Leading Effective Goal-Setting to Improve School Outcomes

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring the Ways in Which Principals Affect Student Learning

Abstract

Goal-setting is a key leadership behavior that has significant impact on student achievement and school improvement. Little research has provided in-depth examinations of leaders’ goal-setting practices in schools and the effectiveness of implementation strategies used to achieve the goals. This paper reports on a two-year collaboration between researchers and stakeholders in three schools - principals, middle leaders and teachers. A cross-case analysis identified affordances and constraints in promoting effective practices in these schools. Our findings highlight the importance of clear and well-communicated goals and improvement strategies; quality of monitoring; trust and collective responsibility, and the intra- and interpersonal leadership skills of senior leaders. Our findings describe leadership practices for organizational stakeholders and policymakers to consider in their school improvement efforts.

Authors

• Frauke Meyer, The University of Auckland

• Linda Margaret Bendikson, LBSchooling Improvement

• Deidre Le Fevre, University of Auckland

• Kelly Slater-Brown, University of Auckland

• Tom Webb, Mangere College, Auckland

• Ngaire Ashmore, Auckland Girls Grammar School, Auckland