OM 513 - Professional Development in Training Process

This course examines the leader’s tasks in building the capacity of staff and the problems of practice that are rooted in the human context of the Level 4 Scenario School, especially when one is a newly appointed principal. The course builds on the understandings and skills developed in the previous three foundational courses and confronts participants
with the problems inherent in setting an agenda for change among the stakeholders. Working in teams as the collective principal, participants review all facets of the school organization as they grapple with the complex requirements of the task. Readings and presentations support the need for a systematic approach while research reviews suggest a variety of strategies for the undertaking, most especially the power of using collaborative teams to provide the type of ongoing support and guidance teachers need to address the new expectations posed by the CCSS standards, as well as the accountability mandates that a low-performing school must address. Participants work on building consensus as each team develops a year-long plan to develop the staff ‘s capacity to move the school forward. In this capstone project for the Summer Intensive, each team presents its plan to a panel of district administrators who vet the plan and provide substantive feedback on its feasibility.

Credits: 3