The Role of Principal Evaluation in Improving Schools
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
By: Kaylen Tucker

Researchers will analyze the current state of principal evaluation at NAESP's National Leaders Conference.

Media Advisory
Contact: Kaylen Tucker, NAESP
703-518-6257
ktucker@naesp.org

WHAT: A discussion by leading education researchers on strengthening the role of principal evaluation systematically and practically for enhancing principal leadership, improving schools, and driving student achievement, a central finding of their analysis of current research, as reported in Designing Principal Evaluation Systems: Research to Guide Decision-Making

WHO: Convening organization: National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)

Panelists

Matthew Clifford, Ph.D., senior research scientist, American Institutes for Research

Steven M. Ross, Ph.D., professor of education, Center for Research and Reform in Education, Johns Hopkins University

Robert Monson, NAESP president, principal, Parkston Elementary School, South Dakota

Gail Connelly, NAESP executive director

WHEN: Thursday, July, 14, 9:15 to 10 a.m.

This discussion is held in conjunction with NAESP’s annual National Leaders Conference, a gathering of state-based education association executives and principals to engage with members of Congress and strengthen the profession at a grassroots level

WHERE: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill; Columbia C; 400 New Jersey Ave., N.W.

WHY: Only principals can create and sustain excellent schools, but their capacity to lead continuous improvement is significantly constrained by the lack of comprehensive and purposeful principal evaluation systems, according to two national leading education researchers, Matthew Clifford and Steven M. Ross (titles above).

“Principal evaluation has long held promise for improving principals’ practice,” Clifford and Ross write, but “the available research studies raise questions about the consistency, fairness, and value of current principal evaluation practices.”

Thursday’s discussion will address the importance of linking well-constructed evaluation guidelines to bolstering the ability of principals to create lasting foundations for learning, drive school and student performance, and shape school improvement efforts, said NAESP Executive Director Gail Connelly.

“Principal evaluation procedures must be used as a carrot, not a stick,” she said. “Given the broad goals our nation has for education, we cannot afford to narrow our approach to strengthening principals, who are second only to teachers in enhancing student achievement.”

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Established in 1921, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) serves elementary and middle school principals in the United States, Canada, and overseas. NAESP leads in the advocacy and support for elementary and middle-level principals and other education leaders in their commitment to all children.