Citation

Mullen CA, Patrick RL. J. Educ. Stud. Placed Risk 2000; 5(3): 229-250.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1207/S15327671ESPR0503_3

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A principal's promising reform program that led to dramatic changes in student success in a K-6 elementary school on academic alert was investigated. This study was established to determine how an academically at-risk school that is facing state takeover has been strengthened. The researcher asked, what principles are at work in the changes the instructional leader instituted at her school, what actions did the principal take to improve the school climate, and, is there lasting substance to the new programs? The principal was "shadowed" in the school site and was engaged in conversation and writing. This article identifies 8 strategies that have been implemented for improving the school's climate. Findings suggest that this all-Black school could become a model to show that at-risk children can learn with the appropriate programs in place spearheaded by a team of effective practitioners.