First District RESAFirst District RESA
APEL Program

Alternative Preparation for Educational Leadership

Prepare for Tier I and Tier II educational leadership roles through performance-based assessments and real-world leadership experiences aligned with PSEL Standards and Georgia LKES/LEADS frameworks.

Tier I & II
Leadership Levels
6
Key Assessments
PSEL
Standards Aligned
100%
Field-Based

Program Key Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation through standardized tests, performance-based projects, and real-world leadership practice

1

GACE Educational Leadership Assessments

Type: Standardized Content Assessment
Required by GaPSC: Yes
Tier I: Educational Leadership (334)
Tier II: Educational Leadership (347)

Measure candidates' knowledge of leadership theory, school law, instruction, ethics, and systems through psychometrically validated standardized assessments.

2

Instructional Leadership and Data Analysis (ILDA) Project

A performance-based assessment evaluating the candidate's ability to analyze instructional data, collaborate with teacher teams, implement improvement strategies, and reflect on leadership decisions that support student learning outcomes. Aligned with PSEL Standards 4, 5, 6, and 10.

Required Components:

  • Identify content area/grade level with performance gaps
  • Collect and analyze multiple data sources
  • Facilitate teacher team meeting or PLC
  • Implement targeted instructional strategy
  • Reflect on leadership practices and results
3

Georgia LKES/LEADS Standards

Official Georgia evaluation framework used by districts to evaluate practicing school leaders. Includes 10 performance standards, observations, and student growth data to ensure consistency between preparation and practice.

LKES Framework

Leader Keys Effectiveness System for current leaders

LEADS Standards

LEADS ACCELERATE for aspiring leaders

Additional Program Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation throughout the program ensures leadership readiness

Candidate Performance Rubric

Formative and summative assessment aligned to PSEL/GaPSC Standards and LKES domains. Evaluates real-time leadership through on-site performance, reflective logs, and coaching feedback.

Vision & Mission Leadership
Instructional Leadership & Data Use
Equity & Ethical Practice
Change Management

Capstone Portfolio & Defense

Present a comprehensive leadership portfolio with artifacts and reflection, then defend your work before a panel of educational leaders.

Strategic improvement plan
Equity action plan
Legal/ethical reflection
Leadership growth goals

Leadership Dispositions Assessment

Self-assessment combined with RESA and district supervisor ratings at entry, midpoint, and exit. Evaluates professional beliefs, equity mindset, and growth orientation.

Equity and ethics commitment
Systems thinking
Reflective practice
Collaboration skills

Case Study Analysis

Constructed response performance task presenting real-world leadership dilemmas aligned to standards. Assess applied decision-making on ethical and legal leadership issues.

Legal/ethical reasoning
Cultural competence
Strategic action planning
Equity implications

Ready to Lead?

The APEL program combines rigorous coursework with real-world leadership experience to prepare you for Tier I and Tier II educational leadership roles in Georgia.