JOB SATISFACTION OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF ...

JOB SATISFACTION OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

Sandra Rochelle Brown

Dissertation submitted to the faculty of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

Dr. Travis W. Twiford, Chair Dr. Carol S. Cash Dr. John E. Smith Dr. N. Wayne Tripp

March 23, 2009 Virginia Beach, Virginia

Key Words: Job Satisfaction, Secondary School Principals

JOB SATISFACTION OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA by Sandra R. Brown Dr. Travis W. Twiford, Chair Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (ABSTRACT)

Studies have shown that effective principals are a key ingredient to high performing schools. Studies also indicate that a shortage of effective administrators is looming and some contend that the shortage is here (Daresh & Capasso, 2002). Johnson and Holdaway, 1991 report that it is important to study job satisfaction for many reasons. They also contend that one of the reasons it is important to study job satisfaction is that job satisfaction is related to absenteeism as well as staff turnover.

One way to address the shortage of effective administrators is to continually assess the job satisfaction of administrators to determine which aspects of the job affect satisfaction. In this study, the researcher examined the job satisfaction of high school principals in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2008. A replication of procedures used by Dr. James Stemple in 2004 provided the opportunity to compare results with Stemples study to determine if the job satisfaction of high school principals has changed since 2004. Dr. Stemples study was one of the first studies to assess job satisfaction after the implementation of the accountability movement.

However, federal accountability including Adequate Yearly Progress has risen considerably since Stemples 2004 study. In 2004, a pass rate of 65% for reading and 63% for math was required in order for a school to make AYP. During the 2008-2009 school year the required passing rate is 81% for reading and 79% for math. This study assessed job satisfaction of high school principals through the lens of the federal and state accountability movements.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you to my family. First, to my parents, Nan and Chesley Rochelle, who taught me to be strong, work hard, and trust in God; I owe everything to you. To my brother Doug who has always been and continues to be always by my side when I need him; thank you. To my husband Bill, who put up with me for years as I focused on this project; Im back. Last, to my son Nicholas, who prayed every night that I would finish my paper and who told me over and over again that I could do it; thank you, son, I love you.

Thank you also to my boss, Dr. Brian Matney for his never-ending support, for offering advice and tutelage throughout this project and for being flexible with my work schedule and allowing me time to complete this project. Thank you for years of support, encouragement, and friendship. Most of all, thank you for believing in me.

Special thanks to Dr. Travis Twiford who agreed very early in the program to chair my committee. You never failed to show me that you had faith in me. Because of that, I had faith in myself. Thanks also to my other committee members, Dr. Carol Cash, Dr. John Smith, and Dr. Wayne Tripp, for your time, encouragement, and support. You were a wonderful committee, and I could not have completed this without you.

Finally, thank you to Dr. Cathy Rogers and Dr. John Smith, your constant encouragement and motivation during the Ed.S. program inspired me to continue my education and pursue my doctorate. You were both wonderful, inspirational instructors. Thank you.

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CONTENTS

Table of Figures ................................................................................................................. ix List of Tables .......................................................................................................................x CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY ...........................................................1

Historical Perspective ..................................................................................................1 Statement of the Problem ....................................................................................3 Significance of the Study ....................................................................................5 Purpose ................................................................................................................7 Justification for the Study ...................................................................................7 Research Questions .............................................................................................8 Definitions of Key Terms....................................................................................9 Limitations and Assumptions..............................................................................9 Organization of the Study ...................................................................................9

CHAPTER TWO REVIEW OF LITERATURE ......................................................11 Defining Job Satisfaction ..................................................................................11 Theories of Job Satisfaction ..............................................................................12 Content Theories.......................................................................................12 Traditional Theory ....................................................................................12 Process Theories .......................................................................................14 Variables of Job Satisfaction.............................................................................18 Job Satisfaction Scales ......................................................................................22 The Accountability Movement .........................................................................25 Principals and Job Satisfaction..........................................................................29

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