Leading to Higher Standards: How Principals Meet the Demands of College and Career Readiness

• In Event: 69.014 - Leadership Focused on Students' Academic and Affective Needs

Abstract

Many schools have seen declines in student achievement as states raise expectations for students through adoption of college- and career-ready standards (Kane, 2015). Prior research suggests principals play need to lead schoolwide improvements necessary to address new standards.

The Leading to Higher Standards comparative case study examines the principal’s role in schools that have demonstrated success—compared to other schools in their district and state—in preparing traditionally underserved students for college and careers. We found principals in these schools needed new knowledge, played a critical role in setting conditions such as positive professional learning cultures, and built their success on years of prior work. The findings will inform principals and individuals who prepare and support principals’ ongoing development.

Authors

• Brad Cawn, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Gina S. Ikemoto, New Leaders