A large California school district provides on-the-job management training at building and central office levels for 10 promising school employees (including teachers) annually. Trainees develop 15 administrative competencies through hands-on experience and exposure to 4 activities: working with mentors, district seminars, training sessions, and…

Studies the significance of memorandum subject lines (the thematic titles or topic statements of memorandums) through an analysis of 483 memorandums. Describes a taxonomy which classifies a subject line as either neutral (introducing a topic without revealing the writer's intention) or directed (revealing intention). Argues that the taxonomy…

The development of the paper-and-pencil instrument called the Organizational Culture Assessment Inventory (OCAI) is based on the theory of organizational culture. Recent literature and organizational analysis are combined with Schein's model of organizational culture to provide the background for metaphorical analysis of organizational culture…

A preliminary analysis of the Organizational Culture Assessment Inventory yielded four root metaphors descriptive of the type of culture likely to be found in public schools: the family, the machine, the circus, and the "little shop of horrors." (10 references) (SI)

A comprehensive list of programs regularly offering training, and experience to those interested in playing leadership roles in colleges and universities is provided. ACE Fellows Program, ACE National Identification Program, Continuing Higher Education Leadership Project, Educational Leadership Program, Education Policy Fellowship Program, etc.,…

New Start at 45, operated by Fujitsu Ltd. in Japan, is a management development course for 45-year-old adults in management or supervisory positions. Two components are a 6-week liberal arts curriculum and a 2-week, intensive course in either international management, sales management, or subsidiaries management. Benefits include increased…

Considers the effects of the Leadership in Educational Administration Development (LEAD) Program. Reviews both program and project specific accomplishments. (JOW)

Asserts that human resources department function has undergone critical changes in last decade and it must continue to change if it is to contribute to ongoing success of organization. Includes recommendations on how human resources policy should change to meet challenges of 21st century based on a survey of 1,500 chief executive officers and…

Assessment center principles can be used not only to identify effective school administrators, but also to prepare potential administrators during graduate school programs. Five administrator preparation components could benefit from applying the assessment center method: curriculum, instruction, personnel, standards, and research. (MLH)

The Peer-Assisted Leadership (PAL) Program created at Far West Laboratory (San Francisco, California) gives principals and vice-principals a year-long professional development program to reduce their isolation and improve their instructional leadership performance through nonevaluative peer observation and reflection. A key element is challenge…

Describes the Headteachers Leadership and Management Programme (Headlamp), a new British national scheme aiming to improve school-management quality. Discusses issues such as entitlement, expectations, competencies, other team players (mentors, local education authorities, and governing bodies), and funding resources. Headlamp needs an integrated…

Discusses a research project investigating the preparation of beginning principals in Queensland (Australia) government schools. Survey data were gathered from principals in 23 primary and 13 secondary schools. Fully 10 primary school principals felt they were ill-prepared for their jobs. Secondary principals, with prior experience as deputy…

Provides suggestions and ideas to ensure positive first impressions for superintendents in new districts. Helps beginning superintendents build a plan for dealing with the media, parents, community leaders, staff, and the board. Provides advice on developing district objectives and creating a pleasing office environment. (MLH)

Forty-seven of 60 participants in 2 sections of Outward Bound completed pre- and posttests and interviews showing differences between the leadership skills intended to be developed, participant perceptions of skill development, and changes measured on the questionnaire. Neither group demonstrated positive changes in the areas where it was…

Potential sources of resistance to minority managers include issues of perceived competence, leader-follower fit, and supervision of same-race subordinates. Awareness of these issues can guide the preprofessional preparation of minority managers and training and support once they enter the workplace. (SK)