Running Head: WHAT GREAT PRINCIPALS DO DIFFERENTLY

What Great Principals Do Differently

Fifteen Things That Matter Most
Book Review
Rafael O. Carballo
University of St. Thomas

WHAT GREAT PRINCIPALS DO DIFFERENTLY

Great principals have qualities and behaviors that sets them apart from average and
ineffective principals who lack abilities or skills to perform adequately. Great principals are
leaders who can make a difference in a school community by implementing practices which
positively affect all students and faculty/staff members. Todd Whitaker (2003) focuses on
fifteen topics that should be carried out by all principals in order to be effective leaders and make
an impact in the educational process of their school. According to Whitaker, The difference
between more effective principals and their less effective colleagues is not what they know. It is
what they do (Whitaker, 2003, p.1). Mentioned below are a few topics that stand out among the
rest.
Principals must look for ways to improve their school. They may do this by identifying
the schools strengths and weaknesses and finding solutions to problems. For example, if
students are performing below expectations in their academics, the principal should be
determined to hire better teachers and improve the ones already there. Whitaker talks about
principals who look for programs that would help those struggling students, but often forget
about the people who teach those programs teachers. According to Whitaker, As school
leaders, we must recognize that no matter what programs we introduce or seek to strengthen, our
most important work is to improve the people in our schools. Nothing makes as much difference
as the quality of teachers (Whitaker, 2003, p.12).

Another topic the book discusses as an important characteristic of an effective principal is

treating others with respect. As principals interact with students, teachers, and parents, they must
always act professionally, ethically, and with integrity. Similar to a teacher creating a positive
classroom environment for the student, principals must also create a positive atmosphere in the

WHAT GREAT PRINCIPALS DO DIFFERENTLY

school all students and faculty/staff members. Whitaker pinpoints one way principals create a
positive atmosphere which is by praising others. According to Whitaker, The principal who
sets a positive tone can influence the interactions of everyone in the school (Whitaker, 2003,
p.25). Praising maybe a difficult task for some individuals, but having a positive attitude,
treating other with respect, and giving praise can result in a positive school atmosphere.
Standardized testing is a mainstream topic that is highly discussed. Principals have their
own beliefs about it, but an effective principal will rest those beliefs and work on moving their
school to success. The reality of standardized testing is that teachers, students, and principals
have to deal with it. Whitaker tells principals to set aside their beliefs and feelings towards
standardized testing and make sure their school is doing what they should be doing and not be
consumed by state standards because there are other components that also measure student
achievement such as: social skills, behavior, and school engagement. Whitaker states,
Standardized tests measure only a part of what schools should be doing. Effective
leaders focus on the behaviors that lead to success, not the beliefs that stand in the way of
it. Effective principals dont let standardized tests take over the entire school (Whitaker,
2003, p.55).
I believe great principals should have a diverse leadership style. These principals should
set the stage for all students to become successful and for teachers to do what they do best
teach. Principals have the task of dealing with forces that may challenge their actions and
decisions, but they must stand firm on what they believe is right and disregard influences that
can be damaging to the success of the school. The book, What Great Principals Do Differently,
implies that there are principals who run schools and there are great principals who run great
schools.

WHAT GREAT PRINCIPALS DO DIFFERENTLY

Reference:
Whitaker, T. (2003). What great principals do differently: Fifteen things that matter most.
Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education.