ATTITUDES OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TOWARDS MULTICULTURALISM

The aim of this research is to determine school directors' level of attitudes regarding multiculturalism. Descriptive survey model was used in this study and data were collected through multiculturalism attitude scale. The sample of this research is composed of 203 school principals assigned, for the first time, to public schools in Kocaeli for 2009-2010 academic year. According to the findings of research it was found that school principals generally have positive attitudes towards multiculturalism. Principals have more positive attitudes towards 'care' dimension of multiculturalism rather than its sub-dimensions 'know' and 'act'. While gender and age did not make significant difference regarding principals' attitudes towards multiculturalism, seniority made significant difference regarding multiculturalism. It was observed that as their seniority increased, their attitudes towards multiculturalism decreased. Another finding is that school principals are more interested in some components of multiculturalism and less interested in others. Providing in-service and sensitivity trainings of multiculturalism to school principals, regarding the points that they are less interested, will develop their skills to manage the differences in school.