Professional Learning

Instructional Leadership Academy

School Leaders

OVERVIEW

With shared language around good instruction and a focus on the student experience, leaders can create responsive teacher learning opportunities and refocus teaching and learning around students to ensure all learners thrive.
 
Through the Instructional Leadership Academy, participants will develop skills to:
  • Uncover inequities in student learning
  • Discuss instruction using qualitative evidence
  • Provide strengths-based feedback to support teacher growth
This year-long professional learning series includes 4-5 whole group learning sessions as well as 4-5 small group learning experiences in schools. Learning is grounded in the 4 Dimensions of School Leadership™ and 5 Dimensions of Teaching and Learning™ frameworks.

WHAT WE’LL ACCOMPLISH TOGETHER

Through our work together, participants will improve instructional leadership and teaching practice in schools and classrooms across an entire system. By creating a shared vision for teaching and learning, leaders ensure that all students can grow socially, emotionally and academically.

 

WHO IT’S FOR

The Instructional Leadership Academy is for school leaders–including assistant principals–and those who support them.
 

HOW IT WORKS

In a collaborative learning community, participants spend 8-10 days observing and analyzing teaching and learning. Observation experiences elevate student experiences, particularly those furthest from justice.

During whole group learning sessions, which occur at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the year, participants focus on:

  • Deepening their understanding of the connection between how students experience instruction and equity
  • Examining how implicit bias and privilege influence leadership
  • Providing more effective, targeted feedback to teachers
  • Planning strategic teacher learning that can have an impact right away

Embedded learning occurs throughout the year and allows participants to apply new knowledge and skills in small group settings. Activities include:

  • Conducting student learning walkthroughs
  • Observing how students experience classroom instruction
  • Collecting concrete, bias-free qualitative data

Includes the option to begin with the Measures of Instructional Leadership Expertise (MILE) online assessment to identify baseline strengths and areas for growth and optional coaching for central office leaders.

WHAT WILL BE DIFFERENT

  • School leaders and teachers working together toward a shared vision of equitable student learning experiences and outcomes
  • Leaders providing targeted, actionable feedback that helps teachers see the immediate impact of adult learning on student learning
  • Leaders planning teacher learning based on qualitative data that centers how students, especially those furthest from justice, experience instruction

Yearlong

Onsite

Community Learning