SELECTED VARIABLES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO CAREER PATTERNS OF FEMALE ADMINISTRATORS (ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS, WOMEN, TASKS, PROFILE

This study sought to identify selected variables that have contributed to the career development of female principals and female assistant principals in Illinois public schools outside the City of Chicago and to develop a profile of both groups.;The instrument used to collect the data was designed specifically to address the questions explored in the study. The instrument was sent to all of the female principals and female assistant principals in Illinois public schools outside the City of Chicago. The sample consisted of 347 female principals and 147 female assistant principals.;Based upon the analysis of data, the following conclusions were drawn: (1) It was concluded that a number of similarities existed between female principals and female assistant principals. For example, both groups possessed similar levels of education and had assumed their administrative role after teaching in the district. (2) It was concluded that a number of differences existed between female principals and female assistant principals. For example, assistant principals aspired to another administrative position, whereas principals as a group did not aspire to another administrative position. (3) It was concluded that between female principals and female assistant principals differences existed in marital and parental status. (4) It was concluded that the principals in this study represented a younger population with less overall teaching experience than ten years ago. (5) It was concluded that female principals and female assistant principals were able to function in their current positions at a satisfactory level. (6) It was concluded that there were significant differences between principals' and assistant principals' perceptions of problems in all of the task areas identified.