Jefferson County School System believes the key to dynamic, successful schools is leadership. The District is committed to providing a systematic and ongoing training for school leaders that will develop their skills for leading schools today and tomorrow. A five-tiered approach will provide professional learning in the following areas:

foundational management skills,
personal traits for effective leading,
instructional leadership practices for improved student and adult learning,
managing a culture of change
accessing and maximizing community involvement and resources

Tier One – Professional Learning Community (APPLC)

Objective: To provide an opportunity for continual growth of current assistant principals and central office administrators. Meetings held monthly; part of each session will be a book study

Outcomes

Participants will become more knowledgeable of the traits that are necessary to be effective, successful principals
Participants will engage in practical activities that have immediate transfer to their school situations
Participants will share best practices through networking with colleagues

Tier Two – Leadership Professional Learning Community

Objective: To provide an opportunity for continual growth with a focus on instruction and school improvement planning. Monthly meetings for grads of Tier I and any principal interested

Outcomes

Part of the session each month will be a study of the book FOCUS by Mike Schmoker.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the instructional role of a school leader that includes monitoring instructional practices, data analysis, standards based professional development, quality teaching practices, and building leadership capacity within the school that results in improved student learning.
Participants will share best practices through networking with colleagues.

Tier Three – Leadership Professional Learning Community

Objective: To provide an opportunity for continual growth with a focus on leadership best practices. Four full day meetings (7:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.) that will include opportunities to network and learn from the corporate setting, visits to outstanding schools, and work with colleagues on a team project. The content of the sessions will be Diversity, Climate/Culture, Curriculum Development and Monitoring, and Strategic Planning.

Outcomes

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complex role of leading a school community in a global society
Participants will develop a network that includes leaders from the corporate sector and educational community

Tier Four – Continual Growth for Leaders with Focus on Best Practices

Outcomes

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of leading a professional learning community through district school visits and will travel to and tour the State Department of Education
Participants will develop and implement core elements of a PLC

Tier Five – First Year Principal Mentoring Provided by Tier IV Graduates

Outcomes

Participants will benefit from the advice of a professional learning community forged through shared Academy experiences and discussion, as well as from years of experience in a school leadership position