A Standards-based Approach to Catholic Principal Preparation: A Case Study

Abstract

Illinois’ recent redesign of the principal certification program requires the integration of the Interstate School Leaders Licensure (ISLLC) standards as well as the Southern Regional Education Board Critical Success Factors standards into the coursework and internship, establishing a focus on preparation for instructional leadership. The alignment to secular standards poses a challenge for Catholic institutes of higher education who seek to prepare aspiring Catholic school principals to be instructional, managerial, and faith leaders (Ciriello, 1994). During their own redesign, Loyola University Chicago utilized the National Standards and Benchmarks of Effective Catholic Schools to create Catholic School Principal Competencies, a list of skills that principals will need in order to effectively lead a Catholic school. The Catholic School Principal Competencies are embedded in course work, field experiences, and the internship. Other program features including coaching from veteran principals and frequent reflection allow the candidates to gain confidence as well-rounded Catholic school leader. Collaboration with other Catholic universities will help to solidify the Catholic School Principal Competencies and further streamline their integration into the program.