An Investigation on the Sustainability of Character Education Programs and the Impact of Principal Turnover

• In Event: 52.083 - Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: 52.083-1 - Affective Leadership in Schools

Abstract

This study examined the impact of principal turnover on sustainability of Character Education Programs (CEPs) in elementary schools. This study explored the CEPs in 96 elementary schools from 4 counties and 22 districts in California’s Central Valley in schools that applied for a long-standing, distinguished character education award. This study employed a case study qualitative approach through the use of content analysis and principal semi-structured interviews. Three primary themes emerged from the data: principal beliefs and convictions, continuous improvement and refinement, and student engagement which had two subthemes: community and internalized factors.

Authors

• Rebecca Rocha, California State University - Fresno

• Susan M. Tracz, California State University - Fresno

• Jacques S. Benninga, California State University - Fresno

• Christian Wandeler, California State University - Fresno