Instructional Leadership Supports and Collaboration With Central Office Leaders: Middle School Principals' Perspectives

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: Analyzing Promising Practices in Districts (Table 3)

Abstract

As central offices are seeking to refine and improve their support for principals’ leadership, this qualitative study examined middle school principals’ perceptions of the instructional leadership supports and professional learning experiences provided by central office administrators. Findings from 12 interviews with principals in one large school district indicate that principals benefit from having: a thought partner who is familiar with the middle school context, assistance in shaping a strategic vision to meet student needs, goal-oriented professional learning sessions, and a respectful collaborative relationship, among other findings. Implications include the need for central office administrators to be intentional about building relationships with middle school principals that are rooted in collaboration and effective communication and focused on middle school principals’ learning needs.

Authors

• Irina LaGrange, The George Washington University
  Presenting Author

• Rebecca Ann Thessin, The George Washington University
  Presenting Author