Lynn E. Lehman

Ball State University

Lori G. Boyland

Ball State University

Shawn K. Sriver

Ball State University

Abstract: This study investigates the frequency of research-based leadership strategies utilized by newly hired school principals in the workplace.  Public school superintendents in Indiana were asked to respond to two open-ended research questions.  Through the use of content analysis, their comments were coded for the occurrence of effective leadership practices.  The Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) standards were used as classification categories.  The findings revealed that collaboration and skills in instruction, curriculum, and evaluation were the most frequently observed leadership skills.  Management skills were identified as the area in greatest need of improvement, especially a noted lack of budgetary skills.  The content analysis identified categories of responses in addition to the ELCC standards.  Superintendents repeatedly commented on new principals’ strong interpersonal skills and suggested that additional years of experience would enhance the principals’ development of the most influential leadership skills.

Full Text of manuscript attached in PDF below. Full text of complete journal attached in PDF on the main IJELP page. 

"This work is licensed under a Creative Commons, Non-Commercial, No-Derivatives 3.0 license. It may be used for non-commercial educational purposes. When referring to an article, or portions thereof, please fully cite the work and give full attribution to the author(s)."

Creative Commons