“Principals Matter, Too”

With the latest push in congress to pass meaningful education reform with a reauthorization of ESEA, it’s essential that the principal’s voice be heard. Research has shown that leadership is second only to classroom instruction when it comes to student achievement.

In a recent New York Times op-ed, "Want Reform? Principals Matter, Too", Wallace Foundation President Will Miller argues that no attempt at education reform is complete if it doesn’t consider the impact that principals have on schools:

Politicians and education reformers are fixated on the performance of teachers, but they often overlook another key ingredient for improving student achievement: principals. The problem is that great principals often don’t end up in the schools that need them most — those with poor and minority students. School districts, states and universities need to do much more to get outstanding principals into these schools.

A generation ago, good principals were efficient middle managers. They oversaw budgets, managed complicated bus schedules and delivered discipline. That started changing in the mid-1990s. Today’s principal needs to be much more focused on the quality of teaching in the classroom.

It’s always refreshing to see principals recognized in the national discussion on education reform. Hopefully, their important role will continue to be considered, especially during this critical period of education reform.

You can read the full piece here.