Minding the gap: Baby Boomer superintendents' leadership and support of Millennial principals

The purpose of this study is to identify the leadership strategies and actions that Superintendents take to support Millennial principals. As the age of California Superintendents increases, the average age of incoming Principals is decreasing. This widening "generation gap" results in a different set of needs for supporting new Principals. This study addresses the leadership practices of Superintendents, focused on goal setting, support, relationships, and autonomy. This study is rooted in the literature concerning leadership and generational differences. Principals indicate that there are practices that lead to high levels of support and success. Superintendents must be aware of the generational differences in their young Principals, so that school systems can adjust to ongoing changes in leadership. This study provides Principals and Superintendents with practices that have led to successful school leadership.