HomeMy WebLinkAboutMEM-053500.7 Aspiring Principals Program 2025-2026.pdf
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
MEM-053500.6
Human Resources Division
Page 1 of 6
June 3, 2024
TITLE: Aspiring Principals Program 2024-2025 ROUTING
All Certificated
Employees
All Locations
NUMBER: MEM-053500.6
ISSUER: Francisco J. Serrato, Ed.D.
Chief Human Resources Officer
Human Resources Division
DATE: June 3, 2024
PURPOSE: The purpose of this Memorandum is to outline the procedures necessary for
qualified candidates to apply for the Aspiring Principals Program (APP):
Cohort XII.
The Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) primary promotional
pathway for principal positions is through the successful completion of the
APP. The APP: Cohort XII is a targeted professional development program
aligned to the LAUSD School Leadership Framework (SLF) and the LAUSD
2022-26 Strategic Plan in the areas of data-driven instructional and
operational leadership. The program is grounded in the SLF professional
learning standards, including Leadership and Professional Growth, Change
Management, Instruction, Culture of Learning and Positive Behavior, Family
and Community Engagement, and Systems and Operations. Highly qualified,
equity driven leaders are essential to accelerating student achievement. This
comprehensive program focuses on developing transformational school
leaders prepared to meet the challenge of improving outcomes for all
students.
To be placed in the LAUSD three-year eligibility pool for principal positions,
candidates must successfully complete the APP by attending all sessions,
completing assignments, and passing the In-Basket Examination. The In-
Basket Examination is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates a
candidate’s ability to apply the learnings from the program in the areas of
instructional and operational leadership. Qualified candidates who are
endorsed and interested in a principal position for the 2025-2026 school year
should consider applying to the program. Note that participation in this
program does not waive minimum District requirements for principal
positions.
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
MEM-053500.6
Human Resources Division
Page 2 of 6
June 3, 2024
I. PROGRAM DETAILS
The Aspiring Principals Program is a 45-hour cohort-based program for
LAUSD employees who aspire to assume the role of principal.
Participants will experience learning in a Hybrid Model consisting of
Synchronous (2.5 hours bi-weekly via Zoom or Face-to-Face) and
Asynchronous (2 hours bi-weekly) work via the My Professional
Learning Network (MyPLN) platform. Approximately five of the
Synchronous sessions will be held via Zoom and the other five will be
held face-to-face. APP participants build their leadership capacity
through self-reflection, group discussions, and extensive practice with
real-life scenarios. During each session, the content is presented by
practitioners in the field who are familiar with the role of the principal in
leading the work. After each Synchronous session, participants will
complete Asynchronous assignments.
Synchronous Schedule (Dates, times, location, and topics are subject to
change):
Time/Location: 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Via Zoom or Face-to-Face (at a central location)
DATE STRATEGIC PLAN TOPIC
October 9,
2024
Strategic Plan Pillar 5:
Investing in Staff
Priority 5D:
High Performance
Standards
SLF-Standard 1- Leadership and
Professional Growth
Topic
• Leading, Implementing, and
Sustaining a Vision for
Student Success
October 23,
2024
Strategic Plan Pillar 3:
Engagement and
Collaboration
Priority 3D:
Honoring Perspectives
SLF-Standard 2-Change
Management
Topic
• Leadership Qualities and
Dispositions of Effective
Principals
November 6,
2024
Strategic Plan Pillar 2:
Joy and Wellness
Priority 2A:
Welcoming Learning
Environments
SLF-Standard 4-Culture of Learning
and Positive Behavior
Topic
• Overseeing School Site
Operations to Ensure Safe
Learning Environments
November 20,
2024
Strategic Plan Pillar 1:
Academic Excellence
Priority 1A:
High-Quality Instruction
SLF-Standard 3-Instruction
Topic
• Leading Rigorous and
Relevant Professional
Development to Support
Effective Teaching Practices
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
MEM-053500.6
Human Resources Division
Page 3 of 6
June 3, 2024
DATE STRATEGIC PLAN TOPIC
January 8,
2025
Strategic Plan Pillar 5:
Investing in Staff
Priority 5D:
High Performance Standards
SLF-Standard 2-Change
Management
Topic
• Working with Staff
Relations to Ensure
Effective Performance
Management
January 22,
2025
Strategic Plan Pillar 4:
Operational Effectiveness
Priority 4C:
Sustainable Budgeting
SLF-Standard 6-Systems and
Operations
Topic
• Implementing Sustainable
and Equitable School
Budgets
February 5,
2025
Strategic Plan Pillar 3:
Engagement and
Collaboration
Priority 3A:
Strong Relationships
SLF-Standard 5-Family and
Community Engagement
Topic
• Engaging and Empowering
Family and Community
Members
February 19,
2025
Strategic Plan Pillar 2: Joy
and Wellness
Priority 2C:
Strong Social-Emotional
Skills
SLF-Standard 1-Leadership and
Professional Growth
Topic
• Designing and Sustaining
Welcoming, Safe, Affirming,
and Inclusive Learning
Environments
March 12,
2025
Strategic Plan Pillar 5:
Investing in Staff
Priority 5A:
Diverse Workforce
SLF-Standard 6-Systems and
Operations
Topic
• Investing in All Staff
March 26,
2025
Strategic Plan Pillar 1:
Academic Excellence
Priority 1C:
Eliminating Opportunity Gaps
SLF-Standard 4-Culture of Learning
and Positive Behavior
Topic
• Maintaining High
Performance Standards
Other Dates: October 7, 2024, Introductory Meeting
Week of April 7, 2025, In-Basket Examination
May 14, 2025, Closing Ceremonies
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
MEM-053500.6
Human Resources Division
Page 4 of 6
June 3, 2024
II. ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to apply, applicants must meet the following requirements:
● Eight years of successful full-time certificated service in a public
school.
