On June 21, a celebration was held inside the Sheldon High School auditorium to honor the graduating class of the Sacramento County Office of Education's (SCOE) Leadership Institute.
During the ceremony, 64 participants received a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, allowing them to apply for site administrator, vice-principal, and district positions that require an administrative credential. The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential is authorized by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and will help graduates be more competitive in their careers.
During the 2013–14 school year, SCOE operated two cohorts: one at SCOE and another in the Elk Grove Unified School District. A total of 64 participants from 13 districts took part in the program. SCOE also operated a licensed satellite program for the Shasta County Office of Education with 23 participants. Next year, the Institute will operate one cohort at SCOE, plus a satellite program in Shasta County and another in Placer County.
Studies have indicated that the Sacramento region faces a shortage of trained and talented school leaders. A study by WestEd found that by 2017, due to retirements and other factors, Sacramento County will need nearly 300 new school administrators and the Sacramento region will need close to 500.
SCOE's Leadership Institute is a year-round program for aspiring administrators. It is also designed to help train newly appointed administrators with one or two years of experience, continuing administrators with three or more years of experience, and even established district administrators. The Institute supports the development of the skills administrators need to provide leadership at school sites and in district administration. L. Steven Winlock, Ed.D., former Associate Superintendent of Elementary Education for the Elk Grove Unified School District, coordinates the program.
For additional information about SCOE's Leadership Institute, call (916) 228-2538.