How educational leaders can be prepared to carry out their responsibilities in an effective and sensitive fashion is explored in the context of an urban, diverse school environment by describing the Assistant Principal Leadership Academy of the Ysleta Independent School District, El Paso (Texas). The Academy is a unique professional development…

Describes the search for a relevant knowledge base for the field of educational leadership and identifies some traditional and emergent sources. Presents a newly developed program in educational leadership to illustrate how elements of the knowledge base have been incorporated into an innovative, holistic approach to preparing school…

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…