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WHDL - 00016140

No principal left behind: A qualitative study on the current leadership challenges for principals in small rural districts and access to support for professional growth

Jennifer M. Cornell

Resource Types

Academic (Thesis, Dissertation, Etc.)

Resource Languages

English

Institutional Repository

Description / Abstract

The role of the K-12 principal is one that is vast and diverse in its range of responsibilities. This qualitative study examined the current challenges specifically facing small rural school district principals and the access available to support for professional growth in that role. McREL’s Balanced Leadership Framework was used as the theoretical framework to demonstrate the significance the role of the principal has on student achievement and the importance of sufficiently supporting the growth and development of those serving in that role. The methodology for this study was a narrative inquiry that utilized reflective journals, semi-structured interviews, and field observations to capture the lived experiences of principals in small rural districts. Findings within the study indicate that these principals currently face challenges in balancing the multiple roles that they fill, along with meeting student needs with limited resources, and establishing strong relationships in the school and community. Each principal accesses current systems of support through peer networks, on-site administrative teams, and state-supported resources, affording positive impacts such as shared ideas, resources, and improved leadership growth. However, common barriers that were articulated involved struggling to manage the logistical impact of being absent from their buildings as well as finding a lack of relevancy in provided support programs to meet their unique needs. These barriers contribute to a lack of continued and meaningful professional growth on a consistent basis. This study provides research to support the intentional implementation of leadership training and support opportunities for principals in small rural districts that is on-going, provided within a context that meets their unique needs, and eliminates obstacles and barriers to accessing the support.

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This material is used by permission of the rightsholder in accordance with the terms of the relevant content release. As a user, you have permission to use this content and download a copy for non-commercial use only. Downloading multiple quantities of this resource is expressly forbidden.

KeywordsRural, Principal, Instructional leadership, Mentoring, Peer network, Leadership growth

Degree AwardedDoctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership

Awarding InstitutionNorthwest Nazarene University

Committee MembersChristie Jorgensen, Darik Williams, Heidi Curtis

Supervisor or ChairJennifer Hill

Peer Reviewed?No

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