As the principal of Fairfield Middle School, you must work with teachers who are unhappy about increased class sizes. At the same time, absenteeism is also rising. In addition, the discipline policy is applied unevenly. How will you guide initiatives to improve student performance while balancing teacher and leadership buy-in and commitment to sustainable change? […]
Simulation Category: Instructional & Operations Leadership Simulations
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Political Leadership in the Superintendency
You have been Superintendent for the past three years. During the last formal review by the Board, a notable increase in suspensions across several middle and high schools was noted. Concerned about this trend, they requested a deeper analysis of the implementation and impact of the district’s new school discipline policy. How will you navigate […]
Overcoming Resistance
Stoneybrook Academy is located in an affluent suburb of a large metropolitan area. You have been in this position for the past 4 years and have worked hard to develop credibility and rapport with the faculty and staff. The school’s mission statement was updated last year. After much discussion, the following was added: “The School will prepare students to […]
Dealing with the Aftermath of a Disciplinary Event
How would you navigate your relationships with various constituents and the reactions to inappropriate student behavior connected to a school-sanctioned event? In this simulation, you are the Head of School at the Harkness Academy and are forced to navigate leadership decisions that impact board members, students, senior leadership, and others after a prominent student commits […]
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Bias in the Hiring Process (GLS)
In this simulation, you will play the role of the outgoing Superintendent at the Gunderson Community School District. The district is a 3-A system with 3500 students, 500 staff members, 4 Elementary schools, 1 Middle School, and 1 High School. Due to your relatively short tenure as Superintendent, the Board wants a voice in the […]
Special Education: Annual Case Review
In this simulation, you are confronted with a volatile parent situation brought on by past parent and teacher relations. The angry parent of a 5th grader presents you with a challenge to meet the needs of their special education student. Your understanding of the issues, federal requirements, and way of communicating with staff and parents […]
Synergistic Leadership
In this simulation, the Superintendent shares concerns relative to the declining performance of EL students at your school. He tells you he favors finding ways to improve the existing English Immersion Program, but that he would like to hear your perspective and recommendations in two weeks. Key Characters Include: Dr. Sisiska, Superintendent Teachers across several […]
Middle School Turnaround (Implementing Change)
This simulation involves a new school leader taking over a failing middle school with an entrenched staff and little community support. As you seek to get a handle on the school’s finances, finger-pointing abounds. You will have to determine the best path to building accountability, commitment, and trust in turning this school around. Key characters […]
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Small District Budget Crisis
This simulation involves a new superintendent taking over a small school district that happens to be the primary employer in the community. When a budget shortfall is discovered, the superintendent must decide which resources to involve in the resolution while balancing transparency and strategy among key constituencies. Decide which conditions warrant more persistence versus flexibility […]
New Teacher Evaluation
This simulation involves an early-career elementary school teacher. The simulation begins following the school leader’s observation of the teacher teaching a literacy lesson. The teacher teaches directly from the teachers’ manual and the lesson has no higher-level skills or thinking embedded within it. At the same time, there has just been a new teacher evaluation […]