Principals' Professional Development Needs Around English Language Learners

• In Event: 14.044 - Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: 14.044-7 - Leadership and Professional Development

Abstract

As educational leaders, principals are uniquely positioned to implement policy around English Language Learners (ELLs) to improve learning outcomes for all students, engage families, provide resources and professional development (PD) around ELLs for staff, and align with state and national standards. What are principals’ levels of understanding around the educational needs of ELLs? What are principals’ professional development needs around instructional leadership for best serving ELLs? This mixed-methods study probed a small sample of principals in Washington State during the early months of the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Findings revealed that instructional leadership matters. Principals identified little time spent in ELL PD and outreach to ELL families/communities as a key need for PD.

Authors

• Belinda Louie, University of Washington - Tacoma

• Bronwyn Pughe, University of Washington - Tacoma

• Annie Camey Kuo, Stanford University

• Elin Bjorling, University of Washington