Best Practices
Developing Effective Principals
by Barbara W. Thompson
Critical Principal Skills
-influence teacher efficacy
-establish a positive environment for teaching and learning
-promote professional collaboration
-promote and support the development of teachers
-focus resources and organizational systems toward teaching and learning
-Enlist the involvement and support of parents and community stakeholders
Exemplary Program Components
- Selective & rigorous recruitment
- Pre & Post Skill Assessment
- Extended Mentor Internship
- Differentiated Principal Experiences
- Cohort Model
Superintendent's Perspective on Principal Preparedness
- Understanding the range of job demands
- Setting the instructional direction
- Development of others
- Experience in collaborative relationships
- Articulation of vision and goals
- Functional use of personnel strategies
- Knowledge of differentiated instructional practices
- Time management
References
Cray, Martha, and Spencer C. Weiler. "Principal Preparedness: Superintendents Perceptions of New Principals." Journal of School Leadership 21.6 (2011) 927-945.ERIC. WEB. 11 Sept. 2014
Darling-Hammond, Linda and Stephen H. Davis. "Five Innovative Principal Preparation Programs." Planning and Changing. 43, 1/2 (2012) p. 25-45.
Gray, David L. and Joel P. Lewis. "Lessons Learned in Preparing Principals to Become Instructional Leaders". International Journal of Educational Leadership Preparation, Vol. 8, No. 1-March 2013 pp. 140-143.
Huang, Tiedan, et al. "Preparing School Leaders; What Works?" Planning and Changing. 43. 1-2 (2012): 72-95, ERIC WEB. 11 Sept, 2014.
Klar, Hans W., and Curtis A. Brewer. "Successful Leadership in High Needs Schools: An Examination of Core Leadership Practices enacted in Challenging Contexts". Educational Administration Quarterly 40.5 (2013): 768-808.Education Research Complete. WEB, 11 Sept, 2014.