Date of Award
2020
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
School of Education
Abstract
The purpose of this self-study was to examine how I, as a school principal and transformational leader, was able to support the development of positive relationships that impacted school culture and sustained student achievement. Reculturing a school involves the examination of beliefs, expectations, and assumptions for the purpose of school change that can facilitate a collective sense of purpose (DuFour & Burnette, 2002: Fullan, 2005). to do this, I focused on social and emotional learning while incorporating opportunities for school staff, parents, community members and student's voices to be heard through group meetings and forums. the analysis of this study impacted the guidance of recommendations for other leaders supporting their school culture for sustained academic success through positive relationship development. the following research questions were answered in this self-study: 1) How did my leadership foster teachers to form positive and supportive relationships with students? 2) Under my leadership, what were the challenges to fostering positive and supportive relationships? 3) How has my leadership changed, if at all, as understood by the five leadership practices outlined by Kouzes and Posner (2012)? Through the self-study methodology I applied best practices and existing research to meet the challenges and unique needs of one elementary school in Chicago. This self-study was completed in a reflective manner which led to elevated respectful and trusting relationships aiding an overall increased supportive school environment. This reflective journey was examined through the lens of Kouzes and Posner (2012), the Five Leadership Practices: Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart. the utilization of this conceptual framework has enhanced my leadership by continuous reflection and a critical analysis of my own leadership style and practice.
Recommended Citation
Mcnichols, Sean, "The Impact of Positive School Culture on School Success: A Principal's Self-Study of Transformational Leadership" (2020). Dissertations. 3806.
https://ecommons.luc.edu/luc_diss/3806
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2020 Sean Mcnichols
