A study of Illinois superintendents' perceptions of the Illinois superintendent leadership standards

Includes bibliographical references (pages [109]-111).This study identified the degree of importance of the Illinois superintendent leadership content area standards and knowledge indicators as perceived by superintendents in the state of Illinois. This study also determined if any relationships existed between Illinois superintendents' personal or district demographic data and their perceptions of the degree of importance of the Illinois superintendent leadership content area standards and knowledge indicators. The findings of this study revealed that superintendents in the state of Illinois perceived a higher degree of importance for some of the Illinois superintendent leadership content area standards as opposed to others when asked to compare them. Also, this study found that Illinois superintendents perceived the Illinois superintendent leadership content area standards knowledge indicators to be either very important or somewhat important most of the time. Furthermore, it was found that certain relationships existed between personal and/or district demographic variables and the perceptions of Illinois superintendents concerning the degree of importance of the Illinois leadership content area standards and knowledge indicators. The key findings of this research endeavor could be used in the selection and development of specific topics of study for graduate coursework and professional development in the field of educational leadership and specifically in the preparation of future superintendents. Also, the conclusions of this study could assist search firms and/or school boards when confronted with conducting a search for a new superintendent. The findings of this study could benefit state and national policymakers regarding standards development and assist superintendents in fulfilling the promise of leadership standards. Finally, this study could serve as the impetus for further research concerning professional leadership standards in the arena of educational administration, especially the superintendency.Ed.D. (Doctor of Education