This article reports a study designed to identify the factors that both hiring bodies and applicants believe are most important when making decisions about principal selection, appointment and acceptance. Based on a quantitative study involving the four main groups of players in the principal selection process, we confirmed a four-factor…

The difference between the performance of an outstanding teacher and that of an average teacher over a couple of decades can be immensely significant to a school district. Outlines a 10-step labor-intensive hiring procedure for hiring top teachers. (MLF)

Describes one school system's successful development of a principal selection process that utilizes a screening/advisory committee. Includes methods for committee selection, sample interview questions, and evaluation and decision-making techniques. (IW)

Effective principals are distinguished by their strong leadership, their focused approach to change, and their highly developed analytical skills. The screening and selection process used in reaching the decision to employ such a principal is critical; districts often fail to gather comprehensive information about candidates and fail to thoroughly…

The relatively new phenomenon of using search committees is described as the result of state and federal legislation, a more participatory approach to college administration, and an enlarged pool of qualified candidates. Committee functions include recruiting and screening candidates, checking references, handling interviews, and making…

This booklet for trustees of institutions of higher education provides guidelines for conducting a presidential search. The booklet notes that the presidential search can offer the institution an opportunity to take stock of its recent history and future prospects and draw a campus together. Among guidelines offered for planning the search are:…

This report on the process by which a university librarian is selected is based on interviews with key participants in searches for library directors at five medium to large universities, each of which had selected a new university librarian within the two years prior to the survey. It was found that the five universities--one private, one…

Recommends ways to ensure that a qualified leader is chosen as community college president even if top candidates withdraw late in the selection process. Urges trustees to keep selection deadlines open, show the college's true colors, broaden the search's scope, woo the best candidate, and tap new pools. (DMM)

Two leading writers on choosing a college president exchange views concerning the statement of leadership qualities, choosing one committee or two for the search process, the number of members of the search committee, selection of the search committee chair, and the period of greatest vulnerability (just before the decision). (DB)

Presidential search committees, governing boards, aspiring or current presidents, and other groups or individuals are provided with guidelines for appointing a university president. The elements necessary for appointment are described as well as the conditions resulting from appointment. The search process should include such steps as an…

Every presidential search committee should: (1) look first at the critical issues for the institution; (2) develop a preferred qualifications profile, (3) use an administrative rather than academic emphasis in screening, and (4) search for candidates from within the instituton first. (MSE)

When colleges and universities seek new presidents and chancellors, search committee members and consultants usually focus on their responsibility to make judgments about the candidates. The competition for the strongest candidates can be fierce and fast. The search committee will be striving to attract these candidates by telling a compelling…

As search committees become more sophisticated in their techniques, academic administrator candidates must become equally adept at working with the committees to get the information they seek and create favorable impressions of themselves. Even when unsuccessful, the experience can lead to self-knowledge and professional growth. (Author/MSE)

The approach used by the University of Texas at Houston to fill a key administrative position is described. The method used a team of 13 members representing each school involved and other key constituents. Factors affecting the team's cohesiveness, procedures, and follow-up activities are explained. (MSE)

This book examines the search and selection process for college and university presidents in its variety and intricacy. Chapter I examines the question of the importance of presidents and searches. Chapter II describes the process of presidential succession at a private liberal arts college. Chapter III discusses the tasks required at the start of…