Describes results of a study using indepth interviews with practicing administrators working directly with aspiring administrators enrolled in the Danforth Foundation Program for the Preparation of School Principals. Mentoring activities benefit both proteges and mentors. Encouraging experienced administrators to serve as mentors may be a powerful…

Mentoring has become an accepted and desirable part of the preservice preparation of educational administrators. This paper focuses on the responsibilities of those who are being mentored, often referred to as "mentees" or "proteges." It is argued that mentoring is a teaching-learning process to which participants bring…

In 1987, the Ohio Department of Education enacted a new policy requiring all school districts to plan and implement programs designed to provide support to newly hired professional educators. The mandate's intent was to ensure that inexperienced teachers, counselors, social workers, psychologists, supervisors, or administrators hired to work in…

This manual provides planners of professional development programs for practicing and aspiring school administrators with basic background information related to mentoring. Fundamental concepts that underlie mentoring in education are examined as well as many of the most frequently discussed issues concerning the actual implementation of mentor…

Although field-based learning is alleged to be a vital part of educational administration training programs, this research review shows that high quality investigation is scarce. Most work lacks a theoretical base, so generalizability is severely restricted. Future research should concentrate on candidates' professional development and on issues…

Discusses the unique needs of school principals early in their careers, describing ways the needs have been addressed through enactment of an entry-year program in Ohio that involves structured and formal mentoring activities. The program stresses that mentoring and induction should fit a more comprehensive program of professional development. (SM)

To help classify and map the field of administrative inservice, five generic administrative inservice models may be identified and their strengths and weaknesses determined based on what is known about effective inservice practices. The models are a traditional model, institutes, competency-based programs, the academy, and networking. A review of…

In this paper critical skills needed by beginning principals are identified in order to guide mentors as they support and assist novice principals by indicating effective ways of dealing with critical responsibilities. A review of related literature and research-based information is presented followed by a description of the study. Findings were…

In 1986 the Danforth Foundation Program for the Preparation of School Principals was launched at Georgia State University, the University of Alabama, and Ohio State University. All participants have attempted to address the foundation's primary objectives: (1) to work with faculty to develop alternative preparation programs in collaboration with…

This book presents an interactive, step-by-step method for implementing and evaluating mentor programs and relationships. The 11 chapters include: (1) "Mentoring: A Welcome Teaching Assistant" (e.g., benefits to mentors, proteges, and districts); (2) "Initial Program Development" (e.g., planning, implementation, and assessment); (3) "What is Our…

Briefly reviews the current status of research on mentoring as a form of professional development for school leaders. Presents alternative definitions of mentoring and reviews several recent studies on administrator mentoring. Discusses limitations in research design, methodologies, and findings, and charts possible new research directions. (19…

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…

Study of the behavior of a suburban superintendent with a statewide reputation as an educational leader revealed five ways in which the superintendent proved effective. Includes a review of the literature, a description of the methodology, and a discussion of the study's implications for training and selection of superintendents. (PGD)

The Socorro Independent School District is one of the fastest growing districts in Texas. In response to the complex issue of a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse student population, poverty, and shrinking pool of educational leader candidates, the district launched an Assistant Principals Academy, designed to prepare individuals to step…

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…