Date of Award:

5-2013

Document Type:

Dissertation

Degree Name:

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department:

School of Teacher Education and Leadership

Committee Chair(s)

Michael K. Freeman

Committee

Michael K. Freeman

Committee

Gary L. Carlston

Committee

Steven P. Camicia

Committee

Steven O. Laing

Committee

Matthew L. Sanders

Abstract

This study came about largely due to my own personal belief in the centrality of the role the high school principal plays in the life of a young adult. I believe most people think of the school principal solely as an administrator who deals with personnel, discipline, facilities, events, transportation, parents, and so forth. While those are some of the responsibilities of a high school principal, I see the role of a high school principal with a much broader perspective. In addition to being an effective school manager, today’s high school principal must be a strong and visionary leader who can tackle the increased state and federal accountability expectations. An effective high school principal will impact student learning and achievement. A strong principal is at the heart of a high school organization. They promote powerful teaching and learning for students.

This research sustains the central role of the high school principal. This research offers strong evidence that an effective high school principal makes a significant positive difference in student outcomes. This study concluded that effective high school principals are honest and ethical. They do the right thing and keep the interests of the students as the focus of their work. Effective high school principals build relationships and honestly respect every individual within the school community. They are visionary. The highly successful principal focuses on the vision of a high-achieving school and builds buy-in from the school community for that vision. The most effective high school principals create a strong culture for learning and achievement. Great high school principals know what effective instruction is. They focus their professional development energy towards the improvement of teaching and learning in the school. They are instructional leaders. They skillfully create a discomfort with the status quo, and promote change as something essential to the sustainment of professional growth for the students and for the educators. These principals “walk the talk.” I see the high school principal as the most important piece in the puzzle of student success. This study serves to broaden the field of research on the subject and affirms the critical role a high school principal plays.

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