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…

Age and rank of assessor were the only characteristics significantly affecting scores given in three police and six fire service assessment centers, but the magnitude of the effect was quite small. Results were attributed to assessor selection processes, the way centers were conducted, and type of assessor training. (SK)

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)

Traditional promotion examinations provide limited knowledge of candidates' decision-making, administrative, and leadership skills. Having assessment center evaluators review documentation of work history related to dimensions of the job adds additional information that can improve the effectiveness of prediction of future performance. (SK)

Assessment centers have typically been used for job candidate screening and selection. Now their methodologies are being used for succession planning, executive development, training needs assessment, and strategic work force realignment. (JOW)

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…

A pilot program was set up to provide displaced workers in Wausau, Wisconsin, with skills needed by specific local employers. The program consists of four basic components: preemployment training activities, two-week assessment activities, training activities, and placement-related activities. The goal of 65 percent placement seems to be feasible.…

Developmental assessment centers focus on helping existing staff improve job performance. These centers are most effective when they combine clear, precise feedback with pragmatic, on-the-job follow-up, although they do cost more to operate. (SK)

The methods used in corporate assessment centers for personnel selection and development are being applied in other areas such as performance evaluation and the development of work teams. Response to dramatic changes in jobs and occupations will keep the assessment center concept at the forefront of personnel development. (SK)

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 Texas Instruments' (TI) attempt to capture the key skills and personal characteristics of outstanding manufacturing supervisors in a competency model derived from research on high performers. The result was a one-day simulation and assessment center that looks and feels like a day on the shop floor. (JOW)

The significant effort made to clarify and measure educational leadership essentials has spawned the assessment center concept. This article examines leadership, describes the development of assessment centers in general, and focuses on the National Association of Secondary School Principals' Principal Assessment Center Project to identify and…

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…

Participation of 347 business students was videotaped during an assessment center session involving in-basket exercises, group discussions, and a speech. Rater scores on behavioral checklists correlated modestly with traditional evaluation methods. Assessment centers provided higher-level assessment of skill acquisition. (SK)