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Title: A case study of planning and implementing whole-school reform at a middle school.
Creator: Abramowitz, Rochelle., Florida Atlantic University, Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the dilemmas of planning and implementing whole-school reform in a middle school from the perception of administrators, teachers and parents. A qualitative case study approach was used. Data collection included interviews, observations, and document analysis. Interviews with 28 participants were divided into three consecutive sessions conducted from the bottom up in terms of the hierarchy of power in the organization. Data were transcribed, coded,...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the dilemmas of planning and implementing whole-school reform in a middle school from the perception of administrators, teachers and parents. A qualitative case study approach was used. Data collection included interviews, observations, and document analysis. Interviews with 28 participants were divided into three consecutive sessions conducted from the bottom up in terms of the hierarchy of power in the organization. Data were transcribed, coded, triangulated, and analyzed to understand the views of participants. The study resulted in three major findings: (a) The principal enhanced the learning organization's capacity for whole-school reform by balancing tensions and conflicts; (b) Implementing a high-stakes testing regime and reform design simultaneously contributed to teacher overload, and reduced the capacity of teachers to implement whole-school reform; and, (c) Learning communities had a pivotal role in fostering collaboration for whole-school reform. The study concluded that: (a) Principal leadership is vital to successful whole-school reform implementation; (b) The crucial challenge of principals in whole-school reform is forging a network of strong relationships within and across staff work teams and the community through the development of learning communities and professional development; and, (c) Whole-school reform must be balanced with and adapted to accountability system if it is to have a chance of succeeding.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12080
Subject Headings: Middle school education, Educational change, Educational leadership, School management and organization
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A COACHING CONNECTION FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TO PREPARE ASPIRING LEADERS IN BUILDING AND SUSTAINING EQUITABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS.
Creator: Policastro, Katherine Rena, Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, College of Education
Abstract/Description: Demographics of the United States’ school system continue to change and diversify. Meeting the needs of diverse learners is critical to the success of all children. Building and sustaining equitable learning environments has proven to be a challenging task for school leaders. Barriers that hinder equity continue to plague schools and are rooted in systems of organizational injustice. Research suggests that leaders who are able to utilize socially just and culturally responsive leadership...
Show moreDemographics of the United States’ school system continue to change and diversify. Meeting the needs of diverse learners is critical to the success of all children. Building and sustaining equitable learning environments has proven to be a challenging task for school leaders. Barriers that hinder equity continue to plague schools and are rooted in systems of organizational injustice. Research suggests that leaders who are able to utilize socially just and culturally responsive leadership practices build and sustain equitable learning environments. School leaders have a large impact on the equity driven practices that exist within the organization; however, research indicates that they may not be prepared to lead such practices. Therefore, supporting the path of aspiring leaders through coaching, since they will eventually lead the charge, has great potential to be critical in the success of equity in our schools, and was the focus of this study. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore and describe the coaching relationship between the principal and aspiring leader in order to understand how this relationship furthers the development of the aspiring leader into a school leader devoted to building and sustaining equitable learning environments.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014355
Subject Headings: School principals, Educational leadership, Educational policy
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A PRINCIPAL’S PERSPECTIVE: INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP IN THE 21ST CENTURY.
Creator: Tracy, Maria Calzadilla, Shockley, Robert, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, College of Education
Abstract/Description: Ever since No Child Left Behind in 2001 to the present, school accountability reform initiatives have concentrated on raising achievement. Critical to figuring out the relationship between instructional practice and student achievement is forming an awareness of the relationship from the perspective of school leaders—both principals and teachers—charged with improving student achievement. The study, a quantitative quasiexperimental design using the School Survey of Practices Associated with...
Show moreEver since No Child Left Behind in 2001 to the present, school accountability reform initiatives have concentrated on raising achievement. Critical to figuring out the relationship between instructional practice and student achievement is forming an awareness of the relationship from the perspective of school leaders—both principals and teachers—charged with improving student achievement. The study, a quantitative quasiexperimental design using the School Survey of Practices Associated with High Performance, representing instructional practices associated with improving student performance, collected survey data via social media from teachers, principals and other school leaders in Florida public schools. The SSPAHP grouped instructional practices into five domains: effective leadership, curriculum, professional development, school culture, and ongoing use of data for school improvement, which served as the predictor variables. Achievement data from the Florida Standards Assessment for the schools mentioned by participants in the survey functioned as the criterion variable. While 130 surveys were collected, only 84 of the responses reflected schools that took part in the FSA and met the criteria for data analysis.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013532
Subject Headings: Student achievement, Academic achievement, Instruction, Principals and teachers, Educational leadership
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A private school leadership perspective on highly qualified middle school science teachers.
