Now What? From Equity Policy to Instructional Leadership to Close Achievement Gaps

Promoting equity and closing achievement gaps requires changing instructional practices in key ways. Participants will explore how common practices can short circuit equity policy, examine key improvements to instructional practices necessary to close achievement gaps, and prioritize instructional leadership steps to move equity from policy to practice in their schools.

Educational leaders can implement well-intentioned equity policies without achieving equitable learning outcomes. This is because equity policies, procedures, and professional development seldom address HOW to improve student learning in meaningful ways. Educators who support equity often do not know how to change their instructional practices to meet student needs. Closing achievement gaps requires building a school’s capacity to maximize student growth by implementing key instructional practices for every student in every classroom every day.
In this session, participants will:
-Explore common practices that can short circuit equity policies resulting in the perpetuation of achievement gaps.
-Examine key improvements to instructional practices that are necessary to move equity from policy to instructional practice.
-Develop a prioritized list of practical steps to lead for equity by improving instructional practice.
This presentation draws from the book, The Instructional Leader’s Guide to Closing Achievement Gaps: Five Keys to Improving Outcomes.

Presented by

Dr. Teresa Hill

Superintendent

South Holland School District 151

ASCD & ISTE Author

In her work in schools, Dr. Teresa Hill strives to make the system work for every child. She is devoted to eliminating achievement gaps and ending what she terms “failure as a default”. Her motto is “All children can learn . . . Period.” Teresa began her career teaching thirty-one kindergarten students in Peoria, IL. She has served as a Superintendent in South Holland, IL since 2012. Dr. Teresa Hill is a speaker and author whose work focuses on underserved communities. Her most recent book is titled, The Instructional Leader’s Guide to Closing Achievement Gaps: Five Keys for Improving Student Outcomes.