Charter and alternative school leaders play an enormous role in moving education reform forward into the 21^st century. There has been rapid student enrollment growth in charters and alternative programs over the past five years, and this has contributed to the sense of urgency in better preparing leaders. To address this need, many education advocates, along with State Department of Education officials, have recommended creation of a strong, research based training program that involves collaboration between MDE, the University of Minnesota, businesses, and community leaders. This proposal responds to that recommendation.

Many publications and research studies have found that school leaders need to be excellent visionaries and excellent manager; they need to develop expertise in school improvement, managing data and curriculum, and understanding instruction, among many other roles and duties (Schmoker, 1999, 2006). Charter school leaders also must have knowledge and skills in operating a non-profit organization and working directly with non-profit boards. William Ouchi (2003) has emphasized that school leaders are the key to education reform, specifically noting seven keys to success for school leaders: (1) every building leader is an entrepreneur; (2) every school controls its own budget; (3) everyone is accountable for student performance; (4) everyone delegates authority to those below; (5) there is a burning focus on student achievement; (6) every school is a community of learners; and (7) families have real choices among a variety of unique schools. (Ouchi, 2003). The Leadership Academy proposed here will draw on fundamental adult learning principles (including ongoing reflection, dialogue, and application of new learning ) to address this wide range of competencies.

The overall mission of the Leadership Academy is to provide a research-based adult learning model that trains, supports, and moves charter school and alternative program leaders into action so that students and families in Minnesota have expanded access to excellent educational options.