HELP I AM THE PRINCIPAL OF AN ISLAMIC SCHOOL How Many Different Hats Hijabs Can I Wear Necva Ozgur A

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HELP! I AM THE PRINCIPAL OF AN ISLAMIC
SCHOOLHow Many Different Hats (Hijabs) Can I
Wear?Necva Ozgur April 15, 2006www.meritcent
er.orgnozgur_at_meritcenter.org
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STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE FOR PRINCIPALS

• The school principal provides leadership through
  purpose and direction to the school.
• The principal shapes the school culture and
  values,
• and facilitates the development of a shared
• strategic vision for the school.
• The principal also develop goals and objectives
  and sets priorities for the school in the context
  of student and staff needs and community values
  and priorities.

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STANDARD 1 THE PRINCIPAL AS THE INSPIRATIONAL
AND SPIRITUAL LEADER

• The school principal is an inspirational leader
  and official representative and extension of the
  local Islamic Center. The school principal
  promotes and implements the Islamic Center
  Ideology, policies and regulations. He/she plans,
  organizes, directs, and evaluates
• the school with accordance
• to Islamic principles.

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STANDARD 1 THE PRINCIPAL AS THE INSPIRATIONAL
AND SPIRITUAL LEADER

• Loyalty to Islamic Center The principal has a
  loyalty to the Islamic Center, considers the
  school as the extension of the Islamic Center,
  participates actively in Center events and
  promotes the Center ideology.
• Islamic Movement The principal believes and
  understands the purpose of the Islamic movement
  in America and is actively involved in the
  Islamic movement in America.
• Muslim American Identity The principal
  understands, appreciates, models and promotes the
  Muslim American identity.
• Islamic knowledge and American culture The
  principal has the knowledge of the religion of
  Islam and is a practicing Muslim. The principal
  has an American outlook on matters and
  understands American culture and contemporary
  issues of the day without compromising Islam.

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STANDARD 1 THE PRINCIPAL AS THE INSPIRATIONAL
AND SPIRITUAL LEADER

• Strong ties with the Muslim Community The
  principal plans and organizes events to celebrate
  special days for the Muslim community and creates
  opportunities to gather the Muslim community
  together to build strong ties with the community.
• Appreciation of Diversity The principal
  appreciates diversity and relates well to
  differences. He/she has to lead with harmony in
  multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multi-national,
  multi-religious and diverse socio-economic
  levels.
• Religious Education The principal gives priority
  to the development of a strong religious
  educational program.
• 8. Value based-environment The principal plans
  and implements a value-based educational program
  to create a value-based environment.

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• STANDARD 2
• THE PRINCIPAL AS
• A VISIONARY LEADER
• The principal,
• with the partnership
• of the school board and staff,
• creates, articulates, implements, and guards
• the vision of the school that is shared
• and supported by the
• school community.

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STANDARD 2 THE PRINCIPAL AS A VISIONARY LEADER

• The vision is developed The principal, with the
  partnership of the board and the staff, develops,
  articulates, implements and guards the vision and
  the mission of the school.
• The vision is clear The vision and mission of
  the school are clearly stated, and effectively
  communicated to staff, parents, students, and
  community members.
• The vision is shared The principal shares the
  vision and mission with the school community and
  encourages participation so they will have a
  buy-in.
• The vision is communicated The vision and
  mission are communicated at school events,
  published at school publications, and displayed
  and disseminated regularly.
• The vision is practiced The principal encourages
  the staff to implement the vision and the mission
  in every aspect of the school.

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STANDARD 2 THE PRINCIPAL AS A VISIONARY LEADER

• 6. The vision is evident The vision and mission
  shapes and directs all the educational programs,
  plans, activities and decisions.
• 7. Adequate resources to make mission alive The
  principal makes the board understand needed
  resources for implementing the stated vision,
  mission and goals.
• 8. The vision is regularly monitored The
  principal, with the partnership of the staff,
  develops Vision and Mission Implementation
  Plan. This plan consists of regular monitoring
  and evaluation.
• 9. The vision is student-centered The principal
  considers student learning and benefits of
  students as the priority, and the vision clearly
  states that.
• 10. The vision is alive and guides the programs
  The principal ensures that the vision is a guide
  and shapes the educational programs, plans,
  activities and decision. The staff is reminded of
  the vision regularly and the new staff is trained
  during the orientation with vision exercises.

