The first 90 days of the principalship: significance of the transition period

UnrestrictedThe current state of education requires leaders who are able to diagnose and solve problems. In the current era of educational reform schools are being held accountable for meeting rigid federally imposed accountability standards, such as No Child Left Behind. This study attempted to answer three research questions: 1. Do principals in a turnaround situation find the transition period (first 90 days) to be important? 2. What strategies and conceptual frameworks (leadership theories) were useful to new principals during the transition period (first 90 days) in a turnaround school? 3. Did any programs, formal or informal, prepare new principals for success during the transition period (first 90 days) in a turnaround school?; This study analyzed 10 principals to determine what leadership strategies are essential for the first 90 days of a principalship. The study presents a paradigm for principals of the 21st century who must be equipped to produce immediate results at school sites, especially those schools that are in a current state of academic decline or low morale. The results of this study are informational and helpful to aspiring administrators and current principals at turnaround schools. The study utilized a case study method that allowed the researcher multiple ways to collect the data as well as the ability to conduct cross-case analyses. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach; quantitative as well as qualitative methods were used. -- There is extensive literature on leadership strategies and school leadership. However, this study is beneficial because there is limited literature on the first 90 days of the school principalship. This study accurately determines skill sets and leadership strategies that give principals pathways to success and longevity