Perceptions of teacher tenure and the Fair Dismissal Act by selected administrators in Georgia

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of teacher tenure and the Fair Dismissal Act by selected administrators in Georgia. Variables were measured using a survey instrument improvised from a dissertation by Lawrence Wess. Superintendents and elementary principals in the State of Georgia were selected from a purposely random sampling method to complete a survey regarding their perceptions toward tenure and the Fair Dismissal Act. Forty-one percent (58) of survey respondents were superintendents and 59% (84) were principal respondents.\nThe responses were analyzed in order to answer the research questions. Nine research questions were reflected and addressed through nine Hypotheses using the Pearson Correlation, ANOVA, and t-test. Some of the study's major findings were:\n• There was a significant relationship between administrators perceived value of tenure and their level of difficulties in discipline.\n• There were significant differences in principals and superintendents in regards to their experience with dismissal actions and their years of experience.\n• Survey responses showed that tenure does not seem to impact teacher's willingness to remain in a district.\n• There was no significant difference between male and female principals in their perception of the value of tenure.\nThe study concluded with several recommendations drawn from the findings.