Mark Savel

*See Artifact 6

Indicator

The administrator has knowledge and understanding of the law as related
to education and schooling.
The administrator believes in, values, and is committed to using legal
systems to protect student rights and improve student opportunities.
The administrator facilitates processes and engages in activities
ensuring that the environment in which schools operate is influenced on
behalf of students and their families.
The administrator facilitates processes and engages in activities
ensuring that there is ongoing dialogue.


The correlation between good attendance and academic performance has
been researched and documented for many years. I have worked actively to
promote good attendance since I began as lead teacher at Gakona School.
I have incorporated several promotions extrinsic as well as intrinsic
rewards. Parents are informed of student attendance quarterly as well
as mid quarterly. Parents are called every time a child is absent.
Overall our school attendance has went from 83% present to 94% present
over the course of three years.

However, it seemed, even with all the effort, there is always at least
one family that tends to stretch the limit. Therefore I wanted a "set
in stone" document with specific procedures and consequences to follow.

This document is sent to all parents at the beginning of school with
signed acknowledgment. If a problem becomes increasingly apparent, I
will occasionally send another copy home with a gentle reminder.

Attendance and truancy is an issue in all schools. Each school and
school administration must work collaboratively with students, staff,
and community to determine the best methods and means to address the
issue.


Persuasion Letter

*See Artifact 6.2

Indicator

The administrator has knowledge and understanding of the political,
social, cultural and economic systems and processes that impact schools.
The administrator has knowledge and understanding of the global issues
and forces affecting teaching and learning.
The administrator has knowledge and understanding of the importance of
diversity and equity in a democratic society.
The administrator believes in, values, and is committed to recognizing a
variety of ideas, values, and cultures.
The administrator facilitates processes and engages in activities
ensuring that the environment in which schools operate is influenced on
behalf of students and their families.
The administrator facilitates processes and engages in activities
ensuring that there is ongoing dialogue with diverse community groups.
The administrator facilitates processes and engages in activities
ensuring that lines of communication are developed with decision makers
outside the school community.


Students begin each day at Gakona School outdoors with the Pledge of
Allegiance and singing the Alaska Flag song. A substantial part of our
school population is Alaska Native. The older students completed a unit
on the branches of government and how a bill becomes a law. We followed
the bill proposing to add the second verse to the Alaska Flag Song.
Each student wrote a persuasive letter with their support in that
endeavor.

The intended result is to see how a bill becomes a law. Furthermore,
students will see if their influence is consider in the decision-making
process. What do I still need to learn? There are so many bills and
pieces of legislation that affect the public school system I need to
make a better attempt to watch those and act/react to the issues that
directly affect the educational opportunities of our students.

As an administrator, it is imperative to be on top of the legislation.
Things happen daily that affect the every operations of our schools and
school systems. Legislators must make informed decisions from the
professionals who work in the systems.

PTA and Advisory Board Meetings
*See Artifact 6.3
District Board Meetings
Attendance Policy
Gakona Gossip School and Community Newspaper
Attend Village Functions
Correspondence to DO regarding transfers, leaves, payroll, maintenance,
etc.
Complete various required forms