Creator: Bogaski, Carolyn Siniscalchi, Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to determine how Florida (FL) private, middle school (MS) leaders define highly qualified (HQ) MS science teachers, and how congruent their definitions are. The study also determines how congruent these leaders’ definitions are with FL, national, and National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) definitions. Lastly, the study determines the major challenges these private MS leaders have in hiring MS science teachers who meet the NSTA definition of HQ.
Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004349, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004349
Subject Headings: Comparative education, Educational leadership, School management and organization, Science -- Study and teaching (Middle school)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An analysis of opportunities for middle and high school principals to develop public speaking skills for effective educational leadership.
Creator: Agnon, Doris Stahl., Florida Atlantic University, Gray, Mary B.
Abstract/Description: Recognized leadership skills generally include communication skills and public speaking ability. Some children develop leadership and public speaking skills early in life. Some high schools and colleges emphasize public speaking. Adults frequently enroll in seminars such as Dale Carnegie programs or join organizations such as Toastmasters International. The researcher's own years of teaching and speaking experience have led her to believe in the potential value of public speaking for children...
Show moreRecognized leadership skills generally include communication skills and public speaking ability. Some children develop leadership and public speaking skills early in life. Some high schools and colleges emphasize public speaking. Adults frequently enroll in seminars such as Dale Carnegie programs or join organizations such as Toastmasters International. The researcher's own years of teaching and speaking experience have led her to believe in the potential value of public speaking for children, adults, and leaders in education organizations. Principals must speak competently and professionally. The purpose of this study was to determine how and when secondary school principals learned public speaking skills. The research also assessed their public speaking involvement and the importance they placed on public speaking for themselves, their staff, and their students. The researcher developed a questionnaire which was distributed to 101 middle and high school principals in Broward and Palm Beach county school districts in Florida. Completed responses were received from 52 principals. The most frequently cited-preparations for public speaking were college and high school courses. Public speaking skills were learned during high school and college years for 32 respondents. Only two had taken a Carnegie or Toastmasters course. Six principals said Carnegie or Toastmasters Youth Leadership type programs were offered in their schools, but 33 said they would be interested or wanted additional information. The principals most often cultivated public speaking skills by encouraging teachers to invite students to speak in class, inviting teachers and students to speak at assemblies, or by having drama clubs or debate teams. The last question was, "How important is public speaking in what you do today?" Very important was checked by 48 principals; somewhat important was checked by the remaining four respondents. The researcher believes that public speaking should be cultivated at all levels of education. Future research may consider whether resiliency of at-risk students could be enhanced by offering formal training in public speaking. The findings support the researcher's hypothesis that if school administrators recognize the importance of public speaking in their own experience, they are more likely to support its development among staff and students.
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Date Issued: 1999
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12612
Subject Headings: School principals, Educational leadership, Public speaking
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An exploratory multiple case study of succession planning for higher education community engagement practitioners in selected higher education institutions in theSoutheastern region of the United States.
Creator: Louisy, Heidi, Wright, Dianne A., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: Succession planning is a relatively new construct within higher education institutions (HEIs). The researcher explored the extent to which selected HEIs employ succession planning strategies in reference to the Higher Education Community Engagement Practitioner (HECEP) role and in support of HEIs earning the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (CCEC). Four HEIs served as study sites for this research, along with a nationally recognized professional development program. Study results...
Show moreSuccession planning is a relatively new construct within higher education institutions (HEIs). The researcher explored the extent to which selected HEIs employ succession planning strategies in reference to the Higher Education Community Engagement Practitioner (HECEP) role and in support of HEIs earning the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (CCEC). Four HEIs served as study sites for this research, along with a nationally recognized professional development program. Study results revealed that HEIs are not currently using succession planning strategies for the HECEP role. Further, although the study revealed that professional development opportunities for HECEPs exist, only 50% of institutional study participants were aware of, and participated. Finally, based on the credentials of individuals currently in HECEP roles and data obtained from this study (including data from an expert judge linked to the professional development program analyzed as part of this study), the researcher provides a job specification template for determining if institutions have a pipeline of individuals who could be prepared to assume the HECEP role in the future. This study, although limited in scope as it relates to succession planning, provides insight into the attitudes and perceptions of specific higher education professionals toward the professional development of employees, and more specifically, the HECEP role.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004303, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004303
Subject Headings: Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives, Educational leadership, Leadership in education, Organizational change, School management and organization, Universities and colleges -- Administration
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An Investigation of Kindergarten Teachers’ Attitudes, Knowledge, and Reported Practices Regarding Teacher Leadership in the State of Kuwait.
