Educational Leadership Commons^™

An Explanation Of The Supervisory Model Used By Elementary Principal Supervisors In The State Of Missouri, David J. Hvidston, Bret Range, J Anderson, Brady Quirk

School Leadership Review

The goal for this paper was to discuss the efforts a school district has taken to utilize elementary principal supervisors to build and develop principals’ leadership capacities. The question considered was: (1) How are principals supervised and evaluated in one district? Attempting to answer this question is an important step in operationalizing guiding principles that can be shared with principal supervisors. The discussion included the importance of standards, the modeling of instructional supervision by principal supervisors, the reliance of guiding questions and potential data sources. Additional critical factors included coaching with two-way communication based on a trusting, reflective relationship. As …

Perceived Principal Influence Tactics And Early-Tenure Teacher Status, Vanessa Perez-Peterson, Christopher Benedetti

School Leadership Review

Teacher staffing stability remains a persistent challenge for schools, particularly during the early years of teachers’ placement. This study examined whether teachers’ perceptions of principal influence tactics were associated with early-tenure status, defined as 0–3 years at their current campus. Guided by influence tactics theory, a quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed using survey data from 167 certified teachers in Southeastern Texas. Participants completed the Influence Behavior Questionnaire–General (IBQ-G), and composite indices of noncoercive, soft-coercive, and hard-coercive tactics were included in a logistic regression model, along with teacher and principal demographic variables. None of the three influence-tactic categories was significantly associated …

Mind Over Measure: The Role Of Self-Care Practices In Mitigating Mental Health Strain Among K-12 Educators, Jerry Burkett, Ryan Hulla

School Leadership Review

Teacher mental health is a critical concern in K-12 education, with high rates of burnout demanding effective protective strategies. This study investigated the relationship between five dimensions of teacher self-care (Physical, Psychological, Emotional, Spiritual, and Professional) and overall mental health outcomes, while specifically exploring differences between elementary (K-5) and high school (9-12) educators. A sample of K-12 teachers completed the Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5) and the Self-Care Inventory. Correlational analysis found that all five self-care dimensions were significantly and positively associated with mental health, with Professional Self-Care demonstrating the strongest link (r=.48, p

Principals’ Questioning Practices As Drivers Of Innovation And School Improvement, Miguel M. Gonzales, Tiberio Garza, Elizabeth Leon

School Leadership Review

The art of asking questions plays a pivotal role in leadership and organizational change. This study examined the questioning practices of school principals for school improvement. The Discovery Skill of questioning, as illustrated in the Innovator’s DNA Framework outlined by Dyer and colleagues (2019), was adopted as the guiding framework. Data were gathered with a survey with open-response items from 124 school principals on their questioning behaviors for school improvement. Findings showed principals’ questioning from the qualitative investigation confirmed that most principal questioning habits resided in the description territory within the Innovator’s DNA Framework context. The findings suggest that school …

Unlocking The Organizational Roles For Effective Teacher Leadership, Diane E. Johnson, Shelly Allen, Frances Perez

School Leadership Review

Teacher leader (TL) retention has emerged as a critical concern as educators increasingly exit leadership roles due to policy pressures, inadequate compensation, limited administrative support, and diminished professional recognition. Although schools rely on teacher leaders to support instructional improvement and professional collaboration, many leadership structures fail to provide sustainable pathways for teacher leadership development. Guided by a Distributed Transformational Leadership Framework, which integrates transformational and distributed leadership theories, this qualitative study examined how teacher leaders perceive leadership opportunities, organizational barriers, and potential leadership structures within K–12 school systems. Data were drawn from archived capstone reflections of 39 teacher leadership master’s …

Principals' Ethical Decision-Making In Addressing Cyberbullying: A Systematic Review, Jeana M. Partin, Sonya D. Hayes

