Identifying improvements on personal, professional and school characteristics for women principals

What is it about?

The continued under representation of women in the secondary school principalship is of concern to many for various reasons. We compared findings from two representative samples drawn from principals in Texas in 2011 and 1998. We noted and discussed evidence of progress for women including an increase in ethnic diversity, decrease in age and years of teaching experience, change in styles of leadership, as well as movement to urban schools.

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Why is it important?

While the percentage Texas secondary schools lead by women principals has remained constant, a more nuanced examination of data evidences progress. Despite higher student performance standards set by the State and increased student poverty rates in 2011 as compared to 1998, the campus ratings of the schools administered by women who responded improved and contributes to arguments about the effective leadership of women.