Distributed leadership: principals describe shared roles in a PDS

Abstract

This paper examines principals’ descriptions of the implementation of an urban professional development school (PDS) network through the lens of a distributed leadership framework, in order to explore the role of the principal and its relationship to the goals of a PDS and its major stakeholders. By analysing semi-structured interviews with PDS principals, participant observation field notes and PDS School Action Plans through a distributed leadership lens, the authors seek to understand how principals describe the development and emergence of distributive leadership in a PDS network, and how descriptions of their PDS work connect to the development of various dimensions of their leadership. Based on data analysis, the authors propose three categories of emergent leadership interrelationships: frameworks, relationships and practice. These provide the basis for a deeper understanding of the critical aspects of leadership that PDS can facilitate in school leaders’ development and impact. The authors propose that principals construct meaning about their own leadership development and ability to enable effective school change by connecting their knowledge and understanding of what leadership entails and how it is shared with others. Research on the principal’s role in an urban PDS provides insights into how additional PDS roles provide new perspectives and opportunities for converting the principal into a change agent.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Catherine Larsen

Catherine Larsen is an assistant professor in Teacher Education at DePaul University, 2320 N. Kenmore #402, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. Email: [email protected]. She served as an educator and administrator for over 30 years, and as the Director of the university’s PDS network. In addition to Professional Development Schools, her research interests include arts integration.

Barbara Stacy Rieckhoff

Barbara Stacy Rieckhoff, is an assistant professor in Educational Leadership at DePaul University, 2320 N. Kenmore #371, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. Email: [email protected]. She served as a school administrator for 15 years and as a Faculty Liaison within the university’s PDS network. Her research interests include leadership development and principal mentoring.