The advocate principal: a study of principal leadership in special education for the twenty-first century

The purpose of this study was to define and honor the advocate principal for special education. Using qualitative research, the advocate principal was described through a focus group interview of special education administrators. The leadership practices of advocate principals were then identified through individual in-depth interviews. Five core themes emerged as advocate principals described their leadership in special education: moral purpose, culture and climate, collaborative practices, instructional leadership, and transformational practices. The advocate principal for special education is a leader for the twenty-first century