Principals on the path to excellence: Longitudinal, multisite cluster-randomized controlled trials of the National Institute for School Leadership’s Executive Development Program

•This protocol outlines randomized controlled trials of a school leadership program.•270 middle schools were identified with four measurement points across four years.•Impacts of the program on students achievement and school climate are explored.•Program cost-effectiveness and impacts on teacher retention rates are investigated.•The findings may have implications for whole-school reform.

This paper presents a research protocol for three longitudinal, multisite cluster-randomized controlled trials of the National Institute for School Leadership’s Executive Development Program. This program is a comprehensive professional development initiative designed to improve leadership knowledge and skills of school principals across the United States. Through classroom instruction, simulations, interactive online sharing of ideas, and other resources, this program provides for a yearlong, cohort-based professional development program. To measure the effects of the program and coaching, longitudinal, multisite cluster-randomized trials (MSCRT) will be conducted in three states involving 270 schools to estimate the impact of principal access to the program and coaching on such relevant outcomes as student achievement, principal leadership skills, school climate, and teaching conditions.