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Description:
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The purpose of this case study was to investigate the interactions between leaders who practice distributive leadership and followers within a school which leads to the development of routines and tools that reinforce student achievement . Education is widely held to be essential for the survival and success of individuals and countries in the emerging global market . National leaders of all stripes place education at the center of their policy agendas . Agreement is also evident about the contributions of leadership in the implementation of virtually all initiatives aimed at improving student learning and school quality . It is therefore difficult to imagine a focus for research with greater social justification than educational leadership . Although distributive leadership is widely thought to be a powerful force for school effectiveness , this belief needs to be justified by empirical evidence . & #xD ;
This qualitative study focused on one Texas public secondary school with a majority minority student composition ,which received a Blue Ribbon designation . Principal leadership behaviors , campus improvement team perceptions with regard to distributed leadership ideals served as a primary focus . More specifically , the purpose of this case study was to explore in depth relationships exhibited in an exemplary , Blue Ribbon school as identified by the Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS ) , that enable or constrain distributed leadership ideals central to this study . Capturing essential features such as the character of the leader , leadership styles ,followers and values that define curricular goals and the contextual rituals or processes used to communicate continuous improvement towards student success provided additional understanding . Multiple sources of information provided a detailed in -depth picture , including observations , interviews , documents and reports which served as criteria for data collection . & #xD ;
The implications of this study's findings are significant . This case study adds further evidence to support research on distributive leadership and its relationship to student achievement . The research participants in particular the school district superintendent , and the school principal did not simply delegate tasks but practiced governance over the school's social and situational contexts . Through the sharing of intellect and opinion , acknowledging and maximizing expertise , teachers were called on to share their expertise in instruction as well as utilize opportunities or time , to dialogue , to share insights regarding students and the curriculum . Working together to improve instruction created shared roles pulling their expertise and initiative directed toward increasing student achievement . |