School principals' knowledge and understanding of educator sexual misconduct against students
Date
2006
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Publisher
University of South Florida
Abstract
The purpose of this research study was to explore what public school principals know and
understand about educator sexual misconduct. This project attempted to provide a clearer picture
of how administrators perceived and performed their leadership role as moral keeper of the
school. In examining the literature, the researcher determined that there is a paucity of
information concerning educator sexual misconduct.
To accomplish the goals of this research project, the investigator paid particular attention
to the study, Educator Sexual Misconduct: A Synthesis of Existing Literature, prepared by
Shakeshaft in 2004 for the U.S. Department of Education. Insights afforded by Shakeshaft’s study
guided the construction of a field-based investigation focusing on four elementary school
principals, three middle school principals, and three high school principals within a large county
district located in the western region of Central Florida.
The researcher sought to investigate the language the school district and its principals use
to define educator sexual misconduct and what administrators understand and know about the
issue and their district policy, what they see as their legal responsibility, and what they would do
should such an incidence occur at their site. In addition, the researcher explored state-level
legislation that may affect district policy, while also investigating school-based programs for
administrators, teachers, parents, and children regarding educator sexual misconduct.
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Keywords
educator sexual misconduct, child sexual abuse, research, policy, legislation, administrators
Citation
Cairns, S. S. (2006). School principals' knowledge and understanding of educator sexual misconduct against students (Dissertation). University of South Florida.