The goals for this quantitative study were to examine superintendents' perceptions regarding their own supervision and evaluation of principals in a rural state. Five research questions guided the qualitative inquiry: (1) What are the perceptions of superintendents' regarding their supervision of principals?; (2) What are the perceptions of…

This article reports the results of an inquiry into the dynamics of principal selection in rural school districts in two mid-American states with high numbers of rural schools. The study focuses on two questions: (1) are rural school districts experiencing a shortage of qualified applicants for vacant principal's positions; and (2) what…

One process for retaining experienced, qualified teachers is to provide them with opportunities to grow professionally (Blase & Blase, 2001). The intent of this paper is to provide information about meeting the needs of experienced, qualified rural teachers, especially in the area of professional development. A story line of one rural science…

Addresses the shortage of competent applicants for rural principalships. Options for hiring includes (1) selection of principals from outside the rural district; or (2) preappointment of in-district candidates. Describes demographics of typical rural principals and the failings of university training programs. Suggests strategies to address the…

Explores backgrounds and characteristics of principals who graduated from rural-oriented principals certification program of Westminster College in Pennsylvania. Compares results with other studies and finds only two striking differences between rural and urban principals: rural principals had little social studies teaching experience and limited…