The Florida PROMiSE Principal Project provides professional development activities designed to assist the principal in supporting and building capacity for teachers of mathematics and science. The primary focus is to increase student achievement by creating and fostering an environment that values the application of new knowledge, skills, and practices. The training supports the implementation of the new mathematics and science standards with a focus on student achievement, data-driven decision-making, reflective practice, action research, and communities of practice. Ongoing collaboration with colleagues is an integral function of the professional development.

Over six hundred principals have registered to participate in one of fourteen cohorts that will meet for four two-day sessions over the course of a year. In addition to two 2008 cohorts, an additional eleven cohorts of approximately fifty principals and one cohort of secondary assistant principals will begin the professional development in either 2009 or 2010.

The first cohort of fifty elementary principals met on May 8th and 9th in Tampa for the inaugural session of this year-long professional development. The primary focus of the first session was an introduction to the big ideas and supporting ideas in K-5 mathematics as well as associated evidence-based instructional strategies and assessments. This information was balanced with reflective activities that provided time for the principal teams to discuss and process the new information. The next meeting for cohort 1 was held in Naples on July 19-20, 2008, and included a continued focus on mathematics. The levels of engagement and energy throughout the first two days were remarkable and the feedback very positive.

The final two sessions will emphasize the new science standards. The first two-day meeting for secondary principals selected for cohort 2 was also held July 17-18 in Naples, FL. Ultimately, these professional develop activities will increase the principal's understanding of:

• the new mathematics and science standards;
• content and pedagogical knowledge in mathematics and science; and
• the effective implementation of communities of practice focused primarily on improved teaching and learning.

To register for one of the remaining openings or for more information about the Florida PROMiSE Principal Project, please contact Christi Moss, Project Director at cmoss@lsi.fsu.edu or use the links below to register.

For expediency, we encourage online registration, click here

To download the Principal Cohort Participation Form click here