Teacher-Leaders' Perceptions of Principal Instructional Leadership Practices in Two Mid-South Charter High Schools
Teacher-Leaders' Perceptions of Principal Instructional Leadership Practices in Two Mid-South Charter High Schools

Author: Frednardo Doryell Davis

Publisher:

Published: 2016

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

While leadership, most importantly instructional leadership, is very important to the success of schools, it is just as important for principals to display instructional leadership behaviors. Instructional leaders are responsible for creating a shared vision, observing instructional and giving quality feedback, allocating educational resources, making decisions that are both driven by data and address the School Improvement Plan (SIP) to positively impact the instructional program, creating positive school, student and adult cultures, and nurturing adult learning and building teacher capacity (Stronge, Richard, & Catano, 2008). These things should be evident in the instructional program and displayed behaviors should be recognized by other school personnel, to include teacher-leaders, through the implementation of programs, systems, and routines. It would be beneficial to determine whether or not charter high school principals are displaying instructional leadership behaviors that can be recognized by other quasi-leadership personnel, teacher-leaders, who are positioned for collaborative measures in order to obtain achievement for all students. Teacher-leaders are a population to consider when observing instructional leadership or the instructional leadership behaviors of the principal. While teacher-leaders may formally or informally fulfill different roles in the school, depending on the school's needs and the principal's vision, they impact student achievement through mentoring and building teachers' instructional capacity, and by assisting in decision-making and collaborating with the school principal. Teacher-leaders should have the ability to perceive and speak to the instructional leadership behaviors of the principal. It is through the display of the instructional leadership behaviors and implementation of processes and programs that teacher-leaders are able to more accurately perceive and communicate beliefs about their principal's practices regarding instructional leadership. The academic gaps that exist in our schools are vast, but they must not continue to go unaddressed. A trusting partnership between the principal and teacher-leaders cannot only breed success for the school but also impact student achievement. This study presents findings that determine the perceptions that charter high school teacher-leaders who participated in this study have about their principals' display of instructional leadership behaviors according to the Teacher Instructional Leadership Standards (TILS).

INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING IN A RURAL NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL DISTRICT.
INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING IN A RURAL NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL DISTRICT.

Author: Jeff Theus

Publisher:

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 143

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This case study examined the instructional leadership of principals as co-participants in professional learning with teachers in a rural school district in eastern North Carolina. Teacher and principal interviews were the basis of understanding if the design of a professional learning initiative influenced principals towards facilitation and co-participation with teachers during Project Chief Education Officer (CEO). The implementation of the Sheltered Instructional Observation Protocol (SIOP) in this small district was the basis for two years of intensive professional learning for teachers and principals as a method for improving the teaching of academic language throughout the district. Qualitative data for the case study was collected using structured interviews to examine the primary research question of "How did participation in Project Chief Education Officer (CEO) to implement the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) influence teacher perceptions of professional learning and the instructional leadership behaviors of principals" in the following contexts: (1) the teaching of academic language; (2) facilitation and participation in professional learning; (3) teacher and principal perceptions of instructional leadership. The case study also examined participant responses in the context of: (1) historical perspectives; (2) perceptions of current reality; (3) reflections regarding instructional leadership behaviors. Findings revealed that the personal and professional narratives of teachers reflected the influence of principal instructional leadership behaviors as facilitators and co-participants on instructional practices and teacher perceptions of instructional effectiveness. Teacher narratives revealed that the instructional leadership behaviors of visible presence, resource provider and observing or monitoring provided the basis for positive teacher perceptions about the instructional leadership of principals and its influence on their engagement in professional learning and teacher instructional behaviors.

Instructional Leadership Behaviors of Principals at High-performing, High-povery High Schools in Louisiana
Instructional Leadership Behaviors of Principals at High-performing, High-povery High Schools in Louisiana

Author: Shavon Savoy-Helaire

Publisher:

