This digest discusses the issue of performance standards for school superintendents. School districts are discovering that developing performance standards for administrators can be cost effective, reduce crisis management, set and maintain direction, and give the community a standard for measuring school success. Several aspects of the issue on performance standards for school superintendents are covered in question-and-answer format: (1) In which performance areas should standards be defined? (2) Should performance standards be defined before the superintendent is evaluated? (3) What is an example of one district's approach (Plymouth-Canton Community School District in Michigan)? and (4) What are some ideas for followup procedures (six activities are suggested)? Appended are eight references. (SI)