This study examined superintendents' perceptions of current performance evaluation practices and their preferences for those practices. Specifically, 1,125 superintendents across the nation received a questionnaire exploring evaluation effectiveness and results-based procedures. Findings indicate practices are neither uniformly effective nor results-based by the standards set for this study. Though more than 90 percent of superintendents were evaluated at least annually, some responses raised serious doubts about the effectiveness of the practices used. One limitation of effective evaluations was the lack of training and knowledge among board members. Also, superintendents preferred results-based evaluations, yet personality traits and process skills were emphasized over results-based criteria. Because findings show little evidence that evaluation processes have changed to accommodate the accountability movement, the authors contend superintendents must educate their boards in establishing effective and results-based practices. (Contains 15 tables.)