The institute

will also conduct research on school leadership and advocate for policy

changes relating to preparation, selection, recruitment and development

of school leaders.

"Our goal

is to research what is working, refine a model for leadership in schools

and to promote some of those best practices," said Deb Cone, the

institute's executive director. "Most importantly, we are creating

a strong network of support for educational leaders as they guide their

schools to meet higher expectations."

The institute

uses state and private funding, including grants from the Bill and Melinda

Gates Foundation and the Wallace-Reader's Digest fund.

The program

targets superintendents, principals, assistant principals, curriculum

leaders and aspiring school leaders.

John Munford