- Reading Assignments
- Chapter 6 (Bambrick-Santoyo text)
- Chapter 3 – the Takeaways, (Schmoker text)
- Read the sections on “Classroom Conditions,” “Teachers,” and “Leaders Professional Learning Experiences” (pages 59-70) in Review of Research: How Leadership Influences Student Learning by Leithwood, Louis, Anderson, and Wahlstrom. Click here to download.
- Proverbs 9:10; Proverbs 4:7
unit 6: Discussion Question
- Discussion Question (10 points)
- After reading about takeaways at the end of Chapter 3 in Mike Schmoker’s book, Leading with Focus, select two takeaways that you deem would make the most impact on your current school setting. Discuss why each takeaway would be utilized to enhance student learning and HOW to go about adjusting school practice to improve student performance.
- Discuss ONE of the eight areas of classroom policies and practices mentioned in Review of Research: How Leadership Influences Student Learning (pages 59-70) that could yield improvement in student learning if handled wisely by school leaders.
How to Write a Discussion on Leadership Takeaways and Classroom Practices That Improve Student Learning
Introduction
Begin by introducing the importance of instructional leadership in improving student achievement and creating a culture of continuous school improvement. Explain that effective school leaders influence teaching quality, instructional consistency, professional collaboration, and student outcomes by establishing clear expectations and supporting evidence-based instructional practices. Discuss that Mike Schmoker’s Leading with Focus emphasizes practical strategies for improving teaching and learning, while Leithwood, Louis, Anderson, and Wahlstrom’s Review of Research: How Leadership Influences Student Learning highlights the significant role leadership plays in shaping classroom conditions that promote academic success. Conclude the introduction by stating that the discussion will analyze two leadership takeaways from Schmoker’s Chapter 3 and one classroom policy or practice identified by Leithwood and colleagues that has the potential to enhance student learning.
Section 1: First Takeaway from Leading with Focus
Select the first takeaway from the end of Chapter 3 that you believe would have the greatest impact in your current school setting.
Explain:
The central idea of the takeaway.
Why it is important for improving student learning.
How it addresses current instructional or organizational challenges within your school.
Discuss how implementing this takeaway could improve instructional quality, teacher collaboration, curriculum alignment, student engagement, or academic performance.
Explain how school leaders should implement this practice, including strategies such as professional development, collaborative planning, instructional coaching, data-informed decision-making, classroom observations, or continuous monitoring of student progress.
Section 2: Second Takeaway from Leading with Focus
Select a different takeaway from Chapter 3.
Explain why this recommendation would positively influence student achievement within your school.
Discuss how this takeaway complements or strengthens existing instructional practices.
Describe the practical steps school leaders should take to implement the recommendation successfully. Include discussion of teacher support, stakeholder involvement, communication, ongoing evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts that encourage sustainable instructional change.
Section 3: Analyze One Classroom Policy or Practice from How Leadership Influences Student Learning
Choose one of the eight classroom policies and practices discussed on pages 59–70 of Review of Research: How Leadership Influences Student Learning.
Examples include classroom conditions, instructional quality, teacher capacity, assessment practices, curriculum implementation, professional learning experiences, classroom climate, or other areas identified in the reading.
Explain:
The selected classroom policy or practice.
Why it significantly influences student learning.
How effective leadership contributes to improving this area.
Discuss how school leaders can strengthen this classroom practice through shared leadership, professional learning communities, teacher mentoring, instructional supervision, resource allocation, or evidence-based decision-making.
Support your discussion by explaining how improvements in this area contribute to higher student achievement, increased teacher effectiveness, stronger classroom environments, and continuous school improvement.
Section 4: Biblical Integration
Discuss how Proverbs 9:10 and Proverbs 4:7 relate to educational leadership and school improvement.
Explain how these passages emphasize the importance of wisdom, understanding, ethical leadership, and sound decision-making in educational settings. Reflect on how biblical principles encourage school leaders to pursue knowledge, exercise discernment, foster professional growth, and serve students and teachers with integrity. Discuss how integrating these principles into leadership practices supports a positive school culture and enhances student learning.
Conclusion
Summarize the major ideas discussed by emphasizing that effective instructional leadership requires intentional focus on evidence-based teaching practices, continuous professional learning, and collaborative school improvement. Reinforce that the selected takeaways from Schmoker’s Leading with Focus provide practical strategies for strengthening instruction and improving student performance, while the classroom policy or practice identified by Leithwood and colleagues demonstrates the powerful influence leadership has on teaching and learning. Conclude by emphasizing that educational leaders who combine research-based practices with wisdom, collaboration, and ethical leadership create learning environments that promote long-term student success.
References
Use APA 7th edition references in alphabetical order.
Include:
Bambrick-Santoyo, P. Leverage Leadership (Chapter 6), if required by your instructor.
Leithwood, K., Louis, K. S., Anderson, S., & Wahlstrom, K. Review of Research: How Leadership Influences Student Learning.
Schmoker, M. Leading with Focus (Chapter 3).
The Holy Bible (cite the version required by your course, such as the New International Version or English Standard Version).
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