In recent years, research that has identified instructional leadership as a key ingredient in effective schools has meant that attention has been directed increasingly at the ways in which future school administrators are being prepared. As a consequence, many universities have worked to develop administrator preparation programs that will enable…

This is a highly practical book for the first-year principal or for the assistant principal looking ahead to promotion. In place of abstract generalities, it offers real-life vignettes and scenarios that may be faced by typical first-year principals. The skill checklists are intended to be realistic and unintimidating. Step-by-step explanations…

Since beginning principals have increasingly complex responsibilities, collegial support for these administrators should be encouraged through "buddy" systems, principal centers, and structured inservice activities designed to promote interaction with district colleagues. Includes 14 references. (MLH)

Reviews some widely held assumptions about administrator field experience aims and accomplishments. Shows that adding more ways to engage in field-based practice is insufficient. Envisions a professional formation period, wherein administrator candidates synthesize all learning experiences, values, and priorities to form a more wholistic, personal…

Study of the behavior of a suburban superintendent with a statewide reputation as an educational leader revealed five ways in which the superintendent proved effective. Includes a review of the literature, a description of the methodology, and a discussion of the study's implications for training and selection of superintendents. (PGD)

Every educator in pursuit of a leadership position in administration will value this book's clear strategy and advice about how to successfully compete for employment. Using the terminology and techniques of business, the author guides the reader step-by-step through the process of developing a personal marketing plan from gaining product…

This paper explores ways in which education programs can improve their screening of master's degree candidates. It examines information obtained from principals and assistant principals in El Paso, Texas for the purpose of understanding what effective campus administrators should know and be able to do. The Delphi process was used in this study to…

John Daresh's "Beginning the Assistant Principalship" provides you with excellent tools to navigate your way as a new administrator. Full of ideas for you to use in your work, this valuable new resource helps you ask yourself the important questions, find answers, and develop strong plans of action. Some significant topics to help you in your new…

This book introduces the new principal or potential principal to an awareness of how the leadership role of that position is different from that of the teacher. Each of the 12 chapters begins with an incident in the life of a typical first-year principal as a way to discuss leadership concerns. The book closely examines the history of the…

Findings of a study that examined the needs of beginning school principals are presented in this paper, with a focus on the differences in perceptions of aspiring and experienced principals. A questionnaire was mailed to 420 aspiring school principals in 5 universities in 3 states and to 100 practicing elementary, middle, and secondary principals…

A survey of over 30 "expert" Southwest principals revealed several characteristics of effective principals: possessing technical skills influenced by human relations and legal mandates, creating an inviting culture, building community, being ethical practitioners, and understanding relationships. Respondents also identified 28 components…

This book emphasizes the development of skills, knowledge, and attitudes consistent with proactive supervision. Part 1 contains three chapters that examine the tradition and context of educational supervision. The first chapter reviews the different approaches to supervisory practices, and chapter 2 describes how supervisors build effective…

This new edition of John C. Daresh's bestseller provides the resources needed to become a strong and effective leader. The reader will find out have they can: (1) Manage others' expectations as principal; (2) Master the technical skills necessary to run a school; (3) Create and clarify a personal professional growth plan; (4) Work effectively…