Educational Leadership in Alberta: A Study Conducted on Behalf of the Consortium

This document reports on a study on educational leadership training opportunities and needs in Alberta, Canada. After an overview of study objectives and methodology, a detailed review of the literature on leadership is presented, including various leadership and educational leadership definitions and information on preservice preparation and inservice training for educational leaders. The responses from the 110 of the 116 superintendents who received a questionnaire describe existing courses and programs in educational leadership in Alberta and the needs for additional courses and programs. Results of interviews conducted with key individuals in the provision of educational leadership are presented, including information on the current status of educational leadership in Alberta; current and emergent problems; and the adequacy of current preparation programs. Next, the following issues derived from study data are explored: (1) the nature of educational leadership in Alberta; (2) the lack of consensus; (3) the absence of critical leadership components; (4) programs in educational leadership; and (5) financial constraints. A final section provides the beginnings of a discussion on the same issues. Appended are a copy of the materials sent to each superintendent in Alberta, questionnaire results, summaries of identified programs and courses, and the interview questions used. (64 references) (CLA)