Project Summary

The Principals’ Leadership Network (PLN) was formed to conduct action research on developing solutions to the problems faced by today's K-12 principals. The network has supported collegial relationships, guided professional growth, and fostered collaboration among principals. The key benefit of the program has been the sharing of ideas and best practices through regular meetings, workshops, and forums, and linking members with similar needs.

The PLN has hosted a series of summits to improve principals’ leadership skills and address their identified needs. These summits have allowed principals to share their experiences with others who might benefit from hearing about the use of improvement and instructional strategies in a variety of settings, with elementary principals learning from high school principals and rural school principals learning from urban principals. All discuss the PLN’s special projects to learn from them and strengthen them. Past summit topics have included: defining instructional leadership and the future of the principalship; collaborative leadership roles of principals; accountability and instructional leadership; and leadership in learning communities.

See also:

• Knowledge Loom Spotlight: Principal as Instructional Leader

Publications related to this project:

• The Principals' Leadership Network: Reportings from Across the Region
• Chronicles: A History of the Development of the Principals' Leadership Network
• Making the Case for Principal Mentoring
• Meeting of Minds Along the Merrimack: Principals Networking to Enhance Instruction