The focus of this study was to examine how well Educational Leadership programs prepare principals to serve as literacy leaders. The role of a school leader is complex and multifaceted involving managerial duties and resource allocation (Jenkins, 2009). Yet, the primary role of the school leader is "…to promote the learning and success for…

With the challenges facing principals today, the question of how best to support new principals in meeting these challenges remains. The leadership abilities of new school leaders matter more today than ever with increasing accountability and additional responsibilities. The focus of this study was to determine participants' perceptions of the…

In an era of heightened accountability and limited fiscal resources, school districts have sought novel ways to increase the effectiveness of their principals in an effort to increase student proficiency. To address these needs, some districts have turned to pay-for-performance programs, aligning leadership goals with financial incentives to…

Effective educational leadership at the principal level positively correlates with quality classroom teachers and improved student achievement (Portin et al., 2009). It also fosters a caring, supportive and inter-connected environment that inspires students and engages teachers (Seashore et al., 2010). Preparing competent, effective, and caring…

When an effective principal is at the helm of a school, students benefit. Principals play a critical role in establishing a school's climate and culture and in selecting and developing teachers, among other roles. Indeed, school leadership is second only to direct classroom teaching among school-level influences on achievement. Although there may…

The New York City Leadership Academy represents a unique experiment by a large urban school district to train and develop its own school leaders. Its 14-month Aspiring Principals Program (APP) selects and prepares aspiring principals to lead low-performing schools. This study provides the first systematic evaluation of achievement in APP-staffed…

A professional development program for leadership, Coaching Leaders to Attain Student Success (CLASS), prepares individuals to coach new and experienced school principals. The program is the product of collaboration between the New Teacher Center at University of California Santa Cruz and the Association of California School Administrators. (MLF)

Describes a Principal Support Network in San Jose, California, that enables high school principals to become informed, effective leaders, create a collegial support group, and allow space for reading, reflection, and thoughtful discussion. The network is practically focused, has varied meeting agendas, and offers discourse and leadership…

In fall 1994, California State University, Los Angeles, initiated a pilot program reflecting the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing's new standards for administrator preparation and professional development. The program stresses five areas: organizational and cultural environment, strategic issues management, ethical and reflective…