Wayzata H.S. Principal Wins Research Award

Jeff Ridlehoover, associate principal at , won the 2012 NASSP Dr. Ted Sizer High School Dissertation Award for his research, “The High School Principalship: An Investigation Into the Essential Leadership Characteristics as Determined by High School Principals and the Teachers Whom They Serve.”

The purpose of the annual competition is to focus professional and scholarly attention on the complex issues facing middle level and high school leaders. The premise of Riddlehoover’s research, which supports the core concepts of the NASSP “Breaking Ranks” Framework, was to quantitatively conclude whether a disconnect existed between what high school principals and teachers believed were the most essential leadership characteristics of the high school principal.

The findings revealed a great deal of commonality in what both groups considered to be the key traits of a successful principal. However, the survey also showed that although high school principals and teachers generally agree on the essential leadership characteristics, they do not necessarily agree on how site-based decisions are made or the style of leadership exhibited by high school principals.

Ridlehoover completed his doctorate degree at Hamline University in September 2010. As part of his award, Ridlehoover will receive a complimentary one-year NASSP membership, a cash award, and a commemorative plaque.

(The preceding information was provided by a and NASSP press release.)