The importance school administrators place on selected contents of a teacher placement credential file

The purpose of this study was to determine the importance school administrators place on items commonly found in a new graduate\u27s credential file as they consider applicants for a teaching vacancy. Specifically, the study was designed to determine influence that personal data items and reference data items have on school administrators as they make decisions about whether or not to give teaching candidates further employment consideration. The variables of the administrators\u27 title, the size of the school district (by student enrollment) that they represented, and the level (elementary and secondary) of endorsement needed for the teaching position were examined. An analysis of variance, chi-square, and t-tests were performed to determine any significant differences between and within groups based on the decision whether or not to give candidates for a teaching position further consideration. The study was also designed to determine administrators\u27 preference regarding confidential references or non-confidential references, and if they desired to have an official grade transcript included in a candidate\u27s credential file. Data for the study were obtained through use of a questionnaire that was completed by 89 administrators representing school districts in 18 states. Findings of the study displayed that school administrators place greater importance on reference data items when reviewing a credential file than personal data items. Administrative title, school district size (by student population), or level of endorsement (elementary and secondary) needed for a teaching vacancy did not influence the importance that administrators placed on credential file items. Confidential references were preferred and administrators desire to have an official grade transcript as part of a credential file. This study seemed to display a need to work toward improving practices in the screening and selection of candidates for teaching vacancies. Also, there appears to be a need to explore ways to improve the quality of items commonly included in a credential file of a new college graduate