School Leaders’ Challenges: The Promise of a Developmental Approach—Lessons From a Longitudinal Look

• In Event: Assessment and Evaluation of Educational Leadership Programs

Abstract

In light of educators’ increasing adaptive challenges and the pressing need for school leaders to more effectively support adults to meet these demands, this paper describes longitudinal, mixed-methods research investigating how a university leadership preparation course on leadership for adult development (LTL) influenced graduates’ leadership practice many years later. To illuminate the challenges that developmentally-minded leaders face today, as well as promising approaches for supporting their growth-enhancing work, this paper describes LTL graduates’ a) most pressing leadership challenges related to building adult capacity, b) current strategies for managing these obstacles, and c) requested supports to help them lead even more effectively. This paper concludes with implications for professional learning opportunities (preparation and in practice), educational leaders, and policy.

Authors

• Jessica Blum-DeStefano, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Eleanor E. Drago-Severson, Teachers College, Columbia University