The literature on middle level education addresses teaching and learning in great detail. While research on elementary and high schools consistently supports the importance of the school principal, the middle level principal is not readily addressed. Relatively little empirical evidence exists that addresses the career orientation of the middle level principal. Knowing the career orientation of middle level principals is important for principal-training programs, school corporations who hire middle level administrators, and educators who are contemplating or preparing for entry into the middle level principalship.This study examined the career orientation of Indiana middle level principals, grades six (6) through eight (8), during the 1998-1999 school year. The population consisted of 215 principals; 194 (90.2%) participated in the study. The purpose of the study was to determine the career orientation of practicing middle level principals by examining three strands: career aspirations, focusing on career path and career goals; professional preparation, focusing on licensing, educational background, and perceptions of preparedness; and job satisfaction, focusing on work preference and satisfaction. The demographic variables of age, gender, school size, experience as an assistant principal, years of professional experience, geographic location, highest degree earned, and employment of middle school constructs were considered in light of the three strands.Research questions examined four areas of the Indiana middle level principal's career orientation: the extent to which the individuals 1) aspired to be a middle level principal, 2) followed a career path that included middle level experience, 3) were prepared for the middle level principalship, and 4) were satisfied being a middle level principal.Findings of the study indicated that Indiana's middle level principals did aspire to the middle level principalship. Prior to their first middle level principalship, the career path for most middle level principals included middle level experience. Although middle level courses were part of most degree programs, most of the participants believed that preparation for middle level administration was not adequate. Finally, Indiana's middle level principals were satisfied with their work and most considered the middle level principalship to be their ultimate career goal.Recommendations for further study are included. / Department of Educational Leadership
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/180155 |
| Date | January 1999 |
| Creators | Robinson, Gary W. |
| Contributors | Malone, Bobby G. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | xiii, 101 leaves ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
| Coverage | n-us-in |
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