Who Lead Our Charter Schools? A National Study Using Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) 2007-2008 Data

• In Event: Developing Principals as Leaders

Abstract

One of the claims for the charter school movement is that it will attract innovative principals to lead unique educational institutions. Our research put this claim to the test. Based on national Schools and Staffing Survey 2007-08 data, we compared traditional public and public charter school principals’ personal demographics, and educational and professional background. We found that charter school principals tend to be non-white, younger, female, less likely to have MA in educational administration, more likely to teach while being a principal, more likely to have outside management experience, less likely to participate in principal professional development activities, and have fewer years in current position and fewer years of teaching experience. The findings have implications for charter school policies.

Authors

• Jiangang Xia, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Jared Vickers, Western School District

• Jianping Shen, Western Michigan University