| The purpose of this study was to test a model of dimensions associated with the promotional process of secondary school administrators as they pursue the position of head high school principal. The study compared administrators who have tried, but not yet been successful at becoming head high school principal with those who have successfully moved into that position. Data analysis were completed in two ways: (1) survey data from 403 administrators; and, (2) interview data from 10 principals from around the state. Survey data were used to test differences between the groups using binary logistic regression analysis. The interview data was used primarily to look at issues of gender in the hiring process.; Results from this study underscore the importance of context in the hiring process. This applies to both the lack of uniformity in the hiring process administrators experience across the state and also the degree to which candidates are aware of what a particular district is looking for in a principal. In terms of gender preference, the study could neither confirm nor refute hiring preferences based on gender. This primary implication of this study is that organizations that work with principal candidates, including higher education and the national and state associations for secondary school principals, need to do a better job of communicating those dimensions that candidates have control over and those dimensions that are driven by the context of the hiring district. |