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• STANDARD 3
• THE PRINCIPAL AS
• AN INSTRUCTIONAL LEADER
• The principal is an
• educational leader who promotes the
• success of all students by planning, implementing
  and supervising a quality instructional program
  conducive to student learning.

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STANDARD 3 THE PRINCIPAL AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL
LEADER

• Knowledge of education The principal as an
  instructional leader must have the knowledge of
  education and academic disciplines. Serves as a
  resource person to the teaching staff.
• Develops school program The principal, with the
  partnership of the staff, designs, implements,
  evaluates and refines curricular, co-curricular,
  and extra-curricular programs to meet the needs
  of students.
• Establishes curriculum goals The principal works
  with staff and educators to identify learning
  objectives and curriculum goals that support the
  mission and vision of the school.
• Establishes a system to review and modify
  curriculum goals The principal establishes a
  system to review and modify learning objectives
  and curriculum goals on a regular basis.
• Ensures resources The principal ensures
  financial resources and technological supplies
  are sufficient to meet the needs of implementing
  and revising the curriculum.

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STANDARD 3 THE PRINCIPAL AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL
LEADER

• Develops religious studies program The principal
  gives priority to the development of a strong
  religious studies program.
• Promotes developmentally appropriate programs
  The principal ensures that a diverse,
  gender-sensitive, and developmentally appropriate
  program addressing multiple intelligences is
  provided for each child.
• Promotes effective instructional strategies
  Helps teachers learn and practice the best
  teaching strategies according to the latest
  research-based practices, with the use of
  technology.
• Maintains visibility The principal maintains a
  visible presence in the classrooms and is
  available to the teachers and parents.
• 10. Promotes real-life experiences The principal
  encourages students and staff to participate in
  co-curricular activities such as community
  service that enhance and complement what is
  learned in the classroom.

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• STANDARD 4
• THE PRINCIPAL AS A MANAGER
• MANAGING THE SCHOOL
• The principal ensures that
• The school operations and resources are
  professionally, efficiently, and
• effectively managed.

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STANDARD 4 THE PRINCIPAL AS A MANAGER-MANAGING
THE ORGANIZATION

• Strategic thinking and planning The principal
  has the strategic outlook and develops with the
  partnership of the board long-term strategic
  plans that are appropriately comprehensive,
  realistic and effective in meeting school goals.
• Develops operational plans The principal with
  the partnerships of the staff develops long term
  and short term operational plans to achieve the
  vision, mission and goals of the school.
• Develops policies and procedures The principal
  with the partnership of the board develops and
  implements effective policies and procedures to
  accomplish the vision, mission and the goals of
  the school.
• Develops and articulates personnel policies The
  principal ensures that personnel policies are
  developed and articulated to staff members, and
  revised regularly.
• Delegate responsibilities The principal assigns
  responsibilities, delegates tasks and empowers
  the staff, removes obstacles, allows for and
  provides needed resources, coordinates work
  efforts and monitors progress.

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STANDARD 4 THE PRINCIPAL AS A MANAGER-MANAGING
THE ORGANIZATION

• Ensures proper record keeping The principal
  ensures that school records are maintained in a
  timely, organized manner and with confidentially.
  
• Keeps abreast of latest trends The principal
  recognizes and studies emerging trends, applying
  them as appropriate, identifies potential
  problems and opportunities, and confronts and
  resolves problems in a timely manner.
• Promotes use of technology The principal
  effectively uses technology to manage school
  operations and encourages the staff to use
  technology to the maximum benefit.
• Keeps an eye on the big picture The principal
  aligns financial, human, and material resources
  to the vision, mission and goals of the school.
• 10. Maintains quality control The principal
  ensures that the school is in a continuum of
  continuous improvement, regularly monitors and
  modifies organizational systems and effectively
  supervises and evaluates the staff.

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• STANDARD 5
• THE PRINCIPAL AS A MANAGER
• MANAGING FINANCES
• The principal
• understands and manages
• the finances of the school and
• understands the relationship between
• the goals of the school and budgeting priorities.

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STANDARD 5 THE PRINCIPAL AS A MANAGER-MANAGING
FINANCES

• Financial oversight The principal works with the
  accountant and business office personnel and uses
  standard accounting and bookkeeping procedures to
  manage the financial operation of the school.
• Monitors all financial transactions The
  principal monitor income, expenditures,
  collections, and cash flow and maintain
  appropriate financial records.
• Oversees purchasing The principal oversees all
  school purchasing, banking activities, payroll
  and benefits program.
• Maintains principles of accounting The principal
  employs and monitors acceptable accounting
  procedures in the maintenance of all fiscal
  records.
• Mission driven The principal keeps aligned with
  the budget while maintaining the mission- driven
  school.

