NGL (Next Generation of Leaders) | Chesterfield County Public Schools and Chesterfield County Executive Leadership Team in Partnership with the University of Richmond's Jepson School of Leadership and the School for Continuing Studies
Program Description
As one of the largest districts in the state, Chesterfield County's need for highly trained, skilled principals mirrors national trends: CCPS Human Resources Department estimates that over 40% of Chesterfield's senior administrators will retire before 2010. To increase the supply of highly skilled candidates and to provide opportunities for professional advancement within the district, the Next Generation of Leaders program will provide a second level of training above the current traditional administrator preparation programs. In partnership with the University of Richmond's Jepson School of Leadership and the School for Continuing Studies, this program provides training in best practices in leadership to elementary and secondary assistant principals who are preparing to move to a higher level of responsibility. The three-component program design combines an academically rigorous, hands-on Leadership Curriculum with a strong mentoring component. Part One - Leadership seminars consist of four half-day and two full-day seminars focusing on two tracks: skills and reflection. The reflection track examines the major conceptual framework of what it means to be a transforming leader. This examination encompasses such ideas as historical perspectives on leadership, change management, and the ethics of leadership. The skills portion of the program focuses on developing data-driven decisionmaking, legal issues and requirements, knowledge of research based instructional practices and other competencies of a leader as outlined by the ISSLC standards. Part Two - Summer Symposium focuses on a leadership book study and team building exercises with assigned mentors. Mentors receive training during this time. Part Three - Mentors provide ongoing support through telephone, electronic mail and personal meetings throughout the year. A minimum of four shadowing days provides opportunities for program participants to experience a variety of leadership styles. Program participants meet regularly as a community of peers with the mentor team to discuss, reflect and share experiences.Virginia Standard(s) Addressed
Planning and Assessment (ISLLC standard 3)Instructional Leadership (ISLLC standard 1)
Safety & Organizational Management for Learning (ISLLC standards 2 & 3)
Communication & Community Relations (ISLLC Standard 4)
Professionalism (ISLLC standards 5 & 6)
Program Goals and Objectives
By the end of this program participants will demonstrate the ability to apply an expanded knowledge base regarding leadership, management and instructional strategies that is based on research and best practices - ultimately supporting our vision for the year 2012 - "every Chesterfield school will be a thriving, dynamic and inspiring educational environment that produces self-directed learners and stimulates citizens of all ages to trust in, invest in, and benefit from public education."Program Format
Sessions will take place on campus with content presentation by university faculty members and/or Chesterfield Leaders. Required pre-reading is expected as a means to engage participants in discussion and as preparation for interactive share session activities. A written reflection paper or case study serves as a follow-up applied application for each session topic. Each participant is required to post work on the university blackboard for review by other cohort members and instructors. For the mentorship, participants will maintain a personal journal reflecting on shadowing experiences and cohort discussion sessions.Target Audience
This program is for assistant principals in grades kindergarten through twelve. An application must be submitted by the individual and then a review committee. The Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Director of School Improvement and the Director of Leadership make the recommendation for acceptance into the program.Self-Selection and/or Identification Through School Division
No (not as planned in the pilot program)/yes.Duration of Program
Sessions I - V (four hours per session) focus on the theoretical aspects of leaders' topicsSessions VI - X (four hours per session) focus on the applied leadership including tools that the school administrator will need in moving from the vision to the mission of the county's school system
Symposium - One full-day (eight hour) including introduction to mentor program and leadership book study
Mentorship - Four months including one shadowing experience per month and one cohort meeting per month.
Outcomes Measured
During the course of the yearlong program, data will be collected after each training and event, including seminars, shadowing days and cohort meetings. At the end of each training seminar, participants will complete a short evaluation form to provide immediate feedback to project staff and faculty. A Likert-type survey with open-ended questions will be completed by program participants at the beginning of the first seminar and again at the end of the curriculum portion of the program to assess self-perceived changes in knowledge. Participants will also complete a mentor contact log and reflective journal to document interactions and thoughts regarding the program.Program Evaluation
Our goal is to secure an independent faculty member with the University of Richmond to serve as the program evaluator. It will be requested of this evaluator to design surveys and interview questions, collect the data, and provide reports on a quarterly basis to the Project Manager.Contact Information
Dianne H. Smith, Director of Leadership
Chesterfield County Public Schools
9900 Krause Road
Chesterfield, Virginia 23832
Phone: 804 717-6911
Email: dianne smith@ccpsnet.net