Date of Award

Winter 12-18-2013

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Executive Ed.D. in Education Leadership Management and Policy

Department

Education Leadership, Management and Policy

Advisor

Daniel Gutmore, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Elaine Walker, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Shirley Brewton, Ed.D.

Committee Member

Larry Leverett, Ed.D.

Committee Member

Tammy Jenkins, Ed.D.

Keywords

Developing principals to become effective instructional leaders for schools

Abstract

2013

In the modern world of education and 21st century school systems, improvements in student achievements are recognized as the foremost objective of school reforms and restructuring efforts. The criticism continues to spread across the country for public schools that fail to meet students’ needs, especially in the urban areas where the achievement gap is widening. School communities and educational leaders continue to demand more accountability from principals as instructional leaders because of the decline in student achievement, as measured by states’ standardized achievement tests. The trend in most school systems is that the school principal is required by the systemic authorities to improve student learning. School leaders who can develop positive relationships among teachers and students also may increase student achievement (Ewing, 2001).

The purpose of this study was to examine the articulated leadership practices of principals in relationship to the literature on the characteristics of high performing principals. The intent of the study was to support school districts in training and developing principals to become effective instructional leaders and positive change agents in their schools. This study was also conducted in an effort to address concerns such as leadership style, school climate, teacher collective efficacy, collaboration, shared decision making, and student achievement in schools.

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