The assessment center is not really a place but an assessment “process” that current and prospective school leaders engage in to determine strengths and weaknesses in their leadership skills. The assessment is an integrated series of realistic, school-based simulations designed to elicit behaviors similar to those required for success in leadership positions. The interrelated activities are similar to tasks education leaders perform daily and are aligned to the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) standards.
The assessment center addresses specific skills educational leaders need to be successful. The skill areas assessed are
Participants engage in a series of authentic, interrelated activities that simulate the work of a school principal while they are observed by trained assessors. Each participant receives a confidential assessment report that is provided after assessors integrate the observed skills. This valuable written report allows the director to provide and interpret the results of the assessors to help the participant reflect on his or her own career progress and future professional development. The participant should feel comfortable sharing the assessment report with anyone who might give suggestions, assignments, or opportunities to practice and develop skills, who might give feedback on progress as practice and development occur; and who might provide support and encouragement.
Click here to watch a short video about the MAPLE Assessment Center
For more information and to schedule an Assessment Center, please contact John Swanson at (605) 394-1876 or jswanson@tie.net