Activity

This activity encourages each education leader to read, view, and research the revised Professional Standards for Educational Leaders 2015 (PSEL 2015). “As derived from the values, wisdom, and research of the profession, PSEL 2015 represents a significant advancement in guiding principals and other educational leaders’ work” (Murphy & Smylie, 2016). Review the resources, read the articles, gauge your accountability, evaluate your current practices, and spread the word. Improving practice and building capacity in yourself and all stakeholders focuses the school community on the academic success and well-being of each student, the primary responsibility of school leaders and a pillar of PSEL 2015.

Resources for Self-Development and Practice Alignment

  • Murphy, J. & Smylie, M.A. (2016). What the new educational leadership standards really mean. Principal Leadership, 16(9), pp. 34–39. Retrieved from https://www.nassp.org/2017/08/02/what-the-new-educational-leadership-standards-really-mean/
  • National Policy Board for Educational Administration (2015). Professional Standards for Educational Leaders 2015. Reston, VA: Author. Retrieved from https://www.wallacefoundation.org/knowledge-center/Documents/Professional-Standards-for-Educational-Leaders-2015.pdf
  • NASSP (2016). The 2015 Professional Standards for Educational Leaders: Introduction and Implications [webinar]. Retrieved from https://www.nassp.org/event/the-2015-professional-standards-for-educational-leaders/
  • NASSP (2016). Unpacking the 2015 Professional Standards for Educational Leaders [webinar]. Retrieved from https://www.nassp.org/event/unpacking-the-2015-professional-standards-for-educational-leaders-formerly-isllc/

Extend and Apply

Distribute links and/or copies and set up a viewing station with a computer, screen, and internet connection. Lead discussions with your administrative, leadership, and/or steering committee team(s). Provide all prospective leaders in your school with an opportunity to share and discuss the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of the PSEL 2015. Lead a discussion that compares the national standards with those in your state or district.

Consider the Building Ranks dimensions listed under Building Culture and Leading Learning. Work with your team to identify where these dimensions are aligned to the PSEL 2015. Now, consider the strengths you have identified for yourself and for the team and discuss how they may be used to impact professional growth plans, appraisals, and any future plans for school improvement.