This is a problem based learning project focusing on superintendent use of ISSLC standards in hiring practices for human resource management. Research notes student achievement is affected by effective leadership of principals. School district superintendents charged with hiring effective principals must determine the best candidate for that position. This project attempted to identify superintendent's knowledge and use of research based leadership standards in the recruitment, interview, and selection of potential principal candidates. The project collected artifacts, which included district applications, interview questions, and responses from superintendents regarding their current hiring practices. Superintendents were interviewed to determine what standards and priorities were placed as decision influencers when selecting effective principals as part of human resource management. The project team researched criteria for effectiveness of principal leadership in relation to student achievement in the context of rural school challenges. An interview protocol was developed and used to collect data from superintendents in the northeast region of Missouri. The project team's analysis of the data collected determined superintendents used partial standards while focusing on other factors in the hiring of effective principals for employment in rural school districts. Common themes emerged for determination of what qualities superintendents favor for use in human resource management. Recommendations were made to superintendents, professional organizations, school boards organizations, and institutes of higher education to improve the use of research based leadership standards in the hiring practices of effective principals during the human resource management process. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]