Year of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Degree Name

Educational Leadership

Department or School/College

Phyllis J. Washington College of Education

Committee Chair

William McCaw

Commitee Members

John Matt, Rob Watson, Mike Perry, Ivan Lorentzen

Keywords

Accountability, Board Self Assessment Survey, Evaluation, School Boards, Student Achievement, Superintendent

Abstract

The primary goal of a school district is to promote and support student academic achievement. Superintendents of public school districts across the United States should therefore be held accountable for student performance within their districts. Establishing a successful public school district requires interconnected relationships among the superintendent, the school board, accountability structures, and evaluation processes.

The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to understand how superintendent accountability, in regard to student achievement, was conducted and accomplished by school boards who believe they hold the superintendent accountable for student learning. This study focused on school boards governing high-achieving school districts in the State of Washington, specifically those that rated themselves as always or most of the time holding their district accountable for meeting student learning outcomes on the Washington Board Self-Assessment Survey (BSAS).

Using Stake’s (2006) multiple case study methodology, district practices were analyzed to identify common themes and effective strategies. Findings indicated that accountability for student achievement was most effective when embedded within clear superintendent evaluation systems and reinforced through collaborative relationships between the school board and superintendent. Additionally, student achievement was consistently prioritized at the district level through strategic planning and daily district practices.

The themes, findings, and assertions from this study offer practical guidance for public school superintendents and school boards seeking to improve student achievement while maintaining strong systems of superintendent accountability.

Download

Share

COinS
 

© Copyright 2026 Kristin Lind Jacobs