Train to Sustain: Creating Transformative Principal Pipelines

Outline

Content and Engagement:

Introduction and Overview (5 minutes)

Content: Introduction to the Aspiring Leaders Program (ALP), highlighting its partnership with SustainED Leaders and Dallas-Fort Worth area school districts. Overview of session objectives: building diverse leadership pipelines and driving curriculum adoption.

Engagement: Use a device-based poll to gauge participants’ current challenges with leadership pipeline development and HQIM adoption. Share responses to tailor the discussion based on audience needs.

Building Diverse Leadership Pipelines (10 minutes)

Content: Explore how ALP, in partnership with SustainED Leaders, fosters a diverse pool of school leaders. Discuss the importance of tailored coaching and technical expertise in urban educational settings.

Engagement: Attendees will participate in a “think-pair-share” activity, reflecting on their district's approach to leadership development. They will pair up to discuss the strengths and gaps in their current pipeline efforts and share key takeaways with the group.

Adopting HQIM with Effective Leadership (10 minutes)

Content: Overview of Dallas ISD’s adoption of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) like Amplify Reading and Eureka Math. Present the challenges faced and the strategic role leaders played in facilitating this transition.

Residency Approach: Coaching and Leadership Development (15 minutes)

Content: Dive into SustainED Leaders' tailored coaching model, including face-to-face instructional leadership training, one-on-one coaching, and technical skill-building. Highlight adaptive leadership techniques used to support Demonstration Teachers and Assistant Principals.

Engagement: Role-play activity in pairs, where one participant acts as a coach and the other as a leader navigating curriculum adoption. They will practice delivering feedback and discuss strategies for overcoming common obstacles. Conclude with a brief group debrief to discuss insights from the role-play.

Creating an Action Plan (10 minutes)

Content: Guide participants in developing a personalized action plan for building leadership pipelines in their schools or districts.

Engagement: Participants will work individually to outline their next steps for implementation. They will then pair up to share their plans and provide constructive feedback, ensuring they leave with actionable ideas.

Q&A and Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

Content: Summarize key takeaways and open the floor for questions.

Engagement: Attendees can ask questions directly or use a device-based platform for anonymous submissions. This provides an opportunity to address specific concerns and clarify strategies.

Process:
The session will be interactive and paced to maximize engagement. Activities include a mix of device-based polling, think-pair-share discussions, group case study analysis, role-playing, and peer feedback. This approach ensures attendees actively participate, reflect on their practices, and develop concrete strategies to take back to their districts.

Supporting research

1. RAND Corporation: Redesigning University Principal Preparation Programs
2. Leverage Leadership by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo
3. The Art of Coaching by Elena Aguilar
4. Breakthrough Principals: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Stronger Schools by Jean Desravines