Multiple and complex issues simultaneously present themselves for the principal's attention. Learning how to identify, prioritize, synthesize, and act in relation to these issues poses a particular challenge to early career principals. This case study engages aspiring and current school leaders in critical reflection upon leadership opportunities…

School leaders are increasingly being asked, whether by rhetoric or policy, to measurably improve student achievement. The resultant need to assist school leaders in their ability to improve teaching and learning for all students in their schools led to the establishment of the National Institute of School Leadership's (NISL's) Executive…

The National Institute of School Leadership's (NISL's) Executive Development Program (EDP) was established to provide professional development to school leaders to drive their schools to high performance. The program emphasizes the role of principals as strategic thinkers, instructional leaders, and creators of a just, fair, and caring culture in…

To complement and strengthen its educational leadership program, East Tennessee State University, along with Brigham Young University, Florida State University, and Virginia Tech, formed a liaison with NASSP to help expand and refine administrative skills in decision making, leadership, sensitivity, problem solving, communication, judgment, and…

Describes the assessment center of the Leadership Academy in the Houston (Texas) schools system. It is used to evaluate the management capability of current principals and potential administrator candidates. The center uses simulation exercises as part of the evaluation process. Includes outline of areas to be considered when developing a program.…

This study examined the impact of NISL's [National Institute for School Leadership's] Executive Development Program for principals on student achievement in Pennsylvania schools between 2006-2009. Roughly half of the NISL-trained principals started the program during the 2007 school year and completed it in the 2008 school year, whereas the other…

Two simulation games, for improving decision-making skills and enhancing leadership, intended for college faculty but adaptable for high school principals, are outlined. (MSE)

The present success and future potential of the Springfield Simulation depend on six interrelated research findings about adult learning.These findings, enumerated and discussed, provide the theoretical framework for Springfield. (TE)

"Springfield," a simulation-based development program for those who have completed the NASSP assessment center, works well for 10 reasons: motivation, talent, self-assessment, feedback, specific goals, realistic simulation, behavior modeling, developmental mentors, on-the-job development, and a follow-up seminar. (TE)

Oregon was selected as one of four pilot states to field test the Springfield Simulation. Logistical problems are described, followed by a procedural account of the process: personnel, initial briefing, research packets, the three-day simulation, feedback from mentors, and a follow-up at the end of three months. (TE)

The simulation materials in this booklet are presented in the form of "in" basket items that represent some problems encountered by secondary school principals in actual situations. These exercises are directed toward improving those skills related to the administrative processes of decisionmaking, supervision, planning, and problem…

An assistant principal from Alabama describes her application of one of the skill dimensions derived from the Springfield Simulation--problem analysis--to a low-achievement problem among her fifth graders. Before she was through, she had exercised all the other skill dimensions as well: judgment, sensitivity, leadership, decisiveness, and…