U.S. K-12 Principals Give Insight into Instructional Practices and Purchasing Priorities in New "School Trends" MDR Research Report

SHELTON, Conn., Sept. 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. K-12 principals have given their insight on instructional practices and purchasing priorities in the latest research from the MDR EdNET Insight State of the K-12 Market Report – "School Trends: Principals' Perspectives on Instructional Initiatives and Purchasing Decisions."

The 70-page report, written by Marci Goldberg, K-12 Market Advisors, includes extensive appendices with data broken down by school level, size, location, and Title I status to benefit school suppliers and vendors who sell products and services to schools and districts across America.

In combination with the research from the entire four-part series, this report provides a unique 360 view of decision-making authority at all levels from an administrator, to a principal to a classroom teacher. Based on a national survey, U.S. principals shared their priorities on:

• Instructional initiatives – implementation of innovative practices, such as personalized learning.
• Purchasing -- where, how, and by whom decisions are made on various types of purchases with discretionary school budgets.
• Professional development needs for teachers and themselves.
• Resources – how they learn about new products and view marketing and sales approaches.
• Leadership issues -- overall vision to improve student outcomes while facing many challenges.

An example in the research highlights purchasing levels on various instructional materials for schools and districts. MDR's survey data finds that primary purchasing decisions for library and supplemental instructional materials favor the school level, while textbook and facility improvement are likely at a district level. Purchases of digital curriculum, professional development and instructional hardware are both levels. Additionally, 82% of principals have discretionary funds, but their influence about which products to purchase extends considerably beyond their individual school budgets.

Maureen Hance, MDR's EdNET Insight Product Manager says, "Purchasing decisions are never cut and dry in U.S. education, but it is clear that principals have significant authority, especially for products that have a direct impact on student instruction and outcomes. Principals also look to vendors who will help them solve significant challenges and have products that are easy to deploy and supported by evidence of effectiveness."

Additional findings in this report include highest priorities and significant challenges:

• STEM, personalized learning, and project-based learning are the highest instructional priorities.
• Improving student outcomes, instruction and engaging with parents are significant challenges.
• 50% of principals have planned for or are implementing personalized learning.
• Nine out of ten principals believe technology is an essential tool for enhanced student learning, although only 67% rate their technology infrastructure as strong and 45% believe teachers are effective in using technology to engage students and improve learning.

To order School Trends: Principals' Perspectives on Instructional Initiatives and Purchasing Decisions and other MDR research reports, visit the MDR Research Reports page or call 1-800-333-8802. To learn more about MDR investigative research, visit www.mdreducation.com or email [email protected].

About MDR
MDR is an integrated marketing services agency with unique digital, creative, and branding capabilities. For 46 years, MDR leads the industry in helping clients achieve their business goals by connecting with targeted audiences through research and market intelligence, a world class school database and multi-channel digital communities including WeAreTeachers, WeAreParents, Schooldata.com, and EdNET Insight.

About EdNET Insight
EdNET Insight is the education industry's trusted source for information about the current state of the K-12 market and the game-changing trends that impact educators and administrators, as well as the companies and organizations that serve them.

Follow @EdNETBiz  @MDRBiz and LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Valerie Chernek
410-871-2670 / [email protected]

SOURCE MDR

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