Beginning with an historical description of the development of the principalship, this monograph gives a comprehensive analysis of both current and evolving training programs for principals. Given particular attention are field-based training programs and administrative internships, particulary the National Association of Secondary School Principals' Internship Project. Also described are the McCleary model for competency-based training for school administrators, Indiana State University's Experimental Preparation Program, and Project ICES (Internships, Certification, Equity-Leadership and Support). The author lists eight obstacles to field-based training and offers eight recommendations for increasing the effectiveness of field-based training experiences. The final section of the monograph discusses future trends in principal training programs, based on the results of a national survey conducted in 1981 of principals, department of education personnel in all states, and college professors. Increasing, static, and decreasing trends are identified. Additionally, the Contingency Framework for Administrator Development is presented as a flexible model for administrator training. (Author/WD)