Research Study on the Work of Ontario Principals

‘Western study finds majority of Ontario school principals feel they don’t have necessary support

A recent Western University-led study of the work of principals in Ontario’s school system has found that while 90 per cent of principals find their positions rewarding and fulfilling, only one third of them feel they have the support and training necessary to do the job to the best of their ability.

The study, led by Katina Pollock from Western’s Faculty of Education, examined the daily lives of principals in relation to all elements of their work duties, and involved feedback from more than 1,400 principals. According to Pollock, the results reflect the ways in which the daily work of school principals has evolved to include a number of additional tasks and responsibilities.

“We’ve found principals are now responsible for taking a greater role in areas such as engagement with increasingly diverse cultural communities, parental engagement, mental health support for teachers and students, and student health and well-being,” explains Pollock. “Some of the best instructional specialists in schools are being put into the role of principal, but they need support in these other areas in order to have the greatest likelihood for experiencing success.”

Principals identified four main areas of support and skill development in which they feel additional professional learning opportunities would be beneficial: relationship building, instructional leadership, communications skills and mental health and wellness.

Pollock hopes her findings will help provide a clearer understanding of the realities of the role of Ontario’s principals and lead to constructive discussions in the province about additional supports that may be implemented to help principals succeed.

“Increased supports for principals will help them to better fulfill their roles as leaders and ultimately lead to an improved education system in Ontario, benefiting the province now and in the future,” says Pollock.

The study, The Changing Nature of Principals’ Work, was funded by the Ontario Principals’ Council and is available in full here: http://www.edu.uwo.ca/faculty_profiles/cpels/pollock_katina/OPC-Principals-Work-Report.pdf’

Source – Western University News Release – November 17, 2014