Managing Time and Challenges: Charter School Principals Speak Out

• In Event: Charter School Growth and Management Issues

Abstract

Charter school leaders in two states reported on their demographic, education, and employment characteristics; time on tasks; and challenges. Across both states, the leaders invested more hours on compliance adherence and school regulations and policies than on other tasks. Leaders in one state spent the most hours on communication with families. Leaders in both states spent the fewest hours on lesson planning and providing professional development. While highly experienced in education, about half of the leaders had two or fewer years as a charter leader. The leaders were most frequently challenged by state education requirements, facility adequacy, financial stability, and sponsor involvement, while least frequently challenged by staff dismissal and board intervention.

Author

• Zena H. Rudo, American Institutes for Research