Creator: Aleisa, Bashayer, Bogotch, Ira, Barakat, Maysaa, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This study aimed to investigate the attitudes, knowledge, and practices of Kuwaiti kindergarten teachers regarding their leadership roles in the classroom and schools within the State of Kuwait. This study was conducted using a mixed methods research design whereby both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed simultaneously. The qualitative sample included 56 kindergarten teachers and twelve heads of departments selected from 12 kindergarten schools from all six school...
Show moreThis study aimed to investigate the attitudes, knowledge, and practices of Kuwaiti kindergarten teachers regarding their leadership roles in the classroom and schools within the State of Kuwait. This study was conducted using a mixed methods research design whereby both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed simultaneously. The qualitative sample included 56 kindergarten teachers and twelve heads of departments selected from 12 kindergarten schools from all six school districts in the State of Kuwait. The quantitative sample included 560 volunteer participants who completed a survey that measures teachers’ values, practices, and their perspectives on school culture regarding teacher leadership. ANOVA was used to analyze the differences among school district location, years of teaching experience, and teacher’s education level. The findings suggested that there were no statistically significant correlations among teachers’ beliefs regarding teacher leadership and school location, years of experience, and education level. Also, there were no statistically significant correlations between teacher leadership practices and school location, years of experience, and education level. There were significant correlations between school climate conducive to teacher leadership and years of experience, without school location and education level. Moreover, the concept of teacher leadership was ambiguous in Kuwaiti kindergarten schools. There were some indications of opportunity for teacher leadership roles, but those roles were not considered effective by participants. Teacher participants believe that their roles are restricted, and this perspective was supported in part by the heads of department. Teachers enumerated some hindrances to teacher leadership, such as instability of ministry supervisors’ decisions; top-down, unilateral decision-making; and school administrations’ tight control of teachers’ roles to the level of organizing and running classrooms. Broader implementation of Kuwaiti school restructuring efforts employing a distributed leadership model among formal and informal leadership roles and positions is recommended to help improve quality of education, the teaching profession, and school reform. In the end, the most significant benefit would be gained by students.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013167
Subject Headings: Kindergarten teachers, Kuwait, Educational leadership
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Build a Better Mousetrap: A Review of State School Accountability Models and Their Relation to the Socio-Economic Status of Students.
Creator: Houchens, Paul, Reyes-Guerra, Daniel, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, College of Education
Abstract/Description: This study aims to identify [or create] equitable accountability systems that can be used to drive sustainable school improvement. In this context, equitable accountability is defined as a measure more of the school’s impact on student achievement and less a measure of the socio-economic status of the students enrolled in the school. To do this, the study begins with a review of the history and current state of school accountability policies in the US and its relation to the concepts of...
Show moreThis study aims to identify [or create] equitable accountability systems that can be used to drive sustainable school improvement. In this context, equitable accountability is defined as a measure more of the school’s impact on student achievement and less a measure of the socio-economic status of the students enrolled in the school. To do this, the study begins with a review of the history and current state of school accountability policies in the US and its relation to the concepts of school improvement, between accountability and student achievement, a review of accountability policy in each state and the possible future model of accountability policy. This study uses both qualitative and quantitative methods with a policy analysis informing state correlational comparisons, which in turn informed the models to be applied to the Florida data to identify how they perform (correlate), culminating in the development of a new school accountability model. The policy analysis revealed current school accountability in all 50 states and the District of Columbia as well as the relationship between socio-economic status and school accountability in each where data were available. Five of these state models were shown to be significantly less related to socio-economic status than Florida. However, only two of these models performed similarly when applied to Florida data. Finally, a model was proposed that included aspects from these states and available literature that performed similarly to these two states. This study represents an important first step in a larger policy discussion of how to hold schools accountable for their impact on students and not a measure of the demographics of the students they are serving.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014138
Subject Headings: Education policy, Education and state, Educational sociology, Educational leadership
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Caribbean Immigrant Women in Educational Leadership: Over Hills and Valleys Too.
Creator: Leblanc, Nadine L., Bryan, Valerie C., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to explore the lived experiences of college educated, immigrant women from the Caribbean in their quest for professional advancement in educational leadership roles in the United States. There were six participants for this study who were selected based on convenience, purposeful, and criterion sampling. Each participant’s lived experience was explored through a triangulation of information provided from two in-depth face-to-face interviews, document...
Show moreThe purpose of this narrative inquiry was to explore the lived experiences of college educated, immigrant women from the Caribbean in their quest for professional advancement in educational leadership roles in the United States. There were six participants for this study who were selected based on convenience, purposeful, and criterion sampling. Each participant’s lived experience was explored through a triangulation of information provided from two in-depth face-to-face interviews, document analyses, and observation/field notes. The findings indicate that Caribbean immigrant women studied navigated hills and valleys that included acculturative stress. Furthermore, the participants are characterized with a militant motivation in their approach to achieving their goals; thus having an attitude of “by any means necessary” was essential to their success. To accomplish their goals and successfully navigate the hills and valleys, the participants shared the support of strong matriarchs in their family and with the added help of the village; they also engaged in adult learning practices in their efforts to excel. Additionally, a Caribbean identity was utilized as a source of resistance and high self-esteem bordering on ethnocentrism against prejudices to facilitate the journey to success.
