The March 13, 2009, Center partnership meeting featured a panel discussion and presentation. After introductory comments the focus of the presentation was on the SAMS initiative and how it is improving principal leadership, a key issue in educational reform efforts to close the achievement gap and to enhance school performance and teacher retention. Erika Hunt, IL-SAELP Director, began by introducing herself and the Illinois State Action for Education Leadership Project (IL-SAEP). IL-SAEP is a state institution that focuses on outcome based standards, strengthening leadership training for principal preparation programs, a school climate study of issues that impact the working conditions for administrators and teachers and team-based professional development including the School Administrative Manager (SAMS) initiative. Information is available here. Roberta Hendee, Assistant Director LUDA, then discussed the Large Unit District Association Program (LUDA). LUDA is open to all Illinois unit school districts that serve 3,500 or more students, pre-k-12th grade. LUDA currently serves more than half of Illinois’ public school districts. Hendee discussed how the SAMS project is working in partner schools within LUDA. Click here for more information about LUDA. Mark Shellinger, SAMS National Expansion Coordinator, introduced the SAMS Project. The purpose of the SAMS project is to show principals how they use their time and move principals from a managerial role to one of instructional knowledge. A power point presentation was given and the audience was divided into small groups for an exercise and discussion.
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