An analysis of the career orientation of secondary assistant principals in the state of Florida

Keywords

Assistant school principals -- Florida

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the career orientation of assistant principals in the state of Florida. The study was based on perspectives that arose from organizational theory, career development research, school administration studies, and Marshall's six categories of orientation to the assistant principalship. The relationship of selected demographic variables to the career orientations and the factors that influenced role incumbents to enter the assistant principalship were identified. Data was collected to determine frequencies and percentages of assistant principals who embraced each orientation. Findings indicated the following: (a) 50% were upwardly mobile, (b) 26% were career, (c) 9.4% were plateaued, (d) 8.3% were shafted, ( e) 2 .1 % were considering leaving education, and ( f) 3. 6% were downwardly mobile. In addition, analysis of demographic data collected in the survey provided a profile of assistant principals in the state of Florida. Findings indicated that the most powerful motivator for accepting the assistant principal position was for a person to have the opportunity to use his or her talents, skills, and abilities to make a difference in education. The relationship of career orientation to selected demographic variables was also analyzed. Recommendations were made for school districts to take steps to attract and retain assistant principals in administrative positions by providing mentoring programs; revising policies and procedures where needed; and enhancing working conditions, district morale, and training programs. Further research into why assistant principals hold specific orientations and research into career development theory, as it applies to a career in educational leadership, were also recommended.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2003

Advisor

House, Jess

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

College

College of Education

Department

Educational Research, Technology, and Leadership

Format

PDF

Pages

173 p.

Language

English

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0029115

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Education; Education -- Dissertations, Academic

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