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June 15, 2001
Additional Resources for Administrators
By Tom Schmeltzer and Amy Poftak
Whether you're looking to learn more about professional development efforts for administrators or hoping to network with others interested in leadership issues, the following organizations provide a good starting point.
Training Initiatives
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has launched the State Challenge Grants for Leadership Development, which will disperse $100 million to provide superintendents and principals with professional development focused on creating a high-performance learning environment through technology integration. To see winning proposals, links to the first round of grant winners are available at the Web site. Applications for 2001 must be submitted by June 15.
The California School Leadership Academy provides staff development programs for California administrators and teachers in leadership positions, with a focus on practices that guide and direct student improvement.
In addition, CSLA runs an Executive Leadership Center for California superintendents centered on the theme of large-scale organizational change. CSLA also offers customized ELC programs for school superintendents in other states.
The Indiana Principal Leadership Academy provides professional development opportunities for principals in the state of Indiana; and it serves as a national model for school leadership training. The academy also has developed IPLA LIVE!, a series of streaming profesional development video Webcasts available to anyone who has Internet access.
The Princeton Center for Leadership Training offers training that prepares administrators, teachers, and parents to implement school reform, with strategies concentrating on structural changes and instructional leadership. Training typically begins with a two- or three-day retreat, with follow-up training over the course of several months.
Association Offerings
The National Association of Elementary School Principals Leadership Academy has designed programs and events-from single-day workshops to conferences-for keeping up with the latest developments in education and improving leadership and management skills. The site features an open discussion forum as well as a members-only idea exchange.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals offers a variety of resources for leadership development. In addition to online courses, their Web site includes a downloadable "21st Century School Administrator Skills Self-Assessment"; a development guide to help users analyze the self-assessment to construct professional growth activities; and tips on finding a mentor or coach to provide feedback for leaders as they work on their skills.
The National Staff Development Council, which has developed standards to guide school-based staff development at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, offers a self-assessment and planning tool for professional development; customized staff development programs; and a long-term training academy for administrators, teachers, nonprofit leaders, and others interested in facilitating change within their organization.
Research and Reform
The nonprofit Center for Leadership in School Reform features a Web site with tips and resources for enacting reform, including surveys for assessing your district's capacity and staff satisfaction. Additionally, CLSR hosts two online communities: the Standard-Bearer School District Network and the BellSouth/CLSR Superintendents Leadership Network.
The Institute for K-12 Leadership, is a joint partnership between the University of Washington and WestEd to develop, exchange, and evaluate ideas, strategies, and initiatives. Although the institute's early work will be concentrated in the WestEd region, their long-term goal is to build a variety of online and on-site projects that will make new models and best practices available to school leaders across the nation.
The Technology Information Center for Administrative Leadership, backed by the California Department of Education, is a collection of resources created by and for practicing administrators interested in implementing technology in schools. Data-driven decision making, integrating technology into standards-based curriculum, technology planning, professional development, and other focus areas include a range of resources.
Amy Poftak is executive editor of T&L.
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