Evaluation of a Training Program for Primary School Principals.

This paper evaluates an intensive 2-year Dutch training course, "Magistrum," as one possible answer to the training needs of principals. The paper posits the following question: "Is the Magistrum, as an illustrative example of an intensive training, an effective answer to the principals' need for professional development?" Preliminary findings are reported because data analysis is still in progress. The paper briefly describes the conceptual framework, with the central idea of professional development as an interactive and contextualized learning process. Next, it reports on the specific research approach in the study, that of semistructured interviews. The data suggest the Magistrum is a "timeout" for principals; the training offers them ways to "refuel." They can take a break while studying new theories, skills, and visions, all of which happen in intensive exchanges with other principals coping with the same challenges. Two patterns emerged in the meanings of "timeout": the acquisition of new knowledge, skills, and insights before principals returned to their schools; and a period of time that leads to more fundamental and pivotal changes in perspective. An appendix contains a description of the training program. (Contains 61 references.) (DFR)