The project is unique in the level of partnership involvement between the public schools and institutions of higher education. Outstanding future school leaders are nominated by their school district superintendent to apply to become Sid Richardson Leadership Academy Fellows. It involves practitioners in the design and delivery of principal preparation programs to arm principals with a new set of skills and the knowledge needed to lead collaborative, information-age schools. The project is unique because of its close working relationship with local school districts, and the use of mentors and distance learning technology to create a strong field-based curriculum. The project is also unique in its accountability.
Mastery is measured by demonstrating proficiencies rather than seat time.
Hence, graduates can present potential employers with an on-line portfolio of demonstrated proficiencies. Leveraging Funding for the project comes from a two year grant with an option for a third year funding from the Sid Richardson Foundation to develop three cohorts of 30 students each. Since the project relies heavily on the use of technology for instruction, the sponsoring school districts supply the students with a laptop computer.