Rupi Boyd
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine if a knowing and doing gap exists among principals of low-performing urban schools. Do principals of low-performing urban school know the characteristics of effective, high-performing urban school? If so, do they act in ways that are consistent with this knowledge? The study attempted to explore the factors that contribute to this knowing and doing gap and attempted to define strategies that might be useful in narrowing the gap. This study tries to help clarify why so many low-performing urban school continue to make low academic progress when there is no information about the actions school leaders can take to improve achievement results. Using qualitative research methodology, the study examined four urban, low-performing elementary schools from the same California district. All four schools had been in program schools for at least three years.
The researcher interviewed all four principals, observed classrooms in each school, and reviewed a variety of elements including school reports, school plans, and teacher survey results. In the reporting of data, names of individual schools or principals were not used. In all four school, principals knew a good amount about the characteristics of high-performing urban school; however, the depth of their understanding varied. Even when principals evidenced a depth of understanding, there were gaps in their ability to lead their schools to higher levels of student achievement. These knowing and doing gaps have implications for principals, districts, and leadership preparation programs, as well as for future research.