Chapter 9: Professional Preparation and Development of Middle Level Administrators: What Best Meets the Needs of a Middle Level Movement During Times of Severe Turbulence?

In light of new standards and standards-based assessments for prospective middle school principals, this chapter will examine three propositions. First, standards and testing of prospective middle school leaders are compatible with that movement’s goals. Second, these activities are not compatible. Third, the question of compatibility may not be as crucial as it initially appears in light of turbulence in the middle level movement due to today’s policy environment. One goal of this chapter is to problematize the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) standards and School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) test, especially as they apply to the middle level movement so that their nature and possible impact might be considered critically.