The Foundations and Criteria for Appointing School Principals in Jordan, The Extent of Commitment to Them, And Ways to Develop Them

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the extent of commitment to the rules and standards of appointing school principals in Jordan by taking Jarash educational directorate as a case study. It also aimed at detecting the appropriateness of these bases and standards from the viewpoint of school teachers and the ways to develop them. A Qualitative approach has been used to analyze the data collected from documents and from interviews with school teachers (n=15). The results of the study showed that the percentage of the commitment to the qualification rule provided in the appointment of principals was 86%, the requirement of the job degree was achieved by 99%, while it was 76% for the requirements of training. As for the appropriateness of the required standards for appointing school principals, the sample showed that three of the sixth standards were largely suitable: they are, the five years of experience, at least the fifth degree requirement for the candidate, and the required training courses. The other three standards came in a moderate degree of appropriation, they are: getting an educational qualification after the bachelor degree, getting an excellent or at least very good in his or her yearly evaluation report, and passing the personal interview. The sample members provided some suggestions to develop and improve the standards of principals appointment. Among these suggestions were: the candidates should get a diploma in educational administration; he also should have been served as a principal assistant; the priority should be given to those who hold a higher degree in educational administration, and finally, the interview committee should be from the ministry of education and should be chosen independently and be efficient.