School Leadership Review

Principals’ ethical decision-making in response to cyberbullying presents some of the most complex challenges in K–12 leadership, as issues extend beyond the classroom into digital spaces. National data from 2019–20 indicate that bullying and cyberbullying remain among the most prevalent discipline problems in U.S. public schools, underscoring the urgency of effective leadership in this area. This systematic review examined how principals address and manage cyberbullying by analyzing peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2012 and 2025 on decision-making and leadership. Three themes emerged: technology-related challenges, policy implementation, and stakeholder education. Findings highlight principals’ pivotal role in prevention and intervention, emphasizing the …

Dual Credit Enrollment And First-Year Undergraduate Experience In Texas: Insights From A Mixed Methods Study, Summer Pannell, Jennifer D. Goddard

School Leadership Review

There has been considerable expansion in the availability of dual credit coursework, however, there is still a lack of understanding regarding how effective these programs are in equipping students for success in post-secondary education (Struhl & Vargas, 2012). This study used a mixed-methods approach to explore the relationships between various components of dual credit programs and the experiences of first-time undergraduate students. The results of a hierarchical multiple regression indicated a statistically significant relationship between the modality of dual credit coursework and students’ first-year undergraduate GPAs but not between the setting of the two factors. Further, the results did not …

Reading Performance Differences Of Texas Grade 4 Girls Between Title I, Part A And Non-Title 1, Part A Schools: A Texas Multiyear Analysis, Dawn Garza Rodriguez, John R. Slate

School Leadership Review

In this investigation, the reading performance of Texas Grade 4 girls was compared by their enrollment or non-enrollment in Title I, Part A schools. Data were obtained from the Texas Education Agency Public Education Information Management System for all Grade 4 girls in Texas who took the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness assessment in the 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019 school years. Statistically significant differences were established in all three school years. Girls enrolled in non-Title I, Part A schools outperformed girls enrolled in Title I, Part A schools in all three Reading Reporting Categories and in all three …

A Pre- And Post-Pandemic Analysis Of The Reading College Readiness Of Texas Hispanic Boys By Their Economic Status, Sa’Myra K. A. Bradford, John R. Slate

School Leadership Review

In this multiyear study, we addressed the relationship of economic status (i.e., Economically Disadvantaged, Not Economically Disadvantaged) to the reading college readiness skills of Texas Hispanic high school boys. Texas statewide data on the state-mandated English I End-of-Course exam were obtained for two years pre-pandemic and the last four years post-pandemic. The three grade level standards on the STAAR English I End-of-Course exam (i.e., Approaches Grade Level, Meets Grade Level, and Masters Grade Level) were analyzed by economic status. Inferential statistical analyses revealed that lower percentages of Hispanic boys who were economically disadvantaged met the Approaches Grade Level, Meets Grade …

Cultivating Commitment Within Educational Ecosystems: Improving Teacher Satisfaction Through Autonomy And Expertise, Jane Mcintosh Cooper, Leslie Gauna, John Decman, Sheila Baker

School Leadership Review

This study explores the experiences of Texas educators’ job satisfaction, focusing on their ability to enact curriculum and pedagogy within their school ecosystems. Reporting of partial qualitative results of a larger mixed-methods survey of teachers in Texas, the research examines how administrative and contextual stances impact teachers’ professional and personal goals. Findings reveal that dismissive attitudes toward teachers’ content expertise and micromanagement by evaluation-focused leadership lead to dissatisfaction and potential attrition. Conversely, growth-oriented leadership that values autonomy and respects teachers’ practical knowledge enhances job satisfaction and commitment. The study, grounded in self-determination theory, highlights the critical role of intrinsic motivators—such …

Bridging The Gap: College Readiness And The Influence Of School Leadership, Sharonda Pruitt, Sharon Ross, Stephanie Atchley, Jesse Brock

School Leadership Review

This quantitative study examined the relationship between school leadership experience and African American students’ completion of Texas Education Agency-approved college readiness courses. Using 2021–2022 data from the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) in Region 7, the study analyzed average years of experience for principals and assistant principals across high schools. Pearson correlation analysis, with Holm correction and effect size calculations, was used to explore potential relationships. Results showed no significant correlation between principal experience and course completion, but a statistically significant positive correlation was found for assistant principal experience (r = .26, p = .034), indicating a small effect size. …

