There is no single definitive answer to what the number one reason for school principal failure is, as there can be a variety of factors that contribute to success or failure in this role. However, there are a few common themes that emerge in research on the subject.

One factor that has been identified as critical to principal success is leadership. Effective principals are able to set a clear vision for their schools, build strong relationships with staff and students, and create a positive school culture. In contrast, ineffective principals may struggle with communication, lack a clear vision for their school, or fail to build relationships with their staff and students.

Another key factor is the ability to manage and allocate resources effectively. This includes not only financial resources, but also time, staff, and other resources that are necessary for running a successful school. Effective principals are able to make informed decisions about how to allocate resources in a way that benefits the school as a whole, while ineffective principals may struggle to prioritize resources or make decisions that benefit only a subset of stakeholders.

There are also a variety of personal characteristics that are associated with effective principalships, such as emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and a growth mindset. Principals who possess these traits may be more likely to develop strong relationships with staff and students, create a positive school culture, and adapt to changing circumstances.

Some additional factors that can contribute to principal success or failure include political pressures, community engagement, and the ability to navigate complex educational policies and regulations.

It is worth noting that the research on principal success and failure is complex and multifaceted, and there is no single definitive answer to what factors are most important. However, a few studies have identified leadership, resource management, and personal characteristics as key factors. For example, a study by the Wallace Foundation (2013) identified five key practices that effective principals use to improve student achievement, including setting high expectations, creating a positive school culture, and using data to inform decision-making. Similarly, a study by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (2018) found that effective principals possess a wide range of skills and traits, including strong communication skills, a focus on student learning, and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders.

References:

National Association of Elementary School Principals. (2018). Leading Learning Communities: A Principal's Guide to Early Learning and the Common Core. Alexandria, VA: National Association of Elementary School Principals.

The Wallace Foundation. (2013). The School Principal as Leader: Guiding Schools to Better Teaching and Learning. New York: The Wallace Foundation.

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