AEL is a one-year principal certification program during which interns may hold a probationary principal certificate. Interns must be placed in campus-based administrator positions or internships. Certain duties/experiences are required in order to be consistent with the AEL program objectives and to allow for the development of skills necessary for the principalship.

Initial training takes place during the months of June and July. Training sessions continue approximately once a month during the school year. Interns engage in ongoing assessments and receive support from a mentor principal and program consultant.

ESC Region XI makes a recommendation to the state for a standard principal certificate at the end of the program contingent upon successful completion of all program requirements, recommendations from the intern's mentor and AEL program staff, and a passing score on the TExES test.

Education Service Center Region XI, in collaboration with Tarleton State University and regional school districts, provides the Instructional Leadership Cooperative (ILC) Principal Preparation Program as a two-year program for obtaining principal certification and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Relevant training is provided through the program along with support of a mentor principal and ILC program staff. Currently, all forthcoming TSU coursework is scheduled at the Hickman Building located at 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd. in Fort Worth.

During the first year of the program, a cohort of individuals progress as a group through the university coursework, which emphasizes the application of knowledge and skills relevant to the authentic challenges of administrative practice. During this time, interns gain knowledge regarding campus leadership responsibilities and prepare for their internship.

During the second year, interns complete campus-based administrative positions or internships. Certain duties/experiences are required in order to be consistent with the ILC Principal Preparation Program objectives and to allow for the development of skills necessary for the principalship.

Education Service Center Region XI, in collaboration with Midwestern State University and regional school districts, prepares today's leaders for tomorrow's schools by helping districts develop principals through a two-year program. Interns obtain a master's degree in Educational Administration through MSU via distance learning opportunities, and principal certification through training and activities delivered by ESC Region XI. Relevant training is provided through the program along with support of a mentor principal and Region XI program staff.

During the first year of the program, individuals progress through university distance learning, which emphasizes the application of knowledge and skills relevant to the authentic challenges of administrative practice. During this time, interns gain knowledge regarding campus leadership responsibilities and prepare for their internship.

During the second year, interns complete campus-based administrative positions or internships. Certain duties/experiences are required in order to be consistent with the Principal Preparation Partnership Program objectives, allow for the development of skills necessary for the principalship, and meet state certification requirements.

Tuition and university fees will be paid directly to Midwestern State University. Program fees of $3,100 per year are paid to ESC Region XI. Additional costs will be incurred for books, testing, certification fees, etc. A $300 per year out-of-region fee applies to interns in districts outside of ESC Region XI. Please see the online brochure for more information.