Principal Induction and Training Within Conversion Charter Schools

Given the national problem of retaining principals, the increased efforts to turn around failing schools, and the call for charter school operators to play a part in school turnaround efforts, this project developed the framework for a principal induction program and a framework for a professional development program for new charter high school principals within a school conversion project.

It addressed the typical problems principals face in their first year as well as the added complexities charter school principals face within a conversion project in which a large high school is divided into a series of small, autonomous charter schools.

This study examined the challenges of first-year principals within a start-up, urban charter high school conversion project.

The sample was comprised of five first-year principals, a second-year principal, and the principals' cluster director (coach and supervisor).

My research design involved the collection of qualitative data through the use of the following: action research team sessions, weekly principal journals, interviews, observations of principals performing their daily tasks, and observations of coaching sessions between first-year principals and the cluster director.

During the first action research meeting, the principals identified four challenges they faced during their first year: prioritization, creating sustainable systems and processes, creating a new school culture, and planning effective professional development.

My findings suggest that there are specific skills required of conversion school principals.

My findings also suggest that there are specific ways in which principals within a start-up conversion project should be supported.

Principals in the study reported positive changes in behavior in each of the four challenge areas as a result of better alignment of the training they were provided to the four challenges, experience on the job, one-on-one coaching sessions, and collaboration with colleagues.

Observation data and interview data further supported the changes in behavior reported by principals.

A framework for an induction and first-year training program for principals within a start-up conversion project was created by the action research team using the four challenges identified by principals in the study as well as the supports and activities that brought about positive changes in behavior as guideposts.