Doctor of Education (EdD), Ohio University, 2015, Educational Administration (Education)

The ratio of African American females in the position of high school principal in the State of Ohio is disproportionate to the number of credentialed, willing candidates. The central focus of this study was to examine whether or not gender and racial barriers exist when obtaining the position of high school principal. This study also posited to identify perceptions of gender and racial barriers, which could also inhibit access to the principalship for African American female assistant principals. Nine African American urban female principals and assistant principals were interviewed to ascertain their beliefs regarding barriers, supports, race and gender to the position of high school principal.This study found that African American female principals and assistant principals identified several barriers to the high school principalship of which race and gender were the most influential factors.

Committee: Dwan Robinson (Advisor) Subjects: African Americans; Education; Teacher Education; Womens Studies