Abstract: This study examined expectations, with respect to the role of the special education administrator, held by key administrative personnel within West Virginia's rural school systems. Surveys were sent to all county superintendents, all county special education administrators, and a randomly selected sample of 150 school principals, resulting in 202 responses from a total of 260 individuals surveyed. The survey instrument consisted of 40 specific task descriptions organized and assigned to 7 types of administrative activity. Respondents were asked to rate the perceived performance and the perceived importance of the tasks. Significant differences were found: (1) between special education administrators and principals regarding the perceived performance of 19 tasks; (2) between special education administrators and superintendents regarding the perceived importance of 2 tasks; (3) between special education administrators and principals regarding the perceived degree of importance of 17 tasks; (4) between special education administrators and superintendents regarding the perceived degree of importance of one task. These differences imply potential areas of conflict among rural special education administrators, superintendents, and principals. The greatest potential for conflict exists between the special education administrator and principal. Implications for administrative endorsements and organizational structures are discussed. (KS)

Title: Perceptions of Rural School Administrators of the Role and Function of Special Education Administrators.
Author: Sullivan, Michael E.; Leary, Paul A.
Note: 14p.; In: Reaching Our Potential: Rural Education in the 90's. Conference Proceedings, Rural Education Symposium (Nashville, TN, March 17-20, 1991); see RC 018 473.
Publication Year: 18 Mar 1991
Document Type: Conference Paper (150); Research Report (143)
Target Audience: Teachers and Practitioners
ERIC Identifier: ED342552
Clearinghouse Identifier: RC018504
This document is available from the ERIC Document Reproduction Service.

Descriptors: * Administrator Attitudes; * Administrator Role; Elementary Secondary Education; Mail Surveys; Principals; * Role Conflict; * Role Perception; Rural Schools; * Special Education; Superintendents

Identifiers: West Virginia