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Date Issued: 2019
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013228
Subject Headings: Educational leadership, Immigrant women, Caribbean
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Deans of students as crisis managers: perceptions of roles and leadership competencies in 12 public higher education institutions in Florida.
Creator: Benjamin, Deloris, Shockley, Robert, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: This mixed methods study collected data from a sample of Deans of Students in the Florida State University System (SUS). The study sought to determine deans of students’ definitions for crisis and crisis management with an analysis of the institutional chain of command for a more in depth understanding of crisis management response processes. The study also sought to identify development levels of deans of students’ leadership competencies as crisis managers, gauge crisis management training...
Show moreThis mixed methods study collected data from a sample of Deans of Students in the Florida State University System (SUS). The study sought to determine deans of students’ definitions for crisis and crisis management with an analysis of the institutional chain of command for a more in depth understanding of crisis management response processes. The study also sought to identify development levels of deans of students’ leadership competencies as crisis managers, gauge crisis management training frequencies for each dean of students as it related to 14 crisis scenarios commonly found on higher education campuses, and identify crisis management program foci for the institutions participating in this study.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004267, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004267
Subject Headings: Deans (Education), Education, Higher -- Administration, Educational leadership, Universities and colleges -- Administration
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Distributed leadership: An exploratory study.
Creator: Lucia, Rosemary T., Florida Atlantic University, Bogotch, Ira
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of leadership and its effectiveness in an elementary school setting. This investigation viewed distribution as a horizontal continuous process, rather than a hierarchical process with administrators, teachers and support staff each demonstrating varying degrees of involvement in leadership activities according to roles, situations, leadership styles and organizational relationships. This study was anchored in a democratic,...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of leadership and its effectiveness in an elementary school setting. This investigation viewed distribution as a horizontal continuous process, rather than a hierarchical process with administrators, teachers and support staff each demonstrating varying degrees of involvement in leadership activities according to roles, situations, leadership styles and organizational relationships. This study was anchored in a democratic, distributed perspective using the work of Jack Gibb, Richard E. Elmore, Peter Gronn, and James Spillane as its foundation. The design of this study involved the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative path involved data collection through surveys and existing documents. The qualitative data collection involved interviews and observations. In order to maximize the probability for identifying the dynamics and effects of distributed leadership in elementary schools, the settings for this study included schools engaged in a guidance grant model in both Broward County and Pasco County Public School Districts in Florida, which, on the surface, appeared to have distributed leadership components already in practice. The sample for this study included six Florida elementary schools, three located in Broward County and three in Pasco County. Four of these schools, two from Broward County and two from Pasco County, had been implementing the guidance reform effort. The two remaining schools, one in Broward County and one in Pasco County, demonstrated similar demographics and closely matched socioeconomic status of the grant schools, but were outside the guidance grant program. The population used in this sampling included principals, assistant principals, teachers, titled teacher leaders, school counselors and support staff. The findings of this study confirmed the theories of Gibb, Elmore, Gronn, and Spillane through the development of the Distributed Leadership Cycle. Distributed leadership is the key to effective collaboration that will positively impact the quality of teaching and learning, thus impacting student achievement. It is this integrative, relational model of distribution that will propel schools forward. Distributed leadership is the theoretical lens through which leadership practice in school can be reconfigured and re-conceptualized for the 21st century.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12122
Subject Headings: Educational leadership, Education--Philosophy, School management and organization, Educational change
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Does leadership matter?: the relationship of school leadership to a safe school climate,bullying, and fighting in middle school.
Creator: Leff, Jonathan M., Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine if there is a relationship between transformational principal leadership style, a safe school climate, and school safety (specifically, the number of reported fights and reported bullying incidents) in Broward County, Florida’s middle schools. This study also investigated if a relationship exists between transformational leadership and a safe school climate, transformational leadership, and the number of bullying incidents and student...
