The roles and responsibilities of an effective school principal ; an internship report

Edwards, Paul G. (2000) The roles and responsibilities of an effective school principal ; an internship report. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (6MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

Today in education, we find ourselves amid much change and diversity. It is a time of not only unrest in the education system but a time when positive changes can take place. Ongoing educational reform initiatives place more responsibility for decision making on individual schools. Thus, expectations for schools have changed and so has the role of the principal. This internship report focuses on effective leadership, especially educational leadership, as it reflects the roles and responsibilities of a school administrator in our changing and demanding system of education. -- The role of the principal is indeed multidimensional. There appears to be a consensus that the roles and responsibilities of a school principal are as multifaceted and complex as the school organization is itself. The responsibilities seem ever evolving and never absolute. -- An abundance of current literature from the last two decades exists to describe the various tasks and daily functions of the principal. This report focuses on what Sybouts and Wendel (1994) contend to be the critical functions and tasks of school administrators: (i) instruction and curriculum development; (ii) pupil personnel services; (iii) staff personnel services; (iv) community-school leadership; and (v) organization, structure, coordination and management of school finances. -- Critical reflections in the form of a descriptive narrative of daily experiences observed by the intern are included. These reflections serve to indicate that many functions characteristic of an effective leader were evident in this particular internship setting. It is through these reflections that the intern has developed a deeper and more thorough understanding and appreciation for the many roles a principal must assume in order to meet the needs of the many stakeholders in our education system.

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