Likewise, Richard Stiggins (2001) believes principals must cultivate "assessment lit- eracy" within their schools by being assessment literate themselves and ensuring that class- room assessments serve instructional purposes. "Leadership is needed," he writes, "to cre- ate an instructional environment that expects and supports competence in assessment, as well as the effective application of that competence in the service of students' academic well being" (p. 25).
Principals also play an essential role in establishing a school culture that promotes quality teaching, according to Sandra Harris (2000). She found that teachers value empow- ering behaviors such as treating teachers professionally and involving teachers in decision making; supporting behaviors such as providing emotional and moral support and being visible during the school day; and communicating behaviors such as active listening, pro- viding encouragement, and establishing clear expectations.
"The bottom line is that the leader is the primary culture carrier for the organization," Carol Schweitzer (2000) concludes. "If the leader's attitudes and behaviors do not match the culture that you are intending to build, it will not work. The leader and the culture must be in sync" (p. 35).