I utilize in learning this?)

 

_________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________

 

_________________________________________________________

 

EVIDENCE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT (How will I show that I have learned what I set out to learn?)

 

____________________________________________________

 

____________________________________________________

 

____________________________________________________

 

MEANS FOR VALIDATING THE EVIDENCE (How will I know if my evidence is any good?)

____________________________________________________

 

____________________________________________________

 

____________________________________________________

 

Signatures:

 

____________________________________________________

Intern                                                                                                  Date

 

____________________________________________________

Supervising Administrator                                                            Date

 

____________________________________________________

ELPA Internship Facilitator                                                            Date

 

 

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND POLICY ANALYSIS

 

Administrative Endorsement Concentration

Internship Progress Report

 

 

Student: _____________________________________ Cohort Number: _____

Semester/Year: ______________________________

 

During this semester, I have completed and documented _______ activities, totaling _____ hours, toward the 540-hour internship requirement. The activities have been distributed among the following competencies:

 

(hours)

_____         Competency 1: Facilitating Shared Vision

_____         Competency 2: Developing Effective School Culture / Program

_____         Competency 3: Ensuring Productive Learning Environment

_____         Competency 4: Collaborating With Community

_____         Competency 5: Demonstrating Personal / Professional Integrity

_____         Competency 6: Maintaining Global / Systems Perspective

 

 And the following levels:

(hours)       

_____         Elementary

_____         Middle School

_____         High School

_____         Central Office

_____         Community Agency

 

Please provide a statement indicating the ways you have addressed both special education and regular education programs AND the ways you have addressed issues of diversity.

 

Student signature: _____________________________Date______________

 

 

Mentor Evaluation of Intern

 

Intern: ___________________________________  Date:___________

 

Internship Placement Site:___________________________________

 

In what area(s) did you observe the greatest professional growth in your intern from the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What competencies are in greatest need of further development as the intern continues his or her program of leadership development ?   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What additional comments or suggestions do you have ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internship Mentor:______________________________Date:___________

 

Internship Mentor’s Title:________________________________________

 

 

Intern Self-Evaluation

 

 

Intern: ___________________________________________Date:_________

 

Internship Placement Site:____________________________________

 

In what area(s) did you experience the greatest professional growth during your internship ? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What competencies are in greatest need of further development as you continue your program of leadership development ?   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What additional comments or suggestions do you have related to your internship ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intern: ____________________________________ Date: __________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

 

 

Daresh, J.C., Playko, M.A. (1988).  Mentorship for beginning school administrators: Prelude to professional growth.  Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of National Council of States for Inservice Education, New Orleans, LA.

 

Daresh, J.C. & Playko, M.A.  (1989).  Teacher mentors and administrator mentors: Same trains, Different tracks.  Planning and Changing, 27,1.

 

Haensly, P. & Edlind, P. (1986).  A search for ideal types in mentorship.  Paper presented at the First International Conference on Mentoring, Vancouver, BC.

 

Hersey, L.G. & Hersey, P.W. (1990).  Mentoring and coaching:  Developing educational leaders.  Reston, VA:  National Association of Secondary School Principals.

 

Joyce, B., & Weil, M. (1986).  Models of teaching (3rd ed.).  Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

 

Kram, K.E. (1983).  Phases of the mantor relationship. Academy of Management Journal, 26, 608-625.

 

Kram, K.E. (1985).  Mentoring at work:  Developmental relationships in organizational life.  Glenview, IL:  Scott Foresman.

 

Levinson, D.J., Darrow, C.N., Klein, E.B., Levinson, M.A. & McDee, B. (1978). Seasons of a man’s life.  New York:  Knopf.

 

MacGregor, D., (1960).  The human side of enterprise. New York: McGraw Hill.

 

Muse, I., Wasden, F., & Thomas, G. (1988).  The mentor principal handbook. Provo, UT:  Brigham Young Univeristy Press.

 

Schmuck, R.A., & Runkel P.J. (1994).  The handbook of organizational development. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press.

 

Virginia Tech College of Human Resources and Education, and Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. (1998-2000).  Mentor training and internship experience handbook.  Richmond, VA:  Virginia Technological University.