EDAD 7313 Log

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016
Group presentations were over! Still, the anticipation of taking in more new information was
overwhelming. Fortunately for me, the day started with an organization with which I am familiar.
National Institute for Staff and Organizational
Development (NISOD)
Dr. Edward J. Leach, Executive Director
Celebrating Excellence
National Institute for Staff and Organizational
Development (NISOD) is “a membership
organization committed to promoting and
celebrating excellence in teaching, learning,
and leadership at community and technical
colleges.” A few NISOD services include an
annual conference, conference scholarships,
exhibitions, webinars, and faculty and student
awards.
My Personal Impression
My current employer is a member institution of
NISOD, which gives me access to NISOD’s
webinars and publications. I’ve always found
their professional development offerings
relevant and engaging. My only other contact
with NISOD has been at exhibit halls for
another professional organization of which I’m
a member.
Center for Public Policy Priorities
Ms. Chandra Kring Villanueva, Policy Analyst
Time for a Remodel
According to Ms. Villanueva, school spending
has remained relatively flat since around 2002,
necessitating a fresh, new look at school
funding. She purported that revamping school
funding is analogous of any good remodel: It
requires goals and plans. Her
recommendation: tear out old 80s wallpaper
and patch holes in the dry wall (update funding
elements, especially special populations and
other cost adjustment factors); reinforce the
foundation (increase basic allotment; develop
strong revenue system that meets today’s needs
and prepares Texas for future growth);
decrease recapture; prevent house from falling
back into disrepair (adjust formulas for
inflation; build in periodic reviews).
My Personal Impression
Ms. Villanueva gave the best, most simplistic
analogy for changing Texas school funding I’ve
ever heard. I’m amazed at how difficult it is to
enact a simple solution or to make mid-course
adjustments to a failing system.
Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)
Dr. Robert Duron, Associate Executive
Director, Governance Services
Visionary Leadership
Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)
serves and represents Texas school districts
and is governed by school boards. The
organization offers executive searches, board
book software that provides electronic
meetings for boards, insurance for school
districts, and a superintendent annual salary
survey. Although TASB’s positon on specific
issues may change over time, it’s current
strategic plan for improving public education
lies in advocacy and visionary leadership.
My Personal Impression
Dr. Duran’s advice to educational leaders was
inspiring. He noted that nothing worthwhile is
met without opposition and criticism, which
necessitates that a leader first formulates clear
intention in both the mind and heart. He
further advised that a leader clarifies
expectations because clarity drives