Unveiling Success: A Case Study Exploring the Shared Values, Characteristics, and Strategies of Principals in Schools with Extremely Challenging Circumstances

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the leadership values, characteristics, and strategies necessary for principals to be successful in schools that face extremely challenging circumstances. The research was conducted by performing a qualitative research study to explore the case of a Colombia-based school facing “extreme challenges”. Research methods employed include semi-structured interviews with five members of staff of the school in Villanueva, Colombia, and two external participants (both of them, successful principals in their schools). The results obtained by this research could prove that principals in successful schools suffering from extremely challenging circumstances share similar characteristics, values, and strategies, even when each school faces its own unique reality.