Conclusion
This study addressed the relationship of principals’ servant leadership characteristics with student achievement. Indicated in preceding relevant literature was the idea that principals can influence, whether directly or indirectly, student achievement (Cotton, 2003).
Findings from this project suggest that principals who display servant leadership characteristics have a positive influence on student achievement. This is valuable information as principals and school systems must discover ways to address the demanding pressures of increasing student achievement. Principal training programs must address the significant influence of the instructional leader on the learning process. Facilities and building management, although of great importance, are not the only responsibility of today’s principal. The achievement accountability that a principal as instructional leader faces cannot be ignored. A principal who will display qualities associated with servant leadership can have a positive influence on the learning that takes place in his building. If a principal is to be held accountable for the achievement of the students given to his charge, he must find a way to make an impact where it matters most.
A surprising finding from this study was that there was no significant relationship between a principal’s servant leadership score and his experience. This researcher was sure that a more experienced principal would either be (1) more self-critical and would score lower on the SASL or (2) would naturally develop the leadership characteristics of a servant leader and would score higher on the SASL. A nonsignificant result was a surprise and unexpected result.
The findings of this research add significantly to the body of knowledge of servant leadership theory, especially in the educational leadership realm. Principals, school districts and training programs can use this knowledge to develop the servant leadership characteristics of principals, which could also lead to increased student achievement. Further research could lead to specifics in principal training designed to better equip principals in areas that are more likely to have a positive relationship with student achievement. School districts could use instruments such as, or similar to, the SASL to detect areas of servant leadership that may be inadequate in a leader and arrange training programs to develop further the servant leadership skills of that individual.