ABSTRACT
Th is chapter about participants in educational administration and leadership programs is framed by two propositions. Th e fi rst is that the intent of leadership preparation is “to produce leaders” (Milstein, 1992, p. 10) able and willing to assume responsibilities as educational administrators of prekindergarten through Grade 12 (preK-12) schools and districts. Th e second is that leadership preparation is a developmental process that prepares individuals for new responsibilities and career opportunities (Browne-Ferrigno & Muth, 2004; Lashway, 2006; Matthews & Crow, 2003; Ortiz, 1982; Young & McLeod, 2001). Viewed from these two perspectives, information about the characteristics and experiences of individuals actively engaged in formal leadership development activities-prospective candidates for school administrator and leader positions-is critically important for assessing the eff ectiveness of leadership preparation.