Integration Of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen Ai) In Academic Research: Perceptions Of Aspiring Educational Leaders, Daryl Ann Borel, Janice L. Taylor

School Leadership Review

As aspiring educational leaders, principal candidates must understand the widespread impact of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) in education. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the perceptions of aspiring educational leaders regarding Gen AI in academic research, highlighting the ethical concerns and challenges they perceive, revealing potential opportunities for AI integration in education, and assessing how these perceptions may influence their future leadership practices. The theory guiding this study was the distributed cognition theory, as it shows the dynamics of human cognition and AI cognition, making it possible to understand the perceptions of aspiring educational leaders regarding Gen AI integration in …

Instructional Leader Partnerships: Superintendent Impact, Catherine L. Meyer-Looze, Richard Vandermolen

School Leadership Review

This study investigates the impact of Instructional Leader Partnerships (ILPs) on superintendent leadership practices and their influence on school improvement. Recognizing the significant role of effective leadership in student achievement, this project explored the effects of pairing superintendents with thought partners within a regional educational service district. The study aimed to improve district and school leadership by focusing on superintendent practices that drive principal effectiveness, teacher performance, and student learning.

This research builds upon prior work highlighting the importance of job-embedded professional learning for building leaders and the need for central office support in developing instructional leadership capacity. The study …

From Insights To Action: Implications And A Professional Development Framework For Early College High School Teachers, Angelica Sanchez, Kenyetta Martin, Kelly Brown

School Leadership Review

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of Early College High School (ECHS) adjunct instructors teaching dual enrollment college courses in a southern region school district. Through interviews with ten ECHS adjunct instructors, the study examined the factors contributing to their success, their professional development needs, and the challenges they faced in teaching dual enrollment courses. Findings of the study were that ECHS adjunct instructors succeed when they provide strong student support, maintain open communication, demonstrate flexibility, and actively engage students. The study highlighted the need for comprehensive training in learning management systems, curriculum design, and …

A Historic Review And Empirical Revitalization Of The Stages Of Concern Questionnaire, Kent Anderson Seidel

School Leadership Review

This paper examines one of three central diagnostic tools of the Concerns Based Adoption Model, the Stages of Concern Questionnaire (SoCQ). The SoCQ was developed with a focus on K12 education. It has been used widely since developed in 1973, in early childhood, higher education, medical, business, community, and military settings. The SoCQ captures data about beliefs and intentions of individuals regarding their engagement with a new program or practice.

In our search of publications utilizing the SoCQ, we have found studies conducted across the world, with approximately 400 based in the United States 100 conducted outside the US. In …

Dismantling Inequities In The Faculty Evaluation System, Mary Petron, William Blackwell, Abbie Strunc

School Leadership Review

Qualifying for merit is a competitive and contentious process in higher education. Many merit structures are based upon traditional faculty evaluation systems which do not reflect the changing nature of higher education and thus, yield inequitable results. This article presents the case of a large department at a mid-size regional university that revised the system for merit and faculty evaluation to recognize undergraduate contributions and more equitably score the scholarship, service, and teaching of faculty members in the department. The case describes the relevant literature, the university and departmental context, the process for designing the new evaluation system, and lessons …

Balancing The Clock: Work Hours And Work-Life Balance Among Texas Principals, J. Suzy Ponton, Christopher Benedetti

School Leadership Review

This study examines the work-life balance of Texas principals, focusing on role balance, overload, and ease and how these factors vary across different school levels when accounting for hours worked. Principals are critical to the success of schools but often face significant stress and burnout due to excessive job demands, long working hours, and limited support, which can lead to turnover. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional design, the study analyzes survey data from 122 principals across Texas, with findings suggesting that while high school principals report lower role overload and higher role ease than their elementary and middle school counterparts, they …

Ethnic/Racial Differences In Reading College Readiness: A Texas Pre- And Post-Pandemic Analysis, Neil A. Laminack, John R. Slate, Janene W. Hemmen

