Dive Brief:

• The Alaska Board of Education and Early Development has approved an online professional development program for superintendents.  
• Coursework will be provided through the University of Alaska Southeast and will cover topics like finance, program planning, and the use of technology in schools. 
• The state doesn't require the program or any particular endorsements for superintendents to be qualified for their job.  

Dive Insight:

While endorsements are not required, it doesn't mean participating in a program like this is a bad thing. In fact, it sounds like a pretty good idea. Superintendents essentially run the show. They are in charge of the finances, making recommendations to the board and convening with the principals and the rest of a school's staff to figure out what is needed. Giving these leaders extra training, especially since there are so few resources for superintendents, has the potential to make a huge difference in schools. While we spend a lot of time focusing on teachers and what they are or are not doing right in the classroom, sometimes it makes sense to step back and look to the leadership. Who is making the bigger decisions on the campus?