School Educator and Administrator Perceptions of the Impact on the Effectiveness of COVID-19 Policy Implementation: A Qualitative Case Study

This qualitative case study provided insight into the effectiveness of rural school leaders' implementation practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study addressed the need for knowledge regarding school administrators' and educators' perspectives on the practice changes necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative case study aimed to assess rural school leaders' perceptions while providing insight into the effectiveness and implementation practices necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to provide a holistic picture of the scholarly research and literature by utilizing Transformational Leadership (TL) as the guiding theoretical framework for this study and capturing the temperament and unique perspective of the 22 educators during the pandemic. The data collection instrument utilized for this study included questions regarding experiences and perceptions of the effectiveness of leadership practices. Participants shared significant memoirs and artifacts relating to answers shared during the interview to provide more clarity and insight into participants' answers, experiences, and perceptions aligned with the research questions and framework. Results from this study highlighted the discrepancies in resource accessibility and student learning within the school system. It also underscored the importance of leadership and education, the need for additional academic, social, and emotional support for students and educators, and a suitable technological learning management model that enhances stakeholders' overall learning and experience. This study also provided invaluable insight into the impact and influences of leadership on effective teaching, learning, and performance and provided feedback that will contribute to research regarding educational practices. [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.]