Quantitative Findings

An initial descriptive analysis of the data was conducted to identify key features of the study participants and to detect preliminary trends in the quantitative data regarding the needs assessment and participant perceptions of Catholic schools.

Principals who participated in this study were 76% female, with a mean age of 54 years (SD = 9.73). Table 1 provides an overview of the age distribution by age category. Eighty-six percent were lay, 13% were religious sisters, and less than 1% were religious brothers or priests. Table 2 provides an overview of vocational status. Interestingly, a total of 307 participants (approximately 18%) indicated they either had been enrolled in or had completed a formal formation program in preparation for religious life. On average, respondents had served as principal in their current school for 7 years (SD = 6.84) (see Table 3). Additionally, the majority of participants were currently licensed or certified for school leadership (n = 1,218; 73%) and had some teaching experience in Catholic schools (n = 1,448; 87%). Many also had been students in Catholic schools; 92% had attended one for at least 1 year (see Table 4). When asked where they completed their training or specialized study for the principalship, 49% of respondents indicated a public college or university and 51% indicated a Catholic college or university. Over 40% of respondents (n = 702) also indicated that they had experience as a teacher or administrator in a public school.