Principal Preparation Program

Program Description

The Principal Preparation Program (P3) is designed to prepare a select cohort of experienced Austin ISD assistant principals and academy directors to successfully enter the principalship.  A rigorous selection process will facilitate the inclusion and preparation of the best future principal candidates from among Austin ISD’s assistant principals.

Objectives

• To facilitate the professional growth of Austin ISD instructional leaders and positively impact their current and future leadership roles

• To build a cadre of well-prepared, equity-focused school leaders who successfully transition into Austin ISD principal positions

Cohort Membership Criteria

Principal Preparation Program cohort members will be eligible for the yearlong academy using the criteria outlined below:

• Current AISD campus administrator (assistant principal/academy director)

• Two years of campus administrator experience (including the current year)

• Selection based on interview and principal recommendation

• Previous P3 members are not eligible to apply

Program Components

Professional learning experiences will take various forms, including the following:

• Full Day Monthly Meetings

These face-to-face learning sessions will focus on core content to prepare aspiring principals for future positions. Leadership Development and periodic guest instructors will facilitate the learning. All content is based on the Leadership Framework with a focus on equity.

• Coaching Sessions (one per semester)

Cohort members will meet for one-on-one virtual coaching sessions with Leadership Development. Additional coaching is available on an as-needed or as-requested basis.

• New AP Mentoring

Each cohort member will be assigned 1-2 new assistant principals to support throughout the year. New APs will work at a different campus than the P3 

member.  Communication with  APs should be monthly.  P3 members should respond to additional requests for assistance.

• Leadership Pathways

Each cohort member will collaboratively score Leadership Pathways submissions in the fall and spring. Members will receive specific training for scoring the 

pathway they select.

• AP Assessment Center

Cohort members are expected to participate in at least one AP Assessment Center as an assessor. Supporting this work is a valuable learning experience that prepares cohort members for navigating the Principal Assessment Center.

Cohort Selection 

• Call for applications takes place in April and announcement of upcoming cohort takes place in May.

• Recommendation Form from Current Principal

• Interview