Project

Principal Turnover Research Series

Source: Understanding and Addressing Principal Turnover: A Review of the Research

Principals are a key in-school factor associated with student achievement. When principals leave, it can disrupt school progress, increase teacher turnover, and stall student achievement. The Learning Policy Institute and the National Association of Secondary School Principals are engaged in a joint project to increase awareness of this issue and identify and share evidence-based responses to help mitigate excessive turnover in the principal profession. The project involves research into the causes and consequences of principal turnover and developing policy recommendations to stem that turnover.

Funders
We are grateful to the National Association of Secondary School Principals for its funding of this project. Funding for this area of LPI’s work is also provided by the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, the Stuart Foundation, and the Sandler Foundation. Core operating support for the Learning Policy Institute is provided by the Sandler Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the Ford Foundation.

Partner
National Association of Secondary School Principals

Featured Resources

Supporting Principals’ Learning: Key Features of Effective Programs
Report

Supporting Principals’ Learning: Key Features of Effective Programs

Feb 27 2017
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Principals play a central role in creating schools in which students thrive academically and the teaching staff is strong, stable, and supported. This report analyzes the research on quality preparation and professional development programs for principals, highlighting examples of effective programs and providing guidance for policymakers.
Role of Leadership in Solving Teacher Shortages
Brief

The Role of Principals in Addressing Teacher Shortages

Feb 27 2017
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Turnover accounts for 90% of the demand for new teachers, exacerbating shortages and undermining academic progress. This brief summarizes research on the important role that principals can play in reducing the steady churn of teachers and highlights actions states and districts can take to strengthen school leadership.
Investing in Effective School Leadership: How States Are Taking Advantage of Opportunities Under ESSA
Brief

Investing in Effective School Leadership: How States Are Taking Advantage of Opportunities Under ESSA

Jun 13 2017
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Principals are essential to improving student achievement and narrowing persistent achievement gaps. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) provides opportunities for states to use federal funds to invest in developing and supporting effective school leaders, such as supporting their recruitment, preparation, and training using the optional state set-aside under Title II. This brief summarizes the evidence about the importance of principals, describes research-based practices in leadership development, and outlines promising, evidence-based investments from submitted and draft ESSA state plans.