Leveraging ESSA Advancing Principal Leadership and School Improvement

Leveraging ESSA Advancing Principal Leadership and School Improvement Principal Pipeline Initiative and Principal Supervisor Initiative Professional Learning Communities: Combined Convening October 28, 2016 Scott Palmer/Sandi Jacobs Education Counsel LLC

ESSA in One Slide Seeing the forest through the trees q ESSA focuses on two big goals: (1) college and career readiness and (2) equity q ESSA then devolves authority toward states and districts to design key systems. Creates opportunities and risks. q But ESSA requires those state and local actions to be aligned with CCR and equity goals; connected through evidence/research; deeply informed by stakeholder engagement; and continuously reviewed and improved over time Requires shift in mindset from NCLB. Lead with vision. 2

ESSA Consolidated Plans A framework for state/local leadership 1 Challenging Academic Standards & Assessments 4 Supporting All Students 2 Accountability, Support, and School Improvement 5 Stakeholder Consultation 3 Supporting Excellent Educators 6 Continuous Improvement Requires state-local architecture. Focus on overall strategies. See SNS, waivers, etc. 3

ESSA Entry Points Where are the leverage points to advance leadership? For example: School Improvement Educator Excellence • ESSA requires systems of supports in lowest-performing schools • Tier 1 -3 evidence required • ESSA provides 7% of TI funds + 3% for direct services (~$1. 5 B/year) • States must make grants, approve plans, provide TA, analyze resource allocation • Districts must develop plans, engage stakeholders, etc. • ESSA provides formula funds to improve teacher and leader quality ($2. 3 B in T 2), including 5% state + 3% set-aside option for leadership • ESSA plans would require strategies for teacher and leader licensure, prep, support, equitable access • T 2 requires state/local actions be aligned with CCR goals, PD be evidence-based per state determination, etc. Competitive Programs • Teacher and School Leader Incentive Fund • Supporting Effective Educator Development • School Leader Recruitment and Support Program 4

Key Takeaways Promoting leadership for leadership… q ESSA provides a key forcing event. Leveraging ESSA requires leadership, knowledge, capacity, etc. q Lead with vision and aligned strategies – state and local. First step is to forget the law. Don't accept old premises. Focus on shift toward learning systems. q ESSA increases the focus on and opportunities for evidence-based action on school leadership for school improvement. We expect ESSA regulations and guidance to strengthen this frame. 5

Education. Counsel Team Scott. Palmer@educationcounsel. com Bethany. Little@educationcounsel. com Sandi. Jacobs@educationcounsel. com Jess. Wood@educationcounsel. com Kathryn. Young@educationcounsel. com ELLC Meeting September 26, 2016 Scott Palmer Managing Partner Education Counsel LLC