Performance Skill Development of the Aspiring Principal Integrated into Principal Preparation

Abstract

The preparation of school administrators, particularly school principals, has become a topic of discussion by many groups. Common to all discussions is the question “What knowledge and skills should aspiring administrators have and how should they be prepared?” Bennis (1989) indicated “how we translate this knowledge into action—is both complex and deep, as well as chronically elusive” (p. 30).

The purpose of this article is to describe how an educational administration program model blends a knowledge base of educational administration and the performance skills needed for effective practice. The discussion focuses on the performance skill development of the aspiring administrator using the conceptual framework of the program model. It also offers performance-based illustrations and initial program evaluation.