Program Model

Unique Approach

While most principal professional development focuses on building the individual capacities of principals, the distinctive SLN approach focuses on developing a principal’s ability to lead targeted school-wide reforms as powerful change agents. SLN’s approach develops strong collaborative communities of principals engaged in action research; capable of mobilizing principals to take strategic actions to improve school cultures, teacher performance, and ultimately student achievement.

Using the SLN research-based curriculum, school leaders engage in dynamic dialogues grappling with the complex challenges of student achievement, teacher capacity and other leadership issues.

SLN’s Program Model includes Network learning experiences that are guided by the principles of action research and adult learning theory, the use of Instructional Rounds, and provides principals with the sustained ongoing support they need to make systemic change in their own school climate and community.

SLN networks convene after school to best maximize the time and the needs of the school leader. This provides the cognitive distance necessary for reflection and problem solving as well as the opportunity for collegial learning and influence. Between meetings, the program includes ongoing communication and dynamic dialogue between members and with their Facilitator to provide continuous support for their transformational change efforts, sustained learning and sharing of best practices.

Research-Based Program Model

SLN’s Program Model incorporates the latest research from The Wallace Foundation, 15 years of research by Dr. Richard Elmore at Harvard, the study of numerous networks across the country including the Connecticut Center for School Change, NLNS New York City networks and Chicago’s Network for College Success and the National Standards for School Leaders from the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC). Contributions from renowned experts dedicated to program design, research and evaluation are incorporated on an ongoing basis.

The program is delivered only by SLN trained Facilitators and Regional Program Directors. Chosen only after successfully completing a rigorous national selection process, they are trained on national best practices in school leadership, facilitative, personal, and instructional, as well as coaching and the use of data.