School Principals' Views on Selecting, Training and Appointment of Administrator for Schools: A Case Study*

Abstract

The aim of this study is to reveal the opinions of school principals regarding the selection, training and appointment of school administrators. For this purpose, this study was conducted in a qualitative research design and case study model. The study group was 30 school principals. Data were collected via the focus group interviewing technique and a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers based on the experts' opinion. The data obtained through the semi-structured interviewing form were analyzed using inductive content analysis technique. The data obtained from the focus group interview were analysed using qualitative descriptive analysis techniques. The main themes were 'selecting administrator', 'training administrator', and 'administrator appointing'. 14 sub-themes were determined related to these main themes. School principals state that the proficiency, exam and interview scores should be taken into consideration in the selection of administrators for schools. School principals state that school administrators should be trained on the basis of pre-service training, in-service training, post-graduate degree, and on-the-job training practices. According to school principals, the principles of impartiality and justice should be taken into account in appointing administrators to schools and objective criteria should be determined. On the other hand, professional experience, professional competence, education, administrative skills and personal characteristics should be considered.