Exploring Principals' Perceptions about Potential and Readiness for the Principalship in Assistant Principals

Exploring Principals' Perceptions about Potential and Readiness for the Principalship in Assistant Principals PDF Author: Richard Martin Gonzales
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 332

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Book Description
Research has documented the need for school districts to recruit and retain qualified school leaders capable of navigating the organizational challenges for school improvement, particularly in high-poverty, low-achievement contexts. Recently, scholars have studied principal pipeline structures implemented by school districts to recruit and retain effective principals. A key finding of this research is that clearly-defined standards and performance criteria can inform school districts' strategic identification and development of individuals with the potential to become effective principals. Further research is needed to understand and define potential and readiness for the principalship in assistant principals, commonly the largest candidate group in a principal pipeline. I used a qualitative case study design to investigate veteran principals' perceptions about potential and readiness for the principalship in assistant principals. Six principals in one urban school in Texas were purposefully selected based on their experience with supporting, developing, and/or endorsing former assistant principals for promotion to the principalship while under their supervision. I collected data through questionnaires and in-depth interviews to understand this phenomenon through the informants' lived experience. I found that the principals view professional competence and personal dispositions as indicators of potential and readiness for the principalship. They believe an assistant principal's potential to perform as a principal is evident in the processes and products of their work, but they don't believe all high-potentials are necessarily ready to become principals. Shared leadership was instrumental to developing readiness for the principalship in their assistant principals, and developing capacity by building on strength and targeting weakness worked equally well in their experience. Using these findings and existing research, I identify state and district-level policy implications for the field. I also make recommendations for further study of this topic in the future.

Exploring Principals' Perceptions about Potential and Readiness for the Principalship in Assistant Principals

Exploring Principals' Perceptions about Potential and Readiness for the Principalship in Assistant Principals PDF Author: Richard Martin Gonzales
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 332

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Book Description
Research has documented the need for school districts to recruit and retain qualified school leaders capable of navigating the organizational challenges for school improvement, particularly in high-poverty, low-achievement contexts. Recently, scholars have studied principal pipeline structures implemented by school districts to recruit and retain effective principals. A key finding of this research is that clearly-defined standards and performance criteria can inform school districts' strategic identification and development of individuals with the potential to become effective principals. Further research is needed to understand and define potential and readiness for the principalship in assistant principals, commonly the largest candidate group in a principal pipeline. I used a qualitative case study design to investigate veteran principals' perceptions about potential and readiness for the principalship in assistant principals. Six principals in one urban school in Texas were purposefully selected based on their experience with supporting, developing, and/or endorsing former assistant principals for promotion to the principalship while under their supervision. I collected data through questionnaires and in-depth interviews to understand this phenomenon through the informants' lived experience. I found that the principals view professional competence and personal dispositions as indicators of potential and readiness for the principalship. They believe an assistant principal's potential to perform as a principal is evident in the processes and products of their work, but they don't believe all high-potentials are necessarily ready to become principals. Shared leadership was instrumental to developing readiness for the principalship in their assistant principals, and developing capacity by building on strength and targeting weakness worked equally well in their experience. Using these findings and existing research, I identify state and district-level policy implications for the field. I also make recommendations for further study of this topic in the future.

Mississippi High School Assistant Principals' Perceptions of Their Readiness to Pursue the Principalship and Factors that Might Influence Readiness

Mississippi High School Assistant Principals' Perceptions of Their Readiness to Pursue the Principalship and Factors that Might Influence Readiness PDF Author: Bennett Teague Burchfield
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Assistant school principals
Languages : en
Pages : 118

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Book Description
The purpose of this study was to determine if certain factors as well as the influence of these factors affect the perceptions of assistant principals' readiness to pursue the principalship. Mississippi high school assistant principals (n=107) responded to an online questionnaire that gathered personal and professional demographic data and also collected a readiness rating as well as an influence of factors ratings both based on a 5- point Likert scale. A multiple linear regression was used to predict the readiness of assistant principals to pursue the principalship based on personal and professional factors as well the influence of those factors. The regression model revealed a positive, statistically significant predictor of readiness in assistant principals to pursue the principalship with single, never married individuals and negative, statistically significant predictors of readiness with the factors of assistant principals that make between $125,000 and $149,999 and $150,000 and $174,999. The influence of years of experience and level of degree reported as being positive, significant predictors of readiness and the influence of amount of children reported as being a negative, significant predictor of readiness. According to Crow (2006), the principalship is a complex role. Simon and Newman (2003) add that recruiting and retaining highly qualified principals are becoming more difficult. Opportunities for those ready to transition into the principalship, are available. When aspiring principals can accurately assess their readiness to pursue the principalship, they are then empowered to transition into the position with confidence, creating the opportunity for a more successful experience personally and professionally. --Page ii.

