Strengthen administrator induction by integrating it into a continuum of supports, mandating coach training and consistent coaching intervals, building program–district partnerships, and using CalAPA results to inform coaching¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 1 claim (1 mixed) · 1 study (1 associational), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The report's policy recommendations aim to tighten induction's connection to other professional learning. It recommends districts "integrate induction more clearly into a continuum of supports for new administrators," that the CTC ensure "all coaches are trained and all participants receive consistent coaching" (e.g., every 2 weeks to meet the 40-hour minimum), that non-district programs pursue program–district partnerships to reflect local priorities, and that programs use California Administrator Performance Assessment results to inform individual induction plans so they are "based on identified rather than perceived needs." It also recommends the CTC publicize program structures and costs, tailor programming to administrator roles, and bolster funding so costs are not shouldered by participants and coaches.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• State or district action to make CalAPA data accessible to induction program staff with completers' consent
• CTC emphasis on mandatory coach training and clarification of the requirement for regular coaching

Constraints¶

• The report notes many newly credentialed administrators complete induction before becoming principals, so additional support may be needed at promotion to the principalship

Target Learners¶

• Newly credentialed administrators across school, district, and nontraditional roles
• Early-career principals who completed induction before attaining the principalship

Target Learning Goals¶

• Coherent, individualized leadership development across preparation, induction, and early-career support
• Consistent, adequately funded coaching and professional development

Affordances¶

• California Job Embedded Administrator Induction Model

Claims¶

• Induction program administration, structures, and funding vary widely across California, with advertised costs from $0 to $10,000 and no dedicated state funding [~W]

Related Strategies¶

• Recommendations for adopting and sustaining high-quality coaching
• Use district-preparation program partnerships to create pathways identifying high quality educators for district leadership positions
• Meet consistently with the coach throughout the school year in dedicated one-on-one time
• Policymakers should fund and deliver authentic, job-embedded principal professional learning and remove access barriers

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Wechsler, M. E., Patrick, S. K., Thompson, C., & Levin, S. (2024). On the path to leadership: California's administrator induction programs. Learning Policy Institute. https://doi.org/10.54300/636.224