School Administrator System of Support: A School District Principal Professional Development Model

• In Event: Leading and Learning: Examining Principal Development and Evaluation

Abstract

School principals have a significant impact on student achievement and need to be prepared and developed if districts want to impact student achievement outcomes. This case study examined the practices and systems that school districts use to support principal professional development (PD). The findings indicate a lack of leadership development via a systemic framework across districts that provides principal PD and support throughout a continuum. Districts need to reexamine their principal supervision structure and utilize the School Administrator System of Support model developed by the researcher to intentionally plan for and develop the varied needs of principals throughout their leadership career. A systematic approach to principal PD ensures educational equity and equity in the growth and development of all leaders.

Authors

• Suzanne Rodriguez, California State University - Fresno

• Jennifer Watson, California State University - Fresno