Exploring the Relationship Between the Principal's Self-efficacy, School Climate, and Student Achievement at the Middle Level
Author: Franklin W. Reese
Publisher:
Published: 2014
Total Pages: 147
ISBN-13:
DOWNLOAD EBOOKSchool principals are assumed to possess strong self-efficacy perceptions, however heightened demands and increased accountability have changed the principals' role in schools. As a result, some principals have claimed that the position has become too complex and stressful. These conditions have caused a growing number of building principals to question their ability to be successful school leaders. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the self-efficacy perceptions of middle school principals, the climate of their schools, and the achievement of their students. The participating volunteers involved in the study included building principals and faculty members from four middle schools located in southeastern Pennsylvania. Data were collected and triangulated by utilizing a principal self-efficacy survey, a school climate index, researcher developed open-ended and interview questions, as well as the schools' recent three-year average of the PSSA results in mathematics and reading. Findings from this study indicated that principals held moderately strong self-efficacy perceptions and reported that time and experience were key factors in helping them develop necessary skills and abilities. Principals believed that their role has become more demanding, time-consuming, and managerial which has hindered their instructional leadership opportunities. While the data provided some evidence to suggest that principals' self-efficacy may have a positive influence on students' PSSA proficiency, this determination remains inconclusive due to a number of potential limitations identified in the study. Data revealed little correlation between the principals' self-efficacy and school climate conditions.