The Massachusetts Performance Assessment for Leaders (PAL) requires candidates to demonstrate leadership through authentic, job-embedded practice. CLEE’s Leadership in Practice online course gives candidates formative support to complete the four PAL assessment tasks required for initial principal/assistant principal licensure in Massachusetts. The course emphasizes setting direction for high student achievement through job-embedded leadership actions and is grounded in anti-racist leadership competencies and Professional Standards for Administrative Leadership.
Participants will engage in cycles of inquiry building upon each other from investigation and planning to action and reflection with a collaborative online cohort. We begin with analyzing student and school data to identify barriers to learning, develop and implement an action plan for instructional improvement strategies, and gather evidence of their impact on teaching, learning and school culture.
The course supports participants in connecting each PAL task to their current leadership context:
- PAL 1: Developing a Vision for Achievement
- PAL 2: Building Professional Capacity
- PAL 3: Leadership to Improve Educator Effectiveness
- PAL 4: Building and Sustaining Family and Community Partnerships
Along the way, candidates receive facilitator support, peer feedback and practical tools to strengthen their leadership practice and successfully complete assessment requirements.
Who Is This For?
- Educators in a leadership role, including aspiring principals, assistant principals, deans, and teacher leaders who are pursuing initial licensure in Massachusetts and have completed all licensure requirements except the PAL assessment.
- Licensed school leaders in other states seeking licensure in Massachusetts through reciprocity
- Principals and assistant principals in Massachusetts serving on provisional licenses requiring PAL for initial licensure
Participants Will:
- Develop a deep understanding of how PAL expectations and requirements connect and strengthen your current leadership practice
- Apply a structured inquiry process to real leadership challenges
- Use data to identify needs and inform action in your current context
- Strengthen skills in vision setting, professional learning, instructional leadership and community engagement
- Receive feedback from experienced facilitators and peers
- Complete all four PAL tasks with confidence
This course will not fulfill the DESE requirements of a 500 hour internship, completion of a principal preparation program, etc as listed on the DESE Licensure tool, or review or provide feedback on draft PAL submissions.
Leadership in Practice transforms the PAL process from a compliance exercise into an opportunity to apply the leadership practices that drive meaningful improvement for students, educators and communities.
Upcoming Cohort – Cohort completes modules together throughout the academic year, submitting all 4 tasks within 3 submission windows.
- Modules open: September 15, 2026
- PAL submission dates: November 12, 2026; February 25, 2027; April 29, 2027
- Program Close: May 15, 2027
Cost
$475