Preparing of Education Leaders by Dr. Sally Earnest
Posted by cloetz on Feb 25, 2008
As an educator who got into campus administration by the “back door” and then began working toward an administrator’s certificate, it is extremely refreshing to see the emphasis now being placed on leadership training for principals. Many assistant principals and principals are teachers one day and administrators the next day without the benefit of training other than watching how other principals led and managed our campuses. For some, the modeling was top-notch. For others, it wasn’t. Preparation programs include courses in various areas of campus management and educational issues, but many have been using the same curricula for years. As research in both education and business focus on the importance of leadership and as accountability is driving our educational area, it is timely that leadership programs & academies for principals raise their standards so that the principals are taught skills utilizing current research and trends in school leadership, organizational management, instructional focus, data analysis, strategic planning, effective communication, best practices, and building collaborative processes.
With more districts removing or changing principals when schools don’t meet state standards, why not first ensure that principals have been given strong preparation before giving them positions.
Georgia is one state that is taking action in requiring higher standards for principal ship training (EdWeek,December 19, 2007) Additionally, Arkansas has a long-standing Principals’ Academy. At the recent National Council of State Legislators, a roundtable was devoted to principal preparation and leadership.
The Wallace Foundation as an executive summary, “How leadership influences student learning.” The authors (Leithwood, Louis, Anderson & Wahlstrom) report that “leadership not only maters: it is second only to teaching among school related factors in its impact on student learning.” Congratulations to states and organizations that are moving from just talking about “instructional leadership” to taking action on providing our current and future educational leaders with the tools they need.
Sally I couldn’t agree more. Texas initiated a Leadership Academy via TEPSA that focused on these type initiatives. They selected 40 Principals from across the state to serve as their core group. Research would indicate that we need to spend 20% of our time in Professional Development and this initiative brought in top leaders like Tom Gusky and Ruby Payne to train Principals on being true change agents in their respective districts. Christy Chambers, current President of CASE and Superintendent in McHenry, IL has developed an entire PD strand around leadership and effective teams. I believe it’s entitled “Leading with Heart - so you can avoid Cardiac Arrest.” I’m encouraged that leaders ofstates, districts, leaders are recognizing that effective and long term change is not influenced simply by test scores and sub-groups but rather by meaningful relationships/leadership that focus on student success via the route of relevant professional development.