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Full-Text Articles in Education

Reconsidering Grade Inflation In Higher Education, Megan Mccall Oct 2011

Reconsidering Grade Inflation In Higher Education, Megan Mccall

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

Organizational climate is the human environment within which an organization’s employees do their work. It may refer to the environment within a department or in an entire organization. We cannot see climate or touch it, but it is there. In turn climate is affected by every thing that is occurring in an organization (Davis & Newstrom 1985). According to Andrew (1971) the term climate is used to design the quality of internal environment which conditions in turn the quality of cooperation, the development of individual, the extent of members’ dedication or commitment to organization’s purposes, and the efficiency with which …


The Types And Incidence Of Stressors Of Students In The University Of Ghana-Legon, Samuel Atindanbila, Elma Banyenrejoice Oct 2011

The Types And Incidence Of Stressors Of Students In The University Of Ghana-Legon, Samuel Atindanbila, Elma Banyenrejoice

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

Over the past two decades, theorists and researchers have consistently cited the importance of effective school leadership in relation to improved educational outcomes (Fullan, 2002; Hallinger & Heck, 1998; Leithwood, Jantzi, & Steinbach, 1999; Leithwood, Louis, Anderson, & Wahlstrom, 2004). The Wallace Foundation recently commissioned an exhaustive research project on the relationships between school leadership and student learning, and the authors concluded that “when principals and teachers share leadership, teachers’ working relationships with one another are stronger and student achievement is higher” (Louis, Leithwood, Wahlstrom, & Anderson, 2010, p. 282).


The Principals We Hire For Today’S Schools: Voices Of Superintendents, N. Yusof, Jason Mixon, Jane Irons, Edythe Kirk Jul 2011

The Principals We Hire For Today’S Schools: Voices Of Superintendents, N. Yusof, Jason Mixon, Jane Irons, Edythe Kirk

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The purpose of this study was to identify superintendents’ perceptions of the characteristics of and abilities needed by successful principals in today’s schools. In addition, identification of superintendents’ concerns relative to the principals they hire was solicited.


Line In The Sand: An Essay On Principal-Teacher Relationships, David Dunaway Jul 2011

Line In The Sand: An Essay On Principal-Teacher Relationships, David Dunaway

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

was a fall Saturday morning, and I was in my Auburn doctoral program monthly seminar where we talked of various topics of interest to our group of 15. Somehow the topic came around to the relationships between teachers and principals. Consensus of the group was that the proverbial line in the sand was an inevitable and unchangeable part of being a school principal. I, to the surprise of no one then or now, disagreed. This time I was not playing my well-honed role of Devil’s Advocate, I really believed that there was no good or logical reason that there should …


An Exploration Of Organizational Climate In Greek High Schools, Angeliki Lazridou, Ioannis Tsolakidis Jan 2011

An Exploration Of Organizational Climate In Greek High Schools, Angeliki Lazridou, Ioannis Tsolakidis

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

In the theoretical and research literature about school administration, organizational climate receives considerable attention. A major reason is that school climate is often represented as the heart and soul of the school and the essence of the school that causes teachers and students to love the school and to want to be a part of it (Freiberg & Stein, 1999). Another reason is that climate is often seen to be associated with school effectiveness. Furthermore, research has shown consistently that the principal of a school does not affect student achievement directly but does so indirectly by fostering a healthy climate …


Degree Of Availability And Utilization Of Information Technology By Jordanian School Principals, Nawaf Shatnawi Jan 2011

Degree Of Availability And Utilization Of Information Technology By Jordanian School Principals, Nawaf Shatnawi

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

No doubt that the most striking features of this century is the technological revolution: Computers, communications and other electronic mediums are main components for any developing program in the educational field. Therefore, the Ministry of Education in Jordan adapted an educational reform program aimed at utilizing information technology in schools. The program was called “Educational reform for Knowledge Economy” ( ERFKE). School’s administration was one of (ERFKE) domains. For the importance of Information Technology, the Ministry Of Education did its best to broaden the use of computers in all Jordanian schools ( Al Heleh, 2001) as part of reaching its …


