A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LATINO PRINCIPALS AND CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH AFFECTING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IN TITLE I URBAN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

The purpose of this comparative study was to examine the personal experiences of Hispanic and/or Latino Principals and how their leadership styles affect the Organizational Health of the primary education campus they administer. Furthermore, this study focuses on analyzing how the culture, climate, and overall organizational health of each campus affects student achievement through the perceptions of teachers through the administration of the Organizational Health – Index Survey provided by Hoy & Tarter (1997) designed for primary school campuses. The findings of this comparative qualitative research study suggest that schools that focus on strengthening relationships between administrators and teachers will be those that will inevitably have a positive health in their overall organization. Additionally, as seen through the use of the Organizational Health – Index survey created by Hoy & Tarter (1997) and administered in this research study, schools that focus on building a connection between the members of campus that have the power to steer the climate and culture of the school (i.e. administrators, teachers) will be those that will be successful and have staff that is more committed to the success of the campus as a whole. When positive relationships can be made in the school setting and the effects of the administrative efforts can be seen by the teaching staff, a positive health for the overall organization within the school will be evident.