An Examination of the Leadership Characteristics of a Principal in a High-Poverty, High-Achieving School

• In Event: 54.080 - Roundtable Session 22
  In Roundtable Session: 54.080-11 - Leadership in High-Poverty Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this case study was to examine the characteristics of the principal in a high-poverty, high-achieving school in one urban school district. The results revealed that the principal’s transformational leadership style created a learning environment where students and teachers were successful. Two themes emerged: Reaching the Goal, which was supported by a community of learners and data-driven decisions; and the second theme, Foster Hearts but Takes Care of Business, which was supported by relationships and high expectations. The results related to this study are applicable for public school leaders who are facing the task of school improvement in a high poverty setting.

Authors

• Cynthia S Grant, Independence School District

• Barbara Nell Martin, University of Central Missouri