Educational Leadership Commons^™

The Emotional Intelligence And Resilience Of School Leaders: An Investigation Into Leadership Behaviors, Aileen Thompson Bumphus

Dissertations

Recent research suggests that leadership in schools and emotional intelligence are related. Furthermore, resiliency has been researched and found to be linked to successful leadership. As a result of these findings and the researcher's own professional experiences, it is speculated that emotional intelligence, resilience, and school leadership may be highly related factors in how one leads a school. The study of this three-factor relationship has been virtually overlooked in the research on school leadership and might prove useful in the recruitment, identification, development, and retention of effective school leaders.

A study of the emotional intelligence, resilience, and leadership of public …

A Metamorphosis Of Thought: Parent Education Based On Transformative Learning Theory In A Title I-Funded Middle School, Ayanna Lichelle Shivers

Dissertations

Section 1118(e)(2) of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 encouraged public schools to conduct and evaluate parent education programs to assist with closing the achievement gap. In an effort to combat the existing problem, the researcher engaged in a mixed-methods study to address four research questions.

A comparative-quantitative study, using the Middle School Parent Perception Survey, was conducted to determine if there were statistically significant differences in perceptions of parents whose children attended Title I funded and non-Title l-funded schools in the following areas—barriers to parent involvement, their ability to assist their children with schoolwork, and the support …

Perceptions And Knowledge Of Special Education Law Among Building Administrators In A Selected Georgia School District, Patricia Claire Grasso

Dissertations

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has impacted every school district in the United States and significantly altered the role of administrators. Requirements for the administration and supervision of special education have developed exponentially since the enactment of Public Law 94- 142 and its reauthorization as the IDEA.

The purpose of this study was to compare the perceptions and knowledge of building administrators regarding special education law. The following research questions were developed to facilitate this study: (a) is there a difference in the level of knowledge about special education law among building administrators regarding the seven provisions of …

The Effects Of Positive Behavior Intervention Support On Office Discipline Referrals, Third And Fourth Grade Reading And Math Scores, And Perceptions Of Teachers Regarding Discipline And Safety In Alabama Elementary Schools, Denise Yvonne Pavlovich

Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies and school-wide discipline problems after a school had been trained in Positive Behavior Intervention Support, the difference in educators' perceptions about the relationship between positive school climate, SAT scores, and academic achievement. The researcher surveyed 35 schools in Alabama and collected office discipline referral data, SAT scores, and teacher/administrator perception data. Some of the data were gathered via the Internet for the years prior to implementation, during implementation, and the year following implementation. A survey was sent to each of the schools to collect perception data. Results indicated a significant …

The Selection Of Public School Principals In The 21st Century By Indiana Public School Superintendents, William C. Reichhart

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study determined what the most important qualities and characteristics Indiana public school superintendents take into consideration when interviewing and selecting an effective principal for their school districts. The study also examined if the superintendent's demographic information influenced the decisions of the superintendents in regards to the importance of selected criteria. 111 A questionnaire was developed by the author and sent to each of the 292 Indiana public school superintendents asking them to rank the selection criteria for each of the four sections on the questionnaire, Background, Management, Human Relations, and Instruction. In addition, demographic variables of size of the …

The Role Of The Principal In Leading School Improvement, Marilyn Jane Sudsberry

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purposes of this study were to 1) determine the role the principal plays in leading school improvement, and 2) examine the relationship between change implemented and student achievement. Three high-performing, high-needs Title l schools and four low-performing, high-needs Title I schools were identified through lndimm Department of Education data. The high-performing schools met Adequate Yearly Progress in 2006, whereas the low-performing schools did not and were in at least year two of the school improvement cycle. Structured interviews were conducted with the principal and with teams of teachers. The interviews, along with field observations and analysis of the school …

Frequency Of Principal Turnover In Ohio’S Elementary Schools, Michelle Chaplin Partlow, Carolyn Ridenour

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

One remedy for Ohio schools that fail to meet the state’s test score criteria for “effectiveness” is to force a change in the principalship. Concerns have been raised that such a remedy may simultaneously undermine the organizational stability of the school. The researchers in this study examined the frequency with which elementary building principals in 109 southwest Ohio schools changed during the 7-year period of 1996-1997 (FY 1997) through 2002-2003 (FY 2003). The researchers found that urban and rural schools had a significantly higher turnover frequency than did suburban schools. Ways to counter frequent principal turnover while, at the same …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Christine A. Mangrich

Graduate Research Papers

Educators are more than just teachers. Effective teachers are more than simply instructors, and instructional leaders are more than just administrators. Servant leadership is more than a method of managing a school or an office. It is something that encompasses the essence of a person. A servant leader is one whose foundational beliefs begin with the notion to serve first. This leadership persona is not something that one turns on while at work; it is generally part of the guiding principles a person has, and affects all aspects of a person's life.

