A Pathway to Restructuring: Discussion of a University Pilot for Principalship Preparation

Abstract

As education embarks upon the second wave of school reform—sitebased management—the school principal's role assumes a more global and dynamic perspective. At the same time, it becomes increasingly crucial that universities provide future administrators with the necessary expertise to fulfill this new leadership thrust. Preparation programs for school leaders have, in the past, directed their attention primarily to problem-solving approaches. Students have been taught to react to problems presented to them and to manage conflict and problems. They have not always been trained to find, define, and refine the problems that they must confront (Achilles and Norris, 1988: 105).

Many experts have recognized this dearth in principalship preparation and have advocated curriculum that encourages reflective practice (Schon, 1983; Sergiovanni, 1987) and the integration of theory and practice (Schwab, 1964; McCarthy, 1987). It is important that immersion in theory or practice not be designed merely to promote an existing order, but that it provides future leaders with the understandings for “question[ing] existing practices and … create[ing] visions of a better way” (Norris, 1990, p. 10). Effective preparation programs must also provide students with self-awareness and insight in how their thought patterns and behaviors might serve as facilitating forces, or as hindrances, to the proper execution of their leadership roles (Norris, 1990). Personal awareness provides the first step in enhanced development of latent capabilities that are strengthened as development opportunities are intentionally provided through individualized approaches to learning (Norris, 1990; Messick, 1984).

This paper 1) describes a current university pilot program based on these assumptions of principalship preparation; 2) discusses that program's effectiveness as perceived by student participants; and 3) explores current university efforts to institutionalize the more successful components from that effort.