Leading Common Core State Standards Implementation: Lessons From One Successful Superintendent

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are required in most of the nation’s public schools, and many superintendents have been tasked with implementing them in their school systems. Using leadership for learning as a conceptual framework, this case study examined the leadership behaviors of one superintendent in a Midwestern state, whose district was an early CCSS adopter. Findings revealed that the superintendent was successful in developing a shared CCSS vision; expanding district capacity through distributed leadership; providing professional development and instructional coaching supports; and responding to implementation challenges, which included maintaining open communications channels with stakeholders and managing teacher stress.