This paper advocates that principal preparation programs should be designed on traditional bases. By reviewing existing literature, this article suggests that exemplary principal preparation programs should be founded on a combination of research data, theory, and practice or craft knowledge, and that the contributions of each should be made…

The concept of reflective practice and teaching people to be reflective practitioners is examined. The document begins with a look at professional knowledge according to three prominent professionals in the educational administration field: Schon, Schein, and Achilles. "Reflective" strategies that could be incorporated into courses and…

This paper discusses the critical elements and offers corrective models of effective administrator preparation programs. It argues that such programs should promulgate the learning or "why" of theory, the "what" of research, and the "how" of practice. Only concomitant coursework in the liberal arts, the behavioral sciences, and research welded to…

The importance that a study of the humanities plays in preparing educational administrators has been recognized by many, but remains an elusive concept. There are several reasons for including the humanities in administrator preparation programs: they provide time-tested examples of appropriate relationships, they deal with enduring concerns and…

Issues in the educational administration knowledge base are discussed in this paper, with attention to its definition, extent, and usefulness. The discussion is based on the premises that the knowledge base lacks: (1) organization; (2) definition and applicability; and (3) comprehensiveness and usefulness. Other hindrances to developing a…

The administrator preparation reform issue is affected by a split in loyalties between the "professional" model and the liberal arts model. Whereas recent calls for reform follow the professional model, most professors of educational administration, who must implement the reforms, are products of the liberal arts tradition. This paper reviews…

The task of improving educational administrator preparation is one of epic proportions. The magnitude of the task is expressed using allusions to the epic style and the myth of Jason and the Golden Fleece. The paper presents a quick "environmental scan" to determine how visionary and revolutionary are some current ideas for improvements…

The proposed doctoral program in educational administration at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is described in this report. Based on an inquiry-to-practice approach, the program revolves around a core curriculum, internship experience, and dissertation. Information is presented on program and advisory structures, recruitment,…

This paper presents a model for preparation programs for educational leaders. The model portrays key program elements under three major headings: (1) pre-preparation concerns, (2) program issues and concerns, and (3) post-program concerns. Recruitment and selection are important pre-preparation concerns. The candidate's leadership experience,…

The core work of educational administration is school improvement, especially improved school outcomes. The leader must know what to do, why some interventions work better than others, and how to implement them. Longitudinal experimental research, meta-analyses, and evaluations have definitely shown that small classes, at least in K-3, provide an…