External+Forces

__** STANDARD 6: EXTERNAL FORCES **__ A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by **understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.**

__** A Changing Political Landscape **__ Public education has undergone numerous changes throughout the decades, but the past two years have been some of the most challenging for educators around Ohio. The myriad of new initiatives and regulations coming from outside the schoolhouse walls has been frustrating for many teachers. Furthermore, the poor economy has made many school employees feel targeted and disrespected in many communities. The battle over collective bargaining rights (SB5), the adoption of the Common Core standards, and a move toward a merit-pay system has presented those in our profession with a variety of challenging issues to address.

School administrators have many important roles in regard to changes such as these. Not only is it essential for administrators to understand the changes at the state level and communicate the issues to their staffs, but they must also be a voice for their teachers at the state and community level. Good administrators must help policy makers understand whether or not their ideas/theories about educating children will actually work when implemented into their buildings. By serving as a liaison between school staff and outside agencies, administrators will maintain solid communication that will help allow good policy to be put into practice.