A leader of service encompasses all facets of …

My Philosophy Of Educational Leadership, David A. Clark

Graduate Research Papers

Early leaders in civilization knew that to keep a country free of tyranny and social depredation it was imperative that the citizens within that culture became educated. Modem leaders of education can be found at the forefront of public education in the form of superintendents and principals. In this paper I will define the role of leadership in education, how it has affected my life, what makes a great principal, the principals role in educational change, a reflective practitioner as a leader, and how a principal can use professional development to enhance the effectiveness of his/her staff.

A Vision For Leading Schools : A Reflective Essay, Melissa A. Margretz

Graduate Research Papers

The role of a leader is comparable to a circle. There are so many sides, they seem to run together with no definition of where one ends and another begins. What I believe about leadership and the roles of being a reflective practitioner, a leader in educational change, a leader in improvement of learning for students and adults, and a leader of service all share importance in a well-rounded, successful, educational leader.

In order to lead a school with success the leader must be able to play many roles at the same time. Not only do leaders need to be …

My Philosophy Of Educational Leadership, Jody L. Fink

Graduate Research Papers

What is the true role of the principal? The principal has to be a reflective leader of learning, a leader of educational change, a leader for the improvement of learning for both students and adults, and the leader of service. The principal is the main educational leader of the learning community. As Wilmore (2002) states, "The primary emphasis has shifted from one in which the principal truly was a master teacher, a recognized leader in instruction, to one in which the principal is a manager of the school facility." Wilmore continues, "The role of the principal has transitioned again, from …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Stephanie Renee Dougherty

Graduate Research Papers

A principal leads educational change. Schools are called to continually change to fit society's demands. Schools that remain stagnant are places where students are not being served in their best interests. Schools need to upgrade in order for students to be ready for the workforce. Principals need to continually scan for ways to encourage growth, improvement, and empowerment.

Research And Reflection On Successful Principal Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Leah M. Rogers

Graduate Research Papers

A teacher needs to act as a leader, allow the child's natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, and promote respect for all things and people. The teacher's role is to guide, providing access to information rather than acting as the primary source of information. The students' search for knowledge is the journey one takes as they learn to find answers to their questions. Providing students with access to hands-on activities and allowing adequate time and space to use materials that reinforce the lesson being studied creates an opportunity for individual innovation.

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Deanna Martens

Graduate Research Papers

As a leader of change, an administrator looks to the future, plans appropriately, sustains flexibility and continues the cycle of consist reflection and evaluation of the change process and actual change. A successful administrator understands that change is not easy for everyone and assists stakeholders throughout the process. Administrators are responsible for a supportive learning environment. The most critical element for the principal in setting the tone is to be a positive role model. The school, faculty and staff often take on the qualities of the administrator. When taking action of large proportions, a successful administrator communicates clearly and involves …

My Philosophy Of Educational Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Lincoln James Rasche

Graduate Research Papers

As more and more demands are placed on schools, principals must be strong instructional leaders who find innovative ways to provide professional development for teachers. As leaders of schools, principals must meet the challenges of educating today's students. When professional development is of high quality, it can provide principals and teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to meet these challenges. By meeting these challenges, schools will strive to provide students with effective learning opportunities, opportunities that ensure high levels of learning for everyone (Sparks, 1997).

Educational Leadership : A Reflective Essay, Craig D. Murray

Graduate Research Papers

The role of a leader is invaluable in setting the tone of the environment and the vision for the school. There are so many parts to leadership, that continual learning will be necessary for any successful school leader. A school leader plays many roles including: a reflective practitioner, a change agent, an educational improvement specialist, and a servant leader who remembers the people who make the system work.

A Preferred Vision Of Educational Leadership In Schools : A Reflective Essay, Melinda A. Orris

Graduate Research Papers

The state of Iowa has laid the framework for leadership in education through the development of the six Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL). Each one of the six standards details a different aspect of the role needed for successful leadership within the school and the school community. Through these six standards and outside resources, I have found that there are core beliefs and characteristics required to have and maintain success in leadership in education. This paper will cover the essential beliefs and characteristics in educational leadership needed, and their importance for success within the school.

Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Erik J. Smith

Graduate Research Papers

My principle belief about education relates to the importance of students. Without the students, what we as educators are doing would not mean anything. As educators, we must do everything that we can to ensure that we keep our students engaged and learning. I believe that educators often lose sight of what is important and instead get caught up in trivial happenings (e.g., whether we should have the school buses pick the students up on the north or the east side of the school). If educators continue to stay focused on the students and do what is best for them, …

Reflecting For Action, Christopher J. Mccarville

Graduate Research Papers

To answer the question, "What do I believe about leadership and education?" I have to say that I believe in four main things: Hard work, passion, family and most importantly, faith. If you follow through with these four beliefs, everything else will fall into place. Work hard, have passion for the school, love your family above all, and pray. These are the keys to being successful as an administrator.

