Research Report

Collaborating on University Principal Preparation Program Redesign

Rebecca Herman, Elaine Lin Wang, and Susan M. Gates
June 2022 | Wallace Foundation and RAND Corporation

This report from the Wallace Foundation and the RAND Corporation summarizes findings from university principal preparation programs that have been redesigned using the Wallace Foundation’s University Principal Preparation Initiative (UPPI). UPPI redesigns included Quality Measures (a research-based program self-assessment tool and process), logic model development, alignment to existing state or national standards, mentor programs, and professional learning communities. Positive findings include more targeted recruitment; greater program coherence; more authentic, intentional, and personalized clinical experiences; and increased collaboration. The report highlighted challenges faced by programs undergoing UPPI-based redesigns as well, discussing issues with splitting ownership of program courses, the need for orientation and support as the use of district-based adjunct faculty increased, and the amount of time it took to carry out redesign work. Overall, the report makes clear that improving principal preparation programs is feasible and necessary. Principal preparation program leaders may find this report particularly enlightening.

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