Where are the Doers? 7 Campus Goals for School Principals

As we approach the 2023-2024 school year, principals are faced with a unique set of challenges. Not only are they responsible for educating and supporting campus students, but they must also do so with limited resources and adapt to ever-changing educational standards. To help principals meet these challenges head-on, we’ve compiled a list of seven goals for school principals to focus on.

Download the full guide Empowering Educational Leaders: 7 Key Goals for Success in 2023-2024

1. Do more with less 

Schools across the country face a shortage of teachers, leaving many principals scrambling to fill positions and maintain quality education. In 2023-2024, school principals should focus on doing more with less, which means finding ways to increase teaching and learning opportunities without hiring additional staff. This can be achieved by 

• using technology as support, such as virtual learning platforms and high-impact tutoring
• providing professional development opportunities to existing staff, and 
• leveraging community partnerships to provide additional resources.

2. Do the right things

As a school leader, it’s important to prioritize initiatives that have the greatest impact on student learning and well-being. This means focusing on initiatives that align with the school’s mission and vision, while avoiding those that are trendy but not impactful. Principals can help their schools reach their full potential by prioritizing what’s truly important. Keep it simple.

3. Do what brings peace

School environments can sometimes be stressful for students and staff, and it’s up to school principals to create a culture of peace and well-being. In 2023-2024, school principals should promote a positive school climate, foster strong relationships between students and staff, and support struggling students. This can be achieved through initiatives like: 

• The Restorative Schools Vision Project is a joint initiative of the National Education Association (NEA) and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ). 
• Mindfulness initiatives, such as The Calm Schools Initiative, provide students the Calm app for free. 
• Mental health support services, such as Speak Up for Kids, provide mental health education and support to schools and communities.

4. Do what facilitates growth

Learning is a lifelong process, and this applies to school leaders as well. In the 2023-2024 school year, principals should focus on personal and professional growth. This can be achieved through mentorship, coaching, and ongoing professional development. By continuously learning and growing, school principals can model the importance of lifelong learning for their students and staff.

5. Do what achieves results

At the end of the day, schools are judged by their results, and school principals are responsible for ensuring their schools achieve their goals. In 2023-2024, school principals should focus on setting clear goals and metrics for success while also monitoring progress and making adjustments as needed. This can be achieved through 

• data analysis, 
• ongoing feedback from students and staff, and 
• regular communication with parents and community stakeholders

5. Do what promotes team spirit

Schools are complex organizations, and it takes a team effort to succeed. In 2023-2024, school principals should focus on promoting a culture of collaboration, which includes 

• involving parents and community stakeholders in school decision-making, 
• providing opportunities for staff to collaborate and share ideas, and 
• promoting a sense of ownership and pride in the school’s success

7. Do what sets you apart from the rest

Finally, in the 2023-2024 school year, school principals should focus on what sets their schools apart from the rest. This might mean developing unique programs or initiatives, promoting a strong school culture, or leveraging partnerships with local businesses or community organizations. By highlighting what makes their schools special, school principals can attract and retain students and staff who are committed to the school’s success.

The role of school principals in 2023-2024 is more important than ever, and these seven goals can help school leaders rise to the challenges they face. By focusing on doing more with less, doing the right things, promoting peace and growth, achieving results, promoting team spirit, and setting their schools apart from the rest, principals can help their students and staff succeed in the years to come.

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