Conditions for Freshmen Success in Urban High Schools

• In Event: Leadership and Making Meaning

Abstract

This paper presents a multiple case study of conditions that promote academic success for freshmen in two urban high schools and the role of school leadership in establishing those conditions. Additionally, this paper juxtaposes intended leadership outcomes with how leadership was experienced by freshmen students and teachers. Findings highlight the importance of directed support and conditions to promote freshmen success, the key role that school leadership plays in maintaining those conditions, and how leadership practices are experienced by students and teachers in urban high schools. This study brings a unique lens to leadership study by investigating leaders and leadership practices that were identified by teachers and students as opposed to being predetermined by individuals conducting research.

Author

• Jason Salisbury, University of Wisconsin - Madison