Whose Priorities and on What? Mentoring and New Superintendents' Goal Setting

• In Event: Leaders Helping Leaders: Research on Superintendancy and Mentorship Relations

Abstract

The school superintendent is responsible for system improvement, quality student learning, and equitable decision making for a variety of stakeholders. In this exploratory study, the researchers sought to learn from first-year superintendents and their mentors on goal setting. Surveys and focus group interviews were used. The results revealed that while new superintendents and their mentors shared certain views on goal setting related to the leadership standards, statistically significant differences were found on Standard 3 Management and Standard 6 Advocacy. Influential demographic factors on new leaders’ goal setting will be discussed, along with the themes emerged in focus group interview data and implications for mentoring practice.

Authors

• Jia Grace Liang, Kansas State University

• Donna Augustine-Shaw, Kansas State University

• James Sottile, Missouri State University