This volume presents the 2008 Yearbook of the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration (National Council of Professors of Educational Administration). The theme for this year's address, yearbook and convention is "Leadership on the Frontlines: Changes in Preparation and Practice." This Yearbook contains six parts. Part 1,…

Describes an action research project studying a process to improve communication about managerial performance in a (Scottish) college of further education. The project comprised training, implementation, and evaluation phases. Responses during evaluation and training phases suggest that the most appropriate role for the observer-appraiser is…

This paper presents an overview of literature and research on the effective preparation of school leaders. Recent research has called for greater collaboration among stakeholders and effective internships. Another way to deliver performance-based preparation is through the use of assessment centers, a validated process for measuring an aspiring…

An analysis is conducted of the extent to which the stated goals and required academic and clinical experiences of the Oregon administrator preparation program were aligned with identified leader variables and the recommendations of recent educational administration reform reports. Variable categories were selection and admissions, content and…

Issues related to the assessment and induction (preparation, recruitment, and selection) of educational administrators are of critical importance because of the never-ending flow of entrants into administration, and because of the complex variables associated with assessment and selection criteria. Accordingly, this monograph traces the…

This monograph summarizes three research projects on competency-based administrator preparation that were undertaken by the National Association of Secondary School Principals' University Consortium. An extensive Texas study surveyed principals' attitudes toward preparation programs, and two replication studies were conducted in Michigan and New…

It is argued that administrators cannot increase their administrative capabilities in isolation from the rest of the institution. The motivation to achieve a high level of competence must be supported at the institutional level. An approach to the simultaneous development of administrators and institutions is outlined. (Author/JMD)

The complete process of initiating and monitoring an evaluation program is presented, noting that the ability to assess the performance of administrators and implement programs to enhance their skills and abilities is essential to the effective management of higher learning institutions. Such field tested resources as evaluation forms, performance…

Certain principles, assumptions, and caveats are considered in this conference paper that are relevant to the formal evaluation of academic administrators. Academic administration is defined as "leadership and managerial activity associated with teaching, research, educational services such as counseling or placement, and extension activities…

This proposal calls for the establishment of an independent, freestanding, voluntary system of advanced certification for principals and superintendents that would recognize highly accomplished practices in these two educational fields. The proposal spells out why such an initiative is needed and how an American Board for Leadership in Education…

Conversation focusing on the review process used by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council as part of the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education program review. Also a criticism of some of the current practices in the standards movement. (WFA)

Qualitative aspects of human resource management and leadership are seen as most essential. Based on observations of problematic department management, recommendations are made with respect to selection, training, evaluation, and research and development. (MLW)

This article treats specific areas in which the assessment center can make significant contributions to university programs in educational administration: personal-professional growth, contributions to the preparation program, and linkages with the field. (TE)

A roundtable discussion by executives of the Association of School Business Officials raises questions about the recruitment, preparation, and availability of school business officials in the coming years. (MLF)

This essay shows how the assessment center concept can provide the research base to improve teaching and service in principal preparation programs at colleges and universities. (TE)