A Study of the Evaluation of School Superintendents in the State of Indiana

Buchanan, Raleigh Cornelius

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Description

Title

A Study of the Evaluation of School Superintendents in the State of Indiana

Author(s)

Buchanan, Raleigh Cornelius

Issue Date

1981

Department of Study

Education

Discipline

Education

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Educat.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

Education, Administration

Language

eng

Abstract

• The purpose of this study was to investigate the existing status of superintendent evaluation in the state of Indiana. The investigation was designed to obtain information about the areas of superintendent evaluation, i.e., sources used, methods or means of obtaining information, criteria used, persons participating in development of criteria, procedures used, frequency of evaluation, purpose for evaluation, and degree of satisfaction with procedures.
• The study was conducted in four phases: (1) extensive review of the literature, (2) pilot study and the construction of a data-gathering instrument in two forms--a School Board Member Questionnaire, and a School Superintendent Questionnaire, (3) obtaining responses from subjects, and (4) reporting and interpreting data.
• The sample of the study was the superintendent, school board president, and senior school board member of sixty-two randomly selected school corporations in the state of Indiana. This sample of sixty-two was determined to be a statistically representative sample of the 302 school districts.
• Three letters were developed for mailing--one to the superintendents, one to school board members and board presidents, and a general one to all subjects in the study. The return of the questionnaires represented 92 percent of the sample. Frequency and percentage scores were tabulated and reported within listing or table form. No attempt was made by the researcher to conduct a statistical analysis of the data.
• The results of the study illustrate a need for superintendents to cultivate skills in interpreting data and presenting. It was found that the most important means of obtaining information about the superintendent's performance is reports and presentations. The researcher recommends that professional associations conduct workshops and conferences to emphasize the development of expertise in this area.
• Relatively few school districts in Indiana have developed criteria with which to conduct evaluations. In order that this specific mission of the educational program may be carried out, it is appropriate that the board and superintendent establish criteria that would represent the expectations of both parties on how performance should be judged. It is recommended that the boards and superintendents consider this a priority in maintaining their relationship.
• Most school districts in Indiana evaluate their superintendent in an informal procedure. In light of the increased accountability necessary in these times and the need to deal with conflicting views of people and programs under the direction of the superintendent, a formal, written evaluation should be conducted. This recommendation is being made with the full realization that no instrument or procedure would be perfect for this mission. Therefore, the researcher recommends that evaluation be conducted both formally and informally and that the superintendent receive a written copy of the formal evaluation.

Graduation Semester

1981

Type of Resource

text

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