Evaluation Of School Principals: Arizona Superintendents’ Perspective, Scarlet Chopin, Richard Wiggall Jan 2011

Evaluation Of School Principals: Arizona Superintendents’ Perspective, Scarlet Chopin, Richard Wiggall

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

This article presents the results of the Arizona Statewide Superintendents’ Survey regarding the evaluation of school principals. Arizona Revised Statute 15-353 delineates the responsibilities of principals, which include providing leadership for the school, implementing the goals and the strategic plan of the school, serving as the administrator of the school, and distributing a parental satisfaction survey to the parent of every child enrolled at the school. There are state performance standards, the Arizona Standards for School Administrators (ADE, 2010). Arizona law clearly defines the principal’s responsibilities and each governing board is required to establish systems for the evaluation of the …


A Comparative Study Of Leadership Behavior Of Principals In Relation To Job Satisfaction Of Teachers In Govt. And Non-Govt. Schools Of U.T., Maninder Khanna Jul 2010

A Comparative Study Of Leadership Behavior Of Principals In Relation To Job Satisfaction Of Teachers In Govt. And Non-Govt. Schools Of U.T., Maninder Khanna

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The study was designed to achieve the following objectives: 1. To compare the Leadership Behavior of Principals in Govt. and non-govt. schools . 2. To compare the job satisfaction of teachers in Govt. and non-govt. schools . 3. To ascertain the relationship between Leadership Behavior of Principals with job satisfaction of teachers in Govt. and non-govt. schools .


A Principal’S Dilemma: Instructional Leader Or Manager, Bettye Grigsby, Gary Schumacher, John Decman, Felix Iii Simieou Jul 2010

A Principal’S Dilemma: Instructional Leader Or Manager, Bettye Grigsby, Gary Schumacher, John Decman, Felix Iii Simieou

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

This study focuses on the emphasis principals’ place on the design and delivery of curriculum and instruction on individual campuses and the extent federal regulation has impacted principal behaviors as instructional leaders. The transformation from the principal’s role of manager to that which is inclusive of instructional leadership is due to the steady increase of the regulations governing the accountability system culminating in No Child Left Behind. In fact, “ … one in three principals says implementation of NCLB is the most pressing issue he or she is facing” (Sergiovanni, 2009, p. 44).


Informal Instructional Teacher Leaders: How Principals Can Support Them And Their Effect On Instructional Reform:, Pamela Austen Jul 2010

Informal Instructional Teacher Leaders: How Principals Can Support Them And Their Effect On Instructional Reform:, Pamela Austen

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The single case explanatory study of the three elementary schools of a regional school district examined the relationship between the principal, a designated teacher leader, and a peer teacher in three elementary schools, in attempt to learn more about the relational factors that may work to inhibit or support instructional reform efforts. Qualitative analysis procedures were used to analyze data from the interview transcripts, the observational field notes, and documents related to the implementation of the SRBI reform. Two sets of interview transcripts from the nine participants were used along with two sets of observational field notes of the school’s …


Intern And Mentor Perceptions Of The Internship Experience, David Dunaway, James Bird, Claudia Flowers, James Lyons Jul 2010

Intern And Mentor Perceptions Of The Internship Experience, David Dunaway, James Bird, Claudia Flowers, James Lyons

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

For more than twenty-five years reform efforts have been pervasively pursued across the nation to improve student achievement at the K-12 level. It is generally agreed that the impetus for these reform efforts was the publication of the report, A Nation at Risk, in 1983(National Commission on Excellence in Education, 1983). This report, which concluded that a “rising tide of mediocrity” was sweeping across the educational system served as the clarion call that spurned the national efforts to reform and improve America’s schools. Although these reform efforts have covered nearly every aspect of schooling and taken a variety of forms, …