Show moreThe purpose of this quantitative study was to determine if there is a relationship between transformational principal leadership style, a safe school climate, and school safety (specifically, the number of reported fights and reported bullying incidents) in Broward County, Florida’s middle schools. This study also investigated if a relationship exists between transformational leadership and a safe school climate, transformational leadership, and the number of bullying incidents and student fights, and a safe school climate and the number of bullying incidents and student fights. The study surveyed 12 middle schools located in a large, urban district in south Florida. Principal leadership style was determined from the MLQ-5X, school safety climate was determined from the school district’s Annual Customer Survey, and the reported number of fights and bullying incidents recorded in the school district’s Discipline Management System were collected via records request for each participating middle school and tallied. Pearson correlations were conducted to examine the bivariate association between the leadership dimensions, a safe school climate, and school violence. Separate multiple linear regression models were used to examine the following relationships: leadership style and the number of reported fights and reported bullying incidents; leadership style and a safe school climate; and a safe school climate and the number of reported fights and reported bullying incidents. The findings suggested that there were no statistically significant correlations between leadership style (transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire), and bullying or fighting, and no statistically significant correlation between principal leadership style and middle school climate. There was a statistically significant correlation found between school climate and the number of student fights. The significance of this finding is important because it illustrates the adverse impact fighting has on student safety, which, in turn, adversely affects the school climate. Therefore, it is up to the school leader to create a climate where everyone feels safe can focus on student achievement.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004133, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004133
Subject Headings: Bullying in schools -- Prevention, Education, Secondary -- Sociological aspects, Educational leadership, Educational leadership, Middle school students -- Attitudes, Middle school teachers -- Attitudes, School management and organization
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: EXPLORATION AND COMPARISON OF EFFICACY AND MINDSET PERCEPTIONS HELD BY 9-12 SCHOOL LEADERS AND TEACHERS.
Creator: Keene, Bonnie, Bryan, Valerie C., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: This quantitative study sought to determine the efficacy and mindset perceptions of current school leaders and teachers within public high schools. This study highlighted a discrepancy in efficacy and mindset among educators for each other. Firstly, school leaders feel they make a difference, but teachers do not hold the same level of belief in leadership’s ability to make a difference. School leader perceptions of self-efficacy have increased significantly since 2008. Lastly, teachers’...
Show moreThis quantitative study sought to determine the efficacy and mindset perceptions of current school leaders and teachers within public high schools. This study highlighted a discrepancy in efficacy and mindset among educators for each other. Firstly, school leaders feel they make a difference, but teachers do not hold the same level of belief in leadership’s ability to make a difference. School leader perceptions of self-efficacy have increased significantly since 2008. Lastly, teachers’ perceptions of school leader efficacy and teacher mindset correlated, meaning a significant portion of variance in teacher perceptions of school leadership efficacy can be predicted by the mindset held by the teacher toward capacity to grow in ability and talent. However, school leaders’ perceptions of self-efficacy and teacher mindset did not correlate, suggesting school leader self-efficacy beliefs do not predict their beliefs in teacher growth potential. Over the years, the terms “efficacy” and “mindset” have been thoroughly researched; however, never in a context surrounding school leaders’ and teachers’ perceptions of each other’s capabilities. Therefore, this study sought to explore and compare school leaders’ and teachers’ perceptions of efficacy and mindset for each other to gain insight into the workplace environment within educational 9-12 systems.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014109
Subject Headings: Educational leadership, Teachers
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CHAIR PERSPECTIVES ON LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS: A QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTIVE STUDY.
Creator: Baroody, Ramzy, Shockley, Robert, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: A relatively small number of research articles have been written about one of the most challenging positions in higher education, that of a department chair. Chairs must wear many hats and assume many tasks including management and oversight, budget and financial management, teaching, research, working with students and faculty, evaluations, community relations, and legal issues, to name a few. This qualitative descriptive study aspires to ascertain the perspectives of department chairs on...
Show moreA relatively small number of research articles have been written about one of the most challenging positions in higher education, that of a department chair. Chairs must wear many hats and assume many tasks including management and oversight, budget and financial management, teaching, research, working with students and faculty, evaluations, community relations, and legal issues, to name a few. This qualitative descriptive study aspires to ascertain the perspectives of department chairs on what they believe constitutes their effectiveness as leaders in higher education. Attempting to identify and analyze requisite personality traits, skills and behaviors of department chairs is vital for understanding the nuances that influence and shape their abilities to become accomplished leaders in their field. Surveys containing 12 open-ended questions were electronically distributed to department chairs at a private college in central Florida. Analysis of the data collected resulted in the development of four themes, supported by three styles of leadership. The themes were correlated with their corresponding research questions and the correlation process was used to draw several conclusions. First, department chairs incorporate a variety of skills and a combination of leadership styles that best fit their abilities and personalities, into their work performance. Second, department chairs in higher education require specific skills and tools to help them achieve their strategic vision they set for their departments. Some of these tools are learned and acquired through experience, while others inherent, grounded within instinctive and innate personality traits and values they already possess. Third, personal and interpersonal skills, knowledge, and competencies form the cornerstones of a leaders’ abilities, successes and failures. Building upon the foundation established in this study, future researchers could expand upon the scope of this research to include a larger sample size, more diverse participants, private vs. public educational institutions, gender, race and ethnic specific sampling, national and international sampling, and more in-depth research questions that include personal and environmental influence.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013784
Subject Headings: Educational leadership, College department heads, Education, Higher--Administration
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Historians of 19th Baseball: Exploring Their Experiences Regarding Their Avocation.
