Enhancing Motivational Opportunity in Elementary Schooling: A Case Study of the Ecology of Principal Leadership

This theory-based case study of an innovative K-6 private school reflects the collaborative efforts of a principal and researcher (also parent and school board member) to identify the vision and key processes the principal used to create and sustain a motivating climate for teachers, students, and parents. We present and analyze retrospective vignettes written by the principal to chart representative activities during a typical week. We argue that the rich motivational opportunities offered were derived from the implementation of 4 ecological principles: the development of diverse niches (activities) that recognize individuality and demand involvement and adaptation; the expansion of resources to include students, their parents, and the community; the interdependence of activities at each level (teacher, parent, student) of the school; and the balancing of resources and activities. Implications are drawn regarding administrative contributions to school and classroom motivational climate in both private and public schools-a largely understudied problem.