Stephen Franklin EDUC 790-02- Cohort 8 Data Reduction Exercise

August 9, 2015

For this assignment I analyzed the responses of four individuals as it relates to the article, What makes good
school leadership (Posnick-Goodwin, 2012), to determine the similarities and differences in their perceptions. For the
purpose of this analysis, I will refer to the respondents by the numbers assigned to them in the article. The respondents
chosen were numbers 8-11 inclusive.
The four respondents statements that I reviewed represented both large urban school districts and smaller rural
school districts, ranging from Kelseyville to Anaheim. As it relates to identified characteristics of good school leadership,
i.e. what makes a good principal, their responses where quite similar. The top three attributes or characteristics identified
were; accessibility, positive relationships, and strong decision making. At least one respondent also added visibility as
being a key characteristic for good school leadership, while another respondent added strength of character.
Accessibility and positive relationships was mentioned either directly or indirectly by three of the four
respondents I analyzed. Respondents 8, 10 and 11 pointed to the importance of establishing accessibility and positive
relationships with the various stakeholders; teachers, students, parents and community as a key attribute. Respondent 10
states;
Visible and accessible to all students, teachers, families, and community members... regularly
visits classrooms to engage with studentsand regularly recognizes the efforts of students or
staff with an assembly, award or gesture of gratitude.
Respondent 8 made comments that further expounded on those presented by respondent 10.
They are supported by teachers, and they support good teaching. Its a symbiotic relationship
So, when the public wonders why some schools produce string results, it is likely the relationship
between the teachers and the principal is healthy
Finally, respondent 11 adds the following comments;
There are principals you work for and there are principals you work withAdditionally,
he has an affable personality and an open-door policy.

The next attribute identified in the data was strong decision making. All of the respondents noted the various
responsibilities of the principal; finance, instructional leadership, community liaison, supervisor and evaluator. As a result
of these multiple dimensions of leadership that must be demonstrated on a regular basis being able to make strong
decisions and having strong moral character were noted. Respondent 9 stated this most clearly.
I have confidence saying that what makes a good principal is strength of character
Respondents 9 goes on to say;
it takes a principal of strong moral character to make decisions that will ultimately benefit the
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and surrounding communityto make tough decisions and stick to them.

Similar sentiment are expressed by respondents 8, 10 and 11 respectively.
A good principal wear a lot of hats.
Able to prioritize a myriad of demands.
He performs his administrative duties with dedicated and professional style.

The attribute of visibility is closely linked with that of accessibility and positive relationships. It can be argued
that visibility contributes to make the aforementioned attributes of accessibility and positive relationships possible. Two
respondents made reference to the attribute of visibility in their respective comments, one directly, and another indirectly.
Respondent 10 states;
A good principal is visible and accessible to allthe principal regularly visits classrooms to
engage with students, meets with teachers to review practices, and provides professional
development consistent with student needs.
Respondent 11 states;
The good students appreciate____ for his generosity with his time and spirit. The not-so-good
Students respect him for his fairness
The collective statements of the individuals in this article all point to the multiple aspects of leadership
that are part of the modern day principalship. While there are other aspects of leadership not mentioned in
these four vignettes, the identified attributes of accessibility, positive relationships, and strong decision making are ones
that all successful principals possess.
Reference:
Posnick-Goodwin, S. (2012). What makes good school leadership. California Educator, 16 (5). 18-21

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