Education Week

Every once in a while, a research finding comes along that has paradigm-shifting significance. The University of Chicago recently produced one: principals' greatest influence on student achievement is through changes in school climate.

This is true across the achievement continuum; that is, principals in both lower- and higher-performing schools contribute to student gains mainly through improvements in school climate. This challenges conventional wisdom on the many roles principals are implored to prioritize, and compels changes in policy and practice so principals can channel their time and energy to benefit students the most...