Decision-Making in Schools: An Analysis of How Principals Made Decisions Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• In Event: Decision Making and Leadership

Abstract

This paper explores the decision-making practices of school principals before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data from 184 surveys and 49 interviews using qualitative content analysis. We searched for indicators of equity and process. The findings revealed that principals exerted different levels of authority and facilitated varying degrees of stakeholder involvement during their decision making. Study findings also indicated that flexibility and grace are integral to decision making during times of crisis. This study is important because it highlights the factors informing principals’ decisions, in addition to informing us about the challenging decisions principals make on a daily basis, which might have important implications for principal preparation programs.

Authors

• Lisa Bass, North Carolina State University

• Mario Jackson, North Carolina State University

• Kirsten M Hoeflaken, North Carolina State University

• Jose A. Picart, North Carolina State University

• Stella Jackman-Ryan, North Carolina State University