This study researched two major aspects of the primary school principalship in the
Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory viz., (1) How current trends in
educational governance have affected the role of the principal, and (2) Assessment and
selection procedures used for promotion to the principalship in the present educational
environment.
The context of the study has been outlined by presenting a brief historical and
organisational overview of public education in both Territories, along with an
examination of the literature on recent trends and issues in educational governance and
promotion procedures.
The research methodology used to examine the questions posed in this study is
qualitative or descriptive in nature. The data was collected through the use of a semistructured
interview technique and represents the ideas, opinions and perceptions of a
specially targeted group of principals and aspiring principals from both education
systems.
The findings demonstrated that many aspects of the role of the primary principalship in
the N.T. and A.C.T. are changing, due to a new set of values in educational policymaking
and increased political control. There was a high degree of similarity between
respondents in each Territory in regard to how the role is being reshaped.
It was also found that the level of support provided by both systems to assist principals
in coping with the changes has been inadequate and that the changes have led to a
degree of conflict and new job-related pressures for most primary school principals.
It was concluded that assessment and selection procedures should be rigorous and
demanding, commensurate with the significance of the position. In this regard both
educational systems need to improve present procedures by addressing perceived
weaknesses. To this end assessment centres may have a role to play.
Finally, further implications of the conclusions are addressed in terms of the necessity
for thorough preparation and training of aspirants to the principalship to enhance their
chance of selection and help them cope with the new expectations and demands of the
position. This responsibility should be shared between the aspirant, professional
associations and the employing education department.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/218994 |
| Date | January 1991 |
| Creators | Hawkins, Clive Richard, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Clive Richard Hawkins |
Page generated in 0.002 seconds