Abstract:

This research is anchored in the philosophy of phenomenology as established by Husserl (1913). Phenomenology is the study of how people describe things and experience them through their senses. The assumption was we only know what we experience by attending to perceptions and meanings that awaken our consciousness. Eight leaders who have contributed to overhauling “failing Schools” in the United States were interviewed and they elaborate on the structure and variations structures that support their successes.

A key foundation of the results is transformational leadership strategy used in the schools that leads to reform in the stakeholders, school culture, and educational institutions. People who engage in transformational leadership lead by setting examples, mentoring others, and motivating followers to achieve organizational goals. Transformational leadership consists of four components: inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, idealized influence, and individual consideration. The conclusion of our research suggests that transformational leaders transform the personal values of stakeholders to support the vision and goals of the organization by fostering an environment where relationships can be formed and by establishing a climate of trust in which visions can be shared. Our participants concluded that, transformational leaders inspire, while communicating expectations and demonstrating a commitment to goals and a shared vision. Transformational leaders promote consistent vision, mission, and a set of values. They are visionaries who know what they want from the beginning of their interactions. They inspire and motivate others by “providing meaning and challenge to their followers’ work”. The spirit of the team is “aroused” while “enthusiasm and optimism are displayed”. They build relationships with followers through interactive communication and building cultural bonds that leads to a shifting of values resulting in creating common ground, that in turn transform schools and students.

The leaders participating in our research identified multiple factors that contribute to the success of a school. Factors contributing to school’s success have different meanings for these leaders, as well as teachers and for parents whose children are studying in that school, the leaders identified five key characteristics: the school’s program, the school’s mission, leadership, the school’s structure, and community. The school’s program is the combined effort of leaders and teachers, which shapes a student’s future that parents believe in. The mission is integral to the school's academic success. Leaders are respected and valued by both teachers and parents. School structure provides a base value for leaders and teachers.

Keywords:

Phenomenology, Transforming Failing Schools, Transformational Leadership, Interactive Communication, Organizational Goals.