Background: A growing literature is questioning the appropriateness of a research dissertation for practitioners in education doctoral programs. Although this literature persuasively critiques the prevailing theory-research orientation of most programs and theses, it goes little beyond exhorting change and describing extant alternatives in a few…

Reviews research on organizational change and leader effectiveness, and argues that communication should be addressed formally in administrator and teacher preparation programs. An ongoing effort to develop a communication skills component of an administrator preparation program that incorporates problem-based learning is described. (SLD)