The assistant principalship as preparation for the principalship, 2008
Cohen, Karen Valbrun
2000-2009
The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of principals and assistant principals regarding the training and preparation afforded assistant principals in selected schools in the metropolitan Atlanta area. The research questions were as follows: RQ I : Is there a significant relationship between graduate training programs for assistant principals and preparedness for the principalship? RQ2: Is there a significant relationship between the prior employment training that assistant principals receive and preparedness for the principalship? RQ3: Is there a significant relationship between participation in the role of the principalship and preparedness for the principalship? RQ4: Is there a significant relationship between the leadership attributes that the assistant principals possess and preparedness for the role of the principalship? RQ5: Is there a significant relationship between the aspirations of the assistant principal and the preparedness of the principalship? RQ6: Do independent variables such as years teaching, age, race, highest degree earned, present position, gender, educational institution attended, type of certification: years as assistant principal, size, location, or type of school have a significant bearing on the perceptions of principals and assistant principals regarding training activities for the principalship? In this study, a survey questionnaire was used to document the perceptions of 70 principals and 100 assistant principals regarding the training and preparation afforded assistant principals in selected schools in the metro-Atlanta area as preparation for the successful principalship of schools. Demographic information and principal and assistant roles and responsibility data was also gathered. This study found a positive correlation between perceived importance of formal university graduate course work and preparedness for principalship. The study also revealed that having a written job description outlining specific duties while in the role of assistant principal is significantly related to preparation for principalship. Assistant principals in this study received the lowest ratings on the ability to handle effectively resource allocation. In addition, previous experience with budget and finance was noted as one of the most important areas of expertise one must gain when participating in the role of principalship. To the extent possible, principals should involve their assistant principals in decisions concerning planning and developing the school budget; managing fiscal, human, and material resources; utilizing the physical plant; and monitoring and reporting on resource use.
text
application/pdf
2008-06-01
dissertation
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Clark Atlanta University
School of Education, Educational Leadership
Turner, Trevor Norman, Moses Moffett, Noran
Georgia--Atlanta
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12322/cau.td:2008_cohen_karen_v
