School Renewal in Outperforming and Underperforming Schools: A Comparative Analysis

• In Event: Leadership for Organizational Change and School Improvement

Abstract

This study examines how principals and teachers in outperforming and underperforming schools engage with school renewal. Using a mixed methods design, we analyzed survey responses and principal interviews from four purposefully selected schools. The study focuses on three key dimensions of school renewal: orientation, principles and practices, and implementation. Survey results show that teacher perceptions of school renewal practices were more closely aligned with student achievement than principal ratings. Analyses of principal interview data shows that outperforming schools demonstrated broader engagement with renewal practices, stronger adaptation to context, and more proactive leadership roles. Implications for leadership research and practice are discussed.

Authors

• Jianping Shen, Western Michigan University

• Siche Feng, Western Michigan University

• Patricia L. Reeves, Western Michigan University

• Xin Ma, University of Kentucky