Principals' Perceptions of Their Roles as Curriculum Leaders: Comparison of High, Middle, and Elementary Schools

• In Event: Toward More Effective and Reflective Leadership Practice

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine principals’ perceptions of their roles as curriculum leaders in high, middle and elementary school levels. This study employs a qualitative design with direct personal interview technique to collect data. Principals from twenty-two high schools, twenty-four middle schools, and thirty-six elementary schools from five school districts in the Atlanta area participated in the study. The research instrument was researcher-constructed with reference to current literature of school curriculum leadership. Principals’ responses were coded by categories of curriculum development, organization, implementation, evaluation, and improvement. Emerging themes and recurring patterns of principals’ responses were observed. The findings show that principals’ perceptions of their curriculum leadership roles have more in common than difference among school levels.

Authors

• Tak C. Chan, Kennesaw State University

• Andrea L Ridley, Dalton State College

• Robert C. Morris, The University of West Georgia