Published: 2022

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"This study examined the instructional leadership behaviors of principals at highpoverty, high-performing high schools in Louisiana. Using the conceptual framework developed by the researcher through the analysis of literature, fundamental instructional leadership characteristics and behaviors revealed three constructs: (a) Delineating the School's Vision, (b) Overseeing the Instructional Program, and (c) Fostering a Positive School Culture. Embedded within each theme are sub-constructs of principal instructional leader behaviors that contribute to producing student success at high-poverty schools. The purpose of this study is to determine the instructional leadership behaviors of principals who have successfully increased student achievement at high-poverty, highperforming high schools in Louisiana. The researcher completed a qualitative multiple- iv case study of two public high schools in Louisiana where over 50 percent of the students were classified as economically disadvantaged, and their School Performance Score (SPS) was no lower than a B for the last three years, as evidenced by the school's annual state report card. The researcher interviewed principals and focus group participants from each respective school. A principal interview protocol and teacher focus group protocol was utilized to collect data and triangulate the responses of each school principal and teacher focus group participants at the two sites to understand how their respective principals contributed to the school's success. A qualitative cross-case comparison was employed using the results of the findings to compare those instructional leadership behaviors within the three constructs between the two schools. This study revealed that both principals' behaviors were conducive to student success. The principals positively influence their staff and students, and people are willing to follow their lead. Furthermore, both school leaders exhibited transformational and collective leadership characteristics. The principals revisited their school vision often, established a safe and welcoming environment for students and staff members, set high expectations, and encouraged maintaining an open mindset regarding student potential and performance while holding everyone accountable for meeting those expectations. The following themes emerged: (1) Values and Beliefs, (2) Relationships, and (3) High Expectations. The principals' values and beliefs transcend beyond just their vision and goals and are implemented throughout various aspects of school goals, policies, and procedures. A strong element of bonding and a sense of camaraderie was discovered on v both campuses among teachers and staff and with students and parents. Belief in students' potential through establishing high expectations was revealed many times throughout the study. Both principals heavily emphasized how teachers must have positive mindsets regarding student achievement. Implications for principal leadership preparatory programs, improved leadership practices, better district support and collaborative efforts, and state educational policies are significant and aid in continuing to close the achievement gap."--abstract.

Teachers' Perceptions of the Roles of Principals as Instructional Leaders in "distinguished" (high Performing) and "needs Improvement" (low Performing) Middle Schools in Urban Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia
Teachers' Perceptions of the Roles of Principals as Instructional Leaders in

Author: Wanda Powe Greenwood

Publisher:

Published: 2009

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A total of 278 teachers participated in this study. This study was designed to examine how teachers from "distinguished" (high performing) and "needs improvement" (low performing) middle schools perceived the roles of their principals as instructional leaders who could provide schools with the necessary leadership characteristics for school improvement. This study also examined if differences existed among teachers' perceptions of their principals' roles based on school type and demographics (gender, age, years of work experience, and educational attainment). The principal leadership questionnaire (PLQ) was used to collect data based on the five factors: identify and articulate vision and provide inspiration, foster acceptance of group goals, provide appropriate model, provide intellectual stimulation, and provide individualized support. Cronbach alpha was used to establish the internal consistency of the instrument. Data were analyzed using mean scores, percentages, t-tests and ANOVA. The findings indicated that the participants had positive perceptions with strongly agreed to agreed responses on most of the questionnaire items indicating that teachers perceived their principals should possess the characteristics associated with instructional leadership. Female participants consistently agreed with higher mean scores on all five PLQ factors than did male participants. The researcher recommended that further research and a longitudinal study be conducted on this topic to examine and compare leadership preparation programs in Georgia and other states across the nation and to determine the long-term effects of instructional leadership roles on student achievement.

Perceptions of Teacher Leaders on the Processes of Distributed Leadership in Relation to Student Achievement in High Performing Elementary Schools in the Urban Unified School District
Perceptions of Teacher Leaders on the Processes of Distributed Leadership in Relation to Student Achievement in High Performing Elementary Schools in the Urban Unified School District

Author: Alusine Conteh

Publisher:

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 235

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In the educational reform process it is significant to acknowledge that effective leadership matters when it comes to school improvement activities. Educators are constantly faced with federal, state, and local district mandates: it would be unwise to consider the principal as the only individual to provide leadership for school improvement. Therefore, a distributive perspective to leadership is a paradigm shift with a central focus on leadership that is collectively shared by administrators and teachers. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore teacher leaders' perceptions on the distributive leadership practices and its possible impact on student outcomes. Data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with teacher leaders and principals from five participating school sites, ten teacher leaders responded to a paper-pencil anonymous surveys, field observations were completed at participating sites, and document review was completed which included California State Test (CST) report from three school years (2010 – 2012), and Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) scores for 2014-2015 school year. The distributed leadership concept offers a considerable platform for studying leadership as collective rather than an individual practice. Based on the literature, five conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made regarding implications for future practice. First, the findings indicated that the principal has a pivotal role to play in influencing distributed leadership practices which will have a positive impact on student achievement. Second, the findings revealed that teacher leaders were more inclined to participate in distributed leadership when they were encouraged by the principal and invited to perform leadership roles. Third, the findings also indicate that at these participating sites, there were structures within the organizations that harnessed teacher leadership – the ability to encourage colleagues to change, Fourth, the findings indicated that through collaborative practices, teacher leaders and principals were successful providing leadership for the participating school sites that led to positive impact on student outcomes. Last, the findings indicated that teacher leaders overwhelmingly shared they wanted to be considered as professionals by allowing them the freedom to practice instructional autonomy. The positive impact of "Enabling Others to Act" and "Inspiring a Shared Vision" implies that a distributive perspective may lead to school improvement.

Teachers' Perception of Elementary School Principals' Leadership Styles in "under-performing" Level 2 Schools and "superior" Level 5 Schools in Mississippi
Teachers' Perception of Elementary School Principals' Leadership Styles in

Author: Rhonda Deloise Powe

Publisher:

Published: 2009

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The purpose of this study was to examine how the participants perceived their principal's transformational and transactional leadership style and whether differences existed in their perceptions based on the demographic variables of age, gender, experience, educational attainment and ethnicity. Transformational leaders were considered influential, change agents who motivated teachers to work collaboratively as a team to achieve defined goals. On the other hand, transactional leaders developed impersonal relationships and motivated teachers according to their personal self-interest. They focused on social and economic exchanges, using contingent rewards to reinforce positive behaviors and administered punishment to reform negative behaviors. One hundred and thirteen participants from six elementary schools participated in this study. The Multi-Leadership Questionnaire was used to collect data. Cronbach alpha was used to establish internal reliability consistency of the instrument. The data were analyzed using mean scores, percentages, chi-square, t-test and ANOVA. The research findings indicated that perception scores at both school levels were higher for transformational leadership than transactional leadership. According to the mean score interpretation (Table 2) and the participants' mean scores, 92.9 % of participants perceived their principal as fairly often a transformational leader and 7.1% of participants perceived their principal as frequently a transformational leader. Ironically, 100% of participants perceived their principal as sometimes a transactional leader. The research findings further indicated that overall, teachers at both levels perceived their principal as fairly often a transformational leader and sometimes a transactional leader. Based on the demographic findings, an ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in teachers' perceptions of their principal's transformational leadership style based on years of experience. Participants with more years of experience perceived their principal with significantly higher mean scores than those with fewer years of experience. Recommendations include: (a) conducting further research to determine the impact that principals' leadership style have on student performance from a national perspective, (b) conducting a Longitudinal Research study to determine the impact that leadership styles have on student performance, and (c) exploring leadership styles extensively to identify the leadership traits exhibited by both public and private elementary school principals.

A Survey of School Leaders' Perceptions of Their Leadership Practices and Teachers' Perceptions of Professional Learning Communities
A Survey of School Leaders' Perceptions of Their Leadership Practices and Teachers' Perceptions of Professional Learning Communities

Author: Wanda Jones Phillips

Publisher:

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 133

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The purpose of this quantitative, survey study was to investigate the relationship between the leadership practices of principals and teacher perceptions of schools as professional learning communities. Twelve principals and 203 teachers at 12 selected schools in a small, rural Louisiana school district participated in the study. Data were collected on principal leadership practices as measured by the Leadership Practice Inventory and teacher perceptions of schools as professional learning communities as measured by the Professional Learning Community Assessment- Revised (PLCA-R) online survey. Correlational analysis revealed the principal self-rated LPI scores were significantly correlated only with the dimension of supported conditions- structures (SCS) from the PLCA-R. The correlation was negative, suggesting that perceptions of SCS were reduced as the principals rated themselves higher on LPI dimensions. Teacher observed leadership scores were significantly, positively correlated with the dimension of supported conditions- relationships (SCR) from PLCA-R. A nonparametric, Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the potential differences among the 12 schools in their professional learning communities. There were significant differences among the schools in all six dimensions of professional learning communities. Collective learning and application and shared personal practices appeared to be more challenging to the schools. This study may provide a greater understanding of how leadership practices affect educational accountability, collaboration, sustainability, and teacher leadership.

Effective Leadership
Effective Leadership

Author: Pamela Murphy Helms

Publisher:

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A small public school system in the piedmont of North Carolina was the setting for this study. Individual school data, as well as aggregated data from studied schools were analyzed in order to form overall conclusions of perceptions of leadership within the district. Schools were grouped according to the age of the student (elementary K-5, secondary 6-12) in an effort to provide the opportunity for further data analyses. -- The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the principals' self-reported leadership behaviors and the teachers' perceptions of the principals' leadership behaviors using Kouzes and Posner's Leadership Practices Inventory based on the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership. The researcher disaggregated data to determine the area(s) in which principals perceive themselves strong or weak, and compared those perceptions to the views teachers hold. The researcher also disaggregated data to determine the relationship of perceptions of leadership at elementary and secondary levels. There was also a focus on leadership perceptions based on gender and teacher experience level to determine if either of those affect teachers' perceptions of principal leadership. -- Through collecting questionnaire research and surveys of principals and teachers, these quantitative data were analyzed to determine if there was a gap between teacher perception of leadership behaviors and leaders' self-perceived behaviors.