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    Suggested Uses for the VELA Legacy

    This tool can be used in multiple ways to help leaders examine their role and the roles of others within their school system. Several suggested uses can be found below. VELA invites leaders to share their experiences with the use of the Legacy as a leadership tool.

    1. Team Development

      The Legacy can be used as a professional development tool at board meetings or retreats, to shape dialogue among key leaders the operation of the school system within a particular function area.

      Selecting a link that is a current priority in the organization, and then spending some time as a team reflecting on the questions posed is a valuable exercise that can head off potential confusion. As a team, clarify the expectations within the area and who is responsible for the various pieces. Document the team's consensus for future reference.

      The scenerios and spotlight articles found in the Appendix may be useful as starting points for team reflection within a particular functional area of the system, either within the regular agenda of a board meeting or at a separate time set aside for team development.

    2. Resource for Solving Problems

      School leaders may turn to this resource when a particular issue arises. Perhaps your district is reviewing curriculum, or preparing to enter contract negotiations. Maybe there is an issue regarding facilities, school climate, or special education services. You could be looking at professional development or budgeting. On the VELA web site, you can click on any one of 27 categories and quickly see what types of questions should be considered, not only by you, but also by the other members of the leadership team for a particular circumstance. The questions will lead to discussion that should result in common agreement on what needs to be accomplished and who is responsible for seeing that it is done. This will lead to a plan of action for dealing with the situation at hand.

    3. Self-Reflection

      Individuals can use this tool to examine and determine their own roles and responsibilities within the system. Leaders who are new to their positions, or who are dealing with functional areas for the first time, can use this resource as a starting point to become more aware of their role, and what questions they might ask of their leadership team to better understand school operations.