| This problem-based learning project focuses on the challenges and solutions to hiring effective school leaders. An extensive review of the literature supports the impact building leadership has on student achievement and school culture. It also supports the dispositions, or characteristics leaders possess who are capable of making such an impact. The focus of the project was to investigate how Missouri superintendents hire their building leaders and what they value in their candidates as they make their selections. The project's work synthesized the current research regarding effective building leaders. The team's research supports the criteria defining an effective principal as one who impacts student achievement and school culture. The team used Marzano's 21 Responsibilities as the impetus for further research into dispositions of effective building leaders. A twenty-six question survey was designed to garner information from Missouri superintendents on their hiring practices, the process for identifying principal candidates, and what they look for and value in top candidates. To validate the survey, an expert panel of published authors reviewed the survey and provided feedback before sending it. The researchers gathered qualitative survey data from 141 Missouri superintendents. The researchers analyzed the survey data by categorizing the themes of importance, allowing the researchers to make connections, look for data patterns, and create implications. Six themes that align with the research goals are demographics, tools, principal transitions, dispositions, impact on student achievement, and impact on school culture. The team presented an overall analysis of the results. Based on the results aligned to the guiding questions, the team made a series of recommendations that can positively change the way superintendents hire their future leaders. |
