Perceptions of Leadership Roles through the Lens of Principals: A Phenomenological Study of Principals’ Sense of Efficacy when Leading Special Education Programs
Abstract
This study was designed to address the current literature gaps in the field of educational leadership as it relates to leadership efficacy in the area of special education. In doing so the following themes emerged: Theme 1: A lack of principal preparation as it relates to educating students with disabilities and special education programs, Theme 2: Efficacy development and influence of principals as it relates to special education, and Theme 3: District support around special education for principals. Which led to the following findings 1.) Principal’s transition into instructional leaders of special education have impacted the efficacy of principals in the area of special education. 2.) Special education training for principals on a district level is few if not non-existent. 3.) Principals lack collegiate and professional preparation in special education. 4.) Principal’s lack of knowledge and experience contributes greatly to principal’s sense of efficacy in special education. 5.) Efficacy plays a vital role in the leadership of principals and student outcomes can be used to inform the public as well as policy makers of the challenges principals face as instructional leaders of special education and the impact they have on their self-efficacy, leadership performance, and student achievement. Recommendations for future research include an investigation into the leadership development of principals leading special education, a replication of this study but with a larger population in varying states expanding across middle schools, high schools, charter schools, and private schools, an exploration into the curriculums of college principal preparation programs as it relates to special education and leadership efficacy, an evaluation of principals that are considered effective in special education and their efficacy, behaviors, preparation, and training, and an investigation of effective practices and initiatives towards creating efficacious leaders of special education.
Subject Area
Educational administration|Special education
Recommended Citation
Nicole Z Robinson,
"Perceptions of Leadership Roles through the Lens of Principals: A Phenomenological Study of Principals’ Sense of Efficacy when Leading Special Education Programs"
(2021).
ETD Collection for Tennessee State University.
Paper AAI28414642.
https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI28414642