Students in integrated classrooms are more likely to have higher test scores, better problem solving skills, and are more likely to go to college due to several factors. Teachers who run integrated classrooms have a solid grasp of ethical and authentic leadership. According to Northouse (2019), the five principles of ethical leadership are respect, service, justice, honesty and community (p. 346). When teachers exhibit these five values in their words and actions, students benefit. Northouse (2019) continues, followers can feel competent about their work when a leader shows respect. When students see teachers being respectful in the classroom, students confidence levels can be boosted, raising test scores. Students also feel more comfortable and engaged in classrooms where they feel their thoughts and ideas are respected, leading to better problem solving skills. Ethical leaders can build upon students problem solving skills by being fair and just in the classroom (Northouse, 2019, p. 349). Since ethical leaders build a sense of community in the classroom, students feel like they belong and students want to belong. Northouse (2019) states that an ethical leader is concerned with the common good for everyone as individuals and as a community (p.352). Ethical leaders want to have their followers reach their goals and be a part of the whole. This can include encouraging students to see their value in the larger picture of the world and future, which will inspire students to pursue opportunities, such as college, in their future.

According to Mulder (2018), authentic leaders use their ethical values to build positive relationships and inspire followers. In turn, the authentic leader is given respect from followers. In integrated classrooms, authentic teachers make sure to build these fostering relationships with students. Students then learn how to be respectful to others, another benefit of an integrated classroom. Additionally, Mulder (2018) states that followers of authentic leaders are better able to express themselves freely and be open to one another. Students in integrated classrooms have this benefit- they can share their thoughts and feelings and relate better with others.

A principal should take on a transitional leadership approach to advocate for diverse student needs. Transitional leaders work to change people and their emotions, values, ethics, standards, and long-term goals (Northouse, 2019, p. 163). This type of leader has a major influence on followers and the decisions that followers make. Transformational leaders have a vision and make that vision an important goal in the followers. Teachers in integrated classrooms have transitional leaders, and these teachers follow the leaders approach in fostering change.