Become a New Leader

Selection Criteria 2010-2011

The following Selection Criteria summarize the characteristics shared by every New Leaders principal and are the basis for all admissions decisions.

Relentless Drive to Help Every Student Achieve at High Levels Academically

Demonstrate the belief that every student, regardless of background, can excel academically
Demonstrate a sense of urgency to achieve dramatic gains in student learning and close the achievement gap
Demonstrate relentless drive to achieve results for students in urban public schools
Demonstrate a track record of driving dramatic improvements in academic achievement for all students
Hold self and other adults accountable for ensuring high academic achievement for every student

Personal Responsibility and Results Orientation

Hold self personally accountable for outcomes and results
Demonstrate and maintain a focus on goals and results
Exhibit resilience to overcome setbacks and remain constructive despite resistance or failure
Take initiative to make necessary changes in a school, classroom or work environment

Culturally Competent Leadership, Interpersonal Leadership, and Adaptive Leadership

Connect and engage with students who have been underserved or disenfranchised from their education
Treat every adult and student with respect, dignity and understanding
Develop clear direction and shared purpose that guides and unifies the team
Engage and empower others to take action and responsibility to achieve results
Make clear decisions while considering diverse perspectives and reading individual and group dynamics
Demonstrate desire to tackle difficult challenges that require identifying and challenging the assumptions, behaviors, values and beliefs of one's self and others

Self-Awareness and Commitment to Ongoing Learning

Accurately identify technical and interpersonal strengths and areas for development
Demonstrate personal growth and development by seeking and reflecting on feedback and experiences

Communication and Listening

Possess written and verbal skills to articulate point of view in a clear and concise manner, which is appropriate for and understood by intended audiences
Exhibit professionalism, confidence, and a sense of possibility, including when under pressure
Demonstrate the ability to listen for understanding from diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences
Possess a leadership voice; inspire and lead through communication and presence

Demonstrate ability to adjust instructional strategies and practices in order to reach year-end goals
Understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to meet students' diverse learning needs
Demonstrate the ability to distinguish among poor, proficient and outstanding teaching
Use student learning data to drive instructional improvements
Provide clear feedback to students and guide students in assessing their own learning
Align objectives and instructional activities to students' academic goals through effective planning
Build a classroom culture defined by rigor, inspiration and motivation for all students

Articulate mission, values, and behavioral expectations that enact beliefs and drive student achievement gains
Lead in a way that reflects stated values and beliefs

Demonstrate the desire and ability to lead and develop adults
Exhibit willingness to engage in difficult conversations and make hard decisions

Identify, analyze and prioritize complex problems
Diagnose root causes by analyzing multiple sources of data
Articulate goals, milestones, and aligned set of actions that directly address complex problems
Able to manage time effectively, prioritize, and organize strategies to reach goals
Monitor progress towards goals and adjust strategies based on on-going data