Needed: A New Kind of Educational Leadership. Policy Perspective and Action: School Leadership and Education Reform. PPA #1

A framework for developing a new kind of educational leadership is described in this paper, which is based on three propositions. The first proposition states that the policy framework of U.S. public education is undergoing fundamental changes: a goal shift from tolerating mediocrity to expecting educational success for all, and a process shift from bureaucratic organization to a partnership model. The second proposition argues that these changes call not only for improved leadership, but for a different kind of leadership based on commitment to new goals and process, the ability to motivate commitment in others, and the ability to function during the transition. Finally, these leadership needs have significant implications for the selection and preparation of educational leaders. To meet these special leadership needs, changes are recommended with regard to recruitment; selection; preservice and inservice training; paradigm competence; passion, persistence, and political savvy; history, philosophy, and political theory; race, class, and cultural bias; and celebration of the drama and importance of the change. (Contains 14 references.) (LMI)