16200 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA Students, from Kindergarten to Grade 6. Head of School for July 2017.

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1 Westland School Head of School for July Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles, CA Students, from Kindergarten to Grade 6 Founded in

2 The Position Westland School has initiated a search for a new Head of School who will assume leadership in July Mission Statement Westland School is an elementary school committed to progressive education. Teachers are cooperatively involved in developing and implementing an integrated, hands-on, social studies-based curriculum. Westland focuses on enabling students to be selfmotivated and to view learning as an exciting and rewarding process that will continue throughout their lives. We strive for a learning environment that is child-centered and non-competitive. Each child at Westland has a commitment to his/her group; each group has a commitment to the school; and the school has an important commitment to the world around us. Westland values experiential learning to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills. We believe that learning best occurs when there is a student population that is culturally, socially and economically diverse. Westland School seeks an engaging leader committed to Westland s educational vision and who will continue to advance the school s progressive mission and philosophy. The new Head will lead a community of 130 students, faculty and staff of 29, and an administrative team of four with the support of a 15-member Board of Trustees. The campus is located on almost two acres of land on Mulholland Drive offering views of the Los Angeles Basin and the San Fernando Valley. The campus consists of large classrooms, a library with over 12,000 volumes, an art studio, a science lab, a print shop, offices, a kitchen, and an auditorium grouped around a central courtyard, which serves as an extension to the classrooms and a place where the community gathers. The outdoor space includes large play yards with climbing equipment, grass fields, sand boxes, pond, and children s gardens. Classes are small with about 22 students per classroom and two teachers. A Brief Introduction to Westland Westland School is a unique, thriving, progressive elementary school perched at the peak of the Santa Monica Mountains in Los Angeles. The school, born during the time of the Hollywood blacklist, maintains remarkable fidelity to the core values from its inception: childcentered education, the strength of a close community, and a fundamental dedication to instilling a lifelong love of learning in students. Westland School, now in its 67th year, is a gem in the world of Los Angeles independent elementary schools. This is a unique, supportive, and nurturing environment where students, faculty, staff, and families all share a strong commitment to the school and its mission. School History During the McCarthy era, a group of parents and teachers came together in 1949 to create a school steeped in the democratic process. Westland s founders were risktakers, passionate in their hopes for a better world, and 1

3 determined to educate their children in a humanistic, democratic way. They understood children s innate joy of learning and were certain that a mode of education existed which could develop skills mastery, core values, and a sense of responsibility to the class, the school, the community, and the world. The politically active founders of Westland were eager to educate children in a free-inquiry atmosphere inspired by the philosophies of John Dewey and Jean Piaget. In this approach, children become responsible participants in the community. Westland strives to unlock students full potential while encouraging and respecting their individual development. To this end, children are given concrete, direct involvement with materials with appropriate parameters of workmanship. In the school community setting, individual and group needs are of equal importance. From the beginning, Westland s Bylaws were cooperative in nature. The school would be owned by a non-profit corporation whose voting members would be parents, staff, and trustees thus guaranteeing a unified spirit which would be of greatest benefit to children. At the same time, parents and teachers drew up a union contract clarifying teachers rights and obligations. This has evolved into the current practice of membership of the California Teachers Association. Parents, administrators, and teachers continue to be committed to the democratic process. Through the partnerships that exist between the parents and the school, the school is dedicated to maintaining a school environment that is a true reflection of our community and its values. The close camaraderie and mutual respect between parents, faculty, and staff has always been an integral part of Westland s distinctive success. Given its unique founding, Westland values the democratic process. It is imbued in classrooms and in the school. This allows for a cooperative community and involvement in decision making. 2

Program Westland is a progressive school that provides an integrated, social studies-based curriculum through experiential, hands-on learning.

4 Program Westland is a progressive school that provides an integrated, social studies-based curriculum through experiential, hands-on learning. The approach is one that is child-centered and developmentally based to ensure age-appropriate practices. Westland believes that meaningful learning takes place when children are given the opportunity to connect their studies to their world. Through this process, the curriculum becomes real and important, and children develop an investment in the learning process. As a result, language arts, science, math, music, and art are integrated into the social studies-based curriculum whenever possible. This approach promotes high-level critical questioning, problem-solving, and supports learning by doing. A variety of methodologies and approaches are used to help children become resourceful learners. Children are taught how to research, interpret, organize, record, and communicate information. The world is a laboratory from which children can experience meaningful learning; therefore field trips are an important part of the program. Children connect what they are studying to the world around them. Block-building, which provides the perfect building material for young children, is used to develop children s understanding of the world in which they live by replicating what they observe and experience, while embedding multiple skills from math and science to social and emotional skills. In every classroom, units of study are punctuated by culminating experiences where students work together to synthesize and connect their learning and understanding. Rooted in the understanding that children are born curious about the world, Westland provides a program oriented around social studies that serves to create the context for academic learning, enabling teaching that naturally extends on that curiosity. Using a child-centered approach grounded in child development, emphasis is placed on learning by doing (hands-on projects, experiential learning) with a meaning-based, integrated/shared curriculum. Through long-term study of social 3

