Describes a program focusing on developing positive attitudes, knowledge, and skills among assistant principals working in an El Paso school district. The Ysleta Assistant Principals Leadership Academy has established a strong partnership with higher education, created expanded learning opportunities, provided mentors, and extended administrators'…

Outlines recommended practices for strengthening administrator preparation programs. Preservice programs should emphasize development of reflective skills; ethical and moral leadership qualities; adult learning principles; coherent, integrated curricula; and updated teaching and learning processes. Aspiring principals need more opportunities for…

Since beginning principals have increasingly complex responsibilities, collegial support for these administrators should be encouraged through "buddy" systems, principal centers, and structured inservice activities designed to promote interaction with district colleagues. Includes 14 references. (MLH)

Recent research suggests that principals can improve the content and delivery of staff development programs by selecting practical topics, involving teachers in topic selection and presentation, keeping teachers' experience levels in mind, emphasizing ongoing staff development processes, avoiding lecture-based programs, and encouraging personal…

Certain characteristics qualify individuals to serve as mentor principals, including experience as practicing school administrators, demonstration of positive leadership qualities, ability to question beginning administrators appropriately, acceptance of alternative management methods, desire to promote exceptional performance, ability to model…

Beginning principals experience problems in three areas: role clarification, technical problems, and socialization to the profession. Formation, a method to help people synthesize learning acquired through coursework and field experiences, has five elements: mentoring, personal reflection, educational platform development, appreciation of…

Induction programs should be designed to reflect school administrators' unique learning needs. Effective induction programs have three critical components: preprogram planning, mentoring, and program evaluation. Planning involves establishing a school board policy, conducting a preliminary needs assessment, specifying goals, identifying needed…