Ready to Take the Lead

Ready to Take the Lead PDF Author: Bryan Andrew Denton
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Educational leadership
Languages : en
Pages : 384

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Book Description
This study examined the perceptions of novice principals in terms of their readiness for the principalship. Further, the study sought to ascertain what previous experiences the novice principals believed were contributors to their readiness as well as to identify suggestions novice principals would make to improve the readiness of novice principals. The researcher used a qualitative approach to conduct the study. The qualitative data were obtained through the use of a questionnaire and personal interviews. The open-ended interview questions asked participants to identify what previous experiences helped them be ready for the principalship and how those experiences contributed to their readiness. Interview questions also asked participants to identify the areas of responsibility in the principalship for which they felt most and least ready. The research questions examined (a) How do novice principals rate their sense of readiness; (b) What experiences do novice principals feel were contributors to their readiness; and (c) What suggestions do novice principals have to enhance their readiness? Data analysis showed that novice principals had mixed opinions as to their initial readiness, with all participants acknowledging they were not as ready as they would like to have been. In addition, participants highlighted several previous experiences that contributed to their readiness, in particular their service as an assistant principal and life experiences that preceded their administrative career. Other experiences included mentor relationships, university preparation, and district-based leadership development programs. Participants offered many suggestions for how to improve principal readiness, with the greatest emphasis being place on the preparation of assistant principals for the principalship.

Exploring the Perceptions of Secondary Assistant Principals Toward Their Development as Instructional Leaders

Exploring the Perceptions of Secondary Assistant Principals Toward Their Development as Instructional Leaders PDF Author: Ronnie B. Williams (Jr.)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Assistant school principals -- Attitudes
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Although, the concept of instructional leadership is a not a new idea, it has become an increasingly popular term in education in recent years. Instructional leadership provides the foundation for teaching and learning within a school. Such federal educational initiatives as No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top have sought to improve student achievement have also changed the landscape of school leadership. As accountability and high-stakes testing measures continue to rise, the need to closely explore and understand the ideology of instructional leadership has become more prevalent. Qualified school leaders with a keen focus on instruction must be well-prepared to lead schools and meet the needs of 21st century students. Specifically, the role of assistant principal is called upon to expand in instructional leadership to help meet ever evolving school challenges. From a historical perspective, within the literature, little attention has been given to the development, selection, training, and support of assistant principals. This has led to the increasing marginalization of this group of school leaders. The purpose of this study is to explore the shared perceptions that secondary assistant principals hold toward their development as instructional leaders given the support from their principals' leadership actions and transformational practices. Thirty-four secondary middle and high school assistant principals' perspectives were explored using Q methodology. Participants performed a Q sort of thirty-eight statements to examine their subjective viewpoints toward their own development as instructional leaders. Four perspectives emerged from the study, Relational & Support, Coaching & Collective Collaboration, Data-Driven & Feedback, and Professional Development & Strategic Planning. Each perspective leads to a deeper understanding aligned with the development of the assistant principal as instructional leader.

Standards-based Leadership

Standards-based Leadership PDF Author: Sandra Harris
Publisher: R&L Education
ISBN: 9781578860418
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 154

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Book Description
Provides a structure for learning and growth that connects theory with practice, whether the assistant principal is already 'on the job' or enrolled in a preparation program.

Examining the Relationship Between Beliefs and Perceived Experiences During Assistant Principal Preparation for the Role of Principal

Examining the Relationship Between Beliefs and Perceived Experiences During Assistant Principal Preparation for the Role of Principal PDF Author: Tonya Holcomb Wallace
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Assistant school principals
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Principals have been expected to serve as managers and leaders of curriculum and instruction while facing intense accountability and had to be good communicators capable of building relationships within their school and with community stakeholders. School complexity increased challenges leaders faced, so educational leaders utilized research-based strategies to develop professional resilience and grow in the face of adversity. In preparation for school principalship, assistant principals needed to move beyond school operation and management roles to become a viable candidate for career advancement. Limited research exists describing the preparation of assistant principals for advancement. The purpose of this convergent mixed methods research study was to examine the relationship between beliefs and perceived experiences during assistant principalship and readiness to assume the role of principal. The 33 participants in this study were public school principals currently employed in a school district in Middle Georgia. The three data sources in this study included a Demographic Survey, Principal Readiness Inventory, and Qualitative Questionnaire, which were combined into one online measure for data collection purposes. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted using the quantitative data, and a thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the qualitative data by principal readiness group. According to the data collected, participants reported higher levels of mentoring prior to the initial educational leadership certification compared to the level of mentoring after the initial educational leadership certification. This information could be useful in developing effective leadership development programs that would help assistant principals make a transition into the principalship role.

