School superintendents play a pivotal role in the success of school districts. They are responsible for many tasks, including maintaining communication with the school board, managing budgets, overseeing daily operations and advocating for the district’s needs. It’s no wonder their roles are comparable to those of CEOs. According to ThoughtCo, a school superintendent “is essentially the face of the district. They are most responsible for the successes of a district and most assuredly responsible when there are failures.”
These professionals must build strong connections not only within the school community but also with the district’s constituents, which means that leadership skills are essential. The online Doctor of Education (Ed.D) – Educational Leadership with Superintendent Licensure program from Youngstown State University (YSU) prepares graduates to become school leaders, particularly by teaching them to utilize collected data effectively.
This article delves into why superintendents need a firm grasp of educational data and how they can acquire these critical skills.
What Is the Purpose of Data-driven Educational Decision-Making?
Given the broad responsibilities of the job, superintendents must be adept at collecting and utilizing data to make informed decisions and achieve strategic goals. This practice is called “data-driven decision-making,” and it’s fundamental to a superintendent’s success. This data includes gaps in student performance, needs of staff and students, and teacher development, among others illustrated by Data Quality Campaign (DQC). This data helps superintendents:
- Identify trends: By analyzing data on student performance, attendance and other metrics, superintendents can identify trends that inform policy changes and resource allocation.
- Measure progress: Superintendents set measurable goals and track progress over time, allowing for adjustments that improve outcomes.
- Inform stakeholders: Data can enhance communication with school boards, parents and the community, building support for district initiatives.
District Administration (DA) indicates that “98% [of superintendents] agree better access to data would help them to be more confident in their ability to make informed decisions for their districts.” DA also highlights the need for robust data systems and analytical skills. With the vast majority starting to collect data during the pandemic, the results are undeniable: this process is essential to the future of the profession.
Hanover Research echoes this sentiment, suggesting that combining survey findings and town hall feedback provides “a full picture of a district’s performance, trends, and strategic direction.”
How to Become a School Superintendent
As mentioned above, in addition to strategic planning and financial management, superintendents must lead their districts by working closely with other stakeholders, including school principals, teachers, parents, and community members, to gather feedback and align district goals with community needs. Effective communication is essential, and the ability to present data in a clear and actionable way is crucial for building consensus and driving change.
However, becoming a superintendent involves extensive education and experience in the field of education. According to Indeed, the average annual salary for a superintendent in the United States is $93,769 as of May 2024, reflecting the high level of responsibility and expertise required for the role. Many superintendents hold advanced degrees, such as an Ed.D. or a similar qualification in educational leadership.
Programs like YSU’s online Ed.D – Educational Leadership with Superintendent Licensure prepare aspiring superintendents with the necessary skills, including offering superintendent certification courses so graduates can hit the ground running. Through courses such as Seminar in Educational Research – Dissertation: Data Collection & Analysis, students get insight into the most effective methods of collecting educational data and applying it to their day-to-day needs as superintendents.
Learn more about Youngstown State University’s online Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership with Superintendent Licensure program.
