Rewriting the Script: Mapping Alternatives to Principal Withdrawal and Turnover

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: Tracking an Educator's Career: Coaching, Evaluation, and Wages

Abstract

This paper is aimed at developing low-cost, context-independent interventions to reduce high rates of principal turnover. We identify strategies to increase principal engagement and retention by identifying leverage points along the socio-cognitive process of job dissatisfaction and withdrawal. Through a series of in-depth interviews of principals across Alabama, this we map principal ‘exit scripts’ as part of the unfolding model of employee withdrawal and turnover. Based on preliminary analyses, we find several cost-neutral and context independent behavioral interventions based on personal and social expectations. We recommend behavioral interventions districts can pursue linked to specific sources of principal dissatisfaction. We believe this offers a more holistic approach to address unwanted turnover that can be implemented in any school environment.

Author

• Andrew Pendola, Auburn University