Inducting School Leaders. ERIC Digest.

Beginning principals are often overwhelmed by their job. Traditionally, they have been left to fend for themselves. For this reason, schools and districts have been implementing formal induction programs to help the principals during their first year on the job. This digest examines the challenges faced by new administrators and the steps that districts can take to provide a smooth entry into the principalship. It also describes characteristics of good induction programs. New administrators experience many stresses as they adjust to their new position. Among the most stressful are supervising personnel and adjusting to the social climate and culture of the organization. Good induction programs help by providing mentors who in turn provide instructional, administrative, and emotional support. Other suggestions for effective induction programs include the following: help the newcomer stay focused on the big picture; provide a variety of strategies beyond one-on-one mentoring; and help the newcomer adjust to the culture of the district through visits and conferences. The digest concludes by providing some general and specific external resources for supporting district induction programs. (WFA)