Standards for Education Administration Preparation Programs: Okay, but Don't we have the Cart before the Horse?

Abstract

This article looks at the quality of students entering preparation programs that will drive the standards and accountability movement. Until we give serious attention to improving the quality of selection criteria, the standards movement has little chance to impact education positively. This study warns that no aspect of our preparation programs is more damaging than our reputation for being a refuge for mediocre candidates. A program consisting of mediocre candidates will not likely pull the standards cart—more likely, such a program will stall the cart in its tracks.

Instructional, Transformational, and Managerial Leadership and Student Achievement: High School Principals Make a Difference

“…The findings of this study appear to confirm conventional wisdom that increased education on the part of a principal increases his or her perceived effectiveness. Although some researchers have pointed out deficiencies in principal preparation programs, especially the need for standards (Furtwengler and Furtwengler, 1998;Jackson & Kelley, 2002) and increased screening for prospective administrators (Creighton, 2002;Muse & Thomas, 1991), others have found a link between principal preparation programs and principal effectiveness (Brewer, 1993;Gonzalez, Glasman, & Glasman, 2002). While there may be other principal variables that influence effectiveness, such as personal motivation, prior experiences, intelligence, or dedication, the findings from this study reinforce the notion that the principal's education level is associated with teachers' perception of the principal's effectiveness.…”

Unpacking the Foundations of ISLLC Standards and Addressing Concerns in the Academic Community

“…Some reviewers suggest that the ISLLC Standards are on "life support" and face the imminent possibility of extinction (Leithwood & Steinbach, in press)-or of "becom[ing] part of the predictable pattern of failed reforms" (Bogotch, 2002, p. 504)-although in general, that position has fewer subscribers than the "domination" hypothesis outlined below. Others have questioned the penetration of the Standards into the practice of school leadership (Boeckmann & Dickinson, 2001) or whether the Standards can be successful absent other important reform efforts (Creighton, 2002). Most of the critical analysis, however, maintains that the Standards are insinuating themselves deeply into the heart of the profession, "advanc[ing] certain points of view" (Hess, 2003, p. 15), and, consequently, pulling school administration in what the critics contend are unhealthy directions.…”

Who is Framing the National Understanding of Educational Leadership Preparation and Practice?

“…A similar situation exists in the state of Texas (Creighton, 2002 It is worth noting that warnings of a potential shortage of educational leaders are not a recent phenomena. Indeed, Goodlad, in his 1983 book, A Place Called School, stated:``there is simply not an established procedure in the educational system to identify and groom cadres of the most promising prospects for top positions'' (p. 48).…”