Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

School

Education

Advisor

Peter Kiriakidis

Abstract

Abstract

The perceptions of school leaders on the effectiveness of the school leadership preparation program (SLPP) in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) public school system have not been examined. Highly qualified teachers are selected and trained for administrative and leadership roles through the SLPP. This qualitative case study was conducted to evaluate the level of effectiveness of the SLPP in the CNMI public school system. The conceptual framework was the Seven Habits of Effective Principal Preparation Programs by Davis and Jazzar. The theoretical frameworks were transformational leadership as articulated by Burns and instructional leadership. The research questions involved how aspiring leaders and their mentors described the effectiveness of the SLPP in the CNMI public school system and how aspiring leaders' field experience helped them learn essential skills associated with transformational and instructional leadership. A purposeful sampling of 4 participants was used, consisting of current school administrators who had completed the SLPP. Interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data. Interview data were transcribed, and transcripts were examined, organized, and synthesized to develop codes and themes. Member checking was used to validate transcriptions and findings. Findings from this study show that relevant courses, knowledge and experience in curriculum and instruction, internship and mentoring, leadership skills gained by participants, and relationship and collaboration are among the components that must be included in the SLPP. The social change can be derived from this study is that the findings from this qualitative case study are meaningful for policymakers, district leaders, and school leaders in the CNMI public school system.

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