Cairns, S. S.2018-11-162018-11-162006Cairns, S. S. (2006). School principals' knowledge and understanding of educator sexual misconduct against students (Dissertation). University of South Florida.https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://scholar.google.com/&httpsredir=1&article=3467&context=etdhttp://hdl.handle.net/11212/4054The 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.en-USeducator sexual misconductchild sexual abuseresearchpolicylegislationadministratorsArticle