Effective Middle Level Principals

Today, more is expected of principals than ever before. Instructional leadership, curricular management, test data monitoring, day-by-day management, parent committees, participative management are representative of the pressures faced daily by building level administrators. As more is expected, and as effective principals are more closely scrutinized, more is learned about "effectiveness" as it applies to all principals, and to middle level principals in particular. This manuscript presents findings from general studies of principal effectiveness and more specific studies of middle level principal effectiveness which can be translated into useful practices in middle level schools. A process for the professional improvement of principals is also presented, including suggestions for self-assessment and strategies for personal improvement. The principal is the key that unlocks the effectiveness of a given school. Before the school can function at the most effective level, the principal must function effectively. This manuscript provides a knowledge base and some suggestions which can lead to more effective performance.