Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine key strategies in the areas of instructional leadership, communication, and empowerment used by the principals of 5 southern San Joaquin Valley comprehensive high schools that raised their Academic Performance Index by at least 100 points between 2003 and 2006. Methodology. The subjects in this study were 5 principals and their teaching staff. A descriptive case study research methodology was used to describe the key strategies in the areas of instructional leadership, communication, and empowerment used by principals. Findings. The researcher found that according to the teacher responders in this survey the 8 most important attributes of principal leadership influencing Academic Performance Index gain include: (a) Is focused on continuous improvement at the school, (b) Has high standards and high expectations for student learning, (c) Teachers have major role in standards-based curriculum development, (d) Teachers use test and assessment results to plan and adjust instruction, (e) Makes decisions in the best interest of students, (f) enthusiastic and positive about learning opportunities, (g) Committed to students, parents, and employees, and (h) Has a clear direction and plan for improving student achievement. Conclusions. Principals in the studied schools were able to make significant gains in their Academic Performance Index by working with their staff and incorporating instructional leadership, communication, and empowerment strategies to raise student learning as measured on standardized test scores which are used to measure the API of their school. The 5 specific principal attributes and leadership behaviors influencing Academic Performance Index gain include: (a) Principals are focused on student achievement; (b) Principals provide a vision and plan for raising student achievement; (c) Teachers play an important role in raising student achievement; (d) Principals are committed to all stakeholders; and (e) Communication between principals and teachers is important. Recommendations. It is recommended that other researchers explore principals' usage of key strategies of instructional leadership, communication, and empowerment in other settings. Some of these areas include schools with an Academic Performance Index over 800, larger high schools and high school districts, and 9-12 high school districts.