Increasing Student Achievement Through Effective School Leadership: Practitioners Perspectives

Best practices in addressing the learning needs of all students, particularly those identified as at-risk for failure, must be informed by theory, research, and experience. The practitioners in this book share their experiences in designing support systems for a variety of at-risk student groups including English language learners, immigrant, refugee, and low socio-economic students. Emphasising the development of safe and supportive school cultures, the involvement of parents in student learning, and curriculum that addresses differentiated learning needs, this book provides practical ways that school leaders can advocate for and provide systemic supports for at-risk students. The effective use of technology to enrich student learning and promote engagement is also discussed, as well as the development of professional learning communities as a structure to promote on-going teacher growth in effective teaching practices. Although not typically considered as an at-risk population, meeting the needs of gifted and talented students who may not fully engage with school is also addressed. Finally, a stewardship model of leadership is explored, based on the actions of leaders in schools with high poverty and minority students that have consistently earned recognition as high performing. The ideas for engaging students, teachers, parents, and communities shared by practitioners in this book focus on effective means of collaboration, communication, relationship building, and strategic planning for at-risk student success and can be used by school leaders in every school to better serve all students.