A framework for the professional certification and preparation of principals is developed in this report. Contents include discussions of the context of school leadership, implications for school leaders, expanded leadership roles, suggestions for preparation programs, and principals' domains. Based on the premise that principal preparation programs have not kept pace with the changes in public schools, the proposed framework emphasizes inductive methodology, recognition of the realities of the workplace, examples of exemplary school programs, and study of emerging problems. Appendices include a list of contributors, taxonomy of principalship standards, national focus group participants, and information on the National Commission on Professional Standards for the Principalship. (LMI)