The purpose of this research was to construct the indicators of elementary school principal evaluation by the Delphi technique. The research goals were: (1)Discussing the domestic and foreign correlation theories and the studies of principals'evaluation, to be the reference of establishin- gquestionnaire of this research. (2)Construct evaluation items that were suitable for principals'evaluat ion in Kaohsiung. (3)By Delphi technique, the questionnaire survey through the whole city principals established the appropriate evaluation indicators and dimentions. (4)This research proposed the concrete suggestions, providing refere- nces for the educational administration institute¡C This research implemented two times of Delphi questionnaire survey and a whole city elementary school principals' general survey. The first questionnaire based on the literature discussion, collecting the entire domestic and foreign studies and evaluation indicators of various counties that had implemented principals' evaluation. The content of the questionnaire divided into five dimentions, 14 evalua- tion items and 35 evaluation indicators. After consulting with Delphi committee members, the revision showed 6 dimentions, 15 evaluation items and 55 evaluation indicators, developping for the second edition questionnaire. After two times of Delphi committee mem bers' survey, the third revision developped 5 dimentions, 14 evaluation items and 42 evaluation indicators. Survey to elementary school incumbent princip- als sent out 85 questionnaires, recycled 82 questionnaires, and the returns-ratio was 96.47%. Based on analysis of the data obtained, conclusions of the study were as follows 1.Construct evaluation indicators that suitable for principals'evaluation in Kaohsiung.¡G5dimentions (A, policy execution; B, administration management; C, curriculum and teaching leadership; D, professional re sponsibility; E, public relation), 14evaluation items and 40 evaluation indicators 2.¡§A, policy execution¡¨devided into 2 evaluation items and 5 evalu- ation indicators. 3.¡§B, administration management¡¨devided into 4 evaluation items and 12 evaluation indicators. 4.¡§C, curriculum and the teaching leadership¡¨ devided into 3 evalu- ation items and 10 evaluation indicators. 5.¡§D, professional responsibility¡¨ devided into 2 evaluation items and 5 evaluation indicators. 6.¡§E, public relation¡¨devided into 3 evaluation items and 8 evalua- tion indicators. 7.The principals in Kaohsiung. expressed the general acceptance to this research . Based on the conclusions, this research proposed suggestions: First, suggestions to educational administration institute. 1.Using evaluation indicators constructed by this research to underst- and systematically the achievements of the principals. 2.Hold the public hearings and the explanation meetings, in order to improve the understanding of principal evaluation. 3.Training evaluation experts to guarantee the value of principal evaluation. Second, suggestions to elementary school principals. 1.Principal evaluation is the current educational trend, everybody should embrace the enthusiastic manner. 2.Based on evaluation indicators, the principals should regularly or non-periodically comments conduct self-evaluation. 3.Paying much attention on communication and the public relation, the principals should establish good interaction with the colleague, the students and the community. Third, suggestions to future studies. 1.The following research may simultaneously survey in weight of evaluation dimentions, items and indicators. 2.May coordinate between principal and the school background to construct the common and different evaluation indicators

In order to meet the instructional, accountability, and staffing requirements of No Child Left Behind legislation (NCLB, 2001) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004, elementary school principals are being challenged to include all students with disabilities into general education settings. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze a sample of elementary school principals'experiences and views of the unintended consequences of implementing inclusion of students with disabilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Data were collected through a qualitative design, using focus group methodology and document analysis. Three focus groups were conducted consisting of elementary school principals from Virginia. Participants were asked to provide school and/or division level documents stating the philosophy or procedures regarding the inclusion of students with disabilities. The researcher also reviewed information and documents on the school and division websites of participants prior to focus group sessions. These documents were analyzed in regards to the role of the principal in relation to the inclusion of students with disabilities. Research questions and data collected were framed and analyzed using an educational system capacity framework developed by Florian, Hange, and Copeland (2000). The researcher interpreted and described how elementary school principals experience inclusion as affecting the role of the principal through the lens of human, organizational, structural, and resource capacities. Major findings that emerged included the following challenges that elementary school principals experience: (a) the inclusion/LRE debate; (b) their own lack of knowledge of special education and inclusion as well as the lack of knowledge of other key players; (c) limited staffing and scheduling options that offer the continuum of special education services in order to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities; (d) co-teaching conflicts; and (e) discipline concerns related to including students with disabilities in the general education setting. / Ed. D.

Studies conducted in numerous states by various researchers demonstrate that library media specialists who take an active role in the instructional process positively impact student achievement in their schools. Principals are the instructional leaders of their schools, yet the research indicates that they are not knowledgeable regarding the role of the library media specialist. This study explored Virginia elementary school principals' perceptions of the instructional role of the library media specialist, the effect of library schedule on these perceptions, and the origin of these perceptions. Principals who responded to the study strongly endorsed the role of library media specialist as teacher of information literacy skills and as instructional partner. There was no statistically significant difference in perceptions based on the type of library schedule in place—fixed, flexible, or mixed/combination. Respondents indicated that they learn about the instructional role of the library media specialist from library media specialists with whom they work, either in their current positions as principals or through their previous experiences as classroom teachers. Principals form their views based on both negative and positive interactions with library media specialists and base their expectations of their current and future library media specialists on these prior experiences and expectations. This finding indicates that school library media specialist preparation programs should prepare their graduates to positively present their key instructional role and that training in this area should be provided for those library media specialists already in the field. Another key finding was that principals place primary responsibility for initiation of collaboration at both the individual teacher and the school level with the library media specialist. Further research is warranted to explore how principals facilitate full implementation of the instructional role of the library media specialist in their schools.

Catholic schools in the United States have experienced daunting challenges since Vatican II (1962-1965) with a 45% decrease in number attributed to decisions made by Church leaders. Traditionally led by religious, the National Catholic Education Association (2010) reported 97% of Catholic schools are now staffed by lay people. This research details the importance of Catholic schools to the evangelizing mission of the Church, defines the role of laity, and acknowledges a lack of programs that support lay Catholic principals. Past studies provide a snapshot of trends, list expected competencies, and compare their positions to public school counterparts. The literature review indicates little attention has focused on lived experiences of lay Catholic principals. This study presents the stories of six female Catholic principals in an effort to provide a greater understanding of the responsibilities associated with their roles. Using narrative case study design, this research reveals aspects of their lives, careers, and families as it pertains to their experiences as Catholic principals. Six major themes emerged from the analysis of data: (1) the unwavering link between the Catholic Church and school; (2) the call for leadership that deepens the faith of their constituencies; (3) the importance of building community as a dimension of the principal’s role as faith leader; (4) the requisite for principals to model faith in action; (5) the need for spiritual and professional development to support principals as faith leaders; and, (6) the negotiation of tensions in their personal and professional lives. Results provide a richer understanding of the complexity associated with lay leadership and informs the reader of areas in need of further research to assure the future of Catholic education in the United States. Specifically, findings suggest Church leadership structure programs that adequately prepare lay Catholic principals for their roles, perform studies focused on the multifaceted roles associated with Catholic school leadership, and create opportunities for spiritual and professional development for those who currently serve in these positions. The study confirms priests as the link between the Catholic Church and school, and suggests their preparation, as well as desire to oversee a Catholic school, as critical.