The Principal Effect: How Superintendents Can Strengthen Schools by Investing in School Leaders

Today's superintendents face no shortage of challenges—from improving student achievement and reducing chronic absenteeism to addressing teacher shortages and supporting student well-being. Research suggests that one of the most effective ways to address these challenges is to invest in principals.

Linda Darling-Hammond from the Learning Policy Institute, alongside a panel of experienced superintendents brought real, on-the-ground leadership perspectives, and explored findings from The Principal Effect: How Investing in School Leaders Is Key to Solving Education's Challenges. Together, they shared how superintendent leadership can strengthen principal preparation, professional learning, coaching, and leadership pipelines to build stronger schools and improve student success.