The new scenarios will challenge school leaders to examine their decision-making processes on thorny issues such as equity, equity-based budgeting, school climate, and student safety
(Bala Cynwyd, Pa.) June 20, 2019—Ed Leadership Sims, the world’s only provider of scalable professional development simulations for school leaders, has created several new simulations on the topics of equity, equity-based budgeting, safety, and school climate in collaboration with the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, Phi Delta Kappa International, University of Indianapolis, and Gwinnett County Public Schools, respectively. The company will be showcasing its simulations at the ISTE 2019 EdTech Conference in Philadelphia from June 23-26.
Ed Leadership Sims provides school leaders the opportunity to walk through real-world scenarios covering topics such as cultural competency, supporting transgender students, cyberbullying, and budget crises in a risk-free environment. In each online simulation, leaders make decisions and experience consequences at each step of the way to practice their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. School and district administrators can use the simulations on their own or in small groups to foster collaboration and learn from colleagues.
Dr. David DeJong, an assistant professor of educational administration at the University of South Dakota who has researched the efficacy of Ed Leadership Sims for professional development, wrote, “Educational simulations have shown to be beneficial for economy and cost savings. Another benefit for the use of educational simulations is to mitigate risk and to enrich different experiences. These simulations allow potential leaders to make mistakes and to learn from the experience in a safe environment.”
Ed Leadership Sims works closely with education experts and practitioners to develop simulations on a wide range of issues that school leaders encounter on the job. The New York City Department of Education recently worked with Ed Leadership Sims to develop narrative-based simulations on end-of-year issues to help principals anticipate challenges and deal with the stressful time of wrapping up one school year and planning for the next.
“People quickly recognize the characters in the simulation as representative of individuals they know on the job,” says Larry Woodbridge, executive director of principal preparation programs at NYC DOE. “Not only do they become involved in the story, but as they make decisions, they consult with each other and hear the real-life stories of their learning group. After working through the simulation, the debrief bridges the learning back to the job—driving application of the new insights.”
The new simulations on equity, school climate, and safety will be available for the upcoming school year and are included in the online simulation library available for subscription purchase. To learn more, go to EdLeadershipSims.com.
Educators and administrators can also learn more about Ed Leadership Sims at the upcoming ISTE 2019 EdTech Conference. Ken Spero, founder and CEO of Ed Leadership Sims, will be available in the PR with Panache! Storytelling Suite, which will take place at the Hard Rock Café from 1 PM to 5 PM on Monday, June 24, and 8 AM to 5 PM on Tuesday, June 25. To schedule a one-on-one conversation, please contact Chris Piehler.
About Ed Leadership Sims
Ed Leadership Sims is the world’s only provider of professional development simulations for school leaders. Founded on the idea that experience is the best teacher, Ed Leadership Sims provides relevant experiences for aspiring leaders and veteran administrators. To learn more, visit EdLeadershipSims.com.