ORCID

0009-0002-8993-1671

Keywords

Principal, Underrepresented, school leader, gifted, high ability, implementation

Abstract

Researchers consider the underrepresentation of Black, English Language Learner, and Low Economic status students who are high ability in gifted and advanced programs, an issue largely due to multiple issues (i.e. lack of standard definition or single conception, identification testing flaws, bias). Though many district and school related mitigation factors have been studied and suggested, there is very little research on the school principal and their role in mitigating these effects. This sequential, exploratory mixed methods study examined the challenges leaders face when implementing policies and processes for supporting and recognizing Black, English language learner, and low socio-economic students who are high ability. The study also examined leadership behaviors utilized by principals and potential support needed to implement such policies and programs to sustainability. The first phase of the study included semi-structured interviews with principals in a Central Florida urban school district, and data gleaned from the first phase was used to create and propose an instrument (‘Principal’s High Ability Student Support for Equity Scale’) that may be utilized to gauge areas that principals need support in implementation. Statistical analysis was completed, and findings suggest a need for support in principal background and contextual impacts to implementation. Findings were discussed and a proposed framework introduced with recommendations for future research.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Fall

Committee Chair

Gillian Eriksson

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

College

College of Community Innovation and Education

Department

Curriculum and Instruction

Degree Program

Curriculum and Instruction

Format

PDF

Identifier

DP0029052

Language

English

Release Date

12-15-2024

Access Status

Dissertation

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Accessibility Status

PDF accessibility verified using Adobe Acrobat Pro Accessibility Checker

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