EPDP (Experienced Principals' Development Project)

EPDP – Experienced Principals Development Programme – Otago

What was EPDP?

EPDP was a programme designed for the ongoing professional development and support of experienced primary or secondary principals. It built on the basic principles of:

• Leading self learning
• Leading the learning of others
• Leading the learning of the organisation

How did it work?

Over an eighteen month period, a blended approach provided each participant with the opportunity and the tools to gain evidence-based data about their school situation. Outside facilitation enabled analysis and reflection on the data, and the development of strategies for improvement.

Who was involved?

CORE Education was the Ministry contracted provider to deliver this programme to a selected group of Otago principals. The project facilitator was Don McLeod, a secondary principal of many years' standing, backed by the expertise and technical knowledge of the CORE group.

What was in the programme?

Participants were engaged in some or all of:

Initiation phase

• EPS2.0 online review of the school
• Hermann's brain dominance online tool
• 360-degree questionnaire from community, students and colleagues
• Attending cluster workshop
• Developing plan of action with mentor
• Engaging the community of practice
• Completing a needs analysis, based on the Leadership Dimensions (Robinson), which will be developed (by the MOE)

Action Phase

• Activation of a personal plan for agreed "research on action" project
• 8 x Audio conferences (1 hour each) over 18 months as checkpoints
• Subgroup (3-4 principals) termly meeting (total x 4) for face-to-face contact
• 20 hours personal support per principal over 18 months
• Attendance in Webinar series x 4 over 18 months with "experts"
• Engagement in online community of practice for at le 1 hour / week to interact with thought leaders and colleagues (community of practice to have web2.0 elements included to suit group-wide needs)
• Reporting to facilitator regularly with reflection on progress with action plan

Review Phase

• Prepare a review of personal development and progress on action plan
• Provide critique to buddy regarding activity and outcomes
• Prepare a future focused action plan for ongoing development independently
• Attend review and celebration workshop for cluster