How registered principal apprenticeships are filling gaps 1 year in

North Dakota education leaders say they rolled out the model to better address teacher shortages and improve student achievement.

Published July 31, 2024

Anna Merod Reporter

Education Dive

In the article "How Registered Principal Apprenticeships are Filling Gaps One Year In," Anna Merod explores the impact of the federal registered principal apprenticeship program in addressing principal turnover, teacher shortages, and overall school climate improvement. This model, implemented with the help of U.S. Department of Labor funds, allows aspiring principals to pursue a master’s degree while receiving on-the-job training under the mentorship of an experienced principal.

Addressing Principal Turnover and Teacher Retention

Research indicates that principal turnover negatively impacts teacher retention and student achievement. The registered principal apprenticeship model aims to retain and enhance the quality of principals, thereby improving school culture. By supporting principals through structured training programs, schools can create better working conditions, foster a positive environment, and provide more opportunities for both students and staff.

Implementation in North Dakota

North Dakota was the first state to receive federal approval for this program in July 2023. The state launched the program in response to critical teacher shortages and the realization that many teachers left the profession due to a lack of support from school leadership. The apprenticeship program targets administrators like assistant principals, instructional coaches, and special education directors, excluding teachers due to scheduling conflicts with required training hours.

The program is funded through $150,000 in federal Title II Supporting Effective Instruction state grants. Participants' salaries are covered by their districts, while all other costs, including tuition for a school leadership master’s program at North Dakota State University or the University of North Dakota, are funded by the state.

Benefits and Return on Investment

The program has shown significant benefits and a high return on investment. Over the past year, North Dakota has covered the degrees and training for 11 apprentices for $150,000, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of such programs when implemented efficiently. The goal is to ensure that principals receive quality training and a true clinical internship experience.

Developing Principal Apprenticeships

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction and the National Center for Grow Your Own released a playbook in June to guide other states and districts in developing similar programs. Key recommendations include creating detailed memorandums of understanding with higher education institutions and school districts, and focusing on program accountability, outcomes, and success measures.

Expansion to Other States

Following North Dakota's lead, states like Rhode Island, Ohio, and Virginia are set to launch their own registered principal apprenticeship programs. The model’s success in North Dakota and other states is expected to inspire more widespread adoption across the country.

Case Study: Ector County, Texas

Texas' Ector County Independent School District became the first individual school district to implement the registered principal apprenticeship model. The district has seen significant success with its teacher apprenticeship model, reducing its teacher vacancy rate from 18% to 1% over five years. The principal apprenticeship program aims to replicate this success by developing leadership from within the district.

Conclusion

The registered principal apprenticeship program presents a promising solution to principal turnover and teacher retention issues. By investing in leadership development, schools can create a more supportive and effective educational environment. The success of the program in North Dakota and its expansion to other states demonstrate its potential to make a significant impact on the U.S. education system.

For further details, the full article is available at K-12 Dive.

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com

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