Considered one of the nation’s most comprehensive statewide principal development initiatives, the primary purpose of the Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS) is to develop and support effective school leaders.
R12CC employed a mixed-methods design for this evaluation by collecting both quantitative and qualitative data to address overarching research questions. The evaluation examined areas such as educators’ overall perceptions of MLDS, the extent to which MLDS supports principals to address leadership challenges, and how principals’ perceptions of MLDS differ by school CSI (Comprehensive Support and Improvement) status, community type (city, suburban, or rural), race/ethnicity, years of experience with MLDS, and RPDC (Regional Professional Development Center) region.
From 2018–19 to 2023–24, principals and superintendents believed MLDS effectively facilitates the professional growth of school leaders in Missouri. Mentors and teachers also indicated MLDS contributes to improvement in classroom instruction and student learning.
Findings from this study help the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to continue to deepen its support to an increasingly larger number of school leaders.
Visit the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s website to learn more about MLDS.