Unit 3, Activity 2

Unit 3, Activity 2: Setting the Table

1. Review your research into school and district strategic goals, priorities, and communications. What questions are raised by your research that you would like to clarify in your administrator meeting? Note these questions in your Leadership Conversation Portfolio.

2. Schedule an 60 minute meeting with your school or district administrator. Create a calendar event for you and the administrator using your school email or messaging system.

3. Confirm your appointment a few days in advance of the meeting and include 2-3 guiding questions for them to consider in advance. Feel free to adjust or wordsmith these as needed. Example:

I'm looking forward to meeting with you on date/time/location to better understand how I might work with you to lead, teach and support student learning. My goal for the first meeting is to listen and make sure I understand school and district priorities and needs. Here are some questions to help you prepare for our conversation.

• What are the most immediate needs and challenges for students?

• What specifically do teachers and staff need to be able to support students effectively?

• What is an important initiative, project, or priority that you've had to put on hold for the present?

• Are there areas where you need additional or specialized leadership support?

4. If you feel comfortable doing so, create a shared document with the administrator to use as a place for shared notes/ideas for this meeting and your ongoing conversation. This isn't necessary, but might be useful in helping ensure both of you are on the same page, both literally and figuratively.