Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education

Abstract

Writing instruction means and looks so different to so many educators. Can we democratize writing instruction, ensuring that all students are provided best practices, giving them the gift to express themselves through written language? Principals across the state of Illinois were asked about their perceptions on writing curriculum and the factors of the principalship that influence student success in writing. The study sought to identify principals understandings of best practices in writing and knowledge of effective writing instruction. Descriptive data provided an analysis of three composite scores: principals understandings of implementing writing instruction, their knowledge of effective writing, and their understandings of the implementation of writing curriculum. This descriptive data provides an understanding of principals skills with writing instruction and curriculum. The study found principals' understandings of best practices in writing and knowledge of effective writing composite scores do predict a significant proportion of variance within implementing writing curriculums. Significance was not present when examining principals years of experience on the implementing writing instruction composite score. Last, there was a significant difference based on principal years of experience on the principals knowledge of effective writing composite score. The most critical implication of the study suggests principals improve upon their knowledge and understandings of writing instruction to provide leadership within writing instruction.  

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