SIR Social Sciences Investigation Abstract
EXPLORATIONS IN LEADERSHIP: INVESTIGATIONS INTO VARIOUS LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES
Presenter:
Emi Arima, Student/L.E.A.D. Facilitator, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; em@imsa.edu
Helena Knight, Student/L.E.A.D. Facilitator, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; helenak@imsa.edu
Matthew Knisley, Student/Student Leadership Development Coordinator, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; mck@imsa.edu
Lauren Kozak, Student/L.E.A.D. Facilitator, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; lkozak@imsa.edu
Lacey Langguth, Student/L.E.A.D. Facilitator, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; bug01@imsa.edu
Linda Lee, Student/L.E.A.D. Facilitator, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; lilangel@imsa.edu
Kent Limson, Student/L.E.A.D. Facilitator, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; kenny@imsa.edu
Chailee Mann-Stadt, Student/L.E.A.D. Facilitator, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; chailee@imsa.edu
Kelly McArdle, Student/L.E.A.D. Facilitator, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; pickles@imsa.edu
Anitra Sumbry, Student/L.E.A.D. Facilitator, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; phantac@imsa.edu
Advisor:
Robert Hernandez, Director of Student Leadership Development, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Rd, Aurora, IL 60506; 630-907-5009; hernandi@imsa.edu
Abstract:
IMSA's mission statement includes "developing ethical leaders for the world." The Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program embraced this vision by educating the sophomore class in a variety of leadership skills and social advocacy strategies. The charter facilitation team underwent extensive training and assessment to implement LEAD. Several members of the LEAD Team reviewed the current curriculum to determine what comprises an effective leadership curriculum, what assessment tools were needed to determine the program's effectiveness, and what needed addition, deletion, or revision from present material. Each relevant topic was revised and developed into distinct, consistent, compact, and complete sessions. The experience of current facilitators was combined with program goals, facilitation skills, and suggested activities to create a more detailed curriculum. A survey modeled after the Kellogg Foundation's Grantee Information Survey was also conducted. Facilitator, self, and peer evaluations were distributed to determine observed individual, institutional, and community-wide improvements. The results of this survey indicated which aspects of LEAD have succeeded and which need improvement. This will enhance the LEAD curriculum and ease yearly transitions. Only careful analysis of the LEAD program can allow for optimization of leadership potential in students in the IMSA community and beyond.