Evolution in the Profession

Abstract

The early growth ofprofessionalism in educational administration is traced, and the pervasive hope and energetic activity that characterized the field in the early 1950s and gave promise for continued development of the profession are noted. The promise was unfulfilled, largely because any progress made in knowledge expansion was overshadowed by powerful and rapidly changing influences upon the schools and upon the practice of administration. It is contended that these influences may have had greater impact on shaping the profession than did any of the rational efforts being expended in the universities. Finally, the various areas in which educational administration stillfalls short of meeting the criteria established for full acceptance as profession are examined.