Core Competencies Case Study

Core Competencies The information about the core competencies of this case study site was gathered in an interview with Andrea Williams, principal of Theresa Bunker Elementary School. In discussing the core competencies of the school we first thought about what is it that most helps this school reach its goal, achievement of the students. This is always at the forefront of the decisions made at the school. The question we discussed was what is it that this school does exceptionally well to help the students achieve. The three core competencies discussed during this interview were the high level of commitment to student achievement, collaboration, and innovation. Not only are these competencies important to this specific school but also …show more content…
The school’s commitment, collaboration, and innovation keep the interest of the students at the forefront of all decisions made and all processes used to move along the work of the school. The PBIS team they have in place is a relevant and appropriate system of support so that all students can learn. The teachers support each other and provide strategies to help each other be successful in managing their classrooms. This shows their commitment level to all students. The PLC process is a relevant process that is research based and proven to help teachers make data-driven decisions that can help to meet all students’ needs. PLC is a relevant, appropriate way to collaborate together, use data instead of subjective guessing and not teach in isolation. Working together to make decisions to best meet students’ needs is a best practice evident in this school that will help them achieve their goals. The innovation and dedication of making a big shift such as standards-based grading shows that innovation, forward thinking, and growth mindset of this school. This is relevant because today’s education system is constantly changing. To stay up on current trends in education will best serve the needs of the students. It is appropriate to want to always look …show more content…
The level of collaboration has been increased by the district driving the initiative of the PLC process. This district decided three years ago to help increase the collaboration in the schools and thereby increase student achievement by implementing the PLC process. There is dedicated time each week for teachers to meet together and collaborate by looking over data from common formative assessments and making decisions for their students based on that data. Other competencies have been determined by the faculty and administration of the school such as the innovative shift towards standards-based grading. No other school in the district uses standards-based grading at this time. Mrs. Williams was sent by the district to a conference covering many topics of innovative best practices and standards-based grading was one of the areas she learned about. This sparked an interest in her and she took the idea to the district leadership and gained support from them to move forward and propose this change to the faculty. With the district backing her she took the idea to the faculty along with a book study and PD to help guide the process. Once the faculty was on board, they began the process this summer to make the shift in their grading practices (Williams, personal