5 studies topics, language arts, mathematics, problem solving, and critical-thinking skills are integrated and facilitated. Of equal importance is collaborative and cooperative work through small and large groups. Each study is explored using a variety of approaches, with the goals of inspiring interest and investment in students and learning through multiple modalities and intelligences. Specialists in the areas of science, woodworking, art, music, print shop, and physical education are thoughtfully integrated across the curriculum with equal emphasis placed on the academic and social/emotional learning. The positive and significant outcomes of building a curriculum upon children s curiosity and investment is particularly evident in the culminations of studies where students present their learning in a variety of formats to their peers and parents. Westland s focus on community, in every aspect of the school, develops not only academic skills, but also social skills, emotional growth, a lifelong love of learning, and a strong sense of social justice and democracy. Community Community is at the very core of Westland. It permeates all aspects of the school the connection is unique and is the focal point of the school s philosophy and practices. All constituents speak of the small, intimate nature of the school where everyone knows each other. Parents speak to the difference it makes both in their children s lives as well as their own. Community provides the framework to learn conflict resolution skills, problem-solving strategies, and appreciation for diversity. There is also a strong commitment to social justice and responsibility to self and others, and to honor and respect both the individual and the group. To support these goals, each class has a responsibility to the school, and the school has an important connection to the world. As a natural extension, each child is expected to develop a larger sense of responsibility to the community as they learn to become participating citizens. Community is manifested in many ways and parent participation is essential at Westland. A sampling of the traditions that support and enhance the culture of the school: The Friday morning Sing, a tradition since the founding of the school, is a gathering of all members of the Westland community students, parents, siblings, friends, faculty, and 4

staff in which songs and the learning happening in each group are shared. Hot Lunch involves different parent teams each Friday who either cook or bake.

6 staff in which songs and the learning happening in each group are shared. Hot Lunch involves different parent teams each Friday who either cook or bake. It is a wonderful opportunity for parents to build relationships. The annual All School Work Day, held in October, gives parents a role in making Westland safe and attractive through general carpentry and repair, play structure maintenance, and gardening. The Westland Fair, which takes place each year in May, brings the entire Westland community together for a day filled with good food, custom-made games, and lots of fun. Governance Candidates will find a committed and efficiently functioning Board of Trustees, one experienced and ready to work in true partnership with the Head to move the school forward. In the past five years, the Board has completed a bylaws revision, a comprehensive development plan, a strategic plan, a multi-year teachers union negotiation, the implementation of flexible tuition, and has supported the re-accreditation process resulting in the school s recent seven-year CAIS term. A strategic planning process will be completed by December Key issues include enriching the anti-bias and social justice education, furthering the success of the teacher evaluation process, more deeply integrating service learning, the retention of diverse students and faculty, documentation and archiving Westland s institutional memory and practice, clarifying decision-making processes, deepening the use of appropriate learning data, and building inclusive and effective fundraising practices. Challenges and Opportunities The Board is looking for a leader who embodies the principles of progressive education and will be fully involved in the life of the school and the local community. The next Head will have the opportunity to share their passion for progressive education with a community that is deeply 5

committed to the same cause. This leader must be a collaborator in the truest sense of the word, who firmly believes in the value of shared leadership and shared responsibility.

