The Principals’ Preparation Academy/Richmond City Public Schools
Program Description
The Principals’ Preparation Academy (PPA) is typically comprised of 20-25 currently sitting Assistant Principals in Richmond, who aspire to the position of building Principal, and who agree to attend and participate in all Academy activities and requirements.
Virginia Standard(s) Addressed
By the end of the year-long program, all ISLLC will have been coveredProgram Goals and Objectives
Emphasis on leadership training in this program takes two roads. First, AP’s share in a series of theoretical presentations, through the Center for Leadership at the University of Richmond, where they become grounded in the philosophical applications for leadership roles. The second aspect of training takes them down a pragmatic road. During these sessions they become familiar with the specific goals and objectives of their school division, as well as with procedures, policies and best practices. The presenters for the second portion of the program are RPS professionals. Our goal is to expand the world-view of our Assistant Principals, provide stimulating research, discussion and writing opportunities, and refine their leadership perspectives so that when an opening arises, we will have prepared a strong cohort of principal candidates.
Program Format
The PPA meets monthly from September through June of each year. Full day sessions occur at the University of Richmond approximately seven times throughout the school term. Six other sessions, from 8:00 a.m. – 11”00 a.m. occur at the Richmond Technical Center. These are our “nuts and bolts of administration” workshops. Participants respond to topics introduced at theoretical sessions by submitting their essays online via Blackboard. The essays are reviewed by the program Director.Target Audience
The target audience for this Academy is the current population of Assistant Principals in Richmond who wish to be considered as future building principals.Self-Selection and/or Identification Through School Division
Beginning in March, the Office of Professional Development mails flyers to the schools, encouraging AP’s to apply to the Academy. Additionally, new AP’s are placed in the program by their Directors. A cohort of applicants participates in a selection process designed by VCU and RPS together. This is a series of mini-assessment activities that are scored by rubric and submitted to the Director of Professional Development, along with an application packet containing letters of recommendation and references.Duration of Program
The program’s duration is one school year.
Outcomes Measured
Measurement will be based on evaluation by the University of Richmond, as well as the incidence of promotions from within the cohort when positions become available. We will be soliciting feedback directly from our participants, as well, to guide us in next year’s format and curriculum.
Program Evaluation
Evaluation will be conducted by the University of Richmond as well as by participant self-assessment via survey.
Contact Information
Betsy Roberson
Director of Professional Development
Richmond City Public Schools
301 North Ninth Street Richmond, Virginia 23219
Phone 804-780-7775
Fax 804-780-6988
broberso@richmond.k12.va.us