Discrepancy in Teachers’ and Principals’ Perceptions of Principal and School-Wide Instructional Leadership

• In Event: Leadership and Evaluation for Improving Instruction

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to compare the perceptions of principals and teachers about both school-wide and principal leadership. Data from eighty experienced principals participating in a development programme and their teachers (n=2168) were used to calculate both simple and absolute mean discrepances on six factors (the improvement of teaching and learning; effective principalship; responsive school organisation; educational engagement with families; effective goal setting; and strategic resourcing). Analyses focused on three aspects. First, the direction and magnitude of discrepancy between principals' and teachers' perceptions of school-wide and principal leadership. Second, principal demographics and school characteristics as predictors of discrepancy. Third, principal effectiveness as a predictor of discrepancy in perceived effectiveness of school-wide leadership.

Authors

• Claire Sinnema, The University of Auckland

• Viviane M. Robinson, University of Auckland