How Principals Drive School Success

About the Brief

This brief is the first in a series aimed at building our knowledge on what we know about effective school leadership. Specifically, this brief explores the relationship between principal observation ratings and student outcomes in Tennessee.

Key Findings

1. The practice ratings that Tennessee principals are given as part of the evaluation system predict growth in student achievement. In other words, student gains are higher in schools where principal leadership is rated more positively.
2. Highly rated principals enjoy more positive teacher perceptions of school leadership and climate.
3. Highly rated principals retain effective teachers at higher rates.