UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 21, Page 2
February 27, 1992
National principal's academy to enetgize education

     The National Principals' Leadership Academy, a model program
for developing effective principals as leaders of change in
education, is gearing up for its first session from July 5-24 at
the University of Delaware, according to director Eugene  Smoley
Jr.
     "The task of providing bold, imaginative and sustained
leadership, based on structural change, is complex and difficult.
Principals are key players in effecting change, and the academy
will provide an exceptional opportunity for educators with values
and vision to enhance their leadership skills," Smoley said.
     Smoley, former vice president of education consulting for
Towers, Perrin, management consultants, will be assisted by Sue
Fuhrmann, project coordinator.
     Gov. Michael N. Castle was instrumental in establishing the
academy, a DELAWARE 2000 initiative, which is sponsored by the
University, the Education Commission of the States (ECS) and the
governors of the seven RE: Learning states. The project has
received a $400,000 grant from the Education Fund for Innovation in
Education of the U.S. Department of Education.
     At Delaware this summer, there are 60 slots for principals
from public, private and parochial elementary and secondary schools
from all over the country, including the RE:Learning states.
Assistant principals and teachers who have displayed leadership in
their schools also are eligible.
     To be selected, principals must have demonstrated innovative
leadership in bringing about changes to improve education in their
schools, and they must submit nominations from those involved in
education or business and community leaders by April 1.
     Those chosen will receive tuition scholarships of $6,600 to
cover all expenses except room, board and transportation. On campus
they will be housed in the Ray Street residence hall complex.
     The academy is designed as a prototype that can be adapted for
use in other states for future programs, according to Smoley.
Participants will learn not only leadership skills but will share
input based on their own experiences, with the academy's faculty
acting as facilitators.
     Before coming to campus, participants will be asked to do a
self-assessment of their schools and their initiatives in improving
learning.
     On campus, they will participate in a three-week, intensive
program of lectures, panel discussions and hands-on problem
solving. A combination of both theory and practical, how-to
information, the curriculum will use the case study approach,
focusing on actual problems principals have encountered and how
they can be addressed.
     "We also will draw upon the expertise of those in other areas,
such as business, to learn how management strategies can be adapted
to schools, with programs from such organizations as the American
Society for Training and Development and the Center for Creative
Leaders," Smoley said.
     The principals will develop a plan of action for change,
tailored to their individual schools, and form small peer groups.
During the school year, the members of these groups will interact
via computer networks and through visits to each other's schools,
acting as mentors to one another, Smoley said.
     The final phase of the program will be a week-long meeting in
March 1993, to assess progress and determine future strategies to
strengthen education in their schools.
     In addition to the academy's core faculty, a group of
educational leaders will serve as resource people and will be
actively involved in the academy. They include Frank B. Murray, H.
Rodney Sharp Professor of Educational Studies and Psychology and
dean of the University's College of Education; Robert Hampel ,
associate professor of educational studies at the University; Ted
Sizer, founder of the Coalition of Essential Schools; Frank Newman,
president of the ECS; and Mark Tucker, president of the Center for
Education and the Economy.
     "The role of a school principal is crucial in bringing about
meaningful change in education.The position of school principal is
complex and demanding as principals interact with teachers,
students, parents, the community, school boards and local and state
school administrators," Smoley said. "The academy is designed to
strengthen and reinforce their leadership skills in working with
these constituencies to improve learning and academic
accomplishment."
     Nominations will be accepted through April 1. For further
information about the academy, call Fuhrmann at 831-4382.
                                        - Sue Swyers Moncure