Identifying the needs of beginning elementary school principals

The purpose of this study was to determine the most critical needs of new elementary school principals and to utilize this list of needs to assist in the development of an on-line support model for new principals.Like most professionals, new principals often make mistakes when they first start out in their jobs. However, many of these mistakes are avoidable. Principals are eager to be successful and usually willing to make the time commitment necessary to do their jobs well. However, because new elementary school principals typically do not receive any on-the-job training, nor do they go through any sort of formal induction process when they start their jobs, they can make critical errors during the very early days of their tenure. In addition, most school districts do not offer coaching or mentoring to their new principals. These principals are often unsure about whom to approach for help and what sorts of questions are "safe questions" to ask. New principals do not wish to appear weak and vulnerable either in the face of district administrators or the parents and staff at their school sites. Asking questions can be threatening, and finding the best information can also be a daunting task. Yet, it is critically important to schools that principals be successful in their work.In this Information Age people frequently turn to the Internet for help. A web-based support service may be the key to helping new principals and other school administrators. However, the value of such a support service is in its responsiveness to the needs of those using it. This study will help guide the development of a web-based service that will address the various needs of new elementary school principals.