The Role of Principal Support in Times of Uncertainty: Effects on Teachers' Implementation Commitment to Reform Initiatives

• In Event: 16.057 - Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: 16.057-18 - Mapping the Practices and Expectations of School Leaders

Abstract

Uncertainty is named as an inevitable byproduct of school reform. As teachers try to understand the meaning and implications of school reform, they often experience uncertainty as familiar roles, responsibilities, and relationships begin to shift. Principals have a pivotal role in preventing the negative effects of uncertainty created by constant school reforms. The purpose of study was to investigate the effects of teachers’ perceived uncertainty, principal support, and schools’ organizational support on their implementation commitment of a new reform initiative as part of Common Core Standards. The results showed that principals’ support in managing uncertainty is crucial for teachers’ commitment to implement this new initiative. Conclusions were drawn and implications for research and policy were discussed.

1.a. School Reform,Principals, ManagingUncertainty

Authors

• Lee Smith, Horatio School District

• Ibrahim Duyar, University of Arkansas at Little Rock