The Flexible Routes to Headship pilot programme has been operational for 9 months involving 30 participants across 5 local authorities. A unique feature of the programme is the support provided for each participant by a Professional Development Coach. This support is currently focussed on each participant’s Professional Learning Plan constructed following self evaluation against the Standard for Headship.

Timescales
Assessment criteria and performance examples are now being used to assess the first submissions from participants. The Coach assumes a formative role by using the guidelines to assess the submission and to feedback to the participant. It is anticipated that around half of the participants will complete a reflective commentary and portfolio of evidence by the end of January’08 which will be formatively assessed. A final submission in late March ‘08 precedes a professional interview on the participant’s learning journey relating to the Standard for Headship 4.3 Personal Qualities and Interpersonal Skills.

The final stage in the assessment process will be during May 2008 with participants, on successful completion, being recognised as having achieved the Standard for Headship. The remaining participants are expected to present for interview during October 2008.

Ongoing contact
Each cohort (10 participants) is continuing to network through regular formal meetings on agreed themes relating to leadership development. This networking is considered by the participants to be a strength of the programme to allow support and the sharing of good practice. Network meetings continue to be arranged and facilitated by the cohort Coach.

The Coach also continues the practice of individual 1:1 coaching support for each participant on a regular basis and on other occasions determined by individual need.

Evaluation

Internal evaluation indicates that participants view this coaching support to be of significant value as they progress towards achieving the Standard for Headship.

We are now involved in the first stages of an external evaluation to be conducted by a team involving the Universities of Cambridge and Glasgow. The research team is led by Professor John MacBeath (Cambridge), Professor Peter Gronn (Glasgow) and Professor Christine Forde (Glasgow).All stakeholders in the pilot will have an opportunity to contribute to the evaluation.

The future and some lessons so far

Further leadership development training programmes are arranged, the first in November’07 and involving all participants. We are responding to the reflections of participants who have expressed a common professional development need around leadership and coaching skills. An interesting connection can be made here between Flexible Routes and developments at Local Authority and school level on the process of creating a coaching culture to develop leadership at all levels and facilitate school improvement. The emphasis in the Flexible Routes pilot relates to recognising individual choice and individual professional development needs. Aspiring headteachers determine their own professional learning plan in dialogue with the Headteacher and Coach. Coaches assume responsibility to respond flexibly in supporting these individual needs.

As always comments are very welcome.

Categories: Coaching and mentoring, Flexible routes to Headship
Tags: coaching, Flexible routes