Graduation Year
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Ph.D.
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Degree Granting Department
Educational Leadership
Major Professor
Zorka Karanhxa, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Charles Vanover, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Tanetha Fisher, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Monica Verra-Tirado, Ph.D.
Keywords
School administration, school leadership, special education, special education leadership, secondary education
Abstract
This dissertation is a case study of a large school district and it’s high school principals’ approach to instructional decision making for students with disabilities. This study explores how principals utilize teaching resources and make instructional decisions for students receiving special education services on their campus. Using district-wide quantitative data on special education students in high school, this study offers a comprehensive view of how these students are served. Additionally, five in-depth interviews with high school principals currently serving in the district provide qualitative insights into leadership practices. Findings from this study reveal variation in how students with disabilities are served across high schools within the district and principals primarily have a hands-off approach in terms of directly supporting this population. Through coding analysis, seven key themes emerged providing insight into how school administrators approach special education leadership. This dissertation offers practical implications for educational leadership and underscores the need for further research in this critical area of literature.
Scholar Commons Citation
Meehan, Laura, "A Case Study of a Large School District’s High School Principals’ Instructional Decision-Making for Students with Disabilities" (2024). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/10652
