This article reports findings of a mail survey of 519 managers in blindness services on their preferences for management training seminars. Preferences vary somewhat according to management level; there is little or no variation by region, public versus private auspices, education versus rehabilitation, or time in present position. (Author/PB)

This book, designed as a mentoring and training tool for experienced and new secondary school principals, is a guide for attaining what the authors call "authenticity." An authentic principal is defined as one guided by service and responsibility for students and staff. The book is written in narrative form through the eyes of a…

Describes a recent study of principals' evaluations and perceptions concerning the quality of inservice learning experiences based on five alternative models. Findings disclosed participants' preferences for short-term institutes sponsored by a professional association and informal networking. More work is needed to design effective inservice…

Examines trainers' perceptions that head teachers present more problems as learners than other groups of managers. Partly because of professional isolation, secondary head teachers seem to have great difficulty with trainers' authority. Head teachers are frequently judgmental and resistant to experiential learning and personal change processes.…

Since principals play an important role in fostering effective educational programs, they have a genuine need for increased professional development opportunities. Five models for administrator inservice education are described, including courses for academic credit, workshops and seminars (institutes) sponsored by professional associations or…

Effective schools research indicates that principals heavily influence student achievement and school improvement. Although principals are responsible for administering special education programs and ensuring appropriate evaluation and placement of handicapped students, their university preparation and professional training have been minimal and…

A principal and assessor for an Alabama school system describes the professional benefits of her experience with the NASSP Assessment Center Project: peer interaction, informal exchanges, and close personal contact with five other practicing administrators. (TE)

A survey of library directors and assistant/associate directors at the 19 campuses of California State University (CSU) revealed a number of factors mitigating against the implementation of assessment center programs for the development of academic library managers. Respondents were asked in a questionnaire to describe their attitudes toward…

A South Carolina high school band director describes his experience with the Springfield Simulation, a role-playing seminar/workshop where individuals are assigned roles and situations that will aid them in developing administrative skills. (TE)

A migrant education resource teacher from California describes the personal and professional benefits she obtained from her participation in the Springfield project, a role-playing seminar/workshop for administrators. (TE)

The present success and future potential of the Springfield Simulation depend on six interrelated research findings about adult learning.These findings, enumerated and discussed, provide the theoretical framework for Springfield. (TE)

Several problems and issues are typical of the beginning years of a principalship. A study of first- and second-year principals in a midwestern state classified these problems and issues into three broad areas: role clarification, limitations on technical expertise, and difficulties with socialization to the profession and to a particular school…

The knowledge and skills needed by managers are considered, as well as the relationship between undergraduate study and continuing management education. Because of industry's dissatisfaction with the general preparation provided by colleges, business and industry managers were surveyed about the learning goals of the management-training programs…

This brief introductory article describes the NASSP's Assessment Center Project, a comprehensive plan to assist school districts in identifying and developing highly skilled school leaders. As such, it introduces a series of articles in which those who have used the NASSP Assessment Center describe their experiences. (TE)

Two success stories are presented of good teachers who were given a chance by the NASSP assessment center to demonstrate their administrative skills and were subsequently selected to fill administrative positions. Participation in the assessment center has provided more objective information on administrative candidates than was previously…