Campus Location
Dallas Campus (Online)
Date of Award
4-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Department
Organizational Leadership
Degree Name
Master of Theological Studies
Committee Chair or Primary Advisor
Julie M. Lane
Second Committee Member or Secondary Advisor
Dianne Reed
Third Committee Member or Committee Reader
Sandra Harris
Abstract
This narrative inquiry examined how principals in low-performing high-minority urban schools use transformational leadership to improve academic outcomes. The purpose of this research was to describe principals’ leadership behaviors that are perceived to positively influence academic achievement among students who identify as minority and low socioeconomic status and are attending or have attended urban school districts with high concentrations of the identified population. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with principals, and narratives were studied to identify trends across their experiences. Four themes emerged: (a) trust and shared accountability, (b) encouraging creativity and risk-taking, (c) communicating shared goals, and (d) providing growth opportunities and professional development. Together, these themes showed how transformational leadership behaviors play out day-to-day and how they create conditions that support improving academic achievement. Findings suggested that transformational principals create relationships, set high expectations, share a vision for success, and use teacher development to empower teachers to improve teaching and learning. The study highlights the significance of leadership actions that drive school improvement. The findings have several implications, including reimagining leadership preparation programs, redefining district support structures, and professional learning that prepares teachers to improve students’ academic outcomes. Recommendations for future research include expanding the sample size, examining additional school contexts, and exploring how district-level systems affect principals’ ability to lead school transformation.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Taylor Fullmighter, Staci, "Transformative Leadership in Action: A Narrative Study of Principals’ Influence on Students’ Achievement" (2026). Digital Commons @ ACU, Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1015.
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/etd/1015
Included in
Educational Leadership Commons, Elementary Education Commons, Other Education Commons, Secondary Education Commons