The Intendent platform is guided by robust academic research on effective leadership and change management

Intendent builds upon a robust evidence base for effective leadership strategies, including methods for how superintendents and building leaders can have a successful “entry” into a new role inside of a district or building. While the Intendent platform leverages new technology, like Generative AI, to make parts of the process easier—the research that informed our systems design and approach is not new.

Promoting the retention of Superintendents is critical; 48% of superintendents leave within 4 years, resulting in disruptions to district improvement efforts and a districtwide culture of instability. 

Intendent was informed and inspired by the Entry Plan Approach, developed by Barry Jentz and Joan Wofford (2012), which focuses on systematic data collection through document reviews, interviews, surveys, and visitations to identify a district’s strengths and areas needing attention. The Entry Plan Approach is a structured process designed to facilitate the transition of new district leaders and set the stage for a superintendent to have a long and effective tenure. The driving theory behind the approach is that positive and sustainable institutional change occurs when leaders work to understand the context before making strategic decisions. In the words of its founders, district leaders need to “hit the ground learning”—rather than hit the ground running—when entering a new position.

For 40 years, the Entry Plan Approach has been implemented in school districts nationwide, with a track record of success enhancing leadership effectiveness and longevity. Foundational research by Edmonds (1979) and Sarason (1971, 1982) supports the idea that taking the time to learn, rather than taking immediate action, leads to better solutions for complex problems. In addition, the primary focus on learning allows a new district leader to establish authority – not by having all the answers – but by demonstrating a clear, thoughtful, and inclusive process for finding them. 

Gains in leader retention, district improvement efforts, and authority are just some of the documented benefits of the Entry Plan Approach. The process has also been found to benefit students by creating a pathway for dramatic increases in student achievement (Parker, 2016). 

Emerging technology, like AI, makes it easier to put “best practices” into action in every district

Despite the efficacy of the Entry Plan model, it has historically been a resource-intensive process that requires several months, an expensive leadership coach, and continuous effort. These challenges have historically made the Entry Plan Approach out of reach for many districts.

Intendent combines the guided process and methodology of time-tested leadership best practices, like the Jentz and Wofford “Entry Plan” model with modern advances in AI technology to make it easy for every district or building leader to engage deeply with all stakeholders, analyze survey results and documents with ease, and build data-informed goals—regardless of how big their team is or how large their resources are.