Positive Student Results Through Instructional Leadership

A new principal understood the impact that instruction would have on the overall school results. However, the demands of the job made it difficult. We started working together by reviewing data and identifying instructional root causes. The principal shared that the teachers were telling him that they needed help in addressing students' needs that they were uncovering in their data.

I asked the principal if he had a plan to help the teachers in this area. He admitted that he didn’t know how and I respected his honest response. We got to work setting up a leadership plan that would help him become a stronger instructional leader for his school. 

It is a cry for help from teachers when they ask what to do to address the needs of their students. These teachers want to do the right thing but do not know what to do next. The school leader who is aware of these issues and spending more time on data activities won’t be able to give teachers what they need to move the data forward. 

What I have discovered in working with many school leaders is that to build capacity in their teachers, they must first become skillful in their own knowledge of instructional practices. This may include processes and strategies that are key for students to be successful. 

The principal may not have the time to learn all the key strategies to impact data, but they can align professional learning to address the root causes in their data. Leaders can also identify internal (from within the district) or external experts who can help them with professional development. However, providing training is not enough, it is also important to monitor and hold teachers accountable for implementing what is learned in those sessions. 

Do you conduct walk-through observations to monitor a specific strategy that was learned during professional development? Classroom walkthroughs with a specific focus are a great way to get information. It can help school leaders determine the next steps for supporting teachers at all levels. 

Another effective leadership strategy is to create collaborative opportunities for teachers to enhance instructional practice by examining student work. By asking teachers to bring student work to their meetings, teachers can identify what is missing for students. This provides a meaningful opportunity for teachers to contribute and inform what they need to move students forward. If teachers do not know, a wise leader listens to their staff and provides training to help them address these issues. 

When leaders identify the key factors that influence the quality of instruction and make them a priority, they make better decisions and ensure that their decisions have an impact on student outcomes. Simply believing that students will accomplish their goals is not enough. They must also help teachers develop the skills needed to engage and impact student performance.

Knowing that instruction influences achievement is very different from knowing how to influence the quality of instruction to make an impact on student results. 

1. Create a Vision of Academic Success for All Students

2. Lead Interactions with an Instructional Focus

3. Use Data to Guide Instructional Decisions for Continuous Improvement. 

For more details, see last year's blog post:   https://debradurma.com/blog/f/3-building-blocks-for-a-student-success-culture-part-2-of-4 

The next level for Data Steps 2.0 is to reflect on your instructional leadership from last year. 

1.  Did you create a vision of Academic Success for All Students?

If so, did it make a difference in your results? Celebrate and identify what you will continue to build upon right now. 

If not, why not? What are your next steps?

2.  Did you Lead Interactions with an Instructional Focus?

If so, did it make a difference in your results? Celebrate and identify your next area of focus!  

If not, why not? Do you have a clear understanding of what areas of instruction will make the biggest impact on your student needs? Who can help you move this area forward? Work with your team, especially those who can help you identify instructional strengths and deficiencies. This can help you lead instructional-focused conversations with confidence. This can come from internal district support, and/or an external consultant. 

3. Did you use Data to Guide Instructional Decisions for Continuous Improvement?

If so, did it make a difference in your results? Celebrate and identify the next steps for continuous improvement! 

If not, why not? Testing data is not the only data to use for instructional decisions. Are you reviewing student work? Does student work from the classroom align with your accountability testing? Where are the gaps and what are your next steps? What training do teachers need to address those gaps?

Curious about the leader in the above story? The principal committed to providing instructional support and monitoring progress. He empowered teachers to make better instructional decisions. Teachers felt supported, boosting their confidence as they noticed improvements in student performance. After the first assessment, student results improved. Everyone celebrated and this school is now on track to reach their goals by the end of the year. 

Effective leadership is crucial for developing a positive environment where teaching and learning can thrive. By prioritizing support for our educators and encouraging open communication, we create a culture of growth and collaboration. When leaders focus on developing their teams, everyone benefits—especially our students.

If you are looking for support analyzing your data and identifying the next steps of your instructional leadership, request a FREE consultation call with me. Fill in the Contact Form Link: https://debradurma.com/contact-us 

Type in “Yes” for “Are you Interested in STAR Leadership Data Solutions?” You will receive a follow-up email with the next step to schedule a phone call to discuss your needs and questions.

Are you unhappy with your results or feeling overwhelmed by data? If so, contact me for more information on STAR Leadership School-Student Data Solutions Training. This training will guide you through the 4 data steps and give you a blueprint for achieving results. This training is individualized and tailored to your data, your needs, your staff, your students, and your best route to achieve results.