Principal Experience and Texas Elementary School Accountability Ratings: A Statewide Investigation

Abstract

In this statewide, multiyear analysis, the extent to which differences were present in school accountability ratings of elementary schools by principal experience was determined. Specifically examined was the relationship of principals’ years of experience and the accountability ratings of elementary schools in the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years. Inferential statistical analyses revealed the presence of statistically significant differences in school accountability ratings as a function of the principals’ years of experience. In every instance, schools that were led by Inexperienced or Moderately Experienced principals were outperformed by schools led by Experienced principals. Considering the growing numbers of principals who are leaving the profession and the greater emphasis on meeting state and federal accountability measures, these findings are of great concern. Implications of these findings and recommendations for future research are discussed.