Extracurricular/ co-curricular preparations and the relationship to leadership styles of K-12 administrators

Abstract

Due to high stakes accountability, the need for quality school leaders are essential. Many skills can be transferable from leaders' previous experience in activities. The purpose of this dissertation was to study the relationship between extracurricular and co-curricular preparations and the relationship to school leadership. Using a mixed design, the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) Form 5X (Avolio & Bass, 2004) and Profile of Extracurricular Preparations (PrEP) were utilized to examine participation levels of leaders prior to assuming leadership roles. The researcher aimed to examine leadership styles based on preparations. The analysis revealed several significant Pearson Correlations between MLQ leadership subscales and extracurricular and co-curricular engagement. A one-way ANOVA was then used to compare leaders based upon engagement levels. Post Hoc Tests were utilized to analyze significant relationships within the ANOVA. Transformational: Individual Consideration unveiled a significant difference between several groups. The qualitative findings revealed the majority of the participants felt their prior engagement helped their development of leadership skills. Implications for school leaders are preparatory activities positively affect leadership growth and development.