Creator: Berstler, Wade, Bryan, Valerie, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology
Abstract/Description: The following document offers a qualitative case study in the field of adult and community education from an educational leadership perspective using baseball as an adult learning tool. Relevant existing theories (adult education, lifelong learning, adult learners, and certain leadership practices) for successful facilitation of historical baseball research were examined. The study focused on a purposeful sample population upon which a pilot study was conducted, revealing the experiences of...
Show moreThe following document offers a qualitative case study in the field of adult and community education from an educational leadership perspective using baseball as an adult learning tool. Relevant existing theories (adult education, lifelong learning, adult learners, and certain leadership practices) for successful facilitation of historical baseball research were examined. The study focused on a purposeful sample population upon which a pilot study was conducted, revealing the experiences of adult self-directed learners who produce the seminal work in their field as an avocation. The findings of this study included, but are not limited to, the passionate approach the study group members have for their subject matter, their love of learning, and the self-directedness of nonformally trained research historians using baseball as an adult learning tool. The findings also revealed the group members belief in the academic worthiness of baseball history, and their willingness to share their work with others to advance the field.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004648, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004648
Subject Headings: Adult learning, Baseball -- United States -- History -- 19th century, Educational leadership, Experiential learning, Learning, Psychology of, Motivation in adult education, Transformational leadership
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The impact of community college presidents' mentoring practices on protege success.
Creator: Ray, Magdala T., Florida Atlantic University, Pisapia, John
Abstract/Description: Filling the pipeline to the community college presidency with diverse and qualified candidates who mirror the demographics of the student population and who are prepared to lead amidst the complexity of the 21st century institution can be accomplished through a variety of strategies. This study focuses on the impact of current community college presidents' mentoring activities on the career advancement of their proteges---in whom they see the potential to fulfill the requirements for...
Show moreFilling the pipeline to the community college presidency with diverse and qualified candidates who mirror the demographics of the student population and who are prepared to lead amidst the complexity of the 21st century institution can be accomplished through a variety of strategies. This study focuses on the impact of current community college presidents' mentoring activities on the career advancement of their proteges---in whom they see the potential to fulfill the requirements for community college leadership as a president. The profile of contextual factors (age, gender, ethnicity, geographic location and duration of the mentoring relationship) and mentoring activities developed through this study reveals that current community college presidents are involved in guiding their proteges by teaching the job, providing challenge, and teaching the politics of the job. They are helping their proteges through career help, protection and sponsorship, and they are encouraging their proteges through career counseling, friendship and demonstrated trust. Of the contextual factors and mentoring activities, the two which are most significant in predicting protege career advancement are the duration of the mentoring relationship and the teaching of the politics of the job. Implications and recommendations derived from this study include training and development of mentor/protege relationships within the community college system for better awareness and understanding of the mentoring activities and continued emphasis on increased mentoring opportunities for minorities.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12102
Subject Headings: Mentoring in education, College teachers--In-service training, Educational leadership, Community college presidents--United States, Community college administrators, Career development--United States
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Instructional Leadership In High Schools: The Effects of Principals, Assistant Principals, and Department Heads on Student Achievement.
Creator: Todd, Tara Lynn, Bogotch, Ira, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of instructional leadership on student achievement through the instructional leadership of principals, assistant principals and math department heads at the high school level. The Principal Instructional Management Rating Scale was used to quantify instructional leadership in ten different job functions. The research questions were as follows: 1. Can the instructional leadership of principals, assistant principals, and math department...
