A dissertation completed at
The Center for Education, Widener University,
One University Place, Chester, PA 19013 		 
THE STATUS OF EVALUATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS IN PENNSYLVANIA
Mary Teresa Falco Weiss, Ed. D.
May 1997

RETURN
edited 12/20/00

 


ABSTRACT

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the practices and procedures used by boards of education to evaluate the work of K- 12 public school superintendents in Pennsylvania. This study was important because there exists limited research devoted to an examination of the board/superintendent evaluation process and its uses in the state of Pennsylvania.

Six primary areas of evaluation practice were investigated: job description utilization, evaluation instruments and methods, evaluation procedures, criteria used in evaluation, existence of policy governing evaluation, and purposes of superintendent evaluation. The study was conducted by utilizing a specially designed survey that included 35 dichotomous, multiple choice, and Likert scale questions about superintendent assessment. Surveys were sent to a random sample of school board presidents and K- 12 public school superintendents in Pennsylvania.

The results of this study indicated that planned formal evaluation does occur in Pennsylvania, and is perceived as being effective. The superintendent evaluation process Is perceived as being used to improve performance, improving performance, and improving the working relationship between the board and superintendent. Job descriptions for the superintendent exist, and are utilized in evaluation. Certain demographic factors impacted perceptions of the superintendent evaluation process. This study contributes to the increasing body of knowledge of school board evaluation of superintendents by surveying current practices in K-12 public school districts. It facilitates a more thorough understanding of what constitutes an effective superintendent evaluation program.

TO TOP