RAPPS is a comprehensive leadership development program focused on preparation of principals for high poverty and remote Alaska schools, and support for those who are currently serving in those schools.

Component I:  Rural Alaska School Leadership Development (UAA)

This component prepares principals to lead rural, high-poverty Alaska schools.  Input from rural superintendents and principals, plus partner experts, will be used to enhance the University of Alaska Anchorage Educational Leadership Program (UAA) courses with theory, knowledge and skills needed for success in rural Alaska schools.  All of the courses can be delivered via distance delivery.

Component II:   Principal Induction Program (AACP)  

Component I graduates and other principals new to Alaska who become rural school principals will be given support by specially trained coaches from the Alaska Administrator Coaching Program (AACP).  These coaches –similar to mentors for beginning teachers– help the new principals, via distance delivery and on-site presence, with organizational and facilitation skills, teacher observation and evaluation, using data to improve instruction, and effective school-level and classroom-level practices.

Component III: Professional Development for Practicing Principals (EED)

The third component is for meaningful professional development for practicing principals who lead schools in districts that the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (EED) has identified as high need.   The professional development will be delivered by a combination of AACP and EED coaches and project partners (McREL, Measured Progress), mostly through distance technology.

Participant Goals Summary

We intend to serve, at minimum:  55-60 new principals graduated; 175 or more new principals receive induction coaching; at least 80 experienced principals receive educational leadership professional development.

Project Partner Contact Information

Alaska Staff Development Network

Website: http://www.asdn.org/

Kelly Tonsmiere, Director

2204 Douglas Highway

Douglas, AK 99824

Phone:  907.364.3809

Fax:  907.364.3805

University of Alaska Anchorage Educational Leadership Program

Website: http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/coe/programs/leadership/

Susan Garton, Professor

UAA Education Leadership Program          

Phone: 907.230.2734

Alaska Administrative Coaching Program

Website:  http://aacp.pbworks.com/FrontPage

Carol G. Kane, AACP Lead Coach

Gary Whiteley , AACP Project Director

Phone: 907.746.9300

Fax: 907.746.9301

Alaska Department of Education and Early Development

Website: http://www.eed.state.ak.us/

Les Morse - Deputy Commissioner

Jonathan Paden - State System of Support Administrator

P. O. Box 110500

801 West 10th Street, Suite 200

Juneau, AK 99811-0500

Phone: 907.465.8720

Measured Progress

Website:  www.measuredprogress.org

Deb Farrington, Professional Development Specialist

Julia Payne-Lewis, Professional Development Specialist

100 Education Way

Dover, NH  03820

Phone:  800.431.8901

Fax:     603.749.6398

Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning Laboratory

Website:  http://www.mcrel.org/

Cherie Lyons, PhD - Principal Consultant

4601 DTC Blvd., Suite 500

Denver, CO 80237-2596

Phone: 303.632.5537

Fax: 303.337.3005