LEAP is a competency-based research program that is aligned to the NYC DOE School Leadership Competencies and uses problem-based and action research learning methodologies to simulate the role of the principal. Case study learning fosters effective collaboration and critical reasoning in order to tackle the constant change of a complex educational system, including addressing competing initiatives and financial constraints.
The curriculum is divided into a variety of phases, that include, but not limited to:
- Summer Intensive
- Weekly Classes
- Residency
- Other Leadership Learning opportunities
Summer Intensive
In preparation for the job-embedded experience, apprentices participate in a summer intensive program where they engage in personal leadership discussions that build upon individuals' mental model, habits, and leadership style. Apprentices will self-reflect, identify leadership strengths and challenges, and develop their educational vision towards addressing the achievement gap. Apprentices will engage in a series of sessions were they will explore in a variety of topics that include, but are not limited to:
1. Learning Leader: Learning, Reflecting and Modification
2. Instructional Manager: Understanding operations and resources
3. School Culture and the Dynamics of Relationships
4. College and Career Readiness: Data analysis, inquiry process, bridging the gap
5. Curriculum Development: Common Core State Standards and Assessments
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LEAP Residency
The LEAP Residency is at the heart of the program and is aligned to the leadership competencies. It is where theories are turned into practice and provide each apprentice with a learning leader model. There are several components to the residency. The Leadership Competency Plan, Teacher Development and engaging in school teams to impact student achievement.
A. The mentor principal, a LEAP Faculty member and the apprentice will develop a
Leadership Competency Plan, which includes, but is not limited to:
1. Leadership goals based on the work in the summer intensive reflections
2. An action plan that will address how the apprentice will meet his/her leadership goals
3. The role of the LEAP Faculty member and Mentor Principal in supporting the resident
B.
Teacher Development to Impact Pedagogical Practice
Resident will work with teachers to support and enhance pedagogical practice as it relates to their competency goals. They will be expected to observe teachers, provide professional learning and foster a culture collaboration.
C.
School Teams to Impact Student Achievement
Residency will include opportunities for apprentice to engage in school improvement activities, i.e. inquiry team, school leadership team, department team facilitator, and/or Quality Review process. This engagement should be aligned with the Leadership Competency Plan.
To find out more about what the qualifications and responsibilities are for a LEAP mentor principal, please see
FAQ’s for mentor principals.
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LEAP Faculty will lead weekly sessions to build upon the Summer Intensive Curriculum, the Competency Plan goals, and align the work to Children First Network (CFN) Cluster initiatives. Sessions include, but are not limited to; looking at the leadership competencies as a reflective tool on leadership development, engage in professional dialogue on education reform, text-based discussions, using and learning about protocols to deepen understanding.
LEAP Faculty will support the differentiated development of apprentices’ leadership capacity by providing specific feedback using the Five School Leadership Competencies listed below:
| Personal Leadership |
Foster a culture of excellence through personal leadership |
| Data |
Use data to set high learning goals and increase student achievement |
| Curriculum and Instruction |
Leverage a deep knowledge of curriculum, instruction and assessment to improve student learning |
| Staff and Community |
Develop staff, appropriately share leadership, and build strong school communities |
| Resources and Operations |
Manage resources and operations to improve student learning |
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Other
During the course of the program, we may provide additional learning experiences.
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