Director talks leadership with principals

Director of Education Dr. Ruth Matagi shared leadership traits with principals of elementary and public schools at her first meeting with them yesterday.

Only Manu’a school principals were not present.

The director stressed to the administrators it was important to have a vision, to prioritize and focus their energy on what’s important.

She said the vision must be shared with teachers, parents and students.

A plan to put that vision in framework is also needed.

And an important component of the plan should include data.

The DOE Director shared data on 3rd grade reading in the last 2 years, as well as 3rd grade math in the last two years.

The data which was provided by the ASDOE Office of Testing and Accountability revealed that most of our students are below basic.

Dr. Matagi-Tofiga said all of the schools have the data on student achievement and urged principals to make use of the data.

She assured them that they will receive support services.

Calling on school administrators, “Lets work in making a difference,” She announced that DOe will now have after school programs with Achieve 3000-improving basic literacy skills for some of the schools;

The director said an after school program through the Community Program is waiting for proposals from principals.

She said teachers neede to emphasize homework as homewor is an extension of lessons in the classroom.

The director encouraged principals to work with teachers, parents and students and said “nothing you set out to do will be accepted by the teachers, parents and students if they don’t trust you.”

Dr. Matagi Tofiga said principalsmust be visible in school—in the morning, before, during and aafter school, around the campus.

This shows they care and are concerned.

Other issues raised were lesson planning, teacher absenteeism, lack of parental support and standardize tests.

Principals were also given the chance to share some of their best practices.

The Secondary Division and Elementary division are now tasked with following up on concerns raised.

The Director expressed her appreciation to Principals, Elementary and Secondary Division and urge everyone to come together and make a difference.