While the principal and vice-principal were recognized as the primary sources of leadership, the whole school staff was seen as quite important as well. Additionally, many other internal and external sources were recognized as important in all schools. In spite of this positive finding, there were a number of schools that have experienced some difficulty as they have attempted to shift to team leadership and the emerging leadership practices were indeed fragile. We posited that if the emphasis on improvement of classroom practices in identified schools was significantly different than practices in the other schools, it was reasonable to assume a relationship. The sample comments below are representative of the differences displayed.
Technology is only successful when students use it.
You can do both of it. At School 8, the principal indicated that the main focus in the school was overall academic improvement, and the basics of reading and literacy, mathematics and science. The second one we identified was computers. Integrating computers into our classroom practice was the aim. The emphasis on academic achievement, homework, the development of advanced programs, and the integration of technology in various courses have led to a new academic climate in this school.