Date of Award

12-1989

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Edgar A. Kelley

Second Advisor

Dr. James Sanders

Third Advisor

Dr. David Blomquist

Abstract

The purposes of this study were (a) to describe the relationship of job assignment and assessment center performance; (b) to extend the research on the content validity of the NASSP Assessment Center Project (Schmitt et al., 1982); and (c) to determine if there were statistically significant differences among five role groups of Michigan educators for each of the 12 NASSP Assessment Center skill dimensions and the overall ratings. A one-way parametric analysis of variance was used to determine the significant differences among mean scores for the five role groups of elementary, middle, and high school teachers; assistant principals; and quasi-administrators.

Significant differences were found among group means for five skill dimensions (problem analysis, organizational ability, decisiveness, leadership, and oral communication) and the assessors' overall rating. There were no significant differences among the five role groups for seven skill dimensions (judgment, sensitivity, stress tolerance, written communication, range of interests, personal motivation, and educational values).

A number of recommendations for further research and study were made, including (a) a need to compare performance effectiveness of school leaders selected following assessment center participation with those selected by traditional methods, and (b) a need to compare the effectiveness of directed professional development activities based on assessment center outcomes. Based in part on the findings of this study and consideration of other issues, some general recommendations were also made. First, NASSP Assessment Centers should be used to select candidates for school leadership positions. Second, the assessment center and related developmental programs should be used in the preservice preparation of administrators in Michigan. Finally, the personnel evaluation standards of the Joint Committee on Standards for Evaluation in Education should be implemented and used to select and evaluate building leaders.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Open Access

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