The Prospects for Women Patrick F. Bassett, NAIS President bassett@nais.org

Clean Sweep in all Age Categories 2012 Google Science Fair Clean Sweep in all Age Categories 10,000 Entries world-wide 1st Place for 17-18 year old: Ovarian cancer chemotherapy research 1st Place for 15-16 year old: Effects of air quality on asthmatics 1st Place for 13-14 year old: Marinades carcinogenic impact on grilling foods (lemon juice + brown sugar reduced; risk soy sauce increased risk) Girls & STEM Programming: Girls & Girls Schools Rock New York Times – Science Section

Are Women Better Educated then Men? The College to Career Pipeline Are Women Better Educated then Men? Women first surpassed men in earning Bachelor's degrees in 1996.  In 2011, they surpassed men in advanced degrees (master's or higher).  CBS News 04/26/11   "The New Math on Campus":  Women have been at least 57% of the class since 2000.  NYT 51% of new entrants into the workplace between 1994 and 2005 were minorities and 62% were female.  (ASAE “Check your Diversity Blindspots“ Study of the Effect of Women on Men (Men’s Health Magazine January, 2011)

Are Women Better Educated then Men? The College to Career Pipeline Are Women Better Educated then Men? Women while in college express higher levels of engagement, graduate in higher percentages, and indicate higher levels of satisfaction with their college experience (Washington Post, August 18, 2011 citing Pew Study on American Life) Half of the women graduates surveyed rated college as “excellent” or “good” in terms of value vs. 37 percent of men Women were also more likely to report that the college experience had fostered their personal and intellectual growth. Schizophrenic response: Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that it was a good thing that more women than men are graduating from college…until the question was reversed and they were asked whether it’s a good thing that fewer men than women are graduating: Decidedly, and emphatically, not.  

Messages to our Female Colleagues & Daughters Why Women Aren’t Moving Up the Ladder: Ted Talk Run Messages to our Female Colleagues & Daughters Sit at the table (confidence & sacrifice) 2. Make your partner a real partner (equality in shared work/life balance) 3. Don’t leave before you leave (stay ambitious & engaged & moving upward until the day you leave) Former COO of Google, appointed in 2008 as CEO of Facebook Percentage of Women as NAIS heads of school: 35%

NAIS Still Aspiring Study - 2010

Factors for Under-Representation of Women in Headship Appointments Women in the Fellowship program do share some of the characteristics of successful candidates for heads’ positions: older; many years of experience. But… Less likely than the men to have risen to the rank of assistant head - that important precursor to getting the job as a head. Less confidence in their connections and interviewing skills, the reputation of schools where they have worked, and their ability to fit into a school’s culture. Demonstrate less urgency about finding a position, looking at a desired timeframe of five years or longer.

Factors for Under-Representation of Women in Headship Appointments Less likely than men to pursue headships vigorously, foregoing such efforts as registering with multiple search firms and applying for multiple positions. Express more doubts about undertaking the position as a head and sacrificing their home or personal life. More likely than men to say that the time commitment associated with the head of school position is unappealing. More apt than men to say that staying in their local area is an important factor, often due to children and working spouses. When asked how their gender has impacted their job search, those women who are interested in single-sex schools say their gender has been an advantage, but others say that it is a disadvantage.

Prospects for Women Long-term: Excellent prospects… So what to conclude? Prospects for Women Long-term: Excellent prospects… Since women dominate the educational pathways to success at all levels. Since the entry bar to leadership is higher, women tend to be exceptional leaders, paving the way for others. (“Diversity and Leadership in a Changing World,” Eagly & Chin) Short-term: Problematic as decision-makers making top leadership choices in virtually all industries, including ours, are male (and white).

So what to conclude? Prospects for Women Transitional period, current women leaders focus on : Mentoring on the sacrifice/achievement spectrum Coaching that research shows women must guard against “stereotype threat” (subtle raising issues of gender and competence) since it makes women less confident and less positive about seeking leadership (“Diversity and Leadership in a Changing World,” Eagly & Chin) Appointing women to a variety of internal senior posts that provide varied experience & serve as traditional stepping stones Choosing & advocating to populate search committees at all levels fairly, wisely, & purposively.

The Endgame is in Sight Patrick F. Bassett, NAIS President bassett@nais.org

New Math on Campus

Herman Trend Alert Women---Expanding their Sphere of Influence February 8, 2012 Women in the workplace more than ever describe themselves as… Ambitious… Decisive… and Stressed Return

January Men’s Health Report on effect of women on men’s intelligence 70 college males administered critical thinking test to establish baseline IQ Then told a woman was watching them behind a one-way mirror and given a comparable test. Scores plummeted, proving, women make men stupid. Return