Effectiveness of Transformational Leadership Components on Student Performance at Title I Secondary Schools

This qualitative phenomenological research study used interviews of Title I Secondary School principals regarding their leadership styles and how they get buy-in from their teams. The data collected was analyzed by transcribing the interviews and reading to find common trends in the information. The data collected was compared to each school's performance on standardized tests in Texas to see any commonalities in how the chosen leadership style effects student performance. The achievement gap between economically disadvantaged and non-economically disadvantaged students was compared to the same existing achievement gap in the data of the state of Texas. The study results support the notion that the use of transformational leadership components aligns with best practices of leadership by principals and when utilized, the achievement gap between economically disadvantaged and non-economically disadvantaged students lessens. [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.]