A new report commissioned by the U.S. Department of Education suggests that principals have been leaving the profession in droves.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) conducted a study based on survey responses from roughly 6,500 public school principals and approximately 1,800 private school principals.
“Among all public school principals in 2020–21, approximately 80 percent remained at the same school during the following school year … 6 percent moved to a different school … and 11 percent left the principalship,” the report reads.
Private schools appeared to fare better, with 83% of principals staying at their school, 2% moving to a different school, and 10% leaving the profession.
“These data are critical to understanding patterns of principal attrition,” said NCES Associate Commissioner Chris Chapman, per a news release. “We are able to observe how principal attrition has changed over the years, as well as how principal attrition and mobility vary based on characteristics of the principals and their schools.”
A lot of media attention has been given to the growing number of teachers who have been leaving the profession, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. However, relatively little attention has been paid to principals.
“Principals are critical supports for a school’s teachers and learners, and the country needs leaders in every school who are committed to the success of each student. These data are a valuable snapshot for those at the district and state levels who must address the issue of principal turnover in their schools,” said NCES Commissioner Peggy G. Carr, per the news release.
A previous study conducted by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) claimed that principals leave the profession for reasons including insufficient preparation and professional development, “poor working conditions,” and a perceived lack of decision-making power.
According to the NCES study, many of the principals leaving are the ones with the most experience — a dynamic that resembles the one at play among teachers.
“Principal attrition is higher in public schools than it was 5 years ago, and veteran public school leaders with more years of experience leave the profession at higher rates than those with less experience,” Carr said, per the news release.
The repercussions of high turnover among principals can be quite dire, at least according to NASSP:
“Research notes that principal turnover can be disruptive to school progress, often resulting in higher teacher turnover and, ultimately, lower gains in student achievement. … In addition to the costs to students and teachers if good principals leave, schools and districts must devote time and resources to replace the outgoing principals. The financial implications are significant and, often, covered by redirecting funds that had been slated for the classroom.”
