ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8010-1052

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Education (Ed.D.)

Department

Administrative and Instructional Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. James Campbell

Second Advisor

Dr. Anthony Annunziato

Third Advisor

Dr. Richard Bern

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative scholarly research study was to ascertain to what extent a principal’s leadership contributes to an increase in student achievement outcomes in K-12 education in New York City. The study used the Learning Environment Survey from 2021 and English Language Arts testing data from 2018 for third, fourth, and fifth grades. Two research questions guided this study. First, what are the factors of principal leadership that emerge from the Learning Environment Survey? Second, to what extent do these factors, as a proxy for principal leadership, have an influence on student achievement outcomes, in K-12 education? Four factors emerged from the data: 1) Leadership Support Factor, 2) Professional Development Factor, 3) Leader Expectations Factor, and 4) Professional Knowledge Factor. These four align with the five key attributes of effective principals proposed by the Wallace Foundation. Using multiple regression analysis, three of the factors were shown to have no statistically significant impact on student achievement as measured by ELA scores: Professional Development, Leader Expectations, and Professional Knowledge Factor. The Leadership Support Factor was a significant predictor of ELA achievement for all three grade levels (i.e., Grade 3, Grade 4, and Grade 5). Finally, implications for future practice is discussed.

Available for download on Tuesday, November 04, 2025

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