ASA/ASBA Superintendent Evaluation Tool
Developed collaboratively by the Arizona School Boards Association and Arizona School Administrators, this competency-based superintendent evaluation tool supports governing boards in meeting their legal evaluation obligations. It also promotes collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Using a four-point scale — Highly Effective, Effective, Developing, and Ineffective — the rubric assesses superintendent performance across six leadership standards:
Both standardized and adaptable, the instrument allows districts to weight domains based on local priorities. At the same time, it maintains consistent statewide expectations. Each standard includes measurable indicators and performance evidence. These help governing boards move beyond subjective impressions toward structured, evidence-based evaluation conversations.
An integrated goal-setting framework connects superintendent evaluation directly to district improvement plans and measurable results. This positions the evaluation not as a compliance exercise but as a mechanism for advancing district-wide priorities. The tool is designed to be used throughout the year rather than reserved for a single end-of-year review. Therefore, it reinforces the value of ongoing communication between the board and superintendent.
ASBA and ASA developed this instrument with input from Arizona school leaders. This helps ensure it reflects the realities of the superintendent role within Arizona's governance and policy context. Boards are guided through a process that surfaces both strengths and areas for development. It also supports the board-superintendent relationship. In addition, it creates a shared record of performance and expectations over time. The instrument includes structured guidance for goal setting, evidence collection, and mid-year check-ins. These tools help boards move beyond a single end-of-year review toward a continuous evaluation practice that strengthens governance and district leadership throughout the year. For Arizona school boards and superintendents seeking a structured, legally compliant evaluation instrument grounded in state-specific governance expectations and national leadership research, the ASA/ASBA tool provides a trusted and practically oriented foundation.
This rubric is applicable for the following roles: Superintendent