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STANDARD 5 THE PRINCIPAL AS A MANAGER-MANAGING
FINANCES

• 6. Budget conscious The principal prepares and
  maintains the school budget considering school
  priorities in accordance with the school boards
  budgeting procedures and guidelines.
• 7. Fiscal management The principal uses cost
  control procedures and institutes cost-effective
  practices in the management of all school funds.
• 8. Resourceful The principal manages fiscal
  resources of the school responsibly, efficiently
  and effectively. The principal exercises
  creativity in finding new resources to support
  school programs.
• 9. Works with the board The principal keeps
  board members informed about the financial health
  of the school.
• 10. Works with the Development Office The
  principal works with the development office to
  provide leadership in fundraising, build a donor
  base, help with fundraising and acknowledge
  donors.

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• STANDARD 6
• THE PRINCIPAL AS A MANAGER
• MANAGING A FACILITY
• The principal is aware that the school facility
  reflects the school community and keeps
• a pleasant school facility.
• The principal administers the maintenance of the
  school and its environment, complementing
• the school vision, mission and goals.

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STANDARD 6 THE PRINCIPAL AS A MANAGER-MANAGING
A FACILITY

• School environment The principal ensures that a
  safe, clean, and aesthetically pleasing school
  environment is created and maintained.
• 2. School décor The principal promotes
  child-centered décor throughout the school with
  student art-work, pictures and writings.
• 3. School structure The principal confirms that
  the hallways, classrooms, restrooms, doors, and
  windows are well maintained.
• 4. School premises The principal oversees that
  the grounds and parking areas are well
  maintained.
• 5. School surroundings The principal makes sure
  that the sidewalks and entrances are clear of
  obstructions and safe for students.
• 6. School furniture The principal verifies that
  tables, chairs and desks are safe and
  well-maintained.
• 7. School maintenance The principal develops a
  procedure for requests for maintenance and
  monitors plans for annual, monthly, and weekly
  cleaning and maintenance.
• 8. School safety The principal makes sure that
  there is an emergency plan and the staff is
  trained accordingly.

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• STANDARD 7
• THE PRINCIPAL AS A MANAGER
• MANAGING PEOPLE
• The principals values,
• beliefs and personal characteristics
• inspire people to accomplish the schools
  mission. The principal serves as a role model.

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STANDARD 7 THE PRINCIPAL AS A MANAGER-MANAGING
PEOPLE

• Establishes human resources department The
  principal establishes a human resources system
  consistent with the schools mission and vision,
  recruits and hires the right people, builds a
  strong team with complementary strengths,
  provides for staff continuity and growth and
  forms the right structures and teams.
• Provides orientation The principal ensures that
  the new staff receives orientation and support to
  work effectively and with confidence that they
  are carrying out the mission and vision of the
  school.
• Provides direction The principal fosters the
  development of a common vision, provides clear
  expectations, direction and priorities and
  clarifies roles and responsibilities.
• Models commitment The principal sets high
  standards of performance and pursues ambitious
  goals and works hard to achieve them.
• Influences others The principal communicates
  effectively, asserts ideas effectively, gains
  support and commitment and mobilizes staff and
  community members to take action.

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STANDARD 7 THE PRINCIPAL AS A MANAGER-MANAGING
PEOPLE

• 6. Fosters open communication The principal
  creates an atmosphere in which timely and candid
  information flows smoothly between staff members,
  and encourages the open expression of ideas and
  opinions.
• 7. Builds positive relationships The principal
  relates to people in an open, friendly and
  accepting manner. The principal shows sincere
  interest in others and their concerns, and
  initiates and develops relationships with others
  as key priorities.
• Values diversity The principal shows respect and
  appreciation for each persons background, race,
  age, gender, values and perspectives. The
  principal considers differences in people as
  opportunities for learning.
• Manages conflicts The principal deals with
  conflicts and disagreements fairly and openly and
  attempts to resolve them collaboratively. The
  principal builds consensus and uses effective
  conflict resolution skills.
• 10. Solves problems creatively The principal has
  effective problem-framing and problem-solving
  skills.

