Distributed Instructional Leadership for School-Based Pre-K Classrooms

• In Event: 66.059 - Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: 66.059-1 - School Leadership, Instructional Leadership, and Leading Through the Challenges of Social Justice and Contemporary Issues

Abstract

As preK rapidly expands in schools across the US, principals face increasing demands for student performance. The organizational context of preK varies greatly from district to district and the personnel roles providing instructional leadership to preK teachers are similarly diverse. This mixed methods study included a national survey of principals that explored how principals distribute leadership roles to support preK teachers. In addition, a qualitative study was conducted to deeply understand how instructional leaders serving early childhood classrooms function in various school contexts. Findings showed that instructional leadership functions in preK classrooms were primarily performed by individuals with five different role titles. The study has implications for administrative preparation, the role of the principal, and district policies.

Authors

• Michael B Abel, National Louis University

• Teri Talan, National Louis University