SHARED LEADERSHIP AS EDUCATION REFORM: BRINGING SSES TO A GREATER HEIGHTS

Shared leadership is a governance approach in academic institutions that involves a collective decision-making process encompassing organizational, management, operational, and academic matters. In essence, it entails assigning leadership roles or decisionmaking opportunities to various stakeholders, including educators, staff, students, parents, and community members. Shared leadership stands in contrast to traditional models where executive authority predominantly rests with the principal or administrative team, limiting input from other stakeholders. The Special Education Class Program at San Simon Elementary School (SSES) is firmly committed to the principles of shared leadership. Founded in March 2016 and located at the heart of San Simon, the program has grown to serve 64 learners with special education needs, including autism, hearing impairment, learning and intellectual disabilities, and multiple disabilities. The SSES Special Education Department actively engages the community by providing opportunities for involvement in program planning, implementation, and continuous feedback on various initiatives. As a site-based managed school, SSES fosters improved collaboration through an expanded academic council. This council, comprising faculty, staff, students, and parents, meets regularly to make major academic and policy decisions. These meetings focus on overseeing the Special Education academic program, making policy decisions, allocating site-based funds, and ensuring the success and continuity of projects and activities. In the previous and current curriculum year, SSES highlights its unique partnership with Joana S. Bundoc, a California Educator, Special Education Specialist and Consultant. She blended her 12 years of teaching experience at the Department of Education (DepEd) and 4 years of experience as a teacher exchange program participant in the United States, to share her expert opinions, analysis and recommendations to the department’s proposed monthly activities. This fellowship has significantly and positively impacted the school community. Her collaboration with SSES staff has enhanced the development of students' individual education plans (IEPs) and student activities, contributing to students’ progress in social-emotional and academic goals. Her leadership and excellence in this field has been highly recognized by the Simonian community. Inspired by this partnership, the Special Education Department has established Project PRAISE (Program to Raise Active Involvement in Special Education) as an institutionalized program. This initiative is now an integral and continuous part of the department's efforts to enhance stakeholders’ commitment to the education of students with special abilities. This narrative underscores the transformative impact of external stakeholder involvement on organizational performance in academic institutions. SSES stands as an example of how creating linkages and assigning roles to various stakeholders can generate heightened motivation. Aim higher, SSES!

-oOoThe lI San Simon Elementary School

author is Principal