Principal Interns’ Level Of Involvement And Perceived Knowledge And Skills Developed During The Internship Process, David Dunaway, James Bird, Claudia Flowers, James Lyons Jul 2010

Principal Interns’ Level Of Involvement And Perceived Knowledge And Skills Developed During The Internship Process, David Dunaway, James Bird, Claudia Flowers, James Lyons

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The review of the literature clearly shows that the exploration of a critical question is missing from the analysis of internships: Do interns who experience higher levels of involvement develop higher levels of knowledge and skills? In this study, learning experiences are defined as the type of involvement (i.e., low-involvement or high-involvement). The purpose of this study is to examine if higher levels of intern involvement result in the acquisition of higher levels of perceived knowledge and skills. Survey research method was used to assess the principle interns’ level of involvement in a set of specified activities and to assess …


A Paradigm Of Power And Possibility, Linda Dauksas Apr 2010

A Paradigm Of Power And Possibility, Linda Dauksas

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

At the base of the Principal’s leadership and professional responsibilities is the ultimate power to create a model of ability and respect for every student. No matter the size of the school, age of the students, tenure of staff or status of the community, every principal can create a potent paradigm promoting ability over disability, and opportunities over impediments. The power of this paradigm can impact students, staff, and the entire community, far beyond the school campus.


The Impact Of Evaluation Upon Teacher Leadership, Ismael Abujarad, Noraini Yusof Apr 2010

The Impact Of Evaluation Upon Teacher Leadership, Ismael Abujarad, Noraini Yusof

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

Mary Olsen took over the Principalship of a large elementary school of over 1500 students in a crowded urban area. From day one, things did not go as she had planned. The first day it rained, upsetting her plans to have an outdoor line up and greet the students and parents together. When meeting the teachers, she expected a sense of collaboration and willingness to work hard. Instead she faced two diverse groups of educators: one was the veteran work force who did not want any changes, having been at the job for twenty plus years. The second group was …


Exploring Principal Leadership Roles Within A Community Of Practice To Promote Science Performance Of English Language Learners, David Carrejo, Teresa Cortez, Judy Reinhartz Jan 2010

Exploring Principal Leadership Roles Within A Community Of Practice To Promote Science Performance Of English Language Learners, David Carrejo, Teresa Cortez, Judy Reinhartz

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The world we live in continues to become more technologically advanced and educating youth to become productive citizens in an ever-changing global society is vital. The importance and necessity of educating an increasingly diverse student population has become a top priority for Pre-K-16 educators. To meet this challenge and set priorities for serving English Language Learners (ELLs), educators at all levels need to forge a clear vision and shared commitment for fostering “… a sense of belonging and community that inspires collaboration” among its members for the success of all students (Texas Association of School Administrators, 2008, p. 4).


Relationship Between Principals And Teachers’ Perceptions Of Principals’ Performance Of Staff Development And Students Personnel In Secondary Schools, Delta Central Senatorial District, Nigeria, E.D. Nakpodia Jan 2010

Relationship Between Principals And Teachers’ Perceptions Of Principals’ Performance Of Staff Development And Students Personnel In Secondary Schools, Delta Central Senatorial District, Nigeria, E.D. Nakpodia

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The success of any organisation solely depends upon the quality and efficiency of its staff personnel , who perform the functions necessary for the fulfilment of stated goals and objectives. These assumptions is as applicable to the school system as it is to any organisation involving human efforts. The extent to which the quality of education succeeds will depend strictly upon the quality of the personnel engaged in the educational process, and upon the effectiveness with which they carry out individual and group responsibilities. (Nakpodia, 2006)


The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence Of Principals And Student Performance In Mississippi Public Schools, Wanda Maulding, Amy Townsend, Edward Leonard, Larry Sparkman Jan 2010

The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence Of Principals And Student Performance In Mississippi Public Schools, Wanda Maulding, Amy Townsend, Edward Leonard, Larry Sparkman

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

Just as the quality of teachers affects students’ academic success, the quality of school leadership is significantly related to student achievement, (Leithwood and Jantzi, 2000). The job of the school administrator is challenging in any set of circumstances, but the leadership in low and marginally performing schools presents additional and unique challenges. In fact, some districts are faced with the socio-economic circumstances often correlated with poor performance (Heck, 1992). Breaking the cycle of poverty for these students is much more likely to occur if the type of quality educational programming afforded to prospective school administrators is dramatically and innovatively enhanced.


