Transformational leadership, professional school culture, and perceived effectiveness in specialized programs for students with disabilities

The structure of a program for students with disabilities is only one of many factors to be considered when assessing program effectiveness. Leadership style has been found in the literature to have an influence on school effectiveness. There is also evidence that a culture of excellence underlies effective schools. A strong relationship between leadership and school culture has been found to promote professional organizational and individual excellence. The present study focused on the leadership styles of administrators in non-district special education schools for students with disabilities as these relate to building a strong school culture. It explored: (1) primary leadership styles of school administrators; (2) organizational culture; (3) influence of leadership style on organizational culture; and (4) aspects of leadership style and organizational culture that influence effectiveness in non-district special education programs. Three survey instruments, the Leader Behavior Questionnaire, the School Culture Assessment Questionnaire, and a survey measuring perceived effectiveness were administered to administrators and educational staff in 15 schools listed in the New Jersey Directory of In-State Approved Private Schools for the Disabled that provide educational services for students with disabilities. These instruments were administered to test the presence of transformational leadership and professional school culture, and their relationship in non-district special education programs. The leader related variables were: focus, trust, respect, risk, and time span of vision. The organizational variables were: managing change, attainment of goals, coordinated teamwork, community orientation, and cultural strength. Statistical analyses were completed using multiple regression techniques with standardized regression weights. The results of this study supported the expectation that behaviors and characteristics of transformational leadership influence the development of a professional school culture that reflects effectiveness and excellence. Positive relationships were found between visionary leadership and effective team functioning.