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
Leadership for an Equitable, Multi-level System of Supports
Shared, collaborative leadership is a hallmark of successful Equitable MLSS implementation. Explore a cascading team structure for your teams.
Implementation Teams: An Overview
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Learn about implementation teams including their responsibilities and who should be on them.
District Implementation Team
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The role and functions of a district implementation team
Building (School) Implementation Team
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The role and function of a building (school) leadership team explained.
Leadership and Coaching for Systems Change
Graphic depiction how the various aspects of coaching come together as a part of a multi-level system of support and when implemented with fidelity, impact…
Bibliography for Leadership and Coaching
A list of resources to help develop coaching and leadership skills to support implementing a multi-level system of support.
Leadership Drivers—National Implementation Research Network (NIRN)
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NIRN page sharing the importance of leadership and the many traits needed by leaders to make change, support staff, and sustain outcomes.
Leadership Readiness Inventory
Help ensure your district and school are prepared to implement a multi-level system of support by reviewing these steps.
PBIS Implementation Blueprint
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Leadership teams use the blueprint to guide action planning around implementation
Wisconsin FACETS: Guidebook for Serving on Groups
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This guidebook has eight sections to help encourage better participate at the table with all decision makers.