NAIS Research: Summary of Findings from Head of School Retention in Independent Schools

Executive Summary

Findings from the study "Head of School Retention in Independent Schools" by Kevin Yaley, School of Leadership and Education Sciences, University of San Diego

This study by Kevin Yaley, head of the Francis Parker School in San Diego, California, sought to identify potential motivating factors, including, and most especially, the relationship between the head and the board chair, and to investigate to what extent, if any, these factors influence the behaviors and attitudes of heads as they relate to job satisfaction.

This mixed-methods study, which included both qualitative and quantitative research techniques and focusing solely on the experiences and perceptions of a select group of NAIS heads from across the country, produced results that shed light on what really matters to heads of school when it comes to their job satisfaction and their decision to remain at their current school.

The first phase of research (quantitative) attempted to examine the general attitudes of the participants concerning their current job satisfaction and their satisfaction with their relationship with the board chair, as well as other motivating factors that might influence them to continue in their current job. This quantitative study included a 45-question survey relying primarily on the use of Likert scale responses.

The second phase of research (qualitative) utilized a semi-structured interview containing both follow-up questions consistent with the survey content and questions emerging from a purposeful and informed analysis of the quantitative portion of the study. These interview questions effectively deepened the quantitative research findings and provided context and perspective generally.

A summary of the findings as reported in the researcher’s dissertation follows. The summary was prepared by Margaret Anne Rowe, NAIS research analyst. 

To read the entire study, visit digital.sandiego.edu/dissertations/192.

Downloadable Content

  • Summary of Findings from Head of School Retention in Independent Schools by Kevin Yaley, School of Leadership and Education Sciences, University of San Diego (PDF)

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