International Journal of Education and Social Science (IJESS)

There is a need to address the enhancement of university educational leadership preparation programs through the processes of accreditation and continuous improvement. The program faculty at a university in the eastern part of the United States has incorporated an Employer Satisfaction Focus Group to address the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standard R4.2: employers are satisfied with completers’ preparation for the position of principal or assistant principal. Seventeen themes were identified addressing the six CAEP proficiencies for graduates’ knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions. Analysis of the idealized themes identified issues that may impact university educational leadership program's employer satisfaction. The considerations were used to derive a composite profile of employers' satisfaction with program completers. Results were used for continuous improvement by reviewing and revising the program’s Curriculum Map: Leadership & Learning Matrix.