This qualitative case study explored K-8 principals' perception of the contribution of job-embedded professional learning on skills and efficacy in instructional leadership, guided by Experiential Learning and Self-Efficacy Theory. The study addressed two research questions: the first explored how principals perceived the contribution of…

Anecdotal evidence points to the importance of school principals, but the limited existing research has neither provided consistent results nor indicated any set of essential characteristics of effective principals. This paper exploits extensive student-level panel data across six states to investigate both variations in principal performance and…

How do districts create principal pipelines that last in the face of change and uncertainty? By thinking long-term from the start of planning. This report from Vanderbilt Peabody College and Policy Studies Associates offers an "Implementing for Sustainability" framework. It also gives guidance for districts who want to incorporate…

In the decentralized Swedish school system, the local education authority (LEA) level has an important position when it comes to school governance. This article takes a micro-level perspective on principals' perceptions of autonomy and control as they navigate local school administration in their front-line work in low - socio-economic status…

The primary purpose of this research was to examine the mindset of an effective superintendent, which successfully motivates employees of the Millennial and Generation Z generations. The research methodology for this dissertation was a phenomenological qualitative study that interviewed three superintendents across the United States who subscribed…

The purpose of this narrative inquiry is to hear stories from principals in relation to their assistant superintendent supervision and coaching and professional development through principal professional learning communities and resulting efficacy, particularly during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The literature from the field has…

This qualitative research study explored how principal efficacy influences the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). At the time of this study, the majority of literature focused on efficacy in MTSS focused on the teacher and minimal literature focused on the principal efficacy. Research has explored in-depth the principal as…

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the landscape of American education. Many public schools were closed in 2020-2021, necessitating online education and implementation of social distancing guidelines. However, implementation was not uniform among school districts, creating ambiguity. Using the organization of disaster response theory as a framework,…

Purpose: The purpose of this sequential explanatory mixed methods study was to identify the political styles of exemplary suburban elementary school district superintendents and school board members in Southern California as perceived by superintendents. In addition, it was the purpose of this study to identify and explain the political strategies…

The role of school leader is increasingly complex, and the impact of the pandemic made these jobs almost impossible at times. Principal burnout is often high, and morale is often low. Retaining and supporting strong principals, who have a measurable impact on the success of their students, is a priority for the field. This case study describes how…

California has a two-tiered credential structure for education administrators. The first tier is the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. An individual who has completed all requirements for a preliminary credential but does not have an offer of employment in an administrative position may apply for a Certificate of Eligibility, which…

The primary purpose of this study was to determine if a difference exists among small and large Texas public school district superintendents regarding which personal characteristics and professional skills are perceived to define effective superintendents. Superintendent personal characteristics and professional skills were assessed using a…

Purpose: This study examines a university-based professional learning program, the University School Systems Program (USSP), designed to strengthen district- and school-level leadership for improvement. The program has a record of success in improving student outcomes in participating schools, yet little is known about how the program design may…

Purpose: This study examines the deployment of excellent retired principals (ERPs) as system leaders to facilitate systemic professional capital building in Taipei City, Taiwan. It explores the unique approach of the Taipei City government and contributions of ERPs in driving educational reforms. Design/methodology/approach: This study combines…

The job of the school principal has become much more complex and demanding over the past several decades. Many university-based principal preparation programs -- which prepare the majority of school principals -- have struggled with how to make the fundamental changes needed to prepare principals for today's schools. This report shares lessons…