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Strong Shared Leadership

Leaders play a key role in the successful implementation of an equitable, multi-level system of supports framework. One person cannot singlehandedly do this work: organizational trust is required. That trust starts within leaders.

Leaders work together to promote a vision of success for all learners

Getting from implementation to positive learner outcomes takes time. Strong leadership draws on a deep understanding of the framework and leadership drivers to guide schools and districts toward the goal.

Strong leaders:

  • Promote a vision of success for all,
  • establish a collaborative culture for the improvement of learning,
  • foster a shared commitment toward that vision across the school, district, and community, and
  • model cultural competence, lead courageous conversations, and advocate for equity.

Putting together a strong leadership team

Leadership teams are comprised of:

  • Administrators,
  • educators,
  • families and learners,
  • members of the community,
  • pupil service providers, and
  • school board members.

Diverse perspectives are invaluable. When putting together a strong leadership team, deliberately include people from groups that have historically been marginalized by schools and districts.

Specific responsibilities of the leadership team in implementation

Leadership teams meet regularly to focus on their mission. They determine needs, establish goals, institute evidence-based practices, and create action plans with input from stakeholders. Teams foster open communication channels, so all agreed-upon practices are understood, and practitioners can ask questions and provide feedback. Teams also coordinate staff support through resources, professional development, and coaching.

How do you know your system has strong shared leadership in place?

  • All members model cultural competency and advocate for equity
  • All members promote a vision of success for every learner and foster a shared commitment to the vision across the school and district
  • Team members represent multiple perspectives, with particular attention to providing voice to underserved learner populations
  • Ensure the system is implemented with fidelity (used as intended) and is sustainable
  • Coordinate staff support through coaching, professional development, and resources
  • Use implementation and outcome data to action plan and monitor progress for continuous improvement inclusive of all learners
  • Rely on internal and external coaches to provide valuable insight and feedback to leaders and teams
  • Ensure effective, efficient, reciprocal communication throughout the system

Resources for this Key System Feature