A single-case study of the managerial behavior of a principal of a high-achieving rural high school in northeast Mississippi

Relatively few studies have been done observing the managerial behavior of a high school principal in his natural setting. The purpose of the study was to examine what the principal did to demonstrate the characteristics of an effective principal as identified in the literature. The researcher implemented a single-subject research design. The researcher observed a single subject (a Caucasian male principal) of a high achieving, small, rural high school in northeast Mississippi. The researcher observed the principal for approximately two months as he interacted with students, teachers, office staff, maintenance personnel, cafeteria staff, support, and other administrative personnel. The focus of the study was on the principal's day-to-day interaction with teachers, students, and staff. The study was conducted during the first semester of the school year.;Data collection consisted of three basic steps: observing and recording behavior, studying and analyzing official documents, and writing finished field notes. As a result of the study, the researcher recommended that additional studies be conducted between principals of level 1 and level 2 schools and level 4 and level 5 schools to determine what characteristics are common that contributed to the success of high achieving schools in contrast to the lack of progress in low achieving schools.