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Assessing and Developing the 21st Century Principal

The Association of Washington School Principals has adopted a nationally-researched, performance-based principal leadership assessment and mentoring process. It was initiated by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and is known in Washington state as Assessing and Developing the 21st Century Principal. AWSP administers this program to provide authentic feedback and support to assistant principals and principals within their first three years of administration, at no cost to the participating administrators. This includes administrators who move into a principal position from an assistant principal position. Financial support for this program is provided by the Washington State Legislature. The program consists of two-days of assessment and follow-up mentoring for a one-year period.

The assessment process provides each participant with accurate information about his or her leadership strengths and growth needs. This data is used by the principal to create an individualized professional development plan.

During the assessment, principal participants and a group of their peers perform a series of performance- based activities that simulate the tasks of a principal. Principals are observed as they demonstrate skills that have been identified as critical for professional success.  This includes:

• The skills to be an effective educational leader
• The skills to resolve complex problems
• The skills to communicate effectively
• The skills to develop self and others

In some of the simulation activities, principals work individually; in others they work as members of a group.  The pace is quite challenging and demanding. A staff of experienced educational leaders, usually retired principals, are the trained assessors who observe and document the work of participants. 

At the conclusion of the assessment process, a principal’s designated mentor will write an assessment report describing the principal’s leadership strengths and growth needs and then review this confidential report with the participant in a feedback session. The principal participant and the assessor-mentor will schedule future meetings and activities which will support that principal’s professional growth plan over the next year.

Principal Leadership Skills Assessed

Setting Instruction Direction: Implementing strategies for improving teaching and learning including putting programs and improvement efforts into action. Developing a vision and establishing clear goals; providing direction in achieving stated goals; encouraging others to contribute to goal achievement; securing commitment to a course of action from individuals and groups.

Teamwork: Seeking and encouraging involvement of team members. Modeling and encouraging the behaviors that move the group to task completion. Supporting group accomplishment.

Sensitivity: Perceiving the needs and concerns of others; dealing tactfully with others in emotionally stressful situations or in conflict. Knowing what information to communicate and to whom. Relating to people of varying ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds.

Development of Others: Teaching, coaching and helping others. Providing specific feedback based on observations and data.

Resolving Complex Problems

Judgment: Reaching logical conclusions and making high-quality decisions based on available information. Giving priority and caution to significant issues. Seeking out relevant data, facts and impressions.  Analyzing and interpreting complex information.

Results Orientation: Assuming responsibility. Recognizing when a decision is required. Taking prompt action as issues emerge.  Resolving short-term issues while balancing them against long-term objectives.

Organizational Ability: Planning and scheduling one’s own work and the work of others so that resources are used appropriately. Scheduling flow of activities; establishing procedures to monitor projects. Practicing time and task management; knowing what to delegate and to whom.

Communication

Oral Communication: Clearly communicating. Making oral presentations that are clear and easy to understand.

Written Communication: Expressing ideas clearly in writing; demonstrating technical proficiency. Writing appropriately for different audiences.

Developing Self

Understanding Own Strengths and Weaknesses: Understanding personal strengths and weaknesses. Taking responsibility for improvement by actively pursuing developmental activities. Striving for continuous learning.

Are you a building administrator within your first three years as an assistant principal or principal and interested in registering for assessment?

• Print a registration form    

Questions? Contact:

            Linda Thomas, Principal Leadership Support
            Association of Washington School Principals
            Phone: 360.357.7951 or 800.562.6100
            E-mail: linda@awsp.org

Last updated 10/6/08