Since 1975, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has attempted to improve the selection process for all levels of principals through the establishment of regional assessment centers. Presently, 37 centers operated by districts, consortia, universities, and state departments of education are producing data being used by…

Existing teacher evaluation procedures are flawed because they are too "global" and fail to recognize differences attributable to content and learner ability. Lee S. Shulman hopes to change this situation through the Teacher Assessment Project, a Carnegie Corporation-sponsored program developing alternative assessment exercises. (MLH)

To help beginning principals create unique professional development plans, Texas A & M University Principals' Center has developed the Management Profile built around a videotaped interview of open-ended questions. Trained assessors review the video, compare responses with a standards matrix, and encourage principals to choose a mentor/coach…

A recent study investigated administrator development at a regional assessment center when no specific structured developmental program was provided by the center or by the sponsoring organization. Former participants in an assessment center are likely to pursue professional development activities even though formal postassessment programs are…

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards defines clearly the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and commitment of teaching and asks teachers to prove they meet these standards through portfolio and assessment-center components. A third-grade teacher explains how she earned certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist. (MLH)

Terms the American Association of School Administrators' Assessment Center project a major milestone in both research and professionalism pertaining to school superintendents. The project has three phases: identifying appropriate skills and behaviors, determining assessment tools, and creating pilot center for excellence. Follow-up and…

New principals are often ill-prepared to assume the increasingly complex responsibilities of the principalship. An assessment process could eliminate some of the frustration experienced by prospective principals who discover they do not enjoy the duties and responsibilities of school administration. Mentoring and coaching can help beginning…

Describes the Diagnostic Executive Competency Analysis System (DECAS) developed by researchers at the University of Texas (Austin). Applies assessment center methods conventionally used for selection and screening purposes to formative needs-based professional development activities. Presents DECAS within the framework of the U.S. Multi-Site…

As part of the 1987-88 Westchester Principals' Center program evaluation, active principals were asked what motivates their participation in professional development activities. This article summarizes their answers, along with perceived participation benefits, visions of the principalship, and the influence of prior experiences on learning…

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…

A new computer-based assessment system will replace the National Teachers Examination by fall 1992. The three-stage system will test state-required basic academic skills during the sophomore year of college, evaluate subject field knowledge and skills using open-ended and multiple-choice questions, and contain a locally based performance…

At best, competency testing should be used as just one indicator of an individual's proficiency as a school administrator. Evaluation alternatives include the use of assessment centers, on-the-job training and/or assessment, alternative forms of testing, multiple competency indicators, better recruitment strategies, and enhanced school…

Explores various aspects of assessment center participants' career development efforts. Determines whether differences existed between females and males regarding their general profiles and demographic data, school district support, administrative skill assessment, job search activities, and administrative position attainment. Results confirm the…

To help Florida schools select principals most likely to contribute to school improvement, Development Dimensions International conducts three-day workshops featuring the Targeted Selection Interview process. Using past behavior to predict future performance, interviewers systematize selection elements, identify job dimensions, employ effective…

Describes the use of an assessment center in evaluating candidates during a search for a new superintendent. Includes a brief article that points out the problems in using assessment centers for hiring evaluations. (MD)