Our District’s Primacy of Developing Principal Candidates

Focus: Professional Development

Other than the quality of the teacher in the classroom, the quality of the principal in the building is the single greatest factor determining student achievement that lies within the control of a school district. The Wallace Foundation has conducted significant work in the arena of principal quality that has greatly benefited our district.

The investment is supported by research by Jason Grissom and Constance Lindsey that shows a principal in the 75th percentile of effectiveness yields an increase in student learning in reading and math approximately three months greater than that of a principal in the bottom quarter of effectiveness. Over the course of 1st through 5th grade, that equates to an additional 1.5 grade levels of academic attainment for a student.

As superintendents, the development of principal candidates — through a thorough selection process, a rigorous post-selection system of support and continued professional development — is among the most influential levers we possess to improve student achievement. In our district, we have devoted considerable time and resources to enhancing all aspects of principal quality, from candidate identification through support for veteran school leaders.