Welcome to the 2nd edition of the Principal Leadership Institute Annual Update! We are pleased to provide exciting updates on our programs and the accomplishments of our alumni. Thank you for your ongoing support of PLI!
Leadership for the 21st Century: The Role of the Arts in PLI
Numerous studies and reports identify creativity as one of the most necessary skills in the 21st century. Research shows that creativity supports leaders in more effectively challenging the status quo, examining alternative ways of solving problems, and inspiring and motivating others. The complexity of the challenges involved in creating more equitable and just outcomes for vulnerable students requires strong school leaders with a highly developed creative capacity.
For PLI Program Director Dr. Rebecca Cheung, the arts are a vehicle and method for helping leaders to tap into and develop their creativity. “The arts,” she says, “have a unique power to inspire, educate, and organize individuals and communities. Art cultivates the imagination, opens the heart, and generates new possibilities and responses to persistent problems. Art can be used to advocate for equity and social justice. Art can promote collaboration and shared decision making while mobiliz- ing people to action. The arts are an important tool and resource for school leaders who face 21st century challenges such as implementing Common Core, increased technology demands, and expanded roles of communicating school priorities and visions related to funding and resources.”
With this in mind, Cheung has increasingly integrated the arts into the PLI curriculum over the last year. This is not a new trajectory, as PLI has a long history of incorporating art experiences into its program. Unfortunately, the funding that sup- ported most of this prior work dried up in 2011. “2014 is a great time to refocus on creating an arts infused curriculum for PLI.” she says, “because of new partnerships and new funding opportunities.” Over the next three years, Cheung hopes to secure funding and partnerships to use the arts to enhance the PLI core curriculum.