School Leadership Review

In this statewide multiyear investigation, the extent to which differences were present on the STAAR English I End-of-Course exam for Texas high school students as a function of their ethnicity/race (i.e., Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White) for the 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023 school years were examined. Archival data from the Public Education Information Management System were obtained for the two school years pre-pandemic (2017-2018 and 2018-2019) and the three years post-pandemic (2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023). Across all five school years and on all three grade-level standards, Approaches, Meets, and Masters, Asian students met the standards at the highest …

Voices From The Frontline: School Leaders On Effective Communication, Abdelnasser Hosni Hussein

School Leadership Review

This qualitative cross-case study aimed to explore effective communication in suburban and urban schools. The study investigated K-12 leaders' perceptions of effective communication with parents in suburban and urban school districts. Three open-ended questions guided the research: 1) What are principals’ perceptions of effective communication with parents?, 2) What are principals’ perceptions of effective strategies of school-home communication?, and 3) What are the barriers that may obstruct effective communication between principals and families? This cross-case study is unique as it focused on school leaders' perspectives to define effective communication. Strategies, methods, and barriers were identified by participant school leaders. The …

Leading With Data, Leading With Ethics: A Practical Ethics Guide In Statistics And Data Analysis For Educational Leaders, Elliott Ostler, Tami Williams, John Schultz

School Leadership Review

Abstract:

In today's data-driven and data-informed educational landscape, leaders face increasing pressure to make decisions and present results based on what appear to be comprehensive statistical analyses. However, the ethical implications of these responsibilities can be complex, particularly when statistical results carry the potential to be miscommunicated, misinterpreted, misrepresented, or even misused. This article explores some of the critical aspects of ethical statistical practices in educational leadership and provides practical considerations for leaders in using and presenting data responsibly. Specifically, the narrative contained herein emphasizes ethical practice associated with statistics and data analysis, not simply the ethics of general research …

Economic Status Of Texas Grade 8 Emergent Bilingual Students And Reading: A Pre- And Post-Pandemic Investigation, Teresa A. Dealba, John R. Slate, Clare A. Resilla

School Leadership Review

In this investigation, we examined differences in performance on the Texas state-mandated reading assessment for Emergent Bilingual students by their economic status (i.e., in poverty, not in poverty). Archival data were obtained from the Texas Education Agency Public Education Information Management System for Grade 8 students for the two pre-pandemic school years (2017-2018 and 2018-2019) and three post-pandemic school years (2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023). A lower percentage of Emergent Bilingual students in poverty met the Grade 8 STAAR Reading Approaches Grade Level standard than Emergent Bilingual students not in poverty. For the Meets Grade Level and Masters Grade Level standards, …

Effective Principals In 2025 From The Lens Of The Supervisor, Cynthia Martinez-Garcia, Clare A. Resilla, Julie P. Combs

School Leadership Review

The ever-changing and complex nature of school leadership requires schools to have principals who have strong leadership skills and experience. In this study, the researchers sought to define the essence of effective principals through the lens of their supervisors. Using phenomenological inquiry, we interviewed four assistant superintendents of large school districts in the Greater Houston area. These supervisors, who supervise several school principals, believe successful principals are passionate, driven leaders with well-developed leadership and communication skills who can accurately assess the school culture and the level of teacher buy-in. Implications for training principals and future research are shared.

Instructional Decisions Of Elementary Principals For Implementing Dual Language Programs For Emergent Bilinguals, Susana M. Arredondo, Michelle H. Abrego, Velma D. Menchaca

School Leadership Review

This study explores the instructional decisions made by elementary principals in implementing dual language programs, with a focus on the choice of language for state reading assessments. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research examines the lived experiences of eight principals in a South Texas school district, offering insights into the challenges of maintaining program fidelity while meeting state accountability demands. Key findings highlight the tensions principals face in balancing the integrity of the dual language model with the pressures of standardized testing. The study underscores the need for flexible district policies and enhanced leadership training, advocating for a leadership …

Understanding Ai In Education: Perspectives From Midwest School Stakeholder, Chelsea Feusner, Bryan Artman, Judy Henning, Michael Teahon, Chris Knoell

School Leadership Review

This research project aimed to delve into the perceptions and comprehension of artificial intelligence (AI) policy and usage among key stakeholders in Midwest schools, including superintendents, principals, teachers, and school librarians. This qualitative study explored the nuanced perspectives and insights of these individuals, shedding light on their understanding, concerns, and attitudes towards the integration of AI technologies within educational settings. Through in-depth focus groups and thematic analysis, the study endeavors to contribute valuable insights into the evolving landscape of AI in education, informing policy decisions and educational practices for the benefit of students and educators alike.

