Mississippi State University’s High Performance Leadership Institute is designed to help school leaders dramatically improve their schools. Whether underperforming and aiming for successful or flourishing and striving for star ("A") status, HPLI participants use innovative approaches that lead to rapid change rather than incremental improvements.

The program is modeled after the renowned Darden-Curry Partnership for Leaders in Education at the University of Virginia, which draws upon proven strategies from the business world and applies them to education. Following the UVA model, the Research and Curriculum Unit and College of Education at MSU have collaborated to bring this program to Mississippi.

This project is funded in part by a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Mississippi Department of Education.

The leadership program is delivered over a two-year period in a cohort group so that participants have a chance to learn, apply their learning, evaluate their programs, make adjustments, and learn more. Along the way, MSU provides real-time support with summer training sessions, fall field trips, spring retreats, and on-site visits by project staff.

This program is designed to build local-leadership capacity and to advance the ability of all school leaders to manage sustainable high performing schools. 

Leadership Program Core Essentials

• Builds capacity of school leaders 
• Provides schools and districts guidance in developing leaders with high potential for success
• Provides real-time support to principals
• Introduces proven processes and systems of high-achieving schools

Seminar Topics

Cost

If your district is located in a Mississippi Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) county designated as distressed or at-risk, the fee for the entire program is only $2,000. The fee includes everything except travel to and from the sessions. Once on location, lodging, meals, and material expenses are included. The fee also covers all on-site visits and technical assistance during the two years.

For non-ARC counties, the fee is $5,000 not including travel expenses.

Note: School improvement/Title 1 funds may be used to cover expenses in many situations.

This program has been designed in collaboration with the Mississippi Department of Education and the Darden-Curry Partnership at the University of Virginia. The program is substantially funded by a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission and support from the National Governors Association.