In response to the need for professional growth opportunities for principals, the Indiana Principal Leadership Academy (IPLA) was founded in 1985. The IPLA was created to be a national training model for principals, as leaders of instructors, empowered with effective behaviors and practices. The academy's focus is on four proficiencies: (1) leadership; (2) communication; (3) culture; and (4) school programs. Four days of instruction are devoted to each proficiency over a 2-year period. During the leadership phase, self-awareness, learning styles, and values are emphasized. Oral, written, and nonverbal communication are second-phase components. The culture phase compares and contrasts school culture and climate, exploring how each can be positively influenced. School programs for reform are the focus of the fourth phase, as school improvements can only take place after assessment of needs, resources, and priorities. The IPLA's instructional model is based upon the "effective inservice model's" six components: (1) rationale; (2) delivery; (3) humor; (4) human development; (5) evaluation; and (6) celebration. Principals are asked to evaluate the program at the end of each session and when they graduate from the academy. (EJS)