Eureka! Institutional Repository

Abstract The present thesis (dissertation) is integrated in the scientific field of Educational Administration and discusses the procedures regarding the principals’ placement in school units. Specifically, we investigate the principals’ views of the Directorate of Primary Education of West Thessaloniki on the criteria and the manner of selection according to the 4473/2017 law and, at the same time, we record their proposals regarding the configuration of an objective and meritocratic system for the selection of the most capable and suitable teachers for the principals’ placement. In the first part we approach the issue theoretically through literature research, while in the second part we present the empirical research. We chose a quantitative empirical study with the use of a questionnaire and, on the basis of the research findings, we ascertain that the principals accept the structure and the legal procedures which they reinforce with proposals so that the placements become more meritocratic. As far as their participation in the placement process is concerned, they also pose additional requirements, necessary for the successful performance of their duties, such as Internet and Communication Technology (ICT) 1 degree, certified training on administrative issues and management experience. In addition, they propose the award of extra points for other qualifications, in order to create a more objective and representative image of the candidate. They accept the candidates’ evaluation being performed by educational providers, whose reports should be taken into account in their total score, while the interview is proposed to be considered as a means to approving the candidates’ eligibility. They believe that the selection board should be composed of senior educational executives and special scientists adding validity and credibility to the procedure, as well as of the teachers’ elected representatives who will be confined to supervising the legitimacy of the procedure. They think it is positive for the teachers’ association to express their opinion on the candidates, which the selection board should take into account, while there seems to be a concern on the necessity of the written exams. Finally, regarding the duration of the performance of their duties, the principals choose a 4year term of office, whereas they disagree with every kind of restriction on the terms of office.