This mixed methods study investigated the extent to which transformative leadership (TL) practices of school administrators were considered with particular regard to special needs students in various public schools in Southern California. 26 purposefully selected school administrators rated the extent to which they employed a range of elements deemed prototypic of transformative leadership as derived from foundational texts of social and educational justice scholarship. Results of a quantitative survey questionnaire indicate a strong validation of a specific range of TL attitudes and behaviors, while qualitative interview data yields inclusive practice themes emphasized as important for working with special needs students. The study presents important realizations for male and female, and culturally diverse administrators as well as teachers who work with special needs students. As importantly, the survey generated for this study is an important measurement instrument for future research into transformative leadership values and practices.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.