Leading schools is growing increasingly difficult. High workloads, public scrutiny and tight budgets are just some of the pressures making the role more complex than ever.

Half of school leaders say their stress levels are so high, they are considering leaving the profession or retiring, according to a 2022 survey from the National Principals Association (formerly known as NASSP).

While the national statistics are alarming, leaders in California don’t have an accurate picture of what is causing principal attrition in our state.

More data from California administrators is needed to create changes that would better support school leaders.

In order to fill this knowledge gap, ACSA is working with The Center for the Transformation of Schools (CTS) at UCLA and UC Berkeley Leadership Programs to develop and distribute a new survey that will provide insights into administrator well-being and working conditions in California schools.

Survey results will be used by ACSA and others to help create more supportive working environments that ultimately benefit students and their educators.

“The research is clear: Effective school leaders can improve outcomes for our students,” said ACSA Executive Director Dr. Edgar Zazueta. “But the story isn’t so clear when it comes to what stressors and burdens lead to administrator burnout. This survey will provide ACSA with actionable data we can point to when advocating for policies that make it easier for school leaders to do their jobs and stay in the profession.”

The survey, which is open now through Dec. 18, asks questions about social and professional supports, system-level resources, and demands related to the role. The survey takes around 20-25 minutes to complete.

“The survey will be the first of its kind, providing a better understanding of who California’s school administrators are, how they serve their school communities, and the ways in which they navigate various stressors,” said Dr. Stanley L. Johnson, Jr., senior project scientist with the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools. “We are optimistic that the survey findings will provide important data that can shape future policies geared toward supporting the well-being of administrators across the state.”

Administrators at any level (school, district, county office) who are currently employed at any California TK-12 school are invited to participate. All school types, including private and charter schools, are welcome.

Researchers hope to hear from administrators across the state — in large and small districts and in urban, suburban and rural communities. School leaders are encouraged to take the survey and share it with their peers.

“Creating sustainable working environments for leaders is critical for improving schools, as well as supporting teachers and students,” said Dr. Rebecca Cheung, assistant dean, Leadership Development Programs, at UC Berkeley School of Education. “This survey is an opportunity to hear directly from California’s leaders about what they need and what helps them to do their best work.”