The Design of a Leadership Support System: A Case of District-Wide Coaching

• In Event: Developing School and District Leaders Through Coaching

Abstract

This paper responds to a gap in our empirical and conceptual knowledge regarding how school systems might design organized, systematic support to leaders. We present a research-based framework for potentially productive leadership support system designs in school districts. We then show how such a support system might be designed, using evidence drawn from a qualitative case study of a district that created such a system for its instructional coaches. While aimed at a particular type of mid-level leader, we also consider implications of the design for other types of leaders.

Authors

• Joanna Michelson, University of Washington

• Michael S. Knapp, University of Washington