摘要：Problem statement: Globally,leadership has been identified as a key factor in the improvement and organizational efficiency of schools. Purpose: This study aims to: (a) investigate the effectiveness of the school principal using the perceptions of Physical Education (PE) teachers as an indicator,and (b) examine significant statistical differences that exist between the leadership skills that an effective principal must have and those demonstrated by actual principals,which helps determine the aspects of leadership that need improvement. Approach: In total,223 PE teachers in primary and secondary education in the prefectures of Pieria and Imathia,Greece,during the 2017-2018 school year participated in this study. The perceptions of these PE teachers regarding the efficiency of school administration were measured through the questionnaire of Pashiardis and Orphanou (1999). Results: Results indicated that PE teachers considered all 54 statements of the questionnaire significant regarding the characteristics of an effective principal. Furthermore,this study showed that PE teachers are generally satisfied with the leadership skills demonstrated by their principals. However,evidence indicated discrepancies in the 54 statements of the questionnaire between what is considered important by the PE teachers and what is ultimately demonstrated by the principals. PE teachers generally believe that when practicing their duties,principals do not meet their expected level of performance and say that the areas that need improving are: (a) human resource management,(b) the development of the school climate,and (c) the application of research findings concerning educational leadership. Conclusions: We could argue that,according to the PE teachers,most school principals in the Pieria and Imathia prefectures generally demonstrate a lack of effective leadership skills regarding the different areas of school leadership that need improving. This suggests a need for principals to improve competence through specific preparation.
