Preparing Leaders for Effective Special Education (PLESE) | School of Education, School Leadership Institute, and T/TAC at the College of William and Mary in partnership with the School-University Research Network (SURN), a consortium of 26 Virginia school districts
Program Description
The Preparing Leaders for Effective Special Education (PLESE) Program promotes instructional leadership of school and district leaders in improving learning of students with special needs. The annual program features multiple one-day interactive workshops facilitated by T/TAC and SURN staff, faculty of the School of Education at the College of William and Mary, the Virginia Department of Education and school practitioners. Program sessions facilitate action planning for integration of research-based strategies into professional practice.
Virginia Standard(s) Addressed
Virginia Standards Addressed: Interstate School Leadership Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) Standards and Virginia Standards for Administrators are addressed with a strong emphasis on Instructional Leadership.
- Planning & Assessment (ISLLC standard 3)
- Instructional Leadership (ISLLC standard 1)
- Safety & Organizational Management for Learning (ISLLC standards 2 & 3)
- Communication & Community Relations (ISLLC standard 4)
- Professionalism (ISLLC standards 5 & 6)
Program Goals and Objectives
By the end of this program, participants will demonstrate the ability to:
- Apply strategies that support collaboration and inclusive practice.
- Identify and apply research-based instructional practices.
- Review and improve school-wide discipline policies and practices.
- Plan and facilitate standards-based professional development at the school site.
- Participate in a community of learners and expand network of professional practitioners.
Program Format
- SURN Superintendent Advisory Board identified the focus and need for the program.
- Three six-hour seminars are conducted in the fall.
- Districts register leadership teams of principals and teacher leaders or individuals register and pay fee.
- Participants receive certificates of participation for recertification points.
- School and district teams are offered resources to implement at their sites what they've learned through the seminars.
The content targeted for the sessions with principals, district administrators, and teacher leaders emphasizes the following:
- What does highly qualified teaching mean in co-teaching and inclusive practices?
- What should principals look for in effective instruction, inclusion, and schoolwide and classroom management?
- How can principals create a collaborative culture?: Strategies for high quality professional development include allocating and protecting time and other resources for school-based professional development that promotes colleague sharing and building collaborative skills.
How can principals be attuned to the overrepresentation of certain student populations in special education and still serve the instructional needs of all students
Target Audience
- School leadership teams participate: principals, assistant principals and teacher leaders in content areas and special education.
- Division special education administrators also participate.
Self-Selection and/or Identification Through School Division
Yes/yes. Information about this program is sent to superintendents but the program is marketed widely and participants may self select.
Duration of Program
Three six-hour seminars.
Outcomes Measured
- Active participation in all seminars
- Written responses to reflection and application activities
Program Evaluation
- Participants complete evaluations at the conclusion of each session.
- Participants complete an overall evaluation at the conclusion of the series of sessions.
- PLESE staff and SURN focus groups review the evaluations to inform planning for future programs.
Contact Information
Dr. Jan Rozzelle, Director
School Leadership Institute
School of Education
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Phone: 757.221.2336
Fax: 757.221.7676
Email: mjrozz@wm.edu
Web: http://web.wm.edu/education/sli