A system-wide training program in a large, urban public library system is sought relating to library administration's expectations of branch manager roles in the field while developing library leaders. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological methodology to investigate branch manager perspectives on the needs of front-facing managers and…

In today's world of accountability, the preparation of school leaders has never been more critical. Many states are now developing policies and processes that seek to enhance school leadership preparation programs. Enhancing school leadership preparation programs is particularly important in the area of instructional leadership because research…

Purpose: Many organisations are reconsidering their investment in formal education and training, in favour of more informal approaches to learning such as mentoring, temporary assignments, stretch assignments, and job rotation. The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which managers have developed capabilities for their roles thus far…

One of the biggest obstacles to overcome in creating and sustaining an administrative professional learning community (PLC) is time. Administrators are constantly deluged by the tyranny of the urgent. It is a Herculean task to carve out time for PLCs, but it is imperative to do so. In this article, the authors describe how an administrative PLC…

This article examines how novice principals reflect on the adequacy or otherwise of their preparation. It looks at data drawn from the International Study of Principal Preparation (ISPP), and in particular a questionnaire of principals up to three years in post, in Scotland. The principals find much about their preparation has helped them gain…

A large California school district provides on-the-job management training at building and central office levels for 10 promising school employees (including teachers) annually. Trainees develop 15 administrative competencies through hands-on experience and exposure to 4 activities: working with mentors, district seminars, training sessions, and…

The Policy Forum estimates that only about one-quarter of today's principals (20,000 out of 80,000) possess essential instructional leadership skills. Facing contradictory expectations, principals are often confused about whom to please and how to do their jobs. The Principal's Leadership Institute can help with specific improvement plans. (MLH)