The Rural Turn: Principal Stability Across Geographic Locale

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Abstract

Given the small but growing literature on the rural principalship, this study presents an exploratory analysis of principal stability in rural schools. Using longitudinal data covering all certified education positions in Texas over an 8-year period, we employ logistic regression models to examine the ways in which individual and school characteristics influence 5-year retention rates comparing urban, suburban, and rural principals. Our data shows that rural principals leave their position earlier than non-rural principals and have lower levels of stability. Furthermore, although rural principals exhibit less gender and racial diversity, female and minority principals do not exhibit shorter spells of employment after controlling for personal and school characteristics. Indeed, rural female principals are significantly more stable than their male counterparts.

Authors

• Andrew Pendola, Auburn University

• Ed Fuller, The Pennsylvania State University