Reports from the Field - Shifting Administrator Leadership Practices Through Individualized Coaching

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by dabgoudw

This report examines the impact of a two-year, job-embedded coaching-based administrator credentialing program, the Clear Administrative Services Credential (CASC), on leadership development for new administrators. CASC uses a framework of six professional learning standards combined with real-life learning contexts, coaching conversations, and reflection. Participants report high satisfaction and leadership growth. The program is free to district administrators, while the district bears an estimated per-participant cost of about $12,000 over two years.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time35 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

CASC program purpose and structure

Induction requirements and coaching design

Coaching as the core and its emphasis

District implementation and costs

Conceptual framework

Leadership importance and outcomes

Coaching component quality approach

Six-step coaching process

Reports from the Field Shifting Administrator Leadership Practices Through Individualized Coaching Marco A. Nava Professional Learning and Leadership Development, LAUSD Ileana M. Davalos Human Resources, LAUSD Martha V. Cortes Program and Policy Development, LAUSD Jeffrey A. White Program and Policy Development, LAUSD Jonathan Lesser Local District Support, LAUSD This report shows the impact that a two-year, coaching based, job-embedded administrator credentialing program is having on the leadership development of new administrators. The Clear Administrative Services Credential (CASC) program is centered on a conceptual framework founded on six professional learning standards combined with real life professional learning contexts, coaching conversations, professional development, and reflection. CASC participants have reported a high level of satisfaction and leadership development as a result of their inclusion in the program. CASC is provided at no charge to participants demonstrating their district’s commitment to investing in and growing their own future leaders. Keywords: coaching, California Professional Standards for Education Leaders’ (CPSEL) standards In July 2015, the new clear administrative services credential requirements changed for administrators in California. The new requirements shifted to a two-year induction process focused on job-embedded, real-life learning, combined with coach-based professional development (CTC, 2016) . The induction experience includes an annual minimum of 60 and a maximum of 90 clock hours of professional learning centered on coaching, reflection, professional development, and assessment. Induction is anchored on six professional learning standards that describe critical areas of leadership that support and guide administrators into sustainable, effective practice (CTC, 2014). The shift places a heavy emphasis on individualized coaching (40 of the 60 hours) with the goal of developing leadership competency. In response to the new induction requirements, a large urban school district (District) established the Clear Administrative Services Credential (CASC) program. CASC seeks to spur much needed systemic change throughout the district’s schools by providing professional development for administrators, and coaching them to think systemically and act strategically to empower leadership teams to impact instructional quality and student achievement. We looked at: 1) how CASC implements the coaching portion of the induction program, 2) participant self-reported perceptions of how CASC coaching impacts their leadership development, and 3) observations and ratings of coaching competencies. Coaching is at the heart of this program and is the most expensive portion of induction. Most administrator credentialing programs rely on retired administrators to fill the demand for coaches. A participant can expect to pay between $7,000-$10,000 for the two-year program at a university or county office of education. The District superintendent made a commitment to invest in and grow its own leaders. CASC is available only to District administrators and is provided free of charge to participants. CASC employs eight full time coaches whose primary responsibility is to provide professional development and job-embedded coaching. Although the program is free of charge to participating administrators, the per-participant cost to the District is approximately $12,000 for the two-year program. Through reflective coaching conversations, the District intends for CASC participants to gain insight into effective leadership practice. Conceptual Framework Numerous studies have documented the importance of school principals for school outcomes (e.g. Grissom, Kalogrides, & Loeb, 2015; Halliniger, Bickman, & Davis, 1996; Hallinger & Heck, 2010; Leithwood, Louis, Anderson, & Wahlstrom, 2004; Robinson, Lloyd, & Rowe, 2008) . Quality leadership is essential to accelerating student achiev

FAQs

What is the Clear Administrative Services Credential (CASC) program focused on?

CASC focuses on shifting administrator leadership practices through individualized, job-embedded coaching supported by a framework of six professional learning standards, coaching conversations, professional development, and reflection.

How do coaching requirements shape the CASC induction experience?

The induction includes 60 to 90 clock hours centered on coaching, reflection, professional development, and assessment. A major emphasis is placed on individualized coaching, with 40 of the 60 hours devoted to this component.

Who can participate in CASC and what does it cost the district?

CASC is available only to district administrators and is provided free of charge to participating administrators. The per-participant cost to the district is approximately $12,000 for the two-year program.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by dabgoudw