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Abstract

The Lowell Leadership Academy is a 12-year-old partnership between the University of Massachusetts Lowell and the Lowell Public Schools. The university organizes full-day monthly sessions and a week-long summer institute that provide professional development for Lowell's 60 administrators. In addition to providing collegial support, reducing isolation, and strengthening leadership skills and knowledge, the academy has also influenced policy development and curricular and instructional reform in the district. Since the academy's inception in 1985, it continues to serve as an important forum as the city of Lowell experiences major demographic changes, economic downturns, shifting political contexts, and education reform mandates. This article describes the academy's history and growth, its mission and methodology, and its promise as a resource for urban school districts.

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