The APS Model for Creating Urban School

Principals

Kathy M. AugustineDeputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Beverly L. Hall, Ed.D.Superintendent

SMHC-CPRE November 18, 2008

• Student enrollment ~ 49,142(85.98% African American, 8.37% Caucasian, 4.10% Hispanic, .93% Multi-racial, .59% Asian, .03% American Indian/Alaskan)

• Total number of teachers ~3463

• Total number of employees ~ 6,358

• 76.14% students qualify for free or reduced lunch

• FY09 operating budget ~ $661.6 million

District Fast Facts

Data Provided By APS Fast Facts 2008-2009And District FY09 Operating Budget

Headlines

• Atlanta Public Schools Transforms AJC 8/20/08

• Spellings: “You’re a model for the country!” (NAEP scores) 11/15/07

• APS outperforms state in AYP, closing achievement gap 7/25/08

• APS Named Title I Distinguished District 1/4/08

• GE Awards APS $22 Million for Math and Science Instruction 10/30/07

Historical Perspective

• 1999 - Dr. Beverly L. Hall named superintendent

• 50% practicing principals projected to retire by 2006

• Current aspiring leadership candidates were unprepared to implement system’s comprehensive reform agenda.

• The principal’s role was changing to instructional leader.

• New and aspiring leaders needed formal development, induction, mentoring and support.

Comprehensive Reform Plan

• Comprehensive school reform models

• Bold interventions to close the achievement gap

• Supportive accountability system

• State-of-the-art business and operations processes, technology, and facilities

Building Capacity of Leaders

• Senior-level team examined the prevailing needs, existing conditions and available resources.– In-depth assessment of the organization

– Starfish Report

• Strategic decision to develop an in-house program to address APS’s unique leadership needs

• Wallace Foundation – Project LEAD grant

SABLE Program Overview

• Two year performance-based instructional leadership development program

• Approximately 20 - 25 internal candidates per cohort

• Senior district leaders shape program design, selection process, and act as mentors.

• Grounded in research-based best practices

SABLE Program Overview

Year 1 - Understanding Self, District, and Best Practices in Leadership

Year 2 - Learning in Action: Year long project, Master Principal Mentor

Year 3 - Executive Coaching

Leadership Development Focus

• Self Mastery– Defining your purpose– Values and beliefs as a leader– Conflict resolution– Group process facilitation

• Impact Others– School-based leadership– Understanding school culture– Facilitative and Distributive Leadership– Data Driven Accountability

• Focus Forward– Interview Clinic– Presentation and Business Communication Skill

Development– Expert Panels

Ongoing Program Development

Flexibility is the key to SABLE’s ongoing

success.

• Instructional leadership consultants provide the theoretical perspective.

• APS senior leaders in Curriculum and Instruction, Business, and Operations provide the district-specific context.

Program Assessment

• Successful SABLE promotions – Since inception, 135 graduates– Approximately 50% promoted– 23 current APS principals

• Annual progress report and independent evaluation for Wallace Foundation

• Focus groups, participant work products and anecdotal evidence – Quality of internal candidates– Systemic culture shift to focus on continuous learning

– Student Achievement (ultimate goal)

SABLE: Next Steps

• Needs Assessment:– Long-term leadership needs– Detailed data on SABLE graduates.– Internal career paths to principalship.

– Post-SABLE professional learning– Increase time with master principals

• Align SABLE with new state certification requirements

Principal Induction Process

• Begins at superintendent’s annual retreat

• Principal partner acts as mentor and coach

• Executive directors of schools provide individual and group support

2008 AYP Results

APS State

Elementary 93.4% (57) 76.7%

Middle 72.7% (16) 64.8%

High 40.0% ( 8) 47.8%

Overall 78.6% (81) 68.7%

Voices of SABLE Participants

Dr. Shirlene Carter, PrincipalMaynard Jackson High

Dr. Karen Barlow-Brown, PrincipalPeyton Forest Elementary

Mr. Brian Mitchell, PrincipalMary Lin Elementary

Voices of SABLE Participants

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