Principal Transformational Leadership Behaviors, Teachers' Sense of Efficacy, and Student Graduation Rates in High Needs High Schools

Abstract

This study was an examination of teachers' perceptions of principal leadership behavior, Teaching Efficacy, and Personal Teaching Efficacy in high needs high schools with high and low graduation rates. The participants, one hundred twelve teachers from six high schools on Long Island, New York, responded to a 44-item survey instrument. The six variables of principal leadership were Provides Vision, Models Behavior, Fosters Commitment to Group Goals, Provides Individualized Support, Provides Intellectual Stimulation, and Holds High Performance Expectations. Of these six variables and the two variables of sense of efficacy, Teaching Efficacy and Personal Teaching Efficacy, Models Behavior was the only variable that predicted the high graduation rate setting. Additionally, responses to all six principal leadership variables produced significant differences between the high and low graduation schools. Teachers in the high performing schools were in stronger agreement that they observed transformational principal leadership practices in their schools. Results also revealed no significant differences between the high and low graduation rate settings in teachers' reporting on their sense of Teaching Efficacy or Personal Teaching Efficacy. There were several significant differences in individual survey items that were identified and discussed. A relationship between Teaching Efficacy and the six principal leadership variables was also established. Teaching Efficacy was high when all six principal leadership behaviors were present; however, no relationship emerged between Personal Teaching Efficacy and principal leadership. Review of the literature revealed reasons for the disparity between Teaching Efficacy and Personal Teaching Efficacy. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone [phone]. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]