How are Principal Preparation Programs Preparing Leaders for Family and Community Engagement?

Abstract

This qualitative content analysis of course descriptions and syllabi examines how family and community engagement are addressed in principal preparation programs. Relying on a conceptual framework that centers four areas of practice, the analysis determined only half of programs had a substantial focus on families and communities. Many programs that did address FCE relied on outdated literature and standards or lacked authentic skill-development experiences to prepare school leaders for collaboration with family and community members. The results suggest many aspiring principals are leaving educational leadership programs ill-equipped to lead more democratic approaches to schooling and unaware that such models exist.