This article presents a synthesis of countervailing pressures against leading for social justice as described in the literature. This synthesis focuses on the present-day countervailing pressures that school leaders face as detailed in the literature on leading for social justice. These countervailing pressures include a deficit-thinking status…

Beginning teachers continue to exit the classroom in alarming numbers, despite numerous recruitment and retention strategies. High teacher turnover rates result in a deficit of quality teachers and instruction; a loss of continuity and commitment; and time, attention, and funds devoted to recruitment versus support. The purpose of this empirical…

This study, based on interviews with 31 principals, was undertaken in response to quantitative evidence from a larger mixed-methods project that found school leaders' collective efficacy to be a crucial link joining district leadership and conditions to school conditions and student learning. Results of this study suggest that districts contribute…

Develops a multifaceted definition of faculty trust at three organizational levels in a survey of urban elementary teachers. Along with willingness to risk vulnerability, five faces of trust emerged: benevolence, reliability, competence, honesty, and openness. When teachers trust their principals, they usually trust one other and their clients.…

Examines how metaphors held by teachers, administrators, and staff in a suburban middle school shaped their beliefs and practices. Findings indicated that metaphorical images of school culture comported with professional reality. (Contains 28 references.) (PKP)

Uses theoretical model and prior empirical research to investigate effects of site council support and communications and decision-making practices on perceived outcomes. Findings show that decision focus and positive communications have direct effect on outcomes, and that council capacity and authority have indirect effects. (Contains 30…