take this JOB and fill it

Leadership, May, 2001 by Judith A. Kerrins, Thomas Johnstone, Katherine S. Cushing

It appears that we'll be looking for principals to fill vacancies across California for many years to come. While our present applicant pool is small, the skills of newly hired principals are already quite good, especially given the limited administrative experience they bring with them to their new jobs. But we can do better, and we must.

References

Adams, J. (Sept./Oct. 1999). "Good principals, good schools." Thrust for Educational Leadership. ACSA.

Argetsinger, A. (June 21, 2000). "Vacancies predicted in principal's office." Washington Post.

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. (1995). Standards of quality and effectiveness for administrative services credential programs. Sacramento, CA: State of California.

Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (1996). Standards for school leaders. Washington, D.C.: Council of Chief State School Officers.

National Association of Elementary School Principals (2000). Is there a shortage of qualified candidates for openings in the principalship? An exploratory study, http://www.naesp. org/misc/shortage.html

The authors would like to thank ACSA and CAPEA for funding this research and the CSU, Chico Department of Education for postage for mailing surveys. Special thanks also to Jeanette Alosi and Chuck Worth of CSU, Chico Institutional Research and to ACSA / CAPEA subcommittee members Terry Ryan and Louis Wildman.

Judith Kerrins is associate professor of educational administration and leadership at California State University, Chico. Tom Johnstone is assistant superintendent for personnel in Lennox School District. Kay Cushing is assistant professor, Psychology Department, California State University, Chico.