Gatekeeping Roles of District and School Leaders in Implementing Common Core System-Wide

• In Event: 56.078 - The Application of Systems Thinking in Education

Abstract

This study of Common Core implementation in seven school districts in a Northeast state explored what approaches, practices, and processes district and school leaders used to facilitate the implementation of new curriculum standards. Using a multiple case study qualitative data collection and analysis, this study explores the gatekeeping practices of district and school leaders within seven school systems. Overall, district and school leaders in this study eased the system wide implementation of Common Core by focusing on adult learning practices, establishing communities of trust and communication, and using data to strategically deploy resource. Findings from this study highlight the importance of involving entire school systems from district offices to classrooms when implementing major educational reforms aimed at improving student achievement

Authors

• Francesca T. Durand, The Sage Colleges

• Kathryn S. Schiller, University at Albany - SUNY

• Sarah J Zuckerman, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Karen Gregory, University at Albany - SUNY

• Dahlia Kaufman, Center for Advanced Study in Education

• Deborah J. Hecht, City University of New York