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A study of school principals committed to educational reform
Abstract
The role of the school principal over the last century has experienced a complex evolution. Today, a principal's position is a multifaceted job revolving around demands from students, faculty, parents, community members, and state officials. Educational leaders have the opportunity today to move forward and work on a vision which will reform schools and our society in ways which will improve the world. Principals must build a group vision, develop quality educational programs, provide a positive instructional environment, apply evaluation processes, analyze and interpret outcomes, and maximize human resources. Some principals have found ways to share a vision and encourage and empower faculties to reflect and analyze the status quo. Articulation and communication of a shared vision is imperative if schools are going to move forward toward reform. This dissertation will study how principals empower their faculties to create reform. The purpose of the study is to answer the following questions: (1) What qualities must a school principal possess to be a change agent and foster reform in schools? (2) How does the presence of an educationally reform minded principal encourage faculty participation in educational reform? (3) How does an educationally reform minded principal encourage the involvement of students and parents? Four principals were nominated by their peers countywide as principals who were models of creating and fostering school reform. This study interviews the four principals and faculty, parents, and students from each of the principals' schools. Studying principals who are models of school reform will inspire and educate other principals toward taking risks toward reform. This study will provide important information as to exactly how principals can create and foster educational reform.
Subject Area
Educational administration
Recommended Citation
Neale, Elizabeth, "A study of school principals committed to educational reform" (1993). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI9329647.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9329647