Professional Development to Enhance Instructional Leadership and Practice of Central Office Administrators

Professional Development to Enhance Instructional Leadership and Practice of Central Office Administrators by Cheryl A. R. McCue M. Ed., Lehigh University, 1990 BS, Kutztown University, 1987 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University June 2016 Abstract Decades of research and practice suggest that educational administrators need to experience opportunities for professional development and continuous learning. This project study addressed the problem regarding the lack of a formal or systemic plan for professional development of central office administrators in a large suburban school district in northeastern United States. Supported by Lave and Wenger’s communities ofDecades of research and practice suggest that educational administrators need to experience opportunities for professional development and continuous learning. This project study addressed the problem regarding the lack of a formal or systemic plan for professional development of central office administrators in a large suburban school district in northeastern United States. Supported by Lave and Wenger’s communities of practice model and the work of Bandura in social learning theory, the research question investigated the ways in which central office administrators experienced continuous learning and professional development opportunities and the perceptions regarding the effectiveness of those practices as a vehicle for enhancing their knowledge of instructional leadership and practice. A descriptive qualitative case study design using the purposeful sampling of 18 central office administrators was used to collect data via an open-ended survey, plan analysis, and document reviews that were coded and analyzed for common themes. Themes that emerged revealed participants thought that collaborative and reflective practices were important to continuous learning and professional development and necessary to enhance knowledge of instructional leadership and practice. Study findings supported the need for increased time and an identified structure for professional development opportunities as well as an improved culture of learning for the district’s central office administrative team. Providing a structure for more systemic professional development for central office administrators may lead to more quality instruction and leadership practice, thus influencing student learning in this district as an aspect of positive social change. Professional Development to Enhance Instructional Leadership and Practice of Central Office Administrators by Cheryl A. R. McCue M.Ed., Lehigh University, 1990 BS, Kutztown University, 1987 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University June 2016 Dedication This work is dedicated first and foremost to my family.  My husband, Arden McCue, for believing in me and understanding the sacrifice of time in this journey;  My parents, Frank and Lucy Reinhard, for instilling in me the values of hard work and service to others;  My sisters, who are constant reminders of the need to live each day to the fullest and make the greatest impact possible; and  Lastly, my nieces and nephews, who are the future and for whom this work is so important. You have all influenced my life in immeasurable ways and I am forever grateful to have you as family. Secondly, this work is dedicated to all in the field of education who have the opportunity every day to influence the lives of others through their work. Their impact on the future is endless. Acknowledgments There are many people who contributed to this work and for whom a great deal of gratitude is due. First, I would like to thank my husband, Arden, for believing in me and sharing his unending love and support and my family for their understanding during this journey. I would also like to acknowledge my chairperson, Dr. Elizabeth Warren, and thank her for her ongoing guidance and encouragement throughout the process. I am also very thankful for my committee members, Dr. Pamela Harrison and Dr. Mary Lou Morton for their guidance and support. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my colleagues, the members of the cabinet and central office team of the district of study for their participation and willingness to share their knowledge and experiences. It is my pleasure to work with all of you as we dream big and achieve greatness. I am so very thankful to all of you for your presence in my life during this journey.