Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this case study was to identify and describe the career paths of eight Chinese American superintendents, the perceived barriers they faced, the strategies they used to achieve the superintendency in California, and the influence of their family. The subjects of this baseline case study were eight Chinese American superintendents in the public sector in California. Methodology. Case study descriptive research was used to address the purpose of this study. Findings. (1) This study suggests that a typical Chinese American superintendent begins his or her career as an excellent teacher. Most attained their superintendency by experiencing the traditional career path (teacher, site administrator, district positions, and superintendent). Most subjects relocated and worked in different districts, especially when obtaining their superintendency. Only two worked in the same district in their entire educational career. (2) All eight subjects unanimously described the shortage of Chinese American Role Models as an external barrier. The external barriers that were least mentioned or commented upon were domestic responsibilities and gender discrimination. The most commonly described internal barrier is shortage of administrative skills. (3) Five strategies to attain the advancement to the superintendency were unanimously mentioned or commented upon. They are: Learn to handle difficult situations, hard work, acquire knowledge, acquire people skills, be at the right place at the right time. (4) The role of family was identified as critical for all eight subjects. Encouragement from parents, hearing the value of education expressed in the home, expectation of getting college and advanced degrees, varied careers of other family members, and pride in families positively impacted Chinese Americans in their achievement. (5) Some factors that affected these Chinese Americans in ultimately obtaining the superintendency were that five of the eight subjects were very involved in some kind of leadership and teamwork type of activities when they were in high school: Student body president, honors classes, different clubs, or group of classmates who wanted to excel, or band. Conclusions and recommendations. There were significant learnings from this study, which can be applied to the career path of Chinese Americans aspiring to advance to the superintendency. This study of career paths, barriers, and strategies used by Chinese American superintendents is the only dissertation currently on the topic. There is a need for more study in the general area of Chinese Americans, Asian Americans, and other ethnic groups.