7 committed to the same cause. This leader must be a collaborator in the truest sense of the word, who firmly believes in the value of shared leadership and shared responsibility. The next Head will understand the importance of actively engaging all constituents and enjoy the support of a committed and experienced faculty and staff. At a fundamental level, the challenge for Westland as it moves forward is to retain the core foundation, the essential qualities that define Westland, while leading the development of the staff so that the program will continue to evolve, ensuring that it remains relevant and meaningful for the 21st century. As a small school, Westland will achieve its ambitious goals only if the wisdom, energy, and commitment of all members of the school community (teachers, administrators, parents, students, and board members) are mobilized effectively. Fostering a community that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive is a high priority for the Westland Community. There is a strong desire to increase the diversity of the staff and families that is mirrored by the school s ongoing work with two respected diversity consultants. The next Head of School s support will be important to these continued efforts. Westland will be best served by a leader who possesses the confidence and humility to acknowledge and reflect on their personal journey, in addition to understanding what true diversity and equity work at the institutional and personal levels means. Parents clearly love Westland. While they are committed to its progressive philosophy, a challenge for the next Head is to appropriately educate the parent body regarding the long-term benefits of progressive education, and provide the data to allay concerns about preparation for middle school. Graduates of Westland attend a variety of schools, including independent, charter, public, and parochial schools. The Head of School plays a critical role in helping families find the right educational opportunities after graduation. The next Head will enjoy the school s well-established relationships with middle schools in the area and will work to understand options available to Westland graduates. 6

8 Westland has become increasingly involved with the larger network of progressive schools and helped host the 2013 Annual Conference of the Progressive Education Network. Learning from the success of other progressive schools and contributing its expertise to the community of progressive schools has been a source of growth and pride. Supporting Westland s relationship to the larger community of progressive schools will be an important responsibility for the next Head. Westland has a stable operating budget with appropriate reserves. In recent years Westland has made significant progress in growing its endowment and reserves work that will continue with the next Head. The next Head will also be actively engaged in developing an appropriate internal and external affairs/ marketing program so that there is a greater understanding of Westland in the broader community and to positively impact enrollment management. The next Head of Westland will be actively engaged in admissions and in development, and will be an essential part of the admissions team. In addition, the Head will be involved in increasing philanthropic support of the school, as this is required for the long term financial vitality of the school and for the development of potential campus improvements. The Ideal Candidate Professional Qualities Sought The Board and the Westland community are interested in all candidates who can embrace, articulate, and promote Westland s progressive vision of educating young people. The Westland community is looking for a strong leader to work with its exceptional community. In addition to being a visionary leader, a strategic thinker, and a skillful manager, successful candidates will have background and skills that include most or all of the following: Has a passion for progressive education, and will foster a culture of learning and high expectations. Is a student-focused leader who understands the needs of this community. Has significant teaching experience. Is committed to diversity, multiculturalism, and globalism. Has the desire, experience, and skill to work with a diverse community in a meaningful and genuine manner. Embraces, extends, and communicates a vision for Westland to inspire and unite teachers, parents, prospective families, and the schools that will enroll Westland graduates. Is willing to connect and communicate effectively with faculty members, administration, parents, students, community members, and the Board so that these groups are appropriately informed of School events, potential issues, and needs. Possesses the ability and desire to be a warm, hands-on, and approachable presence on campus. Will be collaborative and have an openness that genuinely invites and respects the perspectives and views of others, yet is decisive when necessary. Mobilizes the faculty and administration to further examine and refine the School s program. Will be committed to an active role in a comprehensive outreach program that includes enrollment management, fund-raising, middle school placement, and broader community involvement to provide the financial and human capital to support Westland s aspirations. Will work closely and comfortably with the Board of Trustees in building a true partnership for governance. 7

Personal Qualities Sought The ideal candidate is one who is an approachable, down-to-earth, and confident person of exceptional intellect and integrity, with a sense of humor, compassion, and a

9 Personal Qualities Sought The ideal candidate is one who is an approachable, down-to-earth, and confident person of exceptional intellect and integrity, with a sense of humor, compassion, and a commitment to young people. Also, the next Head is someone who is calm under pressure, committed to lifelong learning, and possesses a forward-thinking view. Finally, the Search Committee seeks someone who truly has a desire to become an integral part of both the Westland and the local community, including connecting with the School s students, teachers, administrators, parents, and other members of the community. To Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one and as separate documents, preferably as PDFs, the following materials: Cover letter articulating your fit with the specific values and needs of Westland School Current résumé Personal Statement List of five references with names, phone numbers, and addresses of each to: Robert Fricker Burke Zalosh bob.fricker@carneysandoe.com burke.zalosh@carneysandoe.com Senior Search Consultants Carney, Sandoe & Associates 44 Bromfield Street, Boston, MA Search Calendar Applications Due: November 28 Search Update: December 16 Semifinalists Interviews: January Finalist Interviews: Early February 8

Position Statements. Index of Association Position Statements

Position Statements. Index of Association Position Statements ts Association position statements address key issues for Pre-K-12 education and describe the shared beliefs that direct united action by boards of education/conseil scolaire fransaskois and their Association.