Students' academic success can be a matter of principal

Student performance can soar under the influence of a good teacher, but school principals are just as important in getting results, a study has found.

The research into 38 NSW high schools shows principals have a key responsibility in raising educational standards.
Those who played an active role as educational leaders, who were not simply bogged down in management and administration tasks, made all the difference.

Good principals were identified as those who were open to change, were informed risk takers, and were friendly and approachable. Their leadership was highly influential in the development of a positive school culture.

Stephen Dinham, of the education faculty at the University of Wollongong, who conducted the study, said he was surprised to discover how much of a role principals played in influencing student results.

"The degree of influence of the principal was somewhat surprising, given that the project aim was to identify and investigate faculties and teams producing outstanding educational outcomes in years 7 to 10, rather than effective schools as a whole, or effective principals," the study concluded.

"This finding could partly call into question the current concentration on the individual teacher as the major within-school factor in student accomplishment.

"While there is little doubt as to the importance of the individual teacher, based on these findings, principals can play key roles in providing the conditions where teachers can operate effectively and students can learn."

The study found that the principals of schools where outstanding results were being achieved were relentless in helping students do better.

"They do not become distracted and bogged down by the administrative demands of the principalship, finding ways to concentrate their energies on educational leadership," Professor Dinham said.

"They constantly remind students, staff and the community that the core purpose of the school is teaching and learning."
Principals who brought out the best in their teachers and students were those who were not afraid of change.

You have read this article with the title Students' academic success can be a matter of principal. You can bookmark this page URL http://universosportinguista.blogspot.com/2006/12/students-academic-success-can-be-matter.html. Thanks!