Building the Capacity of Existing School Leadership to Lead Transformation Efforts: Processes and Outcomes

• In Event: Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Supports and Capacity Development for School Turnaround

Abstract

This study is meant to illustrate the process of using existing human capital to build school leadership capacity to effectively lead and sustain school-level instructional transformation and determine leadership practices contributing to improved student achievement. The focus of the study is a Reform Support Organization providing leadership support in developing a vision; planning; implementing; and assessing, reflecting, and adjusting in urban high-poverty, high-minority schools. Initial findings from 19 partner schools indicate that leaders are building capacity in the mechanics of instructional transformation, but that they are not as skilled in some of the more relationship-oriented aspects of leading change. However, increased leader capacity around adjusting their own practice is promising with respect to improving on relationship building.

Authors

• Eric Barela, Partners in School Innovation

• Derek S. Mitchell, Partners In School Innovation