● Two years of service in an administrative or supervisory position
utilizing an administrative services credential, such as assistant
principal or equivalent position by June 30, 2024.
● At least three years as a teacher in a PreK-12 program or Early
Education Center; or (for Adult Schools) at least two years as a
teacher or counselor at a secondary school or adult school.
● A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
● A valid California Administrative Services Credential.
● A valid California Teaching Credential.
Note: Employees who have been issued a Below Standard
Performance Evaluation, a Notice of Unsatisfactory Act(s), a Notice of
Unsatisfactory Service, and/or Suspension shall be ineligible for
application to the program for one calendar year following the issuance
of such a Notice or Evaluation.
* Alternative Requirements for Pilot School Candidates:
One of the following to be completed by June 30, 2025:
o One year of service in an administrative or supervisory position
utilizing an administrative credential, such as assistant principal or
equivalent position.
o Three (3) years of verifiable full-time experience in non-classroom
leadership positions (such as coordinator, instructional coach, or
dean).
A portion of this time may include the following:
a) Experience as a lead teacher and successful completion of an
Aspiring Principals Program sponsored by the Human Resources
Division.
b) Experience as a member of a Pilot School Design team and
successful completion of an Aspiring Principals Program sponsored
by the Human Resources Division.
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
MEM-053500.6
Human Resources Division
Page 5 of 6
June 3, 2024
Requirements for Early Education Center Candidates:
● At least three years of successful full-time services as a teacher or
in an administrative or supervisory position in a public school child
development program, licensed child day care center, preschool, or
elementary school (K-3);
● A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university;
● A valid California Administrative Services credential authorizing
services at a preschool level OR a Child Development Program
Director Permit;
● Completed at least 4 semester units of equivalent study in
Multicultural Education coursework.
All minimum requirements must be met before the APP application
filing deadline. For questions about your eligibility, please contact
Edwin Hernandez at (213) 241-6886.
III. APPLICATION PROCESS
To be considered for this program, use the checklist and submit the
following:
☐ A current résumé (2 pages maximum)
☐ A letter of intent (1 page maximum) describing leadership
experiences with the following:
● Ensuring equity for all students
● Delivering high quality professional development
● Engaging families and community as partners
Please download the following Word formatted attachments from
the LAUSD e-library:
☐ The APP Self-Assessment and Scenarios (Attachment A),
☐ The Supervisor’s Endorsement (Attachment B).
All materials (letter of intent, résumé, Attachments A and B) must be
submitted via the following link: https://bit.ly/24APPApp no later than
3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024.
PLEASE NOTE: Applications that are incomplete, did not follow the
specific directions, or are received after the deadline will not be
considered.
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
MEM-053500.6
Human Resources Division
Page 6 of 6
June 3, 2024
RELATED
RESOURCES:
To view responses to questions regarding the application process, go to
https://bit.ly/24APPFAQs.
ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A-Self Assessment and Scenarios
Attachment B-Supervisor’s Endorsement
ASSISTANCE: For further information, please contact Rosie Elmore, rguerr9@lausd.net,
Administrative Coordinator, Educator Development and Support.
ATTACHMENT A
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
DUE DATE:
Friday, August 23, 2024
by 3:00 p.m.
Submit all materials via
https://bit.ly/24APPApp
ASPIRING PRINCIPALS PROGRAM
APPLICANT’S SELF-ASSESSMENT AND SCENARIOS INSTRUCTIONS
Purpose
The Self-Assessment and Scenarios are intended to be used as a reflection tool to guide the
applicant in assessing readiness for the principal position.
