A Qualitative Study: Understanding the Value of Formal Leadership Preparation Programs to Novice Principals

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to understand the value of formal leadership preparation programs as described by novice principals. The study focused on the lived experiences of the eight principals and their reflection of their formal leadership preparation experiences as they transitioned into the role of principal. Through a series of semi-structured interview questions, individual responses revealed leadership preparation experiences were beneficial and highly valued by novice principals. Formal experiences such as internships, mentoring relationships, shadowing experiences and educational leadership coursework were described as building blocks for novice principals. The results of this study state that leaders must know, understand, and do what is needed to impact student achievement. The implications of this study rest in the hands of the numerous stakeholders that stand to gain future leaders who are more than adequately prepared to effectively improve our schools and learning communities.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation (open access)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Department of Leadership, Technology, and Human Development

Year dc:date.available

2012

Author dc:creator

• Simmons, Marty Kent

Contributors dc:contributor

• Linda Arthur
• Anne Marshall

• ETD
• Administrators
• Educational leadership
• Formal leadership preparation programs
• Instructional leader
• Novice principal and Principal
• School principals
• Professional relationships

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/404

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu:etd-1404