The Perceived Trust Of Elementary And Middle School Principals And Leadership Attributes In An Abbott District In New Jersey, Eva M. Ogens

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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The Principal's Role In Affecting Student Reading Achievement, Kathleen J. Beecher

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Principal And Teacher Perception Of The Understanding And Facilitation Of The Implementation Of Cognitive Instructional Strategies To Improve Reading, Gwendolyn Battle Lavert

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate middle and high school principals' perception of their understanding and facilitation of the implementation of cognitive instructional strategies in the classroom to improve reading. The study also investigated the English/language arts chair or language arts teacher's perception of their principals' understanding and facilitation of the implementation of cognitive instructional strategies to improve the reading. The population for the research was public high school principals and teachers grades 9-12, and middle school principals and teachers grades 6-8. A total of 121 surveys were returned providing a 38% return rate. The data were analyzed …

Leadership-Influenced Practices That Impact Classroom Instruction Related To Writing: A Case Study Of A Successful Elementary School, Barb Johnson

Dissertations

This research studied the practices of educators at an ethnically diverse suburban elementary school which had demonstrated success in the area of student writing, even among at-risk students. The overall research goal was to examine to what extent and how leadership-related practices impacted classroom instruction in a manner that helped produce successful writing scores. A case study approach was used to explore four key leadership-related practices (supervision, curriculum, professional development, and knowledgeable leaders) and their impact on classroom literacy-based instructional strategies.

The study participants included two leaders and fourteen teachers from a single elementary school located in a metropolitan Michigan …

Restoration Vs. New Construction: How To Make The Right Decision, Timothy J. Ilg, David Alan Dolph

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

Restoration or new construction? That is a dilemma that educational leaders, particularly superintendents and school business officials, have had to wrestle with for years. In the past, state regulations often dictated whether school buildings should be renovated or torn down to make way for new construction. State reimbursement guidelines favored new construction over restoration for public school development by either withholding funds or denying the full state support for restoration projects. In fact, some states established complex formulas that mandated new construction if the cost of restoration exceeded approximately two-thirds of the new construction costs.

Reversing the mindset among many …

Playing It Safe In Secondary School Athletic Programs, David Alan Dolph

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

School business officials play a critical role in ensuring that district assets are protected and that students and staff have a safe environment in which to learn and work. In their role as risk managers, school business officials work closely with the board of education and fellow administrators to identify and track potential risks, develop plans to mitigate those risks, and perform regular risk assessments to determine how risks have changed.

Some risks are inherent in all school systems. For example, students on the playground, buses on the roads, chemicals in the science labs, even food in the cafeteria pose …

Teacher Perceptions Of Bullying Prevention: A Comparative Analysis Of Teacher Perceptions Of Bullying Prevention Programs, Diana Howell

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

School bullying has often been tacitly minimalized as a rite of passage—an unfortunate but common experience among children. In the past few years there has been an increasing awareness of school bullying as a catalyst of school violence. Parents, school boards, and administrators are understanding and taking more seriously the negative impact that bullying has on victimized students and are actively looking for ways to reduce incidents of such violence. This research provides a discussion of bullying behavior and an examination of teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of bullying prevention programs in their schools. If teachers do not feel that …

The Principalship: A Study Of The Principal's Time On Task From 1960 To The Twenty-First Century, Jacqueline A. Mcpeake

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine legislative and societal developments in the United States in relation to changes in educational administration and determine the existence of bifurcation points of change. The effects of legislative and societal changes on the tasks on which administrators focus their time were evaluated. The administrators were surveyed to determine if changes in time on task have occurred to meet the demands of current legislative priorities and if any demographic relationships existed. The study’s population consisted of 1950 (N=1950) administrators in public elementary, middle and high schools in the Southern Regional Educational Board 16 …

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Christopher A. Cartee

Graduate Research Papers

There are many issues facing today's educators and educational leaders. These issues are exactly why I decided to return to education after a career in law enforcement. I would like to tell you why I became an educator. I will also analyze the importance of using reflective practice as a principal or teacher. I will examine the current research pertaining to the role of the leader in terms of educational change, adult and student learning, and service.

Compilation Of Critical Element Papers For Principalship Cohort, Ryan K. Junge

Graduate Research Papers

The most important role of an educational leader is the leader of instruction. It is crucial that you implement a quality atmosphere within your school that is conducive to high quality instruction. It is also essential that the curriculum being taught in the classrooms is rigorous and relevant to the students. If the material is not relevant, the student will struggle to understand the importance of learning the material. If the curriculum is not rigorous, schools are not doing their job of challenging and pushing students to excel at the highest levels.

What I Believe About Leadership And Education : A Reflective Essay, Julia M. Jorgenson

Graduate Research Papers

To be an effective leader, one needs to have many characteristics. She needs to be a leader of reflection, change, learning and service. When a principal reflects, she will be a better principal. She will know how to make better decisions. A leader that makes changes is an effective leader. With reflection, a principal can realize what needs to be changed to help students in her school. A principal needs to be constantly learning and encouraging her teachers to continue their learning. When principals and teachers continue learning, they can be better educators. Finally, principals need to be service oriented. …