The purpose of this study was to extend current knowledge of technology and educational leadership by studying what knowledge, skills, and practices current K-12 technology leaders find most valuable. In examining the points of convergence between transformational leadership and the NETS-A standards, specific characteristics that arose were extracted and organized, resulting in a theoretical framework. In addition, a related theme of this research focused upon how graduate schools of education prepare future K-12 technology leaders. The ultimate goal of this research was to use the data gathered through this framework to enlighten graduate schools of education that prepare future K-12 technology leaders and provide them with a resource to reference that is reflective of the Conceptual Age.

This study utilized a mixed-method, researcher-administered, Web-based survey of K-12 technology leaders in the State of New York. The study used both closed-ended and open-ended questions. K-12 technology leaders were asked to determine which qualities of transformational leadership and the NETS-A standards would be most valuable for future leaders in the field. The K-12 technology leaders participating in this study evaluated each aspect of a theoretical framework by quantitatively rating each specific competency with a Likert scale to assess value. They also evaluated the competencies qualitatively to explain the importance of each and the relevance to the work done by K-12 technology leaders. The results supported the framework of the study.