Achievement in Performing Arts at Title I Schools in Florida: A Case Study on the Impact of Administrative Leadership and Financial Decisions on Student Performance

Researchers have established that the leadership strategies of a principal can directly impact student achievement, though it has not been clearly stated how that occurs (Cox & Mullen, 2023). This single-case instrumental study investigates the financial and administrative priorities of a principal at a Title I high school in Florida and the impact they have on the Music Performance Assessment (MPA) ratings of band, chorus, and orchestra programs at the district level. Additionally, the purpose of this case study is to provide insight into how the principal at a Title I high school whose performing arts programs have a trend of Superior and Excellent ratings at the district level MPA prioritize financial and administrative decisions that support their programs. The data for this research was collected through an interview with the principal of a Title I high school with performing arts programs that have earned Superior or Excellent MPA ratings for at least 5 years between 2017 - 2024. The results of a thematic analysis of the data identify alternative financial resources, leadership strategies, school budget, and students and community impact as factors that impact the overall success of the performing arts programs at this high school. The findings from this case study serve as structural suggestions for principals at Title I high schools wanting to support improvement at the district level MPA and the overall success of their performing arts programs.