This textbook provides a curriculum for administrator preparation courses based on guidelines established in 1979 by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Advisory Committee on Higher Education Relationships. Each chapter provides ideas for successful practices and suggested activities to provide actual experience in each area of study, followed by a checklist of essential skills and a list of resources. After a brief introduction, remaining chapters are devoted to the following skills: (1) designing, implementing, and evaluating school climate; (2) building support for schools; (3) developing school curriculum; (4) instructional management; (5) staff evaluation; (6) staff development; (7) allocating resources; and (8) educational research, evaluation, and planning. The final chapter summarizes considerations in building and using these skills. An appendix entitled "Megachallenges" discusses current societal trends with compelling significance for school leaders.(TE)