An investigation into the effect of principal succession in the schools of the Northwest Territories, Canada
Date
1994
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the phenomenon of principal succession
in NWT schools with emphasis on the perceptions of insider and outsider principals as
they moved into their new positions. Four research questions were posed to act as a guide
to the study. A questionnaire was designed to gather demographic data about the
principals and their perceptions regarding the three succession stages of prearrival, arrival
and succession. The questionnaire was mailed to the 79 principals of NWT schools.
Responses were received from 39 principals. Demographic data from the first section of
the questionnaire were used to profile the principal population. Rated questions, scored
from a four-point Likert scale, were analyzed by way of frequency counts to determine
if the perceptions of insider and outsider principals are different as they moved through
the stages of succession. Each of the rated sections contained open ended questions to
allow further insights on the research questions.
The findings of the study revealed: (a) that succession is a frequent event
throughout the NWT; (b) that the most frequent cause of succession was the voluntary
stepping down of the previous principal; (c) that new principals began their duties with
great concern for continuity of instruction and were willing, as they moved through the
succession, to attempt to adopt new thrusts to programming; (d) a greater proportion of
outsider principals experienced disappointment in their situation upon arrival; and (e) that
the principals felt that succession had been beneficial to their school.
The research findings suggest that it would be beneficial for all outsider principals
to have some measure of induction, both during the hiring process, and as they move into
their new positions. The hiring of insiders should become more prevalent as the Teacher
Education Programs, presently underway in the NWT, produce greater numbers of native
graduates who will enter the teaching profession. This may also reduce the frequency of
succession, as native insiders tend to remain in the NWT.
Description
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Citation
Degree
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Department
Educational Administration
Program
Educational Administration