| The purpose of this qualitative case study is to show and explain how one school leader influenced student achievement. The case study focused specifically on the leadership philosophy and practice of one inner-city principal. For this qualitative case study, the researcher used published literature; observation field notes; questionnaires, interviews, and artifacts detailing the principal's leadership philosophy and its impact on student achievement. The study investigated whether the principal's leadership philosophy and instructional practices influenced student achievement. The findings of the study showed that the principal's philosophy strongly impacts student achievement. The study found it was the principal's leadership philosophy that influenced teachers to change the way they viewed teaching so that student success could be achieved. The study supported and complemented this principal's philosophy to student achievement by changing the school's culture, supporting the teachers, and involving parents and community in cultivating change.;Although the research was limited to one school in one area, the interviews and surveys provided valuable insights to how one inner-city elementary school principal was able to change the culture of a school, create a shared-vision, win the trust and respect of teachers, parents, and students, and involve the community to promote student achievement. |
