Research studies have found a number of teacher-related variables that are associated with student achievement. Professional development activities designed to improve the knowledge and skill of teachers can help students improve academically. In investigating the motivation for professional development, the findings of several researchers support…

Describes a study that examined continuing professional development activities, needs, and aspirations of Australian special librarians and information center managers. The extent and nature of organizational support, educational activities and professional involvement of those interviewed, and participants' perceptions of present and future needs…

This brief introductory article describes the NASSP's Assessment Center Project, a comprehensive plan to assist school districts in identifying and developing highly skilled school leaders. As such, it introduces a series of articles in which those who have used the NASSP Assessment Center describe their experiences. (TE)

Two success stories are presented of good teachers who were given a chance by the NASSP assessment center to demonstrate their administrative skills and were subsequently selected to fill administrative positions. Participation in the assessment center has provided more objective information on administrative candidates than was previously…

Five elements contribute to success of the NASSP assessor training program: (1) participants are totally involved; (2) preparation supports the overall training design; (3) preselection and orientation of assessor trainees ensures qualified participants; (4) training models assessors' subsequent role; and (5) follow-up training at individual…

College and university faculty engaged in the preparation of school administrators should have a vital role in all applications of assessment centers and the principles upon which assessment centers are based. Faculty involvement in uses of assessment center technology can improve administrator preparation programs. (TE)

This essay shows how the assessment center concept can provide the research base to improve teaching and service in principal preparation programs at colleges and universities. (TE)

Improving the quality of management is widely cited as one of the keys to school improvement. In the United Kingdom, the Teacher Training Agency (TTA) identifies the quality of management at the headteacher and middle-management levels as an essential area for development. This book supports the personal and professional development required for…

Argues that systematic study of school administrators' activities could be valuable in refining development models. Reviews North American, Australian, and British research on elementary school management. States organizational demands on leadership increase as schools become more complex. Observes that British primary school heads lack a reliable…

Asserts that high turnover in educational administrative personnel, especially principals, necessitates that attention and resources be allocated to administrative staff development. Recommends peer coaching as a way for principals to help each other, and presents a model for implementing a staff-development program. (VWC)

Training programs for principals are generally viewed to be inadequate. Various initiatives in Seattle (Washington) demonstrate that effective programs bridge the gap between theory and practice, use new kinds of delivery systems, incorporate field-based experience, and provide internships. The University of Washington's 4-day workshops give state…

The Mississippi Community College Fellowship Program (MCCFP), a project of the Department of Educational Leadership at Mississippi State University, is designed to assist in the identification, development, and training of the state's future community college leaders. Two participants are nominated by each of the 16 public community college…

This paper discusses the silences that arise when female educational administrators reflect on their practices during most public discussions, seminars, and lectures. The term "silence" refers to the situation in which people who perceive themselves as less powerful than those from the dominant culture (that is, women and minorities) tend to not…

This paper presents a proposal for an alternative principal-certification program, which is to be operated by Tarleton State University (Texas) in collaboration with 10 independent Texas school districts, 4 regional educational service centers, 2 professional associations, and 1 foundation. The New Century Educational Leadership Program (NCELP) is…

Organized around the themes of quality and team building, this book contains essays by community college practitioners who address various structural or thematic aspects of the community college. The book contains these articles: (1) "A Team Approach to Institutional Quality: Toward a Model," by George A. Baker, III, and Vaughn Mamlin Upshaw; (2)…