Through the Looking Glass: Critical Reflections of Doctoral Preparation Experiences (Report‪)‬

The Lead-RR Nevada (pronounced Leader) doctoral program is a federally funded full-time doctoral leadership training program in special education. Lead-RR Nevada introduces, as one of its core values, a reflective self-evaluation (RSE). The RSE is a mechanism to give students voice and ownership of their learning while making progress on the Lead-RR competencies and qualities. The RSE data from Year 1 revealed six common themes among the project's seven participants: Understanding of doctoral program requirements, structure, and process; the struggle with time management, work, family, and financial issues; internship experiences and professional development; leadership opportunities and development of leadership competencies; cohort bonding and support; and completion of the doctoral program. Students' and faculty perceptions in each of the topics are discussed. "I wonder if I've been changed in the night? Let me think: Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I'm not the same, the next question is, who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle!" (from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, first published in 1865).