It has been well documented that a high teacher turnover rate can negatively impact student achievement. but what about the impact of principal turnover? A recent study by Vanderbilt University found that the most effective principals are more likely to leave their schools than less effective principals. This raises important questions about the factors that influence principal effectiveness and how these factors might lead to higher principal turnover rates.

How Does Principal Effectiveness Affect Turnover?

A 2018 Vanderbilt study found that the most effective principals are more likely to leave their schools for more central positions than less effective principals. The study also states that "low-performing principals are substantially more likely to be demoted to a lower school-level position or leave the education system entirely, whereas high-scoring principals are more likely to be promoted to a central office position (Grissom & Bartanen, 2019).

There are several possible explanations for this finding.

●      First, effective principals may be more likely to receive job offers from other schools.

●      Second, effective principals may simply become burned out more quickly than less effective principals.

●      Third, less effective principles are more likely to be pushed out of their position by administrators or parents.

 Whatever the reasons, the finding highlights the importance of ensuring that schools have a pipeline of effective principals to replace those who leave.

 How Can We Improve Principal Effectiveness?

One way to improve principal effectiveness in schools is to focus on instructional leadership. This means that principals should provide guidance and support to teachers on best executing the curriculum and engaging with students.

Principals can also create a positive school climate by promoting positive relationships between teachers and students and establishing clear expectations and rules (Grissom, Anna, & Constance, 2021).

 Furthermore, principals can advocate for resources to help improve their schools' teaching and learning. Principals should also regularly evaluate their performance and seek feedback from teachers, staff, and parents. By taking these steps, principals can play a vital role in ensuring that their schools are effective places of learning for all students.

The Benefits of Lowering the Principal Turnover Rate

While it is essential to have a pipeline of effective principals, it is also vital that schools do their best to retain the principals they have. Given research linking leadership turnover to negative impacts on student performance, policy attention to strategies aimed at keeping effective principals in high-need environments may yield large dividends. Lowering the turnover rate will likely result in higher-achieving students in lower-income areas. When it comes to our most valuable resource-teaching children, we cannot afford a shortage of leadership. The high turnover rate among principals in low-income neighborhoods is concerning because these schools have been shown to have some of the poorest academic performance compared to more affluent areas (Grissom & Bartanen, 2019).

The Future of Education

Education is constantly evolving. To keep pace with the changing needs of students and society, schools must continue to adapt. One of the most important ways schools can develop is by ensuring that their principals and principles are effective and that turnover is minimal.

As we have seen, there are many benefits to improving the effectiveness of principals. These include reducing turnover rates, increasing student achievement, and preparing students for the future. We hope this information has helped spark new ideas about how best to support our principals and improve education for all students.

References

Bartanen, B., Grissom, J. A., & Rogers, L. K. (2019). The Impacts of Principal Turnover. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 41(3), 350–374. https://doi.org/10.3102/0162373719855044  

Grissom, J. A., Anna J. E., and Constance A. L., (2021). How Principals Affect Students and Schools: A Systematic Synthesis of Two Decades of Research. New York: The Wallace Foundation. Retrieved from: http://www.wallacefoundation.org/principalsynthesis.

Grissom, J. A., & Bartanen, B. (2019). Principal Effectiveness and Principal Turnover. Education Finance and Policy, 14(3), 355–382. https://doi.org/10.1162/edfp_a_00256