Growth opportunities have benefited thousands of successful leaders, so school leaders short on time and funds might consider purposefully and intentionally incorporating some of the concepts into their practice through collegial coaching. Although it takes discipline and a willingness on the part of leaders to share in one another's growth for…

School administrators are facing the perfect storm: a growing number of baby boomers retiring each year, an absence of experienced teachers to take their place, and high turnover among young teachers. The need to hire and retain a new generation of teachers is one of the biggest challenges facing school administrators. To fill these vacancies,…

Having professional learning communities in place enables teachers and staff members to provide targeted assistance to students who need it. This article discusses Chardon (Ohio) High School's professional learning community program which provides time and support for students and teachers. Through the program, the teachers meet every week during…

Grooming an assistant principal to lead a school is a privilege for any principal and enables him or her to leave a larger mark on the field. Although assistant principals are ultimately responsible for their own professional growth, principals must not underestimate their responsibility to help train aspiring principals. Preparing assistant…

"Developing School Leaders: A Call for Collaboration" calls for professional development for principals that is a "seamless garment" that extends through preservice, induction, career changes, and retirement (NASSP, 1992). Daresh and Playko (1992) concur with this assertion, stating that training should not be fragmented, but should occur…

In this article, the author discusses the benefits of assigning proteges to first-year principals. This practice allows aspiring principals to experience what it is like to be a first-year principal. Having a first-year principal serve in a mentorship role can benefit both the principal and the protege--as well as students, teachers, and the…

"Turning Points 2000" places more emphasis than the original volume on teaching and learning and the principal's role in focusing reform efforts on improving curriculum, assessment, and instruction. Teachers and administrators must strive to create a developmentally appropriate and intellectually challenging instructional program. (MLH)