Differences in What Public and Private School Principals Emphasize in Their Schools

• In Event: Change Leadership Across Multiple Contexts

Abstract

In this study, differences between public and private school principals in regard to emphasizing: (a) staff working well together; (b) achieving high standards; (c) challenges for high-achievers; (d) communicating well with parents; and (e) instructional strategies aligned with standards were examined. Data were analyzed from principal surveys in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten. Statistically significant differences were present in that public school principals emphasized more than private school principals: (a) achieving high standards; (b) challenges for high-achievers; and (c) instructional strategies aligned with standards. A statistically significant difference in emphasis that aligned with the literature was private school principals communicating well with parents over public school principals. Findings were congruent with existing literature for public and private schools.

Authors

• Brittney Lee Henkel, Conroe Independent School District

• John R. Slate, Sam Houston State University