Exploring an African American Principal''s Cultural Leadership Effects on Closing the Achievement Gap

Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2016 Exploring an African American Principal's Cultural Leadership Effects on Closing the Achievement Gap Doristine Cornelius Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Educational Administration and Supervision Commons, and the Ethnic Studies Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks For more information, please contact ScholarWorks@waldenu.edu Walden University COLLEGE OF EDUCATION This is to certify that the doctoral study by Doristine Cornelius has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made Review Committee Dr Ella Benson, Committee Chairperson, Education Faculty Dr Pamela Harrison, Committee Member, Education Faculty Dr Michael Brophy, University Reviewer, Education Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D Walden University 2016 Abstract Exploring an African American Principal’s Cultural Leadership Effects on Closing the Achievement Gap by Doristine Cornelius MA, Belhaven University, 2007 BS, Jackson State University, 2005 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University October 2016 Abstract Closing the achievement gap is a key concern for educational leaders Research has indicated that principals’ actions directly and indirectly influence student learning The purpose of this case study was to explore cultural leadership in an urban Mississippi high school from an African American’s racialized perspective The cultural competency/proficiency theory provided the conceptual framework for this study Successful leadership practices of this African American principal were examined through the principal and through the perceptions of teachers and the assistant administrator A researcher-developed questionnaire was content validated and given to a purposeful sample of 17 individuals: the principal, assistant principal, and the 15 fulltime teachers at the study site Nine individuals––the school’s principal, assistant principal, and teachers––returned the questionnaire Using Stake’s framework for data analysis, data were organized, coded, and categorized to develop themes regarding the principal’s cultural leadership practices Results showed that the principal used practices to help a diverse student body succeed: double-dosing of subject-area test courses, pull-out tutorials, after-school tutorials, differentiated instruction, scaffolded learning, and coteaching Based on the study findings, a professional development program was created to provide cultural leadership training for all district leaders The findings can positively affect social change by improving principals’ cultural awareness and equipping educators with proven practices to meet the needs of a diverse student body, thus increasing students’ opportunities for academic success Exploring an African American Principal’s Cultural Leadership Effects on Closing the Achievement Gap by Doristine Cornelius MA, Belhaven University, 2007 BS, Jackson State University, 2005 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University October 2016 Dedication This study is dedicated to the ALL MIGHTY GOD It was only by His grace and His mercy that this study was completed Next, I give thanks to Herman, my loving and supporting husband who encouraged me every step of the way Thank you, Herman, for cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the children as I strived to complete this degree May God have a crown of righteousness stored in heaven awaiting you To both of my girls, Latasha and Vanessa, who always took time out of their busy schedules to proofread drafts of my proposal, I love you both and I appreciate all you have done for me Finally, to Vivian, Gloria, Sybil, and Phyllis, my dearest friends, you were always there to support me and for this, I truly thank you Acknowledgments With God first and foremost in my life, I thank you Lord for all things I know that every good and perfect gift comes from you, Lord It was by your grace and mercy that I have overcome I would like to thank and acknowledge my former chairperson, Dr Georgene Risko Thank you, Dr Risko, for providing me with a solid foundation for which I used to begin this study Dr Ella Benson, my chairperson, I thank you for your tireless patience, infallible instruction, and unwavering encouragement, which you provided throughout the completion of this study Dr Pamela Harrison, my second chairperson, it was not only a privilege but also an honor to have been under your tutelage Your expertise was simply second to none, and I realize that I was more than just blessed to have you as a committee member Dr Harrison, I sincerely thank you for answering my questions, reading my dissertation, providing feedback, and encouraging me during those times of experiencing writer’s block and hopelessness Dr Michael Brophy, if I could give you an award for being an outstanding URR, I would You are irreplaceable Your promptness, dedication, and commitment to ensuring my success was evident in all you have done There are no words to express how adequately I appreciate you; therefore, I will have to use these two most heartfelt words, thank you Table of Contents List of Tables .v List of Figures vi Section 1: The Problem Introduction Definition of the Problem Rationale Evidence of the Problem at the Local Level Evidence of the Problem From the Professional Literature 13 Definitions 15 Significance 17 Guiding/Research Question 18 Review of the Literature 19 Introduction 19 Organization of the Literature Review 19 Conceptual Framework 20 History of Cultural Competency 20 Current Research Literature Related to the Problem .24 The Achievement Gap 24 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) 39 Leadership and Accountability 42 Principal Leadership 44 Leadership Preparation Programs 49 i Implications 52 Summary 53 Section 2: The Methodology 54 Introduction 54 Study Design and Approach 56 Participants 58 Participant Selection Criteria 59 Procedures Used for Establishing the Researcher-Participant Working Relationship .60 Measures Followed to Protect Participants’ Rights .61 Data Collection 61 Questionnaires 62 Documents .62 Data Collection Process 63 Role of the Researcher 66 Data Analysis .68 Data Analysis Procedures Followed 68 Procedures Followed to Assure Accuracy and Credibility of Findings 69 Data Analysis Results 71 Research Question 72 Research Question 93 Research Question 98 Research Question 101 ii Conclusion 107 Section 3: The Project 108 Introduction 108 Project Description and Goals 109 Rationale 110 Review of the Literature 111 Introduction 112 Professional Development 114 Principals’ Professional Development Needs 115 Summary of Literature Review 134 Implementation 136 Potential Resources and Existing Supports 137 Potential Barriers 137 Proposal for Implementation and Timetable 138 Roles and Responsibilities of Participants and Others 140 Project Evaluation Plan 140 Project Implications Including Social Change 142 Local Community Implications 142 Far-Reaching Implications 142 Conclusion 143 Section 4: Reflections and Conclusions 144 Introduction 144 Project Strengths 145 iii ... described the achievement gap as disparities in educational outcomes from low and high vantage points On the low end of the spectrum are African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, and some Asian Americans... Americans (Vietnamese, Cambodians, and Laotians; Adekile, 2012) Those on the upper ends of educational attainment are mainly European Americans and other Asian Americans (Korean, Chinese, and Japanese... 2016 Abstract Exploring an African American Principal’s Cultural Leadership Effects on Closing the Achievement Gap by Doristine Cornelius MA, Belhaven University, 2007 BS, Jackson State University,