Date of Completion

12-15-2015

Embargo Period

12-14-2015

Keywords

Common Core Mathematics Education Reform Teacher Educational Leadership

Major Advisor

Morgaen Donaldson

Associate Advisor

Shaun Dougherty

Associate Advisor

Bob Villanova

Associate Advisor

Sarah Woulfin

Field of Study

Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

Degree

Doctor of Education

Open Access

Open Access

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between specific leadership behaviors (i.e. the extent to which principals establish goals and expectations; plan, coordinate and evaluate teaching and the curriculum; and promote and participate in teacher learning) and teachers’ self-reported sense of preparedness and self-reported use of practices that align with the key shifts in the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics (CCSSM). Data for this quantitative study are from a teacher survey that was distributed electronically to all K-8 certified Connecticut teachers in fall, 2015.

Linear regression analysis shows significant relationships between the variables. Specifically, teachers who reported higher levels of principal involvement in setting clear goals and expectations, and supporting and participating in teacher learning, also reported higher levels of preparedness to teach the CCSSM. Teachers who reported higher levels of principal involvement in setting clear goals and expectations also reported lower levels of using math practices that are not aligned with the CCSSM. Conversely, teachers who reported higher levels of principal planning, coordinating, and evaluating teaching and the curriculum also reported higher levels of using math practices that do not align with the key shifts in the CCSSM. Finally, teachers who reported higher levels of feeling prepared to teach the CCSSM also reported using math practices that align with the key shifts in the CCSSM, as well as math practices that do not align with the key shifts.

Implications of this study and recommendations are provided at the principal, district, and state levels.

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