The Changing Role of the Principal

In this report, the Center for American Progress looks at the increasing demands placed on principals in today’s schools, which are leading to growing rates of attrition in the field. The report includes an examination of the changing landscape of school leadership and the increasing demands of teacher evaluation and development and instructional improvement, which coexist alongside more traditional administrative duties. Case studies illustrate ways that some districts are innovating to train and support principals to meet these increasing demands, recognizing that continuity of leadership contributes to positive student outcomes.