Interviews

To supplement the quantitative data described above, we conduct interviews of school leaders, including principals and assistant principals, following each time-use observation. These interviews are used to extend our analyses of the surveys, time-use data, and administrative data. They are conducted at the conclusion of the time-use observation by the shadower. Depending on the school leaders’ availabilities, the duration of the interviews range from 30 minutes to one hour. With the school leader’s consent, the interview is audio-recorded and later transcribed.

The school leader interview data supplements our quantitative analyses by providing insights into their personal goals and visions for their school, their perceptions of what role school leaders should play, and their personal path to the principalship. Because this research design provides us with quantitative time-use data and qualitative interview data from the same school leaders, we are able to triangulate these complementary sources of data.