The Effects of Common Core State Standards on School Superintendent Leadership and School Culture

摘要

Researchers have suggested that the implementation of Common Core State Standards has the potential to influence school leadership styles and practices. It was not known, however, how implementation of Common Core State Standards influenced school superintendent leadership styles and practices and overall school culture in the state of California. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore perceptions held by school superintendents on how implementation of Common Core State Standards influenced school superintendent leadership styles and practices and overall school culture in the state of California. Kotter's model of leading change management provided the theoretical framework for the study. The researcher triangulated data by conducting interviews with 14 superintendents, making seven classroom observations, and conducting document reviews of nine Local Control and Accountability Plans. Two major themes emerged from the analysis: (a) persistent development of stakeholders and resources, and (b) superintendents promoted collaboration among stakeholders. The findings can improve leadership practice by improving school practices and school superintendents' understanding of their roles and tasks in the implementation of Common Core State Standards. The findings can be instrumental in preparing superintendents to facilitate the changes needed to successfully implement the Common Core State Standards framework in their school districts. The results of this study may serve as a template for the leadership and school culture needed to improve the quality of implementation of Common Core State Standards. Keywords: Common Core State Standards, superintendent leadership, school culture.