Date of Award

8-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Executive Leadership

First Supervisor

Dr. Marie Cianca

Second Supervisor

Dr. Casey van Harssel

Abstract

The study examined the role of principal leadership behavior in creating cultures of care in urban high schools. Further, the study assesses how culture contributes to urban high school performance while also considering the nuances of urban schools. Additionally, the study provides a review of the literature examining components such as urban high school context, principal behavior, cultures of care, and urban high school placement and specialization. Tichnor-Wagner and Allen’s (2016) typology of care was used as the theoretical framework. The study used a qualitative research design to study the experiences of seven principals and recently retired principals of high-performing urban high schools. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using multiple cycles of coding. The study identified themes and subthemes based on the interview data which then yielded four major findings. First, working towards a common purpose is critical. Second, high-performing urban high schools are a collective effort. Third, leaders of urban high schools must be skilled in executing ideas. Lastly, being the principal of a high-performing urban high school requires an unequivocal commitment. The study concludes with recommendations for further research and five performance recommendations for educators and leaders.

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