Date of Award
Summer 8-1-2015
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Educational Leadership and School Counseling
Committee Chair
David Lee
Committee Chair Department
Educational Leadership and School Counseling
Committee Member 2
Charles Benigno
Committee Member 2 Department
Educational Leadership and School Counseling
Committee Member 3
James T. Johnson
Committee Member 3 Department
Educational Studies and Research
Committee Member 4
Thelma Roberson
Committee Member 4 Department
Educational Leadership and School Counseling
Abstract
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 is 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.
Copyright
2015, Bennett Teague Burchfield
Recommended Citation
Burchfield, Bennett Teague, "Mississippi High School Assistant Principals' Perceptions of Their Readiness to Pursue the Principalship and Factors that Might Influence Readiness" (2015). Dissertations. 118.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/118