In The Netherlands, school leaders are recruited from the ranks of teachers. More than half of the principals in primary and secondary schools are promoted from within the organization. A minority of schools have written policies or explicitly stated procedures for identifying and selecting principals. One-fourth of the newly appointed principals…

This report is designed for use by those specializing in the preparation of elementary and middle school principals and by those whose focus is on the inservice aspects of professional development. The paper identifies the proficiencies for K-8 principals and groups them into four major categories. The report elaborates on these categories,…

While pressures to revise administrator evaluation systems are increasing, the actual process demands great time, energy, and commitment to planned change. This article describes a large urban school district's efforts to redefine evaluation purposes, develop a process and principles, and implement and assess the new system. Includes 23…

In Great Britain school management is often a team function requiring collaboration among colleagues. Management development has centered on training courses provided by specialized outside agencies, "club" style centers, and district or state training academies. (MD)

Presents results from a North Carolina survey on how principals view themselves and other principals. The survey addressed four questions: (1) the individual's actual leadership role, (2) the leadership role they would like to have, (3) the leadership roles assumed by three principals they know best, and (4) the leadership role played by most…

The need for the systemic development of principals, vice-principals, and administrators in central offices is discussed. This paper is intended to inform and inspire decision makers to plan, implement, and continuously revise systemic professional development activities for school administrators. Leadership is a skill that can be nurtured and…

The process of designing and implementing management development programs consists of four steps: (1) needs assessment; (2) content formation; (3) program design; and (4) pilot study. These elements are discussed in relation to a case study of a two-year management development project with a large corporation. (FG)

Current training programs generally address technical skills needed for department administration, but generally do not treat interpersonal problem-solving skills. A method found effective is the use of trigger films and discussion. Simulated but realistic situations are presented that represent common staff problems and managerial tasks. (MSE)

Five European institutions devoted to principal training developed the Comenius project "Extra Muros" between 1996-99. Its objectives were understanding the importance of educative action outside the school in order to provide equal opportunity to all students, as well as to promote the awareness of Europe among schools. The project…

Every month, "Leadership" features articles written in an informal, conversational style that provide practical information for school administrators. This issue of "Leadership" contains the following titles: (1) "Building Communities of Practice: Creating Small Learning Communities of School Leaders that Support Teacher Development Has a…

The Colorado Partnership for Educational Renewal has created a professional development opportunity for teachers who are skilled in and committed to teaching for equity and diversity. Participants discuss benefits of their participation, especially valuing the support that crosses district and age-level boundaries. (Contains 1 note.)

If the challenges of the 21st century are to be met successfully, education must transform its orientation from one of exclusion to inclusion. To assist in the transformation of systems, to address specific barriers to inclusion, and to offer exemplary models in educational leadership, the Texas Council of Women School Executives sponsored a pilot…

This paper presents findings of a study that examined the effectiveness of professional-development programs for school administrators in Yap, as perceived by Yap principals. Data were gathered from: (1) a survey of 31 principals who participated in the programs over a 2-year period (1992-93 and 1993-94); and (2) a discussion with a focus group…

As more administrators retire, it becomes increasingly necessary to train competent individuals to assume educational leadership positions. Recognizing this need, the Chattanooga Public Schools established an administrator development program to assist in the further training of educational leaders. The program was conducted annually during 3…

This paper identifies four common dilemmas that educators face across the globe: (1) meeting political demands for increased effectiveness and productivity; (2) providing education in ways that are consistent with the realities of diversity; (3) maintaining a focus on moral and ethical practice; and (4) determining the proper balance between…