Minnesota Principals Survey (MnPS) policy and practice briefs

The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) at the University of Minnesota conducted the first biennial Minnesota Principals Survey (MnPS) in November and December 2021 to “elevate principal voice” in Minnesota education policy and better understand the working conditions, concerns, and needs of Minnesota school leaders. Overall, nearly 800 principals, assistant principals, and charter school directors working in public schools across the state responded to the survey, the results of which can be accessed here.

CAREI conducted a series of follow-up focus groups in Fall 2022 to better understand school leaders’ experiences and ideas. A total of 49 school leaders participated in one of nine focus groups: Twin Cities (2 groups); Greater Minnesota (2 groups); Elementary; Secondary; Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); Female; and Early-Career. The Policy & Practice Briefs series was developed to translate survey and focus group findings into research-aligned recommendations for policymakers, system leaders, school leaders, and principal preparation and professional development providers. The five briefs in this series correspond with five focus areas in which survey respondents indicated needing particular support:

• Executive Summary
• Overarching Recommendations
• Community Engaged Leadership
• Culturally-Responsive School Leadership
• Instructional Leadership
• Mental Health
• Professional Development