Directions
● Self-Assessment:
o Respond to four of the six prompts by writing specific descriptions of situations you
encountered, tasks you were assigned or volunteered for, actions you took, and the
results that were achieved.
o For the four prompts you selected, rate your level of proficiency using the rubric
descriptors in the School Leadership Framework (SLF).
o Respond in 200 words or less using an 11-point font.
● Scenarios:
o Respond to both scenarios ensuring you address all parts of the prompt.
o Respond using 250 words or less using an 11-point font.
Resources
● Link to the APP Application Rubrics (résumé, letter of intent, Self-Assessment, and
Scenarios)
● Link to the LAUSD School Leadership Framework
Supervisor’s Endorsement
● Schedule an informal meeting with your immediate supervisor to discuss the following:
o Their observations and assessments of your experiences,
o Your readiness to effectively carry out the duties of the position of principal as measured
by the SLF, and
o Their willingness to endorse you for this program.
● If your immediate supervisor is willing to endorse you for the program, share your responses
to the Self-Assessment and Scenarios (Attachment A) with your supervisor for review.
Additionally, upload the Supervisor’s Endorsement (Attachment B) with your supervisor’s
“wet” signature to the following link https://bit.ly/24APPApp.
MEM-053500.6
Human Resources Division
Page 1 of 4
June 3, 2024
ATTACHMENT A
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
ASPIRING PRINCIPALS PROGRAM
APPLICANT’S SELF-ASSESSMENT AND SCENARIOS
As you complete the APP Applicant’s Self-Assessment (1) respond to four of the six prompts candidly and
accurately describing experiences you have had so far in your career, (2) for the four prompts you selected,
rate your level of proficiency using the rubric descriptors in the School Leadership Framework (SLF), and
(3) respond in 200 words or less, using an 11-point font. The SLF can be accessed by clicking here.
Element 1A1: Demonstrates personal and professional ethics,
integrity, and judgment.
Limited to
No
Experience
Yet
Developi
ng Effective Highly Effective
Describe a specific time when you modeled ethical behavior and
integrity in interactions within and outside the school and
administers school policies. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Please download the Word-formatted Attachment A from the LAUSD eLibrary and type your response in
the attachment. Ensure that you respond in 200 words or less.
Element 2C1: Uses data to determine school-wide priorities and
goals.
Limited to
No Experience Yet
Developi
ng Effective Highly Effective
Describe a specific time when you used classroom-level and/or
school-wide data to determine goals aligned to the school’s vision
of high expectations. This could include how you collaborated
with a team to use data.
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Please download the Word-formatted Attachment A from the LAUSD eLibrary and type your response in
the attachment. Ensure that you respond in 200 words or less.
Element 3A2: Ensures high-quality professional development that
results in implementation of effective pedagogy.
Limited to
No
Experience Yet
Developi
ng Effective Highly Effective
Describe a specific time when you provided high-quality
professional development and resources to support teachers in
modifying their pedagogy. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Please download the Word-formatted Attachment A from the LAUSD eLibrary and type your response in
the attachment. Ensure that you respond in 200 words or less.
MEM-053500.6
Human Resources Division
Page 2 of 4
June 3, 2024
ATTACHMENT A
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
ASPIRING PRINCIPALS PROGRAM
APPLICANT’S SELF-ASSESSMENT AND SCENARIOS
Element 4A2: Manages respectful conflict resolution in the school
community.
Limited to
No Experience Yet
Developi
ng Effective Highly Effective
Describe a time when you created or maintained a professional
environment where most staff and family members communicated
differences of opinion in a respectful manner.
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Please download the Word-formatted Attachment A from the LAUSD eLibrary and type your response in
the attachment. Ensure that you respond in 200 words or less.
Element 5A1: Engages community and family members and
involves them in leadership opportunities.
Limited to
No
Experience
Yet
Developin
g Effective Highly Effective
Describe an example in which you provided opportunities for
parents to participate/assume leadership opportunities. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Please download the Word-formatted Attachment A from the LAUSD eLibrary and type your response in
the attachment. Ensure that you respond in 200 words or less.
Element 6C2: Ensures that school decisions adhere to relevant
district policies and comply with legal requirements.
Limited to
No
Experience Yet
Developin
g Effective Highly Effective
Describe a time when you had to review District policies and legal
requirements to guide an important decision. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Please download the Word-formatted Attachment A from the LAUSD eLibrary and type your response in
the attachment. Ensure that you respond in 200 words or less.
MEM-053500.6
Human Resources Division
Page 3 of 4
June 3, 2024
ATTACHMENT A
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
As you complete the APP Applicant’s Scenarios: (1) respond to both scenarios ensuring your
address all parts of the prompt, and (2) respond using 250 words or less using an 11-point font.
For your reference, the SLF can be accessed by clicking here.
Scenario 1
Element 3a3: Creates collaboration structures that support ongoing development.
