Leadership Preparation Program Features and Graduates' Assessment of Program Quality

• In Event: School Leadership Preparation Programs: What Are We Missing? How to Make Them Better?

Abstract

Educational leadership preparation programs (LPP) vary greatly in terms of recruitment and selection of candidates, curriculum focus, instructional strategies, program delivery, internship practices, and program assessment and evaluation. Using multiple-year survey data collected from individual graduates and LPPs, this study examines the relationships between specific LPP elements and program quality. Results show that graduates rated their programs of high quality when the programs are cohort-structured, have strong local partnerships, and rely on field-based assessment. The current study deepens our understanding of the pivotal role of preparation programs in improving LPP quality, which can inform decisions on how we prepare future leaders.

Authors

• Yongmei Ni, University of Utah

• Jiangang Xia, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Diana G. Pounder, University of Utah

• Andrea K. Rorrer, University of Utah

• Michelle D. Young, Loyola Marymount University