Miguel M. Gonzales, Dana Bickmore, and Maria Roberts (all Educational Psychology and Higher Education) had a study published in the Journal of Research on Leadership Education. All three work in the educational policy and leadership program.

This study examines what aspiring principal candidates in one university base preparation program learned as a result of developing and implementing a school improvement plan. A case study approach was used to examine 53 aspiring principals’ reports of what they learned from implementing school improvement plans. Findings revealed three significant themes: (1) the importance of collaboratively engaging the participants of the school improvement plan; (2) the essential need of establishing relationships; and (3) understanding the significance and impact of data-driven decisions. Findings can inform leadership preparation programs to redirect coursework that will help aspiring principals improve leadership skills.