Institute for Strategic Leadership and Learning
Education Research and Policy Consulting
Areas Of Expertise
Accelerated District and School Improvement
Building upon an Improvement Framework and a research-based set of Practices for Accelerated Improvement, we specialize in working with states, districts, and individual schools to engage in strategic planning (e.g., root cause analysis, needs assessment) that sets ambitious goals and specific leadership actions to drive accelerated improvement. We use in-person Strategy Sessions and Leadership Networks as mechanisms for accelerating learning and building the leadership capacity of individuals and organizations to support sustainable improvement. Because context matters, we customize our work to build upon the context, needs, and assets of our clients.
System Design and Strategic Leadership
We work with leaders across the education system to design systems of engagement and support that balance accountability with capacity building. Our work strengthens leadership capacity — the skills, knowledge, relationships, and strategic use of resources needed to build durable improvement structures and routines. We support states and districts in using Leadership Networks and Strategic Planning to accelerate the design, implementation, and spread of effective instructional practices so that all students are able to thrive and succeed in school and through college and career. We focus on urban and high-poverty communities, with an emphasis on closing achievement gaps.
Evaluation and Policy Analysis
Evaluation and Policy Analysis
We conduct customized analysis and evaluations of state and federal education policies and regulations as they impact local improvement efforts, focusing on how policies are interpreted and enacted by individuals across the education system. Using our analysis as a starting point, we work with educational leaders to consider how to best construct, adapt, utilize and communicate education policies so as to create a productive policy environment that supports innovation and transformational change.