“How would students, parents and staff describe me as a learner? What does a school look like when capacity for learning is high? How do I keep others and myself feeling positive and enthusiastic?” These questions were among many explored during the June 2007 launch of the Iowa Leadership Academy Principals Center.
Two hundred Iowa principals and assistant principals are participating in the Principals Center this year. Their experience began with a Summer Institute in Dubuque featuring national leaders Roland Barth, Richard Elmore and Alan Zimmerman. Participants created an Action Plan to apply their learning in the context of their school’s improvement goals. Support for implementing the plan is provided by a colleague, their superintendent, electronic communication and a Mid-Year Institute. Those who opt to continue their involvement will gather for a Summer Reunion on June 25-26, 2008, in Coralville; they will reconvene in Des Moines for a Mid-Year Institute in November 2008.
The Principals Center is developed “by principals, for principals.” A steering committee meets monthly to plan the events and follow-up activities. Feedback from the 2007 Summer Institute was overwhelmingly positive. Participants indicated that the experience provided opportunities for them to
• gain craft knowledge and skills that enhance my ability to advance my school’s learning
goals.” (99 percent of participants)
• be inspired, challenged and committed to the moral purpose of leading.” (100 percent of
participants)
• develop a leadership plan of action that will advance my school’s plan of action.” (99 per-
cent of participants)
• participate in networking, collaboration and coaching.” (99 percent of participants)
As one participant wrote, “The entire experience has been incredible!!! The speakers, time for reflection, entertainment, food, activities, networking, accommodations were all excellent!”
The cornerstone of the Principals Center is the commitment to implementation, on-going professional learning, and change in leadership practice. A statewide community of learners is being created and new professional relationships developed. Participants are periodically being surveyed to assess the impact of their plans on teaching practice and student learning. Feedback will be used by the steering committee to develop future programming.
How can more principals become involved in the ILA Principals Center?
A second cohort of 200 practicing Iowa principals and assistant principals will be created for 2008-09. Cohort 2 will begin its experience at a Summer Institute on June 23-25, 2008, at the Coralville Marriott. The program will be similar to that in 2007, featuring three national speakers addressing the topics of “Thinking, Doing and Being.” A reception is planned at the Kinnick Stadium Press Box. Participants will create an Action Plan, implement it throughout the 2008-09 school year, and attend a Mid-Year Institute in Des Moines in November 2008.
Cohort 1 (the group started in June 2007) were e-mailed regarding the opportunity to recommit for next year. Members will be asked to indicate their intent by the end of February.
Registration information for Cohort 2 (the new group starting in June 2008) will be sent to SAI members later in January and the application form will be available at the top of this page. The application deadline is February 29, 2008. Applications will be accepted by fax in the order they are received, up to the first 200 applications.
Cohort 1 participants and Cohort 2 applicants will be required to obtain their superintendent’s support and signature for participation in 2008-09. Superintendent support is critical to the success of the Principals Center.
As recent research suggests, principal leadership is second only to classroom instruction in its impact on student learning. The ILA Principals Center provides a unique opportunity for principals to participate in a statewide community of “lead learners.” This experience is developed through a unique collaboration among SAI, DE, AEAs, ICPEA, LEAs, and IASB, with the support of The Wallace Foundation.
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