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STANDARD 7 THE PRINCIPAL AS A MANAGER-MANAGING
PEOPLE

• Fosters teamwork The principal builds an
  effective team committed to school goals and
  fosters collaboration among team members and
  among different teams.
• Motivates staff The principal encourages and
  empowers staff and community members, and creates
  enthusiasm, a feeling of satisfaction and a
  desire to serve and excel.
• Develops leadership and coaching The principal
  accurately assesses strengths and development
  needs of all staff members. The principal gives
  timely, specific feedback and coaching, and
  provides challenging assignments for development,
  growth and leadership.
• 14. Delegates tasks effectively The principal
  shares responsibilities in order to maximize
  ownership and accountability.

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• STANDARD 8
• THE PRINCIPAL AS A MANAGER
• MANAGING SELF/PERSONAL TRAITS
• The principal models best character and
  demonstrates ethical behavior by
• taking actions based on
• Islamic values
• and beliefs.

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STANDARD 8 THE PRINCIPAL AS A MANAGER
MANAGING SELF/PERSONAL TRAITS

• The principal demonstrates and models
• Principle-centered ethical leadership The
  principal demonstrates principle-centered
  leadership with sound business ethics, shows
  consistency among principles, values and
  behavior, builds trust with community through
  his/her own behavior and follows through on
  commitments.
• Organizational skills The principal identifies
  specific tasks, collects and organizes
  appropriate information and materials and
  functions in a logical, efficient and productive
  manner.
• Committed to quality The principal emphasizes
  the need to deliver quality services, defines
  standards for quality and evaluates services
  against those standards, and manages quality.
• Interpersonal relationships The principal gets
  along well with others, builds positive
  relationships, shows a tolerance for different
  views, and has the ability to compromise. The
  principal seeks and welcomes feedback, modifies
  behavior in light of feedback, listens
  non-defensively to constructive criticism and is
  willing to try suggestions.
• Portrays a professional appearance The principal
  presents the school in the most professional
  manner, in behavior, appearance and dress. The
  principal dresses in an Islamic and professional
  way.

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STANDARD 8 THE PRINCIPAL AS A MANAGER
MANAGING SELF/PERSONAL TRAITS

• 6. Committed to professional growth The
  principal actively pursues learning and
  self-development. He/she uses opportunities to
  take classes, enhance skills, develop additional
  areas of expertise and gain exposure to new ideas
  and methodology. He/she also encourages the staff
  to grow professionally.
• 7. Respects confidentiality The principal keeps
  information related to parents, students, staff
  and to the organization confidential and always
  encourages confidentiality.
• Manages time well and efficiently The principal
  manages time in general and in meetings
  efficiently to maximize the attainment of
  organizational goals, manages multiple demands,
  prioritizes organizational needs and processes
  paperwork efficiently and in accordance with a
  schedule that is agreed upon. The principal
  punctually keeps appointments and meeting times.
  The principal arrives on time and honors
  contractual obligations for time commitments.
• Communicates effectively The principal uses
  language accurately and effectively, and
  expresses himself/herself clearly and concisely
  in presentations, groups and in one-to-one
  conversations. The principal writes in a manner
  that conveys information clearly and effectively
  in formal and informal documents, and reviews and
  edits written work constructively.
• 10. Listens attentively The principal listens
  attentively, demonstrating an understanding of
  what is heard, and includes others ideas in
  decision-making processes.

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STANDARD 8 THE PRINCIPAL AS A MANAGER
MANAGING SELF/PERSONAL TRAITS

• Good judgment and maturity The principal shows
  good judgment, maturity and self-control and acts
  with poise toward students, parents and
  colleagues. The principal demonstrates confidence
  in his/her ideas and abilities but is realistic
  and willing to acknowledge weaknesses and
  mistakes when made, and acts accordingly.
• Flexibility The principal handles day-to-day
  work challenges confidently, is willing and able
  to adjust to multiple demands and shifting
  priorities, shows resilience in the face of
  constraints and demonstrates flexibility.
• 13. Enthusiastic The principal always has a
  positive attitude and acts with enthusiasm and
  optimism.

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• STANDARD 9
• THE PRINCIPAL AS A BUILDER
• BUILDING AN ETHICAL CULTURE CLIMATE
• The principal advocates,
• nurtures, and sustains a school culture conducive
  to student learning in an Islamic environment.
• The principal ensures that
• every element of school life reflects
• the Islamic principles and each individual
• acts with integrity, fairness, and
• in an ethical manner.

