You're the New Principal? Considering First Steps Toward Improvement at Sparrow Middle School. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peck, Craig; Clarida, Brian
• Is Part Of: Journal of cases in educational leadership. Volume 19:Number 3(2016:Sep.)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 99
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: school leadership -- school improvement -- turnaround -- reform; Educational leadership -- Periodicals; Educational leadership -- Research -- Periodicals; 371.2011
• DOI: 10.1177/1555458916645377
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1555-4589

Abstract

In the contemporary context, demands for rapid school turnaround meet the reality of increased principal turnover. Therefore, it is crucial to help aspiring school leaders hone their problem-solving skills. This case provides readers with an opportunity to diagnose issues of concern at a struggling school, and then prescribe several initial strategies for improvement. To accentuate the personal relevance of the exercise, the authors employ second person narrative voice. The case has been revised and enhanced during its use over the past several years in principal preparation programs, including a federal-grant-funded initiative to train aspiring leaders of high-need, low-performing schools. The teaching notes provide guidance on how educational leadership instructors might use the case within their own courses.