Overhaul Urged In the Preparation Of Administrators

By Joanna Richardson

State education agencies should seize the lead in coordinating the efforts of institutions and groups involved in the training, certification, and career development of educational administrators, a report released last week concludes.

The five "stakeholders'' active in preparing and supporting school leaders--state agencies, universities, school districts, professional organizations, and other groups such as principals' centers and unions--often duplicate one another's efforts or develop programs at cross purposes, the report by the National Association of Secondary School Principals says.

It argues that state education departments "are logical catalysts'' in building a consensus among these players on standards...