An Analysis of Middle School Principals Perceptions of Assistant Principal Experiences

An Analysis of Middle School Principals Perceptions of Assistant Principal Experiences PDF Author: David Lynn Everett
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Assistant school principals
Languages : en
Pages : 228

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Book Description
Principals are under pressure to continue to achieve academic success. Academic achievement and success are synonymous with student performance on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test, as well as other variables on the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR). The role of the middle school principal is critical to the transition of students from elementary skills to the requisite secondary skills. Educational organizations are constantly seeking ways to improve the process of supporting the campus level administrators. In many cases, the principalship comes by way of serving time and gaining experience as an assistant principal. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived skills, experiences of assistant principals in middle schools that led to their current success as a principal. The study results also identified kinds of mentor experiences as well. A mixed-method research design was utilized for collecting data. Descriptive and qualitative data were collected first from a questionnaire administered to selected Texas middle school principals. Descriptive data included age, number of years of experience in education, Educational Service Center region, years as an assistant principal, and years as a principal. Qualitative data was gathered from principals to provide a personal perspective. The narratives collected provided the principals perceived critical skills, assignments, and experiences that led to the success as middle school principals. The perceived critical skills of principals were ranked using the abilities necessary for success as campus administrators. Formal and informal mentoring practices were identified through the qualitative narratives. Based on the narratives of principals, results from the study revealed the more hands-on experiences an assistant principal can have the better and more ready for the principalship individuals are. Principals noted experiences dealing with communication, campus instructional leadership, meeting the needs of special populations, and attending to the details were the most important activities for assistant principals to have in preparation for becoming a principal. Ultimately, principals expressed the more involved an assistant principal is with the frameworks of education, the more successful they are as principals.

Perceived Barriers Limiting Ascension to the Principalship

Perceived Barriers Limiting Ascension to the Principalship PDF Author: Charles W. Perkins
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Assistant school principals
Languages : en
Pages : 257

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Book Description
"This qualitative research study examined the perceptions of current and/or former assistant principals, principals and district leaders as to why certain assistant principals who aim or had aimed to become K-12 public school principals have been unable to achieve the goal of attaining the principalship. Educators who choose to pursue K-12 public school administrative positions often envision themselves becoming principals. However, there are some individuals who have been unable to achieve that goal. This study investigated perceived obstacles to promotion from the assistant principalship to the principalship. The study examined the shared experiences of assistant principals to determine if exposure and experience with certain types of activities and responsibilities better prepare assistant principals for the principalship. The study also explored the concept of being stuck in the role of assistant principal. The findings of the research support that being stuck as an assistant principal is largely a self-imposed barrier, in which assistant principals have found themselves stuck due to their own actions. These actions suggest and include damaged relationships with the principal (which could be caused by actions of the AP and/or the principal); poor decision making; patterns of mistakes made; assistant principals failing to seek additional experiences and opportunities. Although there were two study participants who felt stuck in the role of AP as a result of race and/or gender bias, these two individuals did achieve promotion to the district level, bypassing the principalship. Stuckness is hard to admit; however, the ability to become unstuck is dependent on the individual assistant principal seeking avenues for feedback and forgiveness if they have been involved in previous incidents or mistakes. In addition, school districts bare responsibility for creating opportunities for assistant principal growth and development through mentoring programs, professional development and a willingness to provide authentic feedback and support to assistant principals who seek help in getting unstuck."--Abstract from author supplied metadata.

Being and Becoming a Principal

Being and Becoming a Principal PDF Author: L. Joseph Matthews
Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 348

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Book Description
This book focuses on the skills, training, values, and assumptions that principals and assistant principals employ as leaders and reformers. This text views administrators more broadly as transformational leaders who include the entire school community in reform. Scenarios and activities are used to provide a bridge from learning the theory of school administration to the practical problem solving in which school leaders engage.

Examining the Assistant Principalship

Examining the Assistant Principalship PDF Author: Alan R. Shoho
Publisher: IAP
ISBN: 1617356190
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 197

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Book Description
This edited book highlights the importance and complexity of the assistant principalship. As noted in all the chapters, the assistant principal is a critical partner in creating a professional learning community that serves all students well. Often neglected or ignored in the literature, assistant principals are more than disciplinarians and student or building managers. In the best of all worlds, they provide the professional support and partnership with their principals to create high-performing schools. Unfortunately, as noted in some of the chapters, the ideal and actual roles that assistant principals exercise often create a gap that seethes with disillusionment and dissatisfaction. The challenge for the profession is to better align the roles and expectations of assistant principals so that they can experience the best of being a school leader.