Administrator Entry Year Programming: A Cross Institutional Pilot Program--Process, Program Descriptions, and Lessons Learned

Abstract

This paper reviews processes used to develop a cross institutional, pilot administrator entry year program which provided leadership and learning support for beginning principals, assisted in further development of Ohio's administrative portfolio, provided a collaborative learning community, and created a statewide learning community to help reshape the principal's role. The program relied on the cluster as the level in which to develop mentor-mentee relationships, professional networking, and a portfolio for submission to the Educational Testing Service. First-year program evaluation examined the views of the Coordinating Committee, facilitators, mentors, and mentees about the program and investigated how major program components compared with independent standards for those type of components and examined program value as a means for beginning principals to fulfill requirements for the 5-year license, develop portfolios for assessment, and develop support programs for professional growth and development. Second-year evaluation investigated and identified seven significant program components and functions. Most mentors and mentees stayed with the program through its duration, which indicated perceived program value and success. The Coordinating Committee maintained collegial relationships between the Northeast Ohio graduate programs that prepared educational administrators. It also grew over the term of the pilot. (Contains 17 references.) (SM)