Instructional Improvement: A Cooperative Venture

The Role of the Elementary School Principal in Program Improvement

“…Sampling procedures included random (11 studies), selected (20), total population within a preselected unit (4), and a combination of random and selected procedures (2). Procedures used could not be determined from reports by Krajewski (1979) and Williams et al (1974).…”

“…"Administrative leadership" best describes the dominant actions of the majority of principals. This emphasis, however, is recognized as unsatisfactory, not just by external agents but by a large majority of elementary principals themselves (Krajewski, 1979;Lorzeau, 1977;McGeown, 1979-80). Why do so many principals spend so much time on activities that they do not believe to be related to instructional improvement?…”

“…Effective principals place the achievement and happiness of students first in their priorities. They view themselves as instructional leaders whose function is to ensure that students in their schools are provided with the best possible programs (Berman & McLaughlin, 1979;Brookover et al, 1978;Chesler, Schmuck, & Lippitt, 1975;Goldhammer & Becker, 1971;Houts, 1975;Krajewski, 1979;Maryland State Department of Education, 1978;Sarason, 1971;Venezky & Winfield, 1979). Venezky and Winfield (1979) note this to be the case even in low socioeconomic status schools where the school's risk of failure to achieve reasonable academic success with students is likely to be substantial.…”

“…The primary goal of these principals is a smooth-running organization with emphasis on keeping activities in the school manageable in the midst of pressures for change (Chesler, Schmuck, & Lippitt, 1975;Crowson & Porter-Gehrie, 1980b;Lorzeau, 1977;Sarason, 1971;Wolcott, 1978). With respect to students, this may involve the principal as a major school disciplinarian (Crowson & Porter-Gehrie, 1980b;Krajewski, 1979;Wolcott, 1978). With respect to teachers, running a smooth ship places the principal's main emphasis on harmonious interpersonal relationships; typically, principals work very hard to develop and maintain such relationships with staff.…”