NOTE: The first cohort of the Principals Leadership Academy of Arizona (PLAA) will begin in September 2008. Click on the "Timeline" link at the left for specific dates. Applications are being accepted for the class beginning in 2008.

MISSION of PLAA
PLAA effectively supports new principals in Arizona as they lead their communities to excellence and prepare their students for success in the 21st century. Upon completion of AEF’s Principals’ Leadership Academy, principals will have an enhanced understanding and ability to apply professional practice, concepts, and values in learning, leadership, and policy.

HISTORY & OVERVIEW
PLAA was founded in response to a shared belief by the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF), Argosy University and numerous public school districts in Arizona that 1st & 2nd year principals will benefit from and become stronger leaders of 21st century schools through a leadership training program that includes the following 5 Cs: Cohort, Collegiality, Continuity, Community, and Collaboration. Academy facilitators include but are not be limited to University faculty, AEF A+ School principals, AEF board members, AZ LEADS Circle of Honor principals and Beat the Odds Schools principals. The PLAA participants have direct access to these award-winning principals and utilize them as an ongoing resource at the Academy.

APPLICATION/SELECTION PROCESS
Applications are available for the Principals' Leadership Academy of Arizona, which will begin in September 2008. Class size at the Academy will be limited. Every effort will be made to create a diverse cohort at the PLAA.

COST
Cost per participant is $1,000, which includes all texts and materials necessary for the course. Inquire with the Arizona Educational Foundation for possible scholarship opportunities.

CREDIT
Upon completion of the Principals’ Leadership Academy of Arizona, participants will be eligible for six graduate credit hours via concurrent enrollment at Argosy University/Phoenix. In addition,120 recertification hours will be issued to Academy participants upon completion.

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
PLAA curriculum is grounded in current research and the ISLLC (Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium) Standards for School Leaders developed by Chief Council of State School Officers. Each participant selects a detailed strategic initiative to address as his/her course project. Classes, study sessions, and strategic initiatives will focus on an effective educational leader’s ability in: facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community; advocating, nurturing, and sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth; ensuring management of the organization, operations, and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment; collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources; acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner; understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.

WHO MAKES IT POSSIBLE?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
The Kurz Foundation
APS