2019 Winter Journal of Scholarship and Practice

Walter Hart, Meghan Schramm-Possinger, and Sherry Hoyle examine the relationship between superintendent longevity and district variables on standardized test scores in North Carolina. Their conclusion is that while superintendents can influence student achievement, particularly as their in-state experience increases, other factors, such as school size and the percentage of students who receive free or reduced lunch, are predictors that must be considered.

Laurie Kimbrel, in an evidence-based article, provides direction for practitioners for utilizing research-based practices to improve teacher hiring practices. Kimbrel encourages administrators to consider the application of research regarding the beliefs and behaviors of teachers with high impact on student learning in conjunction with employee selection research from the field of management and the social sciences.

In an essay Kelly Roberts outlines the case for keeping schools diverse socioeconomically—an important priority in school choice and school assignment. To make her case, the author connects the current climate surrounding charter schools and private vouchers with past school history from the civil rights era and more recently debates surrounding bussing and a return to neighborhood schools. The piece provides practical ways to ensure that balance of economic diversity is a priority in the school and community.