As participants in an annual survey, most school executives rated their graduate preparation as impractical, and few had found mentors among their professors. Mixed reviews were given on-the-job training through internships, assessment centers, workshops, seminars, and staff development programs. Lack of sufficient funding affected participation…

Describes the assessment center of the Leadership Academy in the Houston (Texas) schools system. It is used to evaluate the management capability of current principals and potential administrator candidates. The center uses simulation exercises as part of the evaluation process. Includes outline of areas to be considered when developing a program.…

Critiques two articles appearing in the March 1986 issue of "Executive Educator"--one proposing principal evaluation by teachers, another describing exercises in an assessment center that probes principals' strengths and weaknesses. Most principals surveyed support teachers' evaluations and assessment centers which identify potential…

Reports on the Stockton (California) schools' assessment program, used in the selection and promotion of all school site and central office administrators. Describes seven exercises used for evaluating key management skills of elementary, middle, and secondary school principals. Explains the process of acquiring trained assessors. (IW)