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STANDARD 9 THE PRINCIPAL AS A
BUILDERBUILDING AN ETHICAL CULTURE CLIMATE

• Encourages Islamic values The principal
  demonstrates an Islamic life style with values,
  beliefs, and attitudes that inspire others to
  higher levels of performance.
• Encourages equity, trust and respect The
  principal encourages each person of the school
  community to respect, affirm, and defend the
  dignity and worth of each person. The principal
  ensures that trust and respect is a valued norm
  in the school and that administration, staff and
  parents trust and respect one another and offer
  support to each -other.
• Creates a value based-environment The principal
  plans and implements a value-based educational
  program to create a value-based environment.
• Promotes ethical behavior The principal fulfills
  legal and contractual obligations, serves as a
  role model and encourages the school community to
  demonstrate integrity and exercise ethical
  behavior.

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STANDARD 9 THE PRINCIPAL AS A BUILDERBUILDING
AN ETHICAL CULTURE CLIMATE

• 5. Ensures fairness and values differences The
  principal ensures that all individuals are
  treated with fairness, dignity and respect. The
  principal applies policies and procedures fairly,
  equitably, wisely, and considerately. The
  principal demonstrates appreciation for and
  sensitivity to diversity in the school community.
• 6. Promotes a sense of ownership The principal
  encourages that there is a shared feeling of
  responsibility and sense of ownership among the
  school community for the school success.
• Promotes responsibility Staff and parents share
  responsibility to achieve their part of the
  schools goals and create the best learning
  environment for the students.
• Establishes standards The school emphasizes
  quality performance and outstanding achievement.
  The administration and staff establishes
  challenging standards for every aspect of the
  school.
• 9. Promotes high expectations The principal
  demonstrates a culture of high expectations for
  himself/herself, students and staff.

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STANDARD 9 THE PRINCIPAL AS A BUILDERBUILDING
AN ETHICAL CULTURE CLIMATE

• Respects confidentiality The principal protects
  the rights and confidentiality of students, staff
  and parents.
• 11. Encourages personal growth The principal
  encourages and models life-long learning and
  creates staff development opportunities.
• 12. Recognizes contributions The principal
  recognizes and celebrates contributions of
  students, staff and volunteers.
• 13. Assesses the climate The principal assesses
  the school culture and climate on a regular
  basis, examining and considering the prevailing
  values of the diverse school community.

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• STANDARD 10
• THE PRINCIPAL AS A BUILDER
• BUILDING COMMUNITY
• The principal collaborates with school families
  and community members, responding to diverse
  community interests and needs,
• and mobilizes community resources.

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STANDARD 10 THE PRINCIPAL AS A BUILDER
BUILDING COMMUNITY

• Relationships with parents The principal
  establishes two-way communication by providing
  formal and informal opportunities for parents and
  staff to communicate in programs and student
  progress, as well as school policies, goals and
  activities.
• Encourage parents to get involved The principal
  recruits and organizes parents for volunteer work
  and programs. The principal matches time and
  talents of parents with the schools needs.
• Encourages learning at home The principal
  provides information and ideas to families about
  how to help students at home with homework and
  other curriculum-related activities.
• Establishes a parent organization The principal
  establishes and guides an active PTO or other
  parent organization to actively involve parents
  in school affairs.
• Helps parents establish a positive home
  environment The principal helps school families
  to establish positive home environments to
  support children as students.

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STANDARD 10 THE PRINCIPAL AS A BUILDER
BUILDING COMMUNITY

• 6. Collaborates with community The principal
  identifies and integrates resources and services
  from the community to strengthen family
  practices, school programs, and student learning
  and development.
• 7. Creating learning communities The principal
  creates programs to support the ongoing education
  of the board, parents, school staff, and students
  as part of the process of creating and
  maintaining an learning community.
• 8. Maintains strong ties with the Muslim
  community The principal has high visibility,
  active involvement, and communication with the
  larger community. The principal regularly
  addresses the larger community about educational
  issues, parenting and community concerns.
• 9. Networks with the community The principal
  outreaches to different business, religious,
  political, and service agencies and
  organizations. The principal establishes
  partnerships with area businesses, institutions
  of higher education, and community groups to
  strengthen programs and support school goals.
• 10. Networks with other schools The principal
  establishes positive relationships with other
  Islamic schools and establishes networking with
  other independent schools.
• 11. Builds positive public relations The
  principal develops and maintains effective public
  and media relations.

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• GOOD LUCK IN BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY WHILE
• EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN!
• You can find this presentation andother
  resources at www.meritcenter.orgPlease contact
  us at nozgur_at_meritcenter.orgfor more
  information, other services or consultation.