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This
study was designed to help the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation to better understand
Hawaii’s principal pipeline. With this knowledge, we aim to improve the
effectiveness of our school leadership grantmaking. The intent was to capture
the voices of Complex Area Superintendents (CAS), whom we consider to be
the primary drivers of principal placement and support. To supplement those
voices, we also interviewed a cross-section of sitting principals. Thirteen
of 15 CAS responded to our survey. Fifty principals were interviewed. We
asked for clear statements of need: What do our principals need to be successful
at raising student achievement and facilitating school growth? What barriers
inhibit their ability to be effective leaders? What do CAS need to support
their principals and to develop the next generation of leaders?
We found that:
50% of CASs were concerned about the quality of principal candidates
58% indicated that the principalship makes it difficult to attract candidates
25% of a CAS’s time, on average, is spent coaching principals
50% of CASs felt HIDOE’s preparation programs were strong
50% felt that HIDOE training was not rigorous and comprehensive enough
67% of CASs highlighted the importance of mentorship
73% of CASs recommended allowing mainland candidates apply for openings
In thinking about what we heard and reflecting on ways the Foundation might
augment its existing investments in school leadership to best respond to
the voices in the field, we identified four clusters of grantmaking opportunities
that we will pursue in conjunction with HIDOE and other local organizations
over the next three years. This Initiative for New School Leaders represents
a new $2.1 million investment in Hawaii’s principal pipeline.