In Missouri, project staff are collaborating with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to support the expansion of the Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS). A recent article highlighted Missouri’s efforts and success in increasing principal participation in and principal retention rates through MLDS.
As part of this work, R12CC surveyed mentors in MLDS to gauge the use of new professional learning videos, and provided a summary of the survey results. In addition, the project team continued to facilitate monthly Executive Leadership Forums with superintendents. Recent sessions focused on developing leadership in others and improving principals’ use of political, educational, and organizational levers for change.
The project team created an exploratory conceptual framework for superintendent leadership development. This conceptual framework describes the key elements of high-quality executive leadership development that are designed to significantly advance the knowledge and skills of superintendents and their effectiveness as executive leaders. The system will deliver professional learning through a blended model of in-person sessions supported with inter-session online learning modules and resources.
To support efforts to develop a Common Formative Assessment (CFA) system, R12CC staff produced a storyline of the CFA planning committee work to provide key SEA staff a way to succinctly communicate about this project. Recently, the project team drafted a blueprint for assessment and supports for Grade 2 literacy. The blueprint addresses each of the strands for the content area and reflects the priority standards identified by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This blueprint will shape the next phase of the work—developing content for assessments and supporting materials for Grade 2 literacy.