Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Dissertation - University of Massachusetts Global access only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Douglas DeVore

Second Advisor

Lisa Simon

Third Advisor

Paulette Koss

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to identify the degree of importance of the 12 principles suggested by Harvey, Drolet, and DeVore (2014) in their book, Leading For Excellence, to reach higher K-12 student achievement levels. In addition, the purpose was to identify the needed leadership strategies to implement the 12 principles.

Methodology. This mixed-methods research design used qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the research questions. The study combined surveys and interviews to collect data. The quantitative component (surveys) was administered via a 61-question web-based survey. The population for the study included public K-12 high school principals in Placer and Marin Counties, northern California.

Findings: The quantitative portion revealed all 12 principles were important for making a highly achieving school. The qualitative analysis resulted in 38 themes.  Each of the 12 principles produced at least two high-ranked findings.  Based on the criteria designed by the researchers, major findings were presented.

Conclusions: Six conclusions were drawn from the data and findings.  School leaders must (1) acknowledge all 12 principles are intertwined, (2) school leaders can impact student success, (3) one can only do so much. (4) the importance of providing support, (5) the importance of vision, and (6) the importance of involving everyone.

Recommendations: Further research still needs to be conducted to deeply investigate the role of each of the 12 principles in increasing student achievement levels. Mixed method research should be conducted to analyze the 12 principles individually. A mixed methods study should be replicated with each principle being the focus of each study. Such isolation of the principles for each study can yield specific ways to skillfully exercise each step on its own.

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