July 2012 Volume IX Issue VII

Just for the ASKing! is a monthly e-newsletter that addresses the interests of all those who strive to be instructional leaders. The focus this month is the Just ASK 2012 Opening of School Checklist.

Download The Just ASK 2012 Opening of School Checklist

Welcome to Just ASK’s 2012 Opening of School Checklist. This checklist, now in its seventh edition, is updated each year to reflect new developments in the education world. This year’s checklist includes over 100 tasks to consider in the focus areas of teaching staff, students, parents, community, and building.

In addition to the 2012 checklist, we have included questions below that might help you write New (School) Year’s Resolutions. As you think about your responses, determine what steps you might take to make your ideas come to life.

• How do I want our school to be different during the upcoming school year?
  
• What specific steps can I take to make sure our school is moving in the right direction?
  
• What are periodic indicators that will enable the school to know when we are making progress?
  
• What should I be doing in my capacity as a leader to motivate the staff and students?
  
• How can I ensure that I will be an instructional leader and not just a building manager?
  
• What school policies or practices should be revised to place a greater emphasis on student learning and not just control and compliance?
  
• How do I make sure that the classrooms in our school are more student-centered and less teacher-centered?
  
• What are the ways that I can plan proactively to reduce the stress on staff and students thoughout the year?
  
• How can I assure myself that I am using my people power and not just my position power?
  
• What are the ways that I can recognize and promote instructional leadership among teachers throughout the year?
  
• What fresh and innovative ideas can I put into practice to involve parents in more meaningful ways in the life of the school?
  
• How can I resolve to take more risks as a leader since without risks there would be no innovations?
  
  

Download The Just ASK 2012 Opening of School Checklist

© 2012 Just ASK Publications & Professional Development

Permission is granted for reprinting and distribution of this newsletter for
non-commercial use only. Please include the following citation on all copies:
Oliver, Bruce. “The Just ASK 2012 Opening of School Checklist” Just for the ASKing! July 2012. Available at www.justaskpublications.com. Reproduced with permission of Just ASK Publications & Professional Development (Just ASK). © 2012 by Just ASK. All rights reserved.