Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), University of Dayton, 2016, Educational Leadership
The primary purposes of this non-experimental, ex post facto, descriptive study were (a) to develop a demographic profile of 111 superintendents employed in northwest Ohio, (b) to determine the frequency and difficulty of 10 work-embedded and 3 work-induced problems as perceived by these superintendents, (c) to determine levels of association between the criterion variable (problem frequency) and each of five predictor variables (district enrollment, district wealth, teaching experience, superintendent experience, and degree level), and (d) to determine the extent to which the predictor variables collectively accounted for variability in the criterion variable.
The modal superintendent in northwest Ohio had 10 years of teaching experience, between 12 and 13 years of administrative experience (excluding the superintendency), and 8 years of experience as a superintendent. She or he did not have an earned doctorate, was employed in a district with less than 1,000 students, and in a district with a taxable wealth base below the state average. Thirty-four of the respondents (33%) had been a superintendent in more than one district. The primary findings indicate that the demographic profile of the respondents was typical of national profiles, except in two areas: enrollment of the employing district and percentage having a doctoral degree.
Findings from this study support previous research with respect to the most prevalent problems. Relative consistency existed with respect to the frequency of the following problems: (a) unrealistic federal or state accountability mandates, (b) inadequate funds for district programs/operations, (c) excessive job related stress, (d) inadequate time to spend with family or friends, (e) loss of privacy, and (f) feelings of isolation and loneliness. Several problems were found to be less frequent and less difficult here than in earlier studies. They included (a) inadequate opportunities for professional growth, (b) inadequate job secu (open full item for complete abstract)
Committee: Theodore Kowalski (Advisor)
Subjects: Educational Leadership