7/1/2024

Elevating Educational Leadership Potential With Professional Learning

What Does Effective Professional Learning Look Like?

Professional learning has the transformative power to affect change throughout entire districts, across whole schools, and within every classroom. District and school leaders have the potential to empower their teachers to be better instructors and peer leaders with effective professional learning. This fosters a culture of excellence and leadership that enhances the entire educational community’s ability to tackle challenges and share best practices.

The shift toward evidence-based professional learning represents a major advancement in effective instruction. Access to such learning enables administrators to effectively meet diverse educator needs, promoting a culture of literacy excellence and leadership. Comprehensive programs develop deep literacy expertise while targeted solutions address specific instructional challenges. Together, these strategies empower educators to extend their influence, elevating educational success through informed, strategic teaching practices.

It’s crucial that administrators understand the value, necessity, and research behind science of reading-based professional learning. This list is designed to provide educational leaders with a curated selection of research, evidence, and information about effective professional learning so they can make informed decisions for their districts and schools. 

Data-Driven and Evidence-Based Professional Learning Opportunities 

The following resources spotlight Lexia's innovative approach to professional learning, harnessing data and research to inform and refine educational strategies. Lexia® LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) plays a crucial role, offering deep insight into the science of reading. Accredited by the International Dyslexia Association®, LETRS empowers educators with Structured Literacy approaches and tools applicable across reading programs, aligning with standards for teaching reading. Lexia® LETRS® for Administrators further supports leadership in implementing science-based reading initiatives, providing a comprehensive guide and tools for successful literacy outcