Understanding the Principalship ― An International Guide to Principal Preparation

Slater (educational leadership, California State U. Long Beach) and Nelson (education and community leadership, Texas State U.) bring together education scholars from North America, Mexico, Argentina, Europe, and Australia for 15 chapters that draw on and expand their research for the International Study of Principal Preparation, a project that examined the kinds of preparation available to principals in 14 countries around the world and how it serves them in their first years in the position. They review the literature on principal preparation, discussing a theoretical framework for study that focuses on place, people, system, and self; preparation experiences; the factors involved in educational leadership and its context; and six preparation principles. The second section delves into specific issues, including ethical dilemmas, management vs. leadership, the social and political dimensions of leadership, responsibilities and dispositions, and entrepreneurialism in public education. The final two sections present narratives of principals who detail challenges and finding support, leading environmental education, and the importance of awareness of self and others, and discussion of inclusive leadership in various countries. The volume is aimed at principals and policy makers. Distributed in North America by Turpin Distribution. Annotation c2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)