The principal effect: How investing in school leaders is key to solving education’s challenges

This report explains the importance of investing in school leadership for mitigating the many challenges currently facing schools. It summarizes existing research on how principals strengthen teaching quality and improve school climate to boost student engagement and achievement.9 It then describes what we know about how strengthening principal effectiveness and principal retention, not just managing individual crises, can lead to positive outcomes. It concludes with implications for policy and practice for improving school outcomes.