NEW URBAN PRINCIPALS - ROLE CONCEPTIONS AT THE ENTRY-LEVEL

This study examines role conceptions of newly appointed urban principa ls within the context of their schools and districts as a means of ide ntifying personal and organizational forces that influence the emergen ce of transformational leadership. Based on the responses to a sun,ey regarding leadership beliefs, personal and organizational expectations , and problem-solving perspectives, the authors conclude that principa ls' role conceptions incorporate aspects of transformational leadershi p yet remain highly traditional in several respects directly correspon ding to perceived expectations emanating from the district, school, an d community. Responses also suggest that district leaders fail to prov ide the encouragement or support necessary for the development of tran sformational leadership.