Aspiring and Practising Principals′ Perceptions of Critical Skills for Beginning Leaders

Abstract

As a result of increasing attention to the problems faced by beginning school leaders around the world, this study was conducted to determine the nature of skills needed by beginning principles in the USA. Data were collected from both practising and aspiring principals. It was determined that there are major perceptual differences between these two groups with regard to essential skills for principals. Aspiring administrators believe that demonstration of technical skills is most important, while their experienced colleagues believe that it is more important for novices to show socialization and self‐awareness skills. Based on these findings, notes implications for the improvement of pre‐service, induction and in‐service programmes for school administrators.

Citation

Daresh, J.C. and Playko, M.A. (1994), "Aspiring and Practising Principals′ Perceptions of Critical Skills for Beginning Leaders", Journal of Educational Administration, Vol. 32 No. 3, pp. 35-45. https://doi.org/10.1108/09578239410063102