Meaningful improvement in schools and districts is just small shifts away. How can administrators and teachers work together in ways that lead to significant--and sustained--improvement over time? How can schools accomplish this goal without adding to the work of overstretched educators? This practical guide answers these questions with…

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) can provide a structure for teachers to engage in learning processes that improve their classroom practices collaboratively. If followed consistently with the literature, PLCs are a robust professional learning model that can support teachers collectively through learning and reflecting on their classroom…

25 years on, the PLC at Work® process continues to produce results across the United States and worldwide. In this fourth edition of the bestseller "Learning by Doing," the authors use updated research and time-tested knowledge to address current education challenges, from learning gaps exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic to the need to…

"For students to be successful in school, they first have to be in school." With that simple statement, Jessica Sprick and Randy Sprick launch a compelling case for prioritizing student attendance. This comprehensive guide provides school and district-level administrators and teams with the background information, strategies, and tools…

The George W. Bush Institute's School Leadership Initiative (SLI) District Cohort Research Project is a five-year effort with four school districts to test two frameworks--Principal Talent Management (PTM) and Effective Implementation. This collaboration is designed to improve how districts prepare, recruit, support, and retain principals. This…

It is no secret that successful school leadership starts with the principal. But who is taking care of school principals and ensuring their well-being? A principal's needs must be addressed before they can effectively address the needs of their school community. District leadership must prioritize the needs of principals who in turn, will empower…

This guide grew out of material used in the Transformation Academy, a professional learning program for principals charged with achieving the rapid improvement of their school. The intent of that program is to help principals get started with transforming instruction -- the change that is at the heart of school improvement. Transforming…

Over half of all teacher-powered schools have designated administrators, and the role is very different from what a traditional principal does at most K-12 schools. This guide is designed to address the unique opportunities and challenges in being a teacher-powered administrator. The guide draws on the expertise and experience of eight…

Special education administrators at both the district and school level are serving in critical roles that uniquely position them to improve academic and behavioral outcomes of students with disabilities by ensuring the special education teachers under their supervision are prepared to deliver an evidence-based form of intensive…

"The Internal Coherence Framework" presents a system of research-based practices for assessing and developing the conditions that support adult and student learning in schools. Internal coherence is defined as the ability of educators in a school or system to connect and align resources to carry out an improvement strategy, engage in…

Improving school climate takes time and commitment from a variety of people in a variety of roles. This document outlines key action steps that school leaders--including principals, assistant/vice principals, and building leaders--can take to support school climate improvements. Key action steps are provided for the following strategies: (1)…

There are many demands on schools today to perform at a high level with competence that improves teaching and learning and promotes higher student achievement. When students perform below national standards, schools may be given a "no vote of confidence" from the public. Therefore, principals in schools need to find ways to groom and…

The ultimate outcome of this work is to support students, families, and educators (includes all school members who collectively support students) during the transitions back to school during and following the global pandemic in a manner that prioritizes their health and safety, social and emotional needs, and behavioral and academic growth. This…

"The Learning Principal" is an eight-page newsletter published eight times a year. It focuses on the important and unique work of school principals. This issue includes: (1) Framework "for" Improvement: Effective School Leadership Translates into Increased Student Learning (Valerie von Frank); (2) Q & A: Instructional…

"Success in the Superintendency" will help new and aspiring superintendents gain meaningful, practical information from award winning, experienced superintendents. The book's ten chapters cover topics identifiable to every superintendent--no matter how many years experience he or she has on the job. The author and editor of the book, Kay T.…