`Without much question, the fact that principla leadership is a key ingredientt in an effective school carries with it the cost of ensuring that ordinary people who get the job of administratos can actually do the job. This books will provide a great foundation to make the extraordinary task doable' - John C Daresh, From the Foreword

Initially designed as a practical `nuts and bolts' resource for new principals, this book now serves two primary target groups - first-time principals and first-time principal mentors. This book also targets a secondary audience, one being those who are exploring the idea of becoming a school principal, and the other, students enrolled in preparatory programmes in pursuit of their principal licenses. This handbook serves primarily as a portable and prescriptive support for entry-year principals.

It provides a focused, organized approach that helps the novice school leader maneuver through the management and/or organizational demands of the job. Defining the Job, Doing the Job, Deciphering the Job, and Mentoring the Mentor are the four parts of the book that address concerns related to the entry-year principal and on principal mentoring issues.