An evaluation of a development program for new principals

Abstract

The evaluation of a program designed to assist principals recently appointed to their positions is the focus of this article. Researchers conducted a variety of qualitative assessments including focus group interviews, a review of training session feedback forms, participant reflective writing, and an assessment of training materials and program agendas. Researchers analyzed this data to look for aspects of participant knowledge, skills, and applications of program information. Participant feedback provided insights into program benefits and needed refinements. Article provides insights into assessment tools that people responsible for delivering principal support programs could consider to provide them with a more comprehensive examination of their program than traditional session feedback forms provide. Article also provides program recommendations that other program designers could consider to improve their existing principal support programs. © 2010: John F. Eller and Nova Southeastern University.