The U.S. education system is facing severe challenges, including student learning loss, declining academic performance, a youth mental health crisis, and increasing absenteeism. Yet these challenges also provide a catalyst for transformational change. But a new paradigm for education cannot be done without the support for transformative school leaders. This paper advocates for reimagining the role of principal as pivotal agents of change, moving beyond outdated managerial frameworks to empower them as visionary leaders. It outlines innovative policy solutions, or “big bets,” aimed at reshaping principal preparation, support systems, and responsibilities. These proposals call on educators, policymakers, and communities to embrace new models of school leadership that can drive lasting success for students and schools.
Authors
- PROGRAM
- Education and Society Program
- Pages
- 9
- Published in
- United States of America
Table of Contents
- In recent years the United States education system has faced unprecedented challenges placing school principals at the epicenter of a perfect storm. 2
- 1. Reimagining Principal Preparation through a West Point Model 3
- 2. Launching Principal State Policy Implementation Boards 3
- 3. Mandatory Director of Operations Role 3
- 4. Fostering Data-Driven Leadership Data Camp for Principals 3
- 5. Transforming Principal Licensure 3
- Big Bet 1 Reimagining Principal Preparation through a West Point Model 4
- Big Bet 2 Launching Principal State Policy Implementation Boards 5
- Big Bet 3 Mandatory Director of Operations Role 6
- Big Bet 4 Fostering Data-Driven LeadershipData Camp for Principals 7
- Big Bet 5 Transforming Principal Licensure 8
- 1. Alignment with Prioritized Leadership Standards 8
- 2. Performance-Based Assessments 8
- 3. Continuous Stakeholder Evaluation and Improvement 8
- 4. Transparent Criteria and Multiple Measures 8