Show moreThe purpose of the study was to examine the influence of instructional leadership on student achievement through the instructional leadership of principals, assistant principals and math department heads at the high school level. The Principal Instructional Management Rating Scale was used to quantify instructional leadership in ten different job functions. The research questions were as follows: 1. Can the instructional leadership of principals, assistant principals, and math department heads be described at the high school level? 2. Whose instructional leadership has the greatest relationship to student achievement, principals, assistant principals, or math department heads? 3. Does team alignment in instructional leadership matter to student achievement? 4. Does socioeconomic status moderate the relationship between the job function and student achievement? Instructional leadership questionnaires were distributed to the principal, the assistant principal in charge of curriculum, and the math department head in all public high schools in five of the seven largest counties in Florida. The unit of study was the instructional leadership role linkage between the principal, the assistant principal, and the department head as it related to student achievement. The study found that (a) principals exhibit instructional leadership behaviors at a higher frequency than assistant principals and math department heads, (b) instructional leadership team alignment does not correlate to math achievement, and (c) principals' and assistant principals' behaviors correlate to math achievement, but math department heads do not. The study also found that student achievement is moderated by socioeconomic status. These findings suggest that the administrative setup in schools should be examined. The alignment of instructional leadership behaviors did not significantly correlate with student achievement; however, the correlation was positive in eight of the ten job functions. Differentiation of roles may be the key to understanding why alignment and achievement are positively correlated. Mixed method studies may also need to be used in future research, as this study contradicted other studies in the area of the department head's influence. Finally, the role of the department head should be studied in depth. This role may be the critical, yet indirect link to student achievement.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000715
Subject Headings: Motivation in education, Educational leadership, High school department heads--United States, School principals--United States
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: IS IT ENOUGH? EXAMINING INSTRUCTIONAL MANAGEMENT IN A NEW PARADIGM OF TEACHING AND LEARNING.
Creator: Critelli Jr., John E., Reyes-Guerra, Daniel, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, College of Education
Abstract/Description: For decades, educational leadership researchers have focused on school leadership behaviors, competencies, and skills that impact student outcomes measured by the students’ performance on standardized tests. This practice has narrowed the focus for how the field approaches teaching and learning and the evaluation models that measure school, teacher, leader, and student academic performance. To examine leadership and teaching and learning that support the development of the whole child and not...
Show moreFor decades, educational leadership researchers have focused on school leadership behaviors, competencies, and skills that impact student outcomes measured by the students’ performance on standardized tests. This practice has narrowed the focus for how the field approaches teaching and learning and the evaluation models that measure school, teacher, leader, and student academic performance. To examine leadership and teaching and learning that support the development of the whole child and not just their performance on exams, this quantitative study set out to examine: Is there a relationship between a school leadership teams’ prioritization of SEL, their instructional management practice, and the teachers’ use of SEL pedagogy in the classroom? To examine the research question, a set of five sub-research questions were developed to organize and guide this work. Interest to participate in this study was gained by aligning the research to the district’s strategic plan. The sample included 107 teacher participants drawn from five participant public elementary schools in a large diverse urban school district. Data applied in the analysis were collected through the application of three instruments. Two of the instruments were developed and pilot tested as part of this research. The results of this research indicate that despite the ample evidence that shows instructional management having a positive impact on student learning, its effect on the pedagogies examined that support the development of social and emotional competence was limited. The greatest contribution of this study was the development of a valid and reliable tool to evaluate ten social and emotional learning teacher/pedagogical practices.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014176
Subject Headings: Educational leadership, Effective teaching, Instructional management, Learning
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS OF GUATEMALAN PUBLIC PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOL LEADERS: A CASE STUDY IN AN AREA NORTH OF GUATEMALA CITY.
Creator: Bartram, Lydia, Mountford, Meredith, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, College of Education
Abstract/Description: Despite many decades of simultaneous research on early childhood development and leadership, numerous gaps remain in the current literature regarding the characteristics of school leaders of early childhood programs in low and middle income (LAMI) countries. Past studies of school leaders in LAMI countries have only focused on primary and secondary education. A multitude of factors impact public pre-primary education in LAMI countries, such as Guatemala, which make the study of school...
Show moreDespite many decades of simultaneous research on early childhood development and leadership, numerous gaps remain in the current literature regarding the characteristics of school leaders of early childhood programs in low and middle income (LAMI) countries. Past studies of school leaders in LAMI countries have only focused on primary and secondary education. A multitude of factors impact public pre-primary education in LAMI countries, such as Guatemala, which make the study of school leadership in pre-primary education critical for understanding what is needed to provide high-quality learning environments. The identification of leadership characteristics helps to inform the field of early childhood education and establish critical directions for school leadership practice. The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of successful school leaders of public, pre-primary programs in an area north of Guatemala City, Guatemala. The characteristics were defined as those leadership behaviors and factors that contribute to the success of leaders of public, pre-primary schools in Guatemala. Leadership behaviors were defined as those actions a leader exhibits that support the operation of a public, pre-primary school. Leadership factors were defined as the influences that support or hinder the ability of a leader to achieve and maintain the operation of a public, preprimary school. Developmental factors were defined as environmental influences that impacted on their decision to become a leader of a public, pre-primary school.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013608
Subject Headings: Educational leadership, Early childhood education, Guatemala (Guatemala), Educational leadership--Case studies
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Leadership: The intrapreneurial experience at the University of Oxford and the University of Warwick, United Kingdom.
