Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-10-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Public Policy Leadership
First Advisor
Melissa Bass
Second Advisor
Braxton Stowe
Third Advisor
Ann Monroe
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Principals have a significant impact on student achievement in their schools. Having an effective principal can increase student test scores across grade levels and subject areas. Having a reliable way to measure principal effectiveness and guide principals to become more effective is important for improving school performance. Mississippi’s evaluation tool for principals is called the Administrator Growth Rubric. This research surveyed 194 public school principals across Mississippi to determine their thoughts on the Administrator Growth Rubric and how it might be improved. Fewer than half (43%) of the respondents believe that the Administrator Growth Rubric is a good evaluation tool for principals. The main problem many respondents have with the rubric is that their supervisors, who evaluate them, are not following the Mississippi Department of Education’s guidelines for using the rubric. Superintendents are supposed to do a minimum of two site visits per school year to gather evidence for the rubric, and once citing evidence, provide the principals with feedback on how to improve. Several of the respondents stated that none of this occurred. My recommendation is that MDE first enforce its current policies regarding the Administrator Growth Rubric and the evaluators. The rubric should also be changed to focus on culture building, instructional leadership, and staff development, which countless research finds are traits of effective principals. The rubric may also need to be adjusted to consider school level and size or teacher and student feedback to ensure the rubric's efficacy. There is still more research to be done on this topic, but making changes to the Administrator Growth Rubric could help Mississippi continue improving its education system.
Recommended Citation
Hughey, Emma, "Principals' Views of the Mississippi Department of Education's Administrator Growth Rubric" (2025). Honors Theses. 3207.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3207
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