School Transformation: Reproducing Effective High School Leadership

School Transformation: Reproducing Effective High School Leadership Christina D. Chambers This dissertation explores the distinctive and complex challenges that high school principals face. The demand to prepare students for college or the workplace requires a strong foundation built on relational trust, an adaptation of high school instructional practices, and an evolution of the professional development process. This study will use the characteristics of transformational leadership presented in the literature to determine if they exist in two high schools and how they manifest themselves. The high schools studied represent the very different socio economic aspects of their district. With focus on student achievement, high school principals and teachers can transform school norms to meet the challenges of a diverse group of learners. SCHOOL TRANSFORMATION iii Acknowledgements My mother has always taught me to use the talents I was given to the fullest and although I questioned whether or not I had the talent to complete this process, she never did, not one time. She was my sounding board, cheerleader and biggest supporter. Without her encouragement and willingness to listen to countless hours of why pursuing a doctorate was ridiculous I may have never finished. I want to thank and acknowledge my mother, Marilyn Chambers who always taught me not to be satisfied with being ordinary. The job of principal is challenging. One must truly care about the well being of others much more than yourself. I want to thank the ultimate example of sacrifice, my father. I grew up with the perfect role model for the professional I wanted to become. My father, Ron Chambers, spent so much of his time making his school the absolute best place for students to attend. He was always striving to add programs, recognize students and be a productive member of the community. He seldom, if ever, focused on or did things for himself but throughout the years has earned something way greater than possessions. He has the loving respect of so many of the students he taught, coached or led. I can only hope that my students remember me in the same loving way that is expressed to him in phone calls, letters or visits. He epitomized what a principal and leader should be; caring, focused and forward thinking. I thank him for the example I strive to match every day. About two months ago my brother welcomed my parents’ first grandchild, my niece, Scarlett Nora Chambers. It was amazing to watch someone who I still see as a child hold his own daughter. I want to thank my brother Ashley Chambers for reminding me how precious life is and how important it is to appreciate what we are given. I love him and am so proud of his accomplishments. Ashley, you have not allowed your challenges to define your life nor do I SCHOOL TRANSFORMATION iv believe you understand how strong you are to navigate the rocky path you were given. I love and support all that you do. I am not always a patient person; I am very focused on the end product so I can only imagine what it was like to be assigned as my chairperson. I want to sincerely thank Dr. Adriane Williams for her caring, supportive, and unwavering belief that I could complete this process. I cannot apologize for getting her off-track and engaging her in numerous conversations about education because from each meeting I learned so much. You, like me, believe in the power of education and want to right the wrongs. You are a great example of someone who is willing to challenge traditional thinking and battle the obstacles this creates. I respect you as a mentor and person. I can never thank you enough for your dedication to this process. My gratitude extends to the following members of my committee: Reagan Curtis, Aimee Moorewood and Dwight Livesay. I am so appreciative of the time you gave to help me complete this process. The work of principals is critical for school systems to improve. Your commitment to public education is evident from the approach you took regarding my subject matter and the kind words you shared. Without the support of my district school system, specifically the central office staff and secondary principals, I could not have completed this process. I appreciate my superintendent and assistant superintendent’s willingness to allow me to pursue this goal. I am thankful for the ladies of the Outback and their humor in the face of all obstacles! I am very appreciative of the encouragement you gave, the listening ear you offered and the times you helped cover a meeting on the home front. Becky, Kasie, Brinda, Debbie, Lynne, Lois, Mary Jo, Peggy, Mary, Stephanie and Susan you were always there lending a hand and helping me reach my goal. I am SCHOOL TRANSFORMATION v forever indebted to Kasie Lovelace who worked hours upon hours completing the transcripts for my review. I want to thank the teachers and principals who agreed to allow me to complete my research on their time. The work of public educators is daunting. I am sincerely grateful for the time you provided and your open nature during the process. Thank you! A life without true friends is a life not lived. The commitment to complete a doctoral program can impede one’s social life and hinder one’s ability to travel and enjoy the freedom others have each weekend. Throughout this process, Jenny Curry, Sallie Dalton, Juanita Spinks and Audrey Persinger were always my friends, but more importantly, played a crucial role during specific times of this process when I needed them most. To my college roommate, sorority sister, fellow educator and lifelong friend Susan Beck, your commitment to me and unwavering friendship has been a true blessing. You are the person I’ve known the longest and can depend on the most. I am often in awe of your professional accomplishments and share your passion for the purpose of public education; to educate all. Finally, I want to thank the staff and children of the middle school I served for five years as principal. I never truly understood how privileged a life I led until I was given the wonderful responsibility of leading you. Your zest for life, your appreciation of all you were given, your commitment to learning and the extended family you provided are some my greatest memories. I realized my life’s purpose while with you and promise I will continue to do all I can to support the students of our community. SCHOOL TRANSFORMATION vi Table of