Creator: Smith, Linda Marie, Florida Atlantic University, Bryan, Valerie
Abstract/Description: Intrapreneurialism, a strategy adopted by an organization to exploit ideas and turn them into profitable realities, is a relatively recent phenomenon in higher education. Previous studies have concentrated on intrapreneurialism from the perspective of how it relates to organizational structures, characteristics of entrepreneurial universities, and academic strategies as a comparison to industry (Keller, 1983; Clark, 1998; Slaughter & Leslie, 1997). This present study investigated another...
Show moreIntrapreneurialism, a strategy adopted by an organization to exploit ideas and turn them into profitable realities, is a relatively recent phenomenon in higher education. Previous studies have concentrated on intrapreneurialism from the perspective of how it relates to organizational structures, characteristics of entrepreneurial universities, and academic strategies as a comparison to industry (Keller, 1983; Clark, 1998; Slaughter & Leslie, 1997). This present study investigated another aspect of intrapreneurialism, intrapreneurial leadership. This is a subject that, to date, has not received the attention it requires if academic leaders are to play the role expected of them in a modern, highly competitive knowledge economy. The University of Oxford and the University of Warwick are recognized to be at the forefront of those universities that have elected to move up the intrapreneurial path. Therefore, these two universities were selected because they symbolize a radical transformation in the financial relationship between universities, government, and industry, or suggest new ways of responding to change. This research confirms work of Clark, 1998; Apps, 1994; Slaughter & Leslie, 1997; and Keller, 1983 in which they encapsulate key features of a successful entrepreneurial institution. This study expands the limited knowledge base of intrapreneurialism in higher education from the perspective of intrapreneurial leaders at the University of Oxford and the University of Warwick, United Kingdom. This phenomenological study explored the beliefs, styles, and strategies of nine intrapreneurial leaders at the University of Oxford and twelve intrapreneurial leaders at the University of Warwick. Even though the universities differ in their educational profiles and cultural settings, the intrapreneurial strategies of both universities are similar and the leadership shares common intrapreneurial beliefs, styles, and strategies. It was found that an organizational structure designed to include a small steering core is crucial to the successful assimilation of intrapreneurialism into the culture of the university. Based on findings, an intrapreneurial leadership framework was identified which constitutes the foundation of the structure for a Change Agent University model. This model was designed to be used by other universities to effect changes necessary to incorporate intrapreneurialism into their organizations.
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Date Issued: 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12054
Subject Headings: University of Oxford, University of Warwick, Educational leadership, Entrepreneurship
Format: Document (PDF)

School management and organization (9)	+ -
School principals (8)	+ -
Educational change (4)	+ -
Education, Higher--Administration (3)	+ -
Effective teaching (3)	+ -

Mentoring in education (3)	+ -
Action research in education (2)	+ -
Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives (2)	+ -
Educational policy (2)	+ -
Entrepreneurship (2)	+ -
Motivation in education (2)	+ -
School leadership (2)	+ -
Student achievement (2)	+ -
Teacher effectiveness (2)	+ -
Teacher turnover (2)	+ -
Universities and colleges -- Administration (2)	+ -
Academic achievement (1)	+ -
Academic achievement -- United States (1)	+ -
Adult learning (1)	+ -
Agility (1)	+ -
Baseball -- United States -- History -- 19th century (1)	+ -
Belief and doubt (1)	+ -
Bullying in schools -- Prevention (1)	+ -
COVID-19 (1)	+ -
Career development (1)	+ -
Career development--United States (1)	+ -
Caribbean (1)	+ -
College department heads (1)	+ -
College teachers--Attitudes (1)	+ -

Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology (34)	+ -
College of Education (30)	+ -
Maslin-Ostrowski, Patricia (12)	+ -
Bogotch, Ira (7)	+ -
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science (6)	+ -

Pisapia, John (5)	+ -
Bryan, Valerie (4)	+ -
Mountford, Meredith (4)	+ -
Shockley, Robert (4)	+ -
Reyes-Guerra, Daniel (3)	+ -
Barakat, Maysaa (2)	+ -
Bryan, Valerie C. (2)	+ -
Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry (2)	+ -
Abramowitz, Rochelle. (1)	+ -
Acker-Hocevar, Michele A. (1)	+ -
Agnon, Doris Stahl. (1)	+ -
Aleisa, Bashayer (1)	+ -
Andre, Sherry (1)	+ -
Andrews, Janis. (1)	+ -
Arellano, Matias (1)	+ -
Ball, Louise A. (1)	+ -
Baroody, Ramzy (1)	+ -
Bartram, Lydia (1)	+ -
Baugh, Francine (1)	+ -
Benjamin, Deloris (1)	+ -
Berstler, Wade (1)	+ -
Bogaski, Carolyn Siniscalchi (1)	+ -
Burnaford, Gail (1)	+ -
Byard, Lisa A Samuda (1)	+ -

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