Virginia Principal Support Program (Vapsp): Cultivating And Supporting School Leaders Case Study, Monica B. Smith-Woofter, Jaclyn R. Nickel, Doug A. Alderfer, Mark A. Rumley, Nancy N. Barbour, James C. Ellerbe

School Leadership Review

Principal support programs focused on advising and professional development can have positive impacts for early career principals and the teachers they lead. The mixed-methods case study aims to report on the impacts of a customized support program on early career principals. The case study gives insights on how a university-designed professional development and advising can have favorable impacts on participating individuals and teacher retention within their schools. The case study specifically reports on the participating early career principal retention rates, teacher retention rates within the early career principals’ respective schools, and the benefits of both professional growth and development and …

What Could School Accountability Look Like In A Post-Covid World?, Joel A. Leader

School Leadership Review

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional school accountability systems, particularly those reliant on standardized testing. This study investigates how three Texas school districts responded to pandemic-related needs and adapted their locally developed Community-Based Accountability Systems (CBAS) to maintain accountability in the absence of standardized test data. Drawing on seven semi-structured interviews with district leaders, the study explores how educational leaders identified and addressed the emerging needs of their communities, such as mental health, technology access, and social-emotional support. The findings demonstrate that districts leveraging CBAS before the pandemic were better positioned to meet these challenges, providing more comprehensive accountability that extended …

Examining Administrator Perspectives On Educational Experiences For Ell Students With Disabilities, Karley Strouse, Paula Kellerer

School Leadership Review

No abstract provided.

Two Roads: A Case Study Comparing Project-Based Learning To Traditional Program With Student Choice, Gregory D. Warsen, Rick Vandermolen

School Leadership Review

Do the advantages of increased student engagement in a project-based learning environment sustain during a pandemic when compared to a traditional program? Researchers were able to meet with students in both programs in a midwestern school district that gave them a choice between both project-based and traditional approaches. Semi structured interviews with randomly selected students in focus groups allowed researchers to make useful comparisons to themes based on engagement using Schlecty’s (2011) model. An ability to maintain task focus using Duckworth’s GRIT scale (2007) was also captured longitudinally via a survey in students’ freshman and senior years. Qualitative analysis of …

Differences In Algebra I End-Of-Course Exam Performance Of African-American Girls As A Function Of Their Economic Status: A Texas, Multiyear Analysis, Latonia Amerson, Cynthia Martinez-Garcia, John R. Slate

School Leadership Review

The extent to which differences were present for African American girls as a function of their economic status in their performance on the Texas state-mandated Algebra I End-of-Course exam was examined. Specifically addressed was the extent to which African American girls differed in their performance on three Grade Level performance standards: Approaches Grade Level, Meets Grade Level, and Masters Grade Level. Inferential statistical analyses of Texas statewide data revealed that statistically significantly lower percentages of African American girls who were economically disadvantaged met the three Grade Level standards than African American girls who were not in poverty. Implications and recommendations …

Economic Status Differences In Industry-Based Certification Attainment Rates Of Texas High School Graduates: A Multiyear, Statewide Analysis, Robert Todd Hicks, John R. Slate, Janene W. Hemmen

School Leadership Review

This statewide, multiyear study was an examination of industry-based certification attainment rates by the economic status of Texas public high school graduates. Data analyzed were provided by the Texas Education Agency via the Texas Academic Performance Reports for the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 school years. Inferential statistical analyses revealed that students who were economically disadvantaged earned industry-based certifications at a lower rate than all Texas high school graduates in aggregate. The gaps in attainment rates between students who were economically disadvantaged and the all student group increased over the three school years of data analyzed. Trends in attainment for both …