As the Principal of Western Middle School, you notice that many teachers are not collaborating and
sharing their ideas with one another during department/grade level meetings. Your goal is to make this
designated planning time as productive as possible.
● What are your immediate actions?
● What systems could you put in place to ensure opportunities for teams of teachers to collaborate
for their own professional growth and in support of student learning?
Please download the Word-formatted Attachment A from the LAUSD eLibrary and type your response
in the attachment. Ensure that you respond in 250 words or less.
Scenario 2
4a2: Manages respectful conflict resolution in the school community.
It was brought to your attention that a group of teachers confronted the evening custodial staff to
complain about the lack of classroom cleanliness. The custodial staff told them that some of the
classrooms are so dirty and the cleaning schedule does not allow for a more in-depth cleaning. Both
groups would like to meet with you.
● What are your immediate actions?
● What systems might you put in place to promote a respectful resolution of conflicts schoolwide?
Please download the Word-formatted Attachment A from the LAUSD eLibrary and type your response
in the attachment. Ensure that you respond in 250 words or less.
MEM-053500.6
Human Resources Division
Page 4 of 4
June 3, 2024
ATTACHMENT B
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
DUE DATE:
Friday, August 23, 2024
by 3:00 p.m.
Submit all materials via
https://bit.ly/24APPApp
ASPIRING PRINCIPALS PROGRAM
SUPERVISOR’S GUIDE
TO MANAGING THE ENDORSEMENT PROCESS
Your role in the Aspiring Principals Program endorsement process is to support the development of future
leaders who possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and judgment to be considered for the position of a
principal. Your determination should be made based on your observation and assessment of the individual’s
work performance as described by the LAUSD School Leadership Framework (SLF).
1. Review each SLF element of the candidate’s APP Applicant’s Self-Assessment and Scenarios and
determine whether the applicant’s descriptions of experiences accurately reflect their readiness to
further influence student outcomes and achievements in a principal position. When reflecting on the
applicant’s aptitude for performing effectively as a principal in the 2025-2026 school year, consider
your personal observation of the quality of their work, job-related judgment, and the experiences the
applicant described in their responses.
2. Complete Attachment C, Supervisor’s Endorsement indicating your decision on whether to provide
your endorsement. Applicants who do not demonstrate readiness, as described by the SLF, should not
be endorsed at this time.
3. Once you have made your determination of the applicant’s readiness, meet with the applicant to discuss
your determination to endorse or not to endorse.
● If endorsing the applicant, return the completed and signed Supervisor’s Endorsement Page and the
APP Applicant’s Self-Assessment and Scenarios to them. Begin a discussion about areas of school
leadership where more experiences and exposure might best prepare the applicant for future
success as principal.
● If the applicant is not endorsed, discuss areas that need further development and collaboratively
consider a growth strategy that will provide the applicant with the appropriate professional
experience to be able to develop competencies in those areas.
Individuals who receive an endorsement from the supervisor and who are successful in the paper screening
process will be invited to participate in an interview. Those individuals who are successful in the interview
will have the opportunity to participate in the APP: Cohort XII. Candidates who successfully complete the
program by attending all sessions, finishing all assignments and related assessments, and passing the
culminating In-Basket Examination will be placed in the LAUSD three-year eligibility pool for principals.
To view responses to questions regarding the application process, go to http://bit.ly/24APPFAQs.
MEM-053500.6
Human Resources Division
Page 1 of 2
June 3, 2024
ATTACHMENT B
LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
ASPIRING PRINCIPALS PROGRAM
SUPERVISOR’S ENDORSEMENT PAGE
APPLICANT’S NAME: Click or tap here to enter text.
CURRENT POSITION: Click or tap here to enter text.
CURRENT SUPERVISOR
Name: Click or tap here to enter text. Phone: Click or tap here to enter text.
Title: Click or tap here to enter text. Location: Click or tap here to enter text.
Email: Click or tap here to enter text.
☐ THIS INDIVIDUAL HAS MY FINAL ENDORSEMENT
I, as the supervisor of the applicant listed above, unequivocally support this applicant’s
readiness based on the applicant’s aptitude for assuming the responsibilities of the principal
position. Also, I will serve as a mentor by providing access to critical (non-confidential)
information for the applicant to review, reflect upon, and refine in preparation for serving as
principal (e.g., budget, master program, classroom observations, job shadowing, etc.)
The decision to endorse this applicant has been made based on my observations and
assessment of the applicant’s job performance and my review of their APP Applicant’s Self-
Assessment and Scenarios. I reviewed the School Leadership Framework to substantiate my
decision. I certify that I have met with the applicant and discussed my determination to
endorse.
Please note: A “wet” signature is required in order for the candidate to be considered for
the program.
SUPERVISOR’SSIGNATURE:
DATE:
MEM-053500.6
Human Resources Division
Page 2 of 2
June 3, 2024