Investigating Middle School Principals' Support of Teachers in Schools Serving English Learners

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Criticality in Bilingual Language Policies and Practices in Schools and Society

Abstract

Research has found that effective school leadership has a strong impact on student success particularly when principals take on an instructional leadership role such as supporting curricular implementation and understanding instructional strategies. For principals of ELs, a strong focus on developing leadership practices and capacity to support teaching and learning is crucial. This study uses a national sample of middle school principals who completed the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS, 2013) to determine differences in how middle school principals with large EL populations and those without ELs support teachers. The results reveal that principals with the highest percentage of ELs in their schools were most supportive of teachers in terms of dealing with discipline problems and observing classroom instruction.

Authors

• Yolanda N. Padron, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Hersh C. Waxman, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Xuan Zhou, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Ramon Humberto Salazar, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Yoheily Cristina Widdison, Texas A&M University - College Station