Predictive Validity of the Performance Assessment of Leaders and Its Labor Market Impact (2015–2017)

• In Event: Leadership Preparation Partnerships, Pedagogy, and Outcomes

Abstract

Massachusetts adopted the Performance Assessment for Leaders (PAL) in 2014 as a means of evaluating candidate readiness for initial school leader licensure. Candidates demonstrated and applied their leadership knowledge and skills by setting direction, creating a professional learning culture among staff, supporting individual teacher development, and engaging families and community in improving student learning. From 2015-2016, 421 candidates completed all four assessment tasks as required for licensure. This paper presents labor market findings based on analyses of their assessment scores and Massachusetts employment data from 2015-2017, including job changes and uses educator evaluation scores to assess the predictive validity of the instrument. The findings, while modest, are positive and foundational for further investigation over additional years and cohorts.

Authors

• Margaret Terry Orr, Fordham Graduate School of Education

• Liz Hollingworth, University of Iowa