The American School Superintendent: 2010 Decennial Study - Definitive

In this review of The American School Superintendent: 2010 Decennial Study, the bottom line is clear: this is the most authoritative snapshot of school leadership available from that decade and a must-read for anyone studying district administration. Compiled from an electronic survey of just under 1,900 superintendents nationwide, the report provides representative, research-quality insight into who leads American schools and how they view the role. For researchers, policy makers, and aspiring superintendents seeking a decade-specific baseline, this study supplies the data and context that other reports from 2010 rely on.

Key Features

• Representative sample: Data were collected from just under 1,900 superintendents across the United States, giving a nationwide portrait of the superintendency in 2010.
• Decennial continuity: Part of a long-running series dating back to 1923, the study allows readers to place 2010 findings in historical context.
• Electronic survey methodology: The use of an electronic survey streamlined data collection and captured contemporary superintendent perspectives efficiently.
• Practical relevance: The report is written for people who prepare and support school leaders, making its findings applicable to training and development programs.
• Audience-focused analysis: Coverage suits current superintendents, aspiring leaders, and policymakers looking for evidence-based insight into leadership trends.

Who It's For

The study is best suited to educational researchers, district-level leaders, and graduate programs in educational administration who need a reliable, decade-specific dataset on superintendents. It is also valuable for associations and policymakers who require a national baseline for planning leadership development and support systems.

Those seeking up-to-the-minute trends after 2010 or highly prescriptive, operational how-to guidance on daily district management should look elsewhere; this work is primarily descriptive and contextual rather than a step-by-step manual for current practice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a nationally representative dataset of nearly 1,900 superintendents, useful for comparative research and planning.
• Fits into a long-running decennial series, enabling historical comparisons back to 1923.
• Targets multiple audiences including superintendents, aspiring leaders, and those who train administrators, increasing its practical value.

Cons

• The study reflects the state of the superintendency in 2010 and does not capture changes or trends occurring after that year.

Specifications

Title	The American School Superintendent: 2010 Decennial Study
Author / Brand	Theodore J. Kowalski
Data source	Electronic survey of school superintendents
Sample size	Just under 1,900 superintendents nationwide
Series	Decennial State of the Superintendency report (since 1923)
Primary audience	Superintendents, aspiring leaders, educators, policymakers

Our Verdict

For anyone researching school leadership circa 2010 or designing training programs grounded in historical data, this decennial study is a high-value reference. Its representative sample and continuity with past reports make it a sound investment for institutions and individuals who need evidence-based context rather than current operational guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this study cover superintendents nationwide?
Yes, the report is based on a representative electronic survey of just under 1,900 superintendents across the United States.

Is this a practical how-to guide for daily district management?
No, the study is descriptive and research-focused; it provides context and data rather than step-by-step management instruction.

Who authored the report?
The study is published under Theodore J. Kowalski and is part of the American Association of School Administrators decennial series.