1. The APS Model for Creating Urban School Principals Kathy M. Augustine Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Beverly L. Hall, Ed.D. Superintendent SMHC-CPRE November 18, 2008

2. Student enrollment ~ 49,142 (85.98% African American, 8.37% Caucasian, 4.10% Hispanic,.93% Multi-racial,.59% Asian,.03% American Indian/Alaskan) Total number of teachers ~3463 Total number of employees ~ 6,358 76.14% students qualify for free or reduced lunch FY09 operating budget ~ $661.6 million District Fast Facts Data Provided By APS Fast Facts 2008-2009 And District FY09 Operating Budget

3. Headlines Atlanta Public Schools Transforms AJC 8/20/08 Spellings: “You’re a model for the country!” (NAEP scores) 11/15/07 APS outperforms state in AYP, closing achievement gap 7/25/08 APS Named Title I Distinguished District 1/4/08 GE Awards APS $22 Million for Math and Science Instruction 10/30/07

4. Historical Perspective 1999 - Dr. Beverly L. Hall named superintendent 50% practicing principals projected to retire by 2006 Current aspiring leadership candidates were unprepared to implement system’s comprehensive reform agenda. The principal’s role was changing to instructional leader. New and aspiring leaders needed formal development, induction, mentoring and support.

5. Comprehensive Reform Plan Comprehensive school reform models Bold interventions to close the achievement gap Supportive accountability system State-of-the-art business and operations processes, technology, and facilities

6. Building Capacity of Leaders Senior-level team examined the prevailing needs, existing conditions and available resources. –In-depth assessment of the organization –Starfish Report Strategic decision to develop an in- house program to address APS’s unique leadership needs Wallace Foundation – Project LEAD grant

7. SABLE Program Overview Two year performance-based instructional leadership development program Approximately 20 - 25 internal candidates per cohort Senior district leaders shape program design, selection process, and act as mentors. Grounded in research-based best practices

8. SABLE Program Overview Year 1 - Understanding Self, District, and Best Practices in Leadership Year 2 - Learning in Action: Year long project, Master Principal Mentor Year 3 - Executive Coaching

9. Leadership Development Focus Self Mastery –Defining your purpose –Values and beliefs as a leader –Conflict resolution –Group process facilitation Impact Others –School-based leadership –Understanding school culture –Facilitative and Distributive Leadership –Data Driven Accountability Focus Forward –Interview Clinic –Presentation and Business Communication Skill Development –Expert Panels

10. Ongoing Program Development Flexibility is the key to SABLE’s ongoing success. Instructional leadership consultants provide the theoretical perspective. APS senior leaders in Curriculum and Instruction, Business, and Operations provide the district-specific context.

11. Program Assessment Successful SABLE promotions –Since inception, 135 graduates –Approximately 50% promoted –23 current APS principals Annual progress report and independent evaluation for Wallace Foundation Focus groups, participant work products and anecdotal evidence –Quality of internal candidates –Systemic culture shift to focus on continuous learning –Student Achievement (ultimate goal)

12. SABLE: Next Steps Needs Assessment: –Long-term leadership needs –Detailed data on SABLE graduates. –Internal career paths to principalship. –Post-SABLE professional learning –Increase time with master principals Align SABLE with new state certification requirements

13. Principal Induction Process Begins at superintendent’s annual retreat Principal partner acts as mentor and coach Executive directors of schools provide individual and group support

14. 2008 AYP Results APSState Elementary93.4% (57)76.7% Middle72.7% (16)64.8% High40.0% ( 8)47.8% Overall78.6% (81)68.7%

15. Voices of SABLE Participants Dr. Shirlene Carter, Principal Maynard Jackson High Dr. Karen Barlow-Brown, Principal Peyton Forest Elementary Mr. Brian Mitchell, Principal Mary Lin Elementary

16. Voices of SABLE Participants