In their first year, Fellows participate in three pre-institute staff development programs that deal with vision building, school improvement, and analysis of school performance data. These sessions are conducted in both the morning and the afternoon in order for principals to choose a time that most fits their schedules.

Laptop computers are distributed at the first pre-institute and used frequently throughout the pre-institutes and summer institutes to encourage Fellows to develop skills in the use of technology. Principals are guided through development of programs that deal with vision building, school improvement, and analysis of school performance data. These sessions are designed to prepare the new Fellows for the rigor of the Summer Institute experience.