Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Programs for Higher Education
Advisor
Meline Kevorkian
Committee Member
John B. Lustig
Committee Member
Barbara Packer
Keywords
administrator evaluation, administrators, assessment, collaboration, data collection, effective leadership, evaluation, evaluation instruments, focus groups, goal setting, individual reflection, leadership capabilities, portfolio, principal evaluation, principals, professional development, qualitative data, quantitative data, school improvement, school leadership, standards, student achievement, superintendent turnover
Abstract
The purpose of this applied dissertation was to construct an administrator evaluation instrument that provides collaboration among principal and evaluator, data collection, individual reflection, and goal setting for future school improvement. High turnover in the superintendent and principal positions in the past 7 years created a void in the area of effective leadership evaluation. Principals, new and experienced, were not provided feedback in terms of their leadership capabilities, influence on student achievement, specific school improvement practices, and self-improvement through professional development. This applied dissertation consisted of the creation of a collaborative portfolio assessment tool that was researched, developed, and implemented.
Quantitative and qualitative data that were included in the applied dissertation were used to support the development of the administrative portfolio. A focus group of principals was used to accomplish the objectives of the applied dissertation. All objectives were achieved successfully. Procedures were established for expansion of the applied dissertation beyond the focus group to include system principals.
The literature review revealed limited studies on administrator evaluation and a dearth of information on effective leadership characteristics. This applied dissertation connected the process of evaluation with the characteristics associated with effective school leadership and increased student achievement.