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The following document represents a Problem Based Learning Project (PBL) around the central theme of school improvement, the components of school improvement, and the importance of the presence and interaction of five central components of school improvement. Five central components, or constructs, identified and selected from a breadth of educational research literature are, in no particular order of importance, Leadership, Data-Driven Decision Making (specific to instructional data), Clear and Focused Mission, Professional Development, and Frequent Monitoring. This project has been driven by four guiding questions: (1) Do school leaders use a systematic approach for school improvement? (2) In what ways do school leaders demonstrate the existence of the components within school improvement constructs in their schools? (3) In what ways do school leaders integrate components of each construct? (4) In what ways do school leaders demonstrate evidence of construct interaction? The team conducted a survey of principals in Missouri and Southeast Kansas to examine their knowledge and implementation of the five constructs identified through the team's background knowledge search of research-based literature. The 22-question mixed methods survey was administered to 100 building level principals at various grade levels including elementary, middle school, junior high, and high school via a secure, online data collection site. Principals surveyed represented a variety of socioeconomic populations, geographic areas, and student enrollments. Twenty principals completed the survey. The team found many principals were knowledgeable of the five constructs. However, many failed to fully implement the constructs and most did not allow the constructs to work together in an interrelated fashion. As a result, the team provides recommendations for implementing the constructs and suggestions for how to allow the constructs to mutually influence one another in order to maximize their potential. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]

The following document represents a Problem Based Learning Project (PBL) around the central theme of school improvement, the components of school improvement, and the importance of the presence and interaction of five central components of school improvement. Five central components, or constructs, identified and selected from a breadth of educational research literature are, in no particular order of importance, Leadership, Data-Driven Decision Making (specific to instructional data), Clear and Focused Mission, Professional Development, and Frequent Monitoring. This project has been driven by four guiding questions: (1) Do school leaders use a systematic approach for school improvement? (2) In what ways do school leaders demonstrate the existence of the components within school improvement constructs in their schools? (3) In what ways do school leaders integrate components of each construct? (4) In what ways do school leaders demonstrate evidence of construct interaction? The team conducted a survey of principals in Missouri and Southeast Kansas to examine their knowledge and implementation of the five constructs identified through the team's background knowledge search of research-based literature. The 22-question mixed methods survey was administered to 100 building level principals at various grade levels including elementary, middle school, junior high, and high school via a secure, online data collection site. Principals surveyed represented a variety of socioeconomic populations, geographic areas, and student enrollments. Twenty principals completed the survey. The team found many principals were knowledgeable of the five constructs. However, many failed to fully implement the constructs and most did not allow the constructs to work together in an interrelated fashion. As a result, the team provides recommendations for implementing the constructs and suggestions for how to allow the constructs to mutually influence one another in order to maximize their potential. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]