Successful Leadership In Turnaround Schools: A Case Study About The Center For Creative Leadership (Ccl) And The School Leadership Executive Institute (Slei), Belinda B. Mcfeeters, Emily Hoole Oct 2009

Successful Leadership In Turnaround Schools: A Case Study About The Center For Creative Leadership (Ccl) And The School Leadership Executive Institute (Slei), Belinda B. Mcfeeters, Emily Hoole

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The topic of turning failing schools around has gained significant attention throughout the world within the last decade. Accountability systems from the government to the general community have expressed their concern for this issue, and have called for plans to turn these schools around (Chapman, 2002; Hassel & Steiner, 2003; Levin, 2006; Malen & Rice, 2004; Wong & Shen, 2003). How do principals meet these challenges and successfully turn failing schools around? How can they gain the insight, knowledge and competencies to effectively lead their schools through these challenging times?


A Comparison Of The Leadership Practices Of Principals Of Making Middle Grades Work Schools As Measured By The Leadership Practices Inventory, David Knab Jul 2009

A Comparison Of The Leadership Practices Of Principals Of Making Middle Grades Work Schools As Measured By The Leadership Practices Inventory, David Knab

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

Leadership of the principal in schools continues to be identified as important to the success of the school and ultimately, the achievement of its students. Leithwood, Louis, Anderson, and Wahlstrom (2004), in their research, affirm that leadership is critical if schools are to continue to improve. “Leadership is second only to classroom instruction among all school-related factors that contribute to what students learn at school” (p. 5). Marzano, Walters, and McNulty’s (2005) also argue for better principals stating that if a principal were to improve their leadership practices, then student achievement would increase. In their research, they have identified 21 …


Fewer Women Than Men In Educational Leadership, Mahshid Pirouznia Jul 2009

Fewer Women Than Men In Educational Leadership, Mahshid Pirouznia

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The purpose of this study is to explore the possible obstacles in women’s pathway to a principalship; and examine if these obstacles have changed over the past two decades because of women’s changing roles.


The Level Of Emotional Intelligence In Principals Of Recognized And Acceptable Schools, Todd Stephens, Douglas Hermond Jul 2009

The Level Of Emotional Intelligence In Principals Of Recognized And Acceptable Schools, Todd Stephens, Douglas Hermond

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The future of our democratic society depends on a strong and vibrant educational system. The 90s brought us accountability and high stakes testing and our new millennium promises to demand even more sacrifices from teachers, students, and principals as expectations rise and pressures increase for educational improvements. Quality leadership from school principals will be crucial in creating schools capable of producing students who can excel and compete in today’s challenging global economy.


A Comparison Of The Leadership Practices Of Principals Of High Schools That Work Schools As Measured By The Leadership Practices Inventory, David Knab Apr 2009

A Comparison Of The Leadership Practices Of Principals Of High Schools That Work Schools As Measured By The Leadership Practices Inventory, David Knab

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

According to the online Merriam-Webster dictionary, leadership is defined as “the office or position of a leader, capacity to lead, the act or an instance of leading.” (Merriam-Webster, 2008). Therefore, one needs to go to the definition of “lead” to discover the true meaning of leadership. Accordingly, to lead means “to guide on a way especially by going in advance, to direct on a course or in a direction, to serve as a channel for ” (2008). Leadership as a verb must mean that individuals are able to motivate people to advance in some direction. Leadership also implies that the …


Surviving The First Years: A Principals Guide For Implementing A Quality Special Education Program, Lisa Bertrand, Ruth Roberts, Margaret Dalton Jan 2009

Surviving The First Years: A Principals Guide For Implementing A Quality Special Education Program, Lisa Bertrand, Ruth Roberts, Margaret Dalton

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

In today’s schools, building level administrators are faced with a variety of challenges as they strive to provide leadership that promotes successful learning experiences for all students. Promoting the success of all students is also the foundation of current federal legislation with the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) mandates as well as the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Answering the call of these directives and the goal for all students to experience success, building level principals must have fundamental knowledge of special education programs and services. However, research indicates that principal preparation course work may not target special education …


New Technology And Record Keeping In Educational Management: Levels Of Secondary School Principals’ Computer Literacy And Phobia, Afolakemi Oredein Oct 2008

New Technology And Record Keeping In Educational Management: Levels Of Secondary School Principals’ Computer Literacy And Phobia, Afolakemi Oredein

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

While research on school improvement is now into its third decade, systematic research on what the principal actually does and its relationship to stability and change is quite recent. Some of the earlier implementation research identified the role of the principal as central to promoting or inhibiting change (Sammons, 1999; Goleman, 2000), but it did not examine the principal’s role in any depth or perspective as regards to the utilization of new technology for record-keeping. During the 1980’s research and practice focusing on the role of the principal-ship, vice-principal-ship, and other school leaders mounted, resulting in greater clarity, but also …


Principals As Mentors In Teacher Education: How Preservice Teachers’ Voices Informed Practice, Anita Varrati, Amy Smith Oct 2008

Principals As Mentors In Teacher Education: How Preservice Teachers’ Voices Informed Practice, Anita Varrati, Amy Smith

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

Principals in today’s schools clearly have their work cut out for them. The job has never been easy and the addition of accountability for state standards and assessments just adds to the load. The implications of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) for principals involve spending significant amounts of time on the development of effective classroom teachers. The content of induction programs for new teachers now includes federal and state requirements for licensing and recertification (Highly Qualified Teachers) in addition to aligning new teacher needs with school mission and goals. As a result, the principal’s role with beginning teachers has never …


Initiating Your Successful Transition To School Principal, Timothy Glasspool Jul 2007

Initiating Your Successful Transition To School Principal, Timothy Glasspool

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The role and responsibilities of the principal and assistant principal have developed and been redeveloped to meet demands and legislative impact on the American public education system. With these additional demands, principals are required to lead students and faculties to greater educational outcomes and achievement. As the role of building level leadership evolves and more principals become instructional leaders first and a managers second, opportunities for changing roles could correct assistant principal pigeon-holing. Some researchers and practitioners do not agree the assistant principal position is an appropriate training ground for the Principalship. Even some principals and researchers believe the training …


The Functions Of The County Superintendent Of Public Instruction In The State Of Kansas, Jesse Earl Vague Jul 1941

The Functions Of The County Superintendent Of Public Instruction In The State Of Kansas, Jesse Earl Vague

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is to reveal the true status of the present incumbents in the offices of county superintendent of public instruction in Kansas. This involves three problems: first, to show the age, sex, salary, tenure of office, and the qualifications; second , to show the duties of the county superintendent and the distribution of time allotted to each; and, third, to show the methods, the objectives, and the outcomes of supervision.


The Executive Of The Consolidated Schools In Western Kansas, Alexander Vardaman Anderson Jul 1930

The Executive Of The Consolidated Schools In Western Kansas, Alexander Vardaman Anderson

Master's Theses

The purposes of this study are: 1. To determine the extent or scope of the activities performed by the executives of consolidated schools in Western Kansas. 2. To discover the amount of time which those executives devote to each of such activities. 5. To ascertain the personal and professional qualifications of the executives of consolidated schools in Western Kansas. 4. To enumerate the mistakes or failures of the executives of consolidated schools in Western Kansas from the viewpoint of the teachers under supervision. 5. To determine if the administration of consolidated schools might be improved and to suggest remedial measures …