Is State-Mandated Redesign an Effective and Sustainable Solution?

Abstract

There is a pervasive and ongoing perception that leadership preparation is a problem. Important questions remain about the intentions, capacity, and impact of state departments of education engaged in leadership preparation program redesign. In this essay, I take up several issues concerning this state policy work, including whether a one size fits all approach to redesign is appropriate, whether the approaches taken by states have had the intended impact on preparation and leadership practice, and whether state departments of education have the capacity to shoulder the responsibility of translating and implementing policy as well as supporting preparation program redesign.