New principals' math achievement gains followed a similar trend to reading but were smaller¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · causal r2 · q2
Currency · newest study 2014 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person · overdue for a recheck since 2019: baselines and conditions change

Subclaims¶

q2 i? Math achievement gains under new principals followed a similar trend to reading gains, although the gains were smaller. → Elias Walsh 2014

Evidence¶

Elias Walsh 2014¶

Elias Walsh, Dallas Dotter. (2014). The Impact of Replacing Principals on Student Achievement in DC Public Schools (In Focus Brief). Washington, DC: Mathematica Policy Research. https://www.mathematica.org/publications/in-focus-brief-the-impact-of-replacing-principals-on-student-achievement-in-dc-public-schools

q2 · i? · causal · r2

Key findings summary of the DCPS principal-replacement analysis. The brief states math achievement "followed a similar trend, although the gains were smaller" than the 4 percentile-point reading gain; no separate math effect size is printed for the overall average.

"New principals boosted the average student's achievement in reading by 4 percentile points. Achievement in math followed a similar trend, although the gains were smaller."

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• In the 2008-2009 school year, 39 percent of DCPS principals (51 individuals) did not return, as part of Chancellor Rhee's replacement reforms following mayoral control — related
• For DCPS students in grades 6 to 8, achievement gains under new principals were larger and statistically significant in both math and reading — related
• It took three years for new DCPS principals to achieve measurable achievement gains, with no evidence of even temporary declines — related
• Achievement gains under new principals were larger and happened faster in DCPS middle schools than in elementary schools — related
• After three years with a new principal, the average DCPS student's reading achievement increased by 4 percentile points (0.09 standard deviations) relative to retained-principal comparison schools — related
• Successor Prep school outcomes appeared similar to other KIPP schools, though substantial differences cannot be ruled out — related
• DC math impacts of about one-third of a standard deviation are similar in magnitude to New Orleans reforms and larger than some well-known interventions — related