If the most precious product developed in education is the student, then our most prized commodity should be the classroom teacher. According to numerous studies (Allen, Pianta, Gregory, Mikami, & Lun, 2011; Clotfelter, Ladd, & Vigdor, 2010; Darling-Hammond, 2000), the greatest influence on a student's achievement is the classroom…

The overall picture that emerges from a review of literature pinpoints two elements that inhibit recruiting and hiring effective principals. Primary hindrances include the growing shortage of qualified applicants in conjunction with a growing student population and the reality of the challenging demands, responsibilities, and complexities of the…

This study investigated leadership supports provided by an elementary principal of 15 years in a high performing diverse school. Employing document analysis and interviews, the researcher gathered and analyzed data in an effort to identify those leadership strategies that could be replicated at other school sites. The study identified the…

In the 2007 edition of the NCPEA Yearbook, Zigler and Allen allude to the principalship and its associated training as being at a "tipping point," a reference to Malcom Gladwell's (2000) book, "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Difference" (2007, p. 139). Zigler and Allen contend the current principal paradigm is…

The traditional roles of teachers and principals have changed and improved organizational teamwork is fostered by all members of the learning community assuming decision making roles. Toward this end, the purpose of this correlational study was to explore the relationship between teachers' perceptions of the leadership behaviors of secondary…

The school principal is in a propitious position to offer leadership in developing a sex education program. His position of leadership and respect can facilitate the development of a Citizens Advisory Committee which, in turn, can ensure cooperation and leadership in setting the goals for developing a sex education program. (Author/CM)

Study results indicated that, although most South Carolina Advisory Councils complied with the law, only 62 percent were in full compliance. Principals' perception of the council's role in decision making was related to the actual accomplishments of the councils. When councils had prescribed duties, their effectiveness increased. (Author/CM)

Data on perceived sense-of-power and perceived threat-of-sanction, gathered from a probability sample of 129 Detroit suburban teachers through questionnaires and interviews, indicate both the principal and superintendent are perceived as controlling curriculum decision making. Teachers feel that they should be major curricular influence, but it is…

Investigates significant differences between what building principals perceive as their ideal and real influence and responsibility in 27 key operational/decision-making tasks identified by the Council for Exceptional Children. These perceptions can affect administrator-faculty relationships and, therefore, delivery of services to educationally…

Education leadership is possibly the most important single determinant of an effective learning environment. Change leaders must understand procedures and processes that create the conditions necessary for organizational improvement. Building principals must be able to assess and evaluate the impact and perceptions of their leadership styles.…