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Osman BULESHKAJsources’, increasing the reliability of the single-case study (Anderson & Arsenault,1998, p. 159). With regards to the internal validity of this single-case study a chainof evidence was maintained by using detailed recording and succinct descriptionof different parts of this study research in order to enable the individual reader toeasily follow the analysis, read the conclusions and be able to “know more about thebases for the conclusions” (Yin, 2003, p. 105).While transcribing the audiotaped and digitally recorded interviews, commonthemes and quotes were identified. These themes and quotes where written asadditions to personal notes taken while the interviews were conducted. Based onthe ‘triangulation strategy’, transcripts were then sent back for member check andparticipants were invited to review their responses for accuracy of description,additions and omissions (Anderson & Arsenault, 1998; Yin, 2003).Data analysisIn order to bring order and meaning to the mass of collected data, three stagesof data analysis as suggested by Creswell (1998) were applied. These stages wereclassification, interpretation and description.ClassificationThe initial stage of analysis began while data were being collected. After thecompletion of each interview notes were written and main themes, as identifiedby participants, were highlighted. After the final interviews were transcribed andparticipants had validated the transcripts, following the advice of Bogdan andBiklen (1998), the data was read three times in order to become more familiarwith the data. This was also an opportunity to develop more clearly the themesdiscovered during the transcription phase of data collection.InterpretationTo the extent possible, and always keeping in mind the limitations togeneralizability of the case study design, thematic interpretations were used todevelop generalizations (Stake, 1995). This approach to interpretation allowedseeking for patterns used in developing a framework that characterizes participants’perceptions on the aspects of professional development and effective leadershippractice. These interpretations were made while keeping in mind the aspects ofrequired qualifications, recruitment practice, professional development andeffective school leadership practice and guidelines of this study.DescriptionNaturalistic generalizations were developed using transcribed data fromparticipants, and themes and patterns that evolved during the initial stages ofAlbanian Journal of Educational Studies 28