By providing more accurate and complete data, a personal exit interview is superior to an exit questionnaire; however, separation interviews in the field of education are not common. To optimize the benefits of an exit interview for both the district and the departing employee, a formal, oral interview should be scheduled within the last 4 weeks of employment. Key areas to cover in this meeting include (1) the reason for separation; (2) the positive aspects of the job; (3) the employees' feelings about their supervision; (4) adequacy of salary, benefits, and working conditions; (5) employee complaints or suggestions; (6) the possible existence of unresolved problems; and (7) separation formalities/information. Based on an analysis of exit literature and interview instruments, this document provides a generic model for a separation program that includes a list of items for inclusion in an exit interview. (KM)
