Women's representation in educational administration positions is inconsistent with the extent of their employment in education (and in management positions elsewhere.) Recent research by F. I. Ortiz reveals two distinct types of career patterns for female educational administrators: the specialist, supervisor, and elementary principalship path and the secondary principalship and superintendency path. The specific position held determines the career pattern the woman administrator will follow; similarly, pre-administrative career activities (teaching, coaching, counseling) influence movement into administrative careers. In this study, a self-response questionnaire was administered to a stratified sample of women administrators in Washington public schools. Career patterns were analyzed for all respondents and for each position category identified. Possible career contingencies were also reviewed and included educational background, district attitudes toward women's employment, marital status and parenting, and career aspirations. Results support Ortiz's career path findings. The K-12 superintendency path involved more advancement at the building administration and central office level. Elementary superindendents' career mobility was more restricted and place-bound. Study results may aid women desiring to enter or advance in educational administration by identifying the proper career sequence. Included are 8 tables or graphs and 25 references. (MHL)