Perceptions of educational leaders in two settings: Charter schools and traditional public school districts in Arizona.

摘要

The purpose of this study is to determine the perceptions of educational leaders in two settings: charter schools and traditional public school districts in Arizona. The findings of the study answer questions that relate to the leaders' perceptions on issues relating to leadership.; More than one hundred traditional public school district superintendents and a similar number of charter school directors were surveyed to ascertain their insights and opinions regarding their (a) areas of expertise, (b) personal concerns, (c) career paths, and (d) career satisfaction. The educational leaders were also asked to comment upon whether or not they perceive a crisis in the chief leadership role in education. Finally, they were questioned about possible incentives that would enhance their profession. This study examines the survey results.; The data for this research were gathered from a modified version of the Superintendents' Professional Expectations and Advancement Review(TM) survey instrument that was sent to all chief educational leaders in charter schools and traditional public schools in Arizona.; The results reveal that, while there is a perceived crisis in leadership, there is also a high level of career satisfaction. Therefore, despite the tremendous demands of the position and respondents' levels of concern regarding economic, familial, and job organization issues, chief educational leaders feel they are making a positive impact on the education of children. Although they show a high level of concern for the future of their positions, they also maintain the hope that they can make the positions attractive enough for quality educators and professionals to be attracted to positions of leadership in Arizona's schools. Current leaders' level of career satisfaction indicates that they encourage prospective leaders to not only pursue this position but to find a meaningful and satisfying career within it.; The need, essentially, is to prepare and educate children. Thus, there is a concurrent need for strong, prepared, successful, positive leaders. The importance of such leaders cannot be overstated.