Online simulations offer opportunities for trial and error decision-making. What better tool for a principal than to make decisions when the consequences will not have real-world ramifications. In this study, two groups of graduate students in a principal preparation program taking the same course in the same semester use online simulations…

Experience in problem-based learning, authentic experiences, on-the-job decision making, and critical reflection on decisions made formed the conceptual framework of an internship to develop democratic leadership as a professional ethic in interns. Interns in an on-the-job guided internship examined decisions over a 13-week period as they…

Through this qualitative study, the perceptions of first-year superintendents in Missouri were obtained regarding their graduate preparation program and the types of supports they sought in their new position. The superintendency is a complex role, requiring the school district leader to work within the often-conflicting framework of…

The purpose of this study was to analyze changes made to the design of a principal preparation internship. The study is based in part upon findings of a previous study on internship practices in Illinois administrator preparation programs (Tripses, Philhower, Halverson, Noe, & Morford, 2005) which found discrepancies in the design of…

Administrator interns who are limited to "cast-off" duties will be seriously unprepared for their first administrative position. A meaningful internship experience should include responsibilities for supervision, specific projects, leadership, routine decision making and problem solving, and public speaking and public relations. School district…

This paper describes a study that involved 25 school administrators who participated in one of five administrator-preparation programs at four New England universities. The study examined participants' perceptions of job preparedness and the ways in which components of formal training programs (internships, mentoring relationships, reflective…

Describes an internship program at Colby-Sawyer College that prepares women for entry-level positions leading to management. The program develops the administrative ability needed to make decisions, solve problems, think logically, apply analytical methods, and understand human relations. (JOW)

A 1984 partnership between Brigham Young University and five Utah school districts resulted in a new principal preparation program that integrates theory and practice and provides meaningful practice opportunities. The Leaders Preparation Program includes several NASSP-sponsored workshops allowing interns to experience, in a safe but challenging…