THE BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES FACING FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS IN MISSISSIPPI

Abstract

This study seeks to identify the specific challenges that female high school principals in Mississippi State face in their leadership roles. It will use four main domains: organizational challenges, physical challenges, social challenges, and personal challenges to unearth the problem. The primary research question, “What are the barriers and challenges facing female high school principals in Mississippi?” formed the framework of the study. Using this question as the reference point, the research was able to identify broad barriers and challenges faced by females in their quest to become educational leaders. The quantitative approach was chosen, as it presented a feasible approach for meeting the objectives of the study. The researcher administered an online survey to each of the selected study participants. The data collected from the study will be subjected to a T-Test to evaluate the intricate differences between the responses made by the study participants. The findings necessitate the implementation of suitable developmental procedures to intervene in the issues of inequities. The study established that cultural and organizational structures put women at significant disadvantage, which limit their success as administrators in educational institutions. Such equality could be achieved through providing them with opportunities to become leaders. As the study found out, women are not being sufficiently supported and empowered to attain their potential as leaders in educational institutions, particularly in high schools. The researcher is hopeful that the findings in this study will guide policymakers in formulation of policies that empower women to overcome social and personal challenges and play more leading roles as administrators in schools.