Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Winter 1972

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education

Committee Chair

William G. Gaskell

Second Committee Member

J. Wesley Crum

Third Committee Member

Kenneth R. Berry

Abstract

Much has been written on the role of the elementary school principal. Prior to World War I, most elementary schools were small schools organized into graded classrooms in which "generalist teachers" taught all subjects. The role expected of the principal in small schools was that of supervisor-manager (28: 85). The principal' s major responsibility was the classroom supervision of teachers.

Studies of the past two decades indicate that little change has occurred in attitudes about the responsibilities of this position. A 1948 nationwide study of the principalship (9) indicated that the main role of the principal was one of supervision. A national survey recently conducted in 1968 again concluded that the principalship was still mainly a role of supervision (8:78).

It is the thesis of this writer that such a conception of the principalship is outdated. Unless a conception more appropriate to the needs of the time and the future, and unless a new type of leadership in this role is put into practice, the elementary school principalship may not be needed.

Download

Share

COinS