Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify the school improvement strategies of NCLB perceived by elementary principals to be most effective in improving student achievement. In addition, it was the purpose of this study to identify school improvement strategies perceived by elementary principals as barriers to improving school achievement. Lastly, it was the purpose of this study to identify school improvement strategies absent from NCLB as perceived by elementary principals. Methodology. The subjects in the present study were fifty elementary principals comprised of eight school districts from the South Bay. Subjects responded to two research instruments: (1) a twenty-seven-item survey assessing school improvement strategies that are perceived to be most effective in increasing student achievement. (2) an interview utilizing ten semistructured interview questions assessing the four essential elements in NCLB and their effectiveness to increase student achievement. Findings. Examination of quantitative and qualitative data from the fifty elementary principals indicated elementary principals perceive gathering, analyzing, and using data to inform decision making is the most valuable factor in increasing student achievement. Secondly, examinations of the same data from the elementary principals state that Title I funding and its flexibility is an enormous factor in student achievement. Additionally, highly qualified teachers are essential in the standards-based instruction that is apparent for success. Lastly, high-stakes testing and threats of sanctions is seriously affecting everyone (principals and teachers). Stress has increased on school campuses nationwide. Students with disabilities and English Learners are a critical piece to NCLB, which must be explored further to ensure that all students are proficient by 2014. Conclusions. NCLB was designed to introduce national standards to a system in which students in some demographic groups were more likely to succeed and others likely to be left behind. Recommendations. Further research is advised: middle and high school principals should be studied to assess their perceptions of NCLB. A case study should be done with schools that are high achieving to take an in-depth look at their leadership skills, practices, and strategies connected with high school students' academic achievement.