Is Your Child's School Lacking Leadership?

You might be surprised to hear that one of the most concerning trends in education isn’t about curriculum or test scores, it’s about leadership. According to a recent study by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development, schools around the world are experiencing a lack of leadership.

Not only are principals across the globe overburdened, underpaid and nearing retirement, the study says, but there are fewer qualified applicants ready and willing to step into those empty slots. And without strong leaders, students suffer the consequences.

Herb London, Ph.D., professor emeritus at NYU and president of the public policy research organization The Hudson Institute, says the key to school leadership is raising the bar for student performance. ”The maintenance of that standard requires courage and determination,” he says. “The problem we have in the U.S. is that there are relatively few leaders and relatively few people with the courage to maintain the rigor that is necessary in our schools.”

Courage isn’t all it takes, according to Elnardo Webster, Ph.D., Superintendent of Roselle Public Schools in New Jersey. He says an organizational plan in which everybody’s role is clearly defined is also a key part of being a successful leader and ensuring student success. “When everyone is working together efficiently and understands all of the goals we have as a district and what our plan is for achieving them, that’s when we’re able to maximize resources. When that happens, there is a prevailing positive attitude in our schools and the students benefit,” Webster says.