Growing criticism of existing educational leadership preparation programs seems to focus on a lack of contextual relevancy and instructional leadership. Universities and school districts need to develop more formal, collaborative, long-term relationships focused on the nature of principal preparation, moving beyond acculturation to district norms…

This paper claims that preparation programs in educational administration do not prepare principals for the challenges they will face in their schools. Such programs do not address the real-life situations in which principals find themselves, and internships are typically insufficient in helping future leaders hone their skills. The essay states…

Discusses the limitations of social science-based administration preparation, and recommends writing a "platform"--an individual's statement of beliefs about education--to increase educational administrators' self-understanding. Describes how to test whether individuals' platforms are integrated with their behavior and applies the…

Pinpoints factors contributing to a successful internship experience for aspiring principals, including clearly stated program objectives, a good relationship between the intern and the building administrator, regular meetings of the intern and all administrative staff, and adequate preparation of the intern before assuming the position.…

Reforming university programs in educational administration should combine theoretical knowledge with practical application. Any changes must be spearheaded by such professional organizations as the NCPEA (National Council of Professors of Educational Administration) and the UCEA (University Council for Educational Administration). Texas A and M…

Administrator education programs are charged with being outdated and deficient. A coalition of 10 major education organizations plans to establish a national certification examination by 1993 to identify top-quality school executives. Internship programs and working with local schools are strategies proposed to bridge the gap between theory and…

Administration is the process of working with and through others to efficiently accomplish organizational goals by planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The basic skills required by an effective administrator are technical, human, and conceptual. A strong school administrator preparation and certification program resembles the classical…

University faculty and practicing educators in Washington State are concerned about the future availability of talented candidates for leadership positions in public and private elementary and secondary schools. This paper examines market trends for the positions of principal and vice-principal in Washington State. It identifies the following four…

The decline in the number and status of women in educational administration and the magnitude of their lack of representation in administrative positions is evidenced by numerous studies. To achieve the goal of identifying the components of the problem, solutions suggested by the research, and implications for women who aspire to administrative…