School Leaders' Perceptions of Instructional System Coherence for Supporting English Language Arts and Mathematics Instruction

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Ten
  In Roundtable Session: Instructional Leadership Supports for System Coherence and Achievement (Table 1)

Abstract

Instructional system coherence addresses the extent to which system components related to teaching and learning (e.g., curriculum, assessments) reinforce each other and provide the same signals to educators. Coherence is key to supporting instruction and student learning; however, little is known about the present state of instructional system coherence in schools, particularly from the perspective of principals, who are critical change agents; they are in the position to assess and create building-level instructional system coherence. This study surveyed a nationally representative sample of principals (n = 1077) about the coherence of their ELA and math instructional system coherence. Results suggests principals value coherence but recognize system components can provide greater guidance to teachers, particularly in service of traditionally underserved students.

Authors

• Elaine Lin Wang, RAND Corporation
  Presenting Author

• Jonathan Schweig, RAND Corporation
  Presenting Author

• Tiffany Tsai, RAND Corporation
  Non-Presenting Author

• Julia Heath Kaufman, RAND Corporation
  Non-Presenting Author

• V. Darleen Opfer, RAND Education
  Non-Presenting Author