Illinois Public School Superintendents: Influencing State-Level Education Legislation and Policy Making

• In Event: Research on the Superintendency and Leadership: Paper Session

Abstract

ISLLC standard 6 - 2008 and ELCC standard 6 - 2011 indicate a district-level leader should be influential in state-level education legislation and policy-making. Little scientific research showed evidence as to how superintendents were adapting to this requirement, although anecdotal and journalistic writings were available. This study sought to fill that gap.

This study was of all public school superintendents in the state of Illinois. The study used mixed-methods, and utilized a sequential explanatory design.

The study identified 7 key findings regarding Illinois public school superintendents and their efforts to be influential in state-level education legislation and policy-making. By applying these key findings, Illinois public school superintendents can make themselves more influential in state-level education legislation and policy-making.

Authors

• Daniel Oakley, Fieldcrest Community Unit School District 6

• Sandra Watkins

• Bridget Zhaohui Sheng, Western Illinois University