Author: Forrest Eugene Bollow

Publisher:

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13:

Purpose of the study . The purpose of this study was to examine current superintendent evaluation practices in the State of Missouri. Superintendents' perceptions in regard to the purpose of those evaluation systems, if those evaluation systems are effective in relation to the prescribed purpose, the perceived quality, and the impact on superintendent performance were explored as well. Study design . Superintendents in 386 of the 524 public school districts across the state of Missouri responded to the survey. The survey consisted of 36 questions broken down into demographic items, evaluation process, and superintendent perceptions about performance evaluation. The survey sought to answer seven research questions and to test three null hypotheses. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson product-moment coefficient of correlation. Findings . The findings of most interest from this study were: (a) 81.3% of superintendents were over the age of 45, (b) 87.2% of districts use a formal process for superintendent evaluation, (c) 77.8% of school boards did not formally observe the superintendent during school hours, (d) 89.0% of superintendents reported they had two or fewer conferences with the board about performance as a result of observations by the board, (e) 75.2% of superintendents reported that they received a summative evaluation report, (f) 72.6% of superintendents reported that a conference was held to discuss the summative evaluation report, (g) 74.2 percent of superintendents reported that they view the evaluation process as being positive, (h) 72.6% reported that the process used in their district was fair, (i) accountability of the superintendent was reported as the main purpose for evaluation, and (j) the district's reported use of Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education guidelines and procedures for superintendent evaluation correlated with the perceived quality and overall impact of the evaluation process as reported by superintendents. Conclusions . From this study, it is evident that many of the state's superintendents will be eligible for retirement over the next few years. There will be a need in future years for individuals to move into the superintendency to replace those that are retiring. The preparation phase is an important component in the superintendent evaluation process, and from this study it is evident that many boards and superintendents do not adequately prepare for the evaluation process. The majority of school districts use a formal process for superintendent evaluation. However, the study also revealed that there are several sources of procedures, practices and processes used for superintendent evaluation. The formative phase is another important component of the superintendent evaluation process. From this study, it was evident that most school boards and superintendents do not adequately complete this phase of superintendent evaluation. The presence of a summative component, including a summative form and a summative conference, is an important component of the superintendent evaluation process. From this study, it was evident that most school boards and superintendents are doing a much better job at this phase of superintendent evaluation.