1. On the Path to Leadership: California's Administrator Induction Programs
- Author
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Learning Policy Institute, Marjorie E. Wechsler, Susan Kemper Patrick, Charlie Thompson, and Stephanie Levin
- Abstract
California has a two-tiered credential structure for education administrators. The first tier is the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. An individual who has completed all requirements for a preliminary credential but does not have an offer of employment in an administrative position may apply for a Certificate of Eligibility, which does not expire. Once an individual secures an administrative position, the holder of a Certificate of Eligibility may apply for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. The second tier is the Clear Administrative Services Credential. To receive the Clear Administrative Services Credential, individuals must successfully complete a 2-year induction program. The state's 2-year induction model focuses on job-embedded, individualized support that includes: (1) coaching with a trained coach for at least 40 hours per year, (2) personalized professional development for at least 20 hours per year, and (3) multiple assessments that capture competency toward the practices outlined in the state's professional standards for administrators. These assessments include an initial assessment to inform a participant's individual induction plan, benchmark assessments to measure progress over the course of the program, and a summative assessment to demonstrate that participants have completed program requirements and to support programs in recommending participants for the clear credential. This report explores the landscape of new administrator induction in California using statewide survey data and case studies of administrator induction programs. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), which accredits and oversees all administrator induction programs, conducts a program completer survey asking about administrators' experiences with their induction programs and overall preparedness when they apply for their clear credential. This report analyzes 4 years of survey data from 6,812 administrators who completed induction between September 2017 and August 2021. It also draws on qualitative data from six case studies of administrator induction programs that were highly rated on the program completer surveys to highlight exemplary structures and practices.
- Published
- 2024