Lauded as one of the nation’s most comprehensive statewide principal development initiatives, the Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS) offers professional development to every principal in the state.
This report presents learnings from the perspectives of educators across the state about the implementation of MLDS. R12CC utilized a mixed-methods approach by collecting multiple sources of data, including surveys and interviews, and conducting artifact reviews. The analyses of the survey responses include four years of survey data (i.e., 2018–19 to 2021–22) to gauge changes in perceptions over time.
Across the four years, principals and superintendents indicated MLDS effectively develops school leaders. They also believed the program successfully addresses challenges arising from COVID-19. Classroom teachers also indicated their principals’ participation in MLDS positively affected the school and their classroom instruction.
The report presents key issues and provides recommendations to help the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education make evidence-based refinements to the program which is already reaching more than 1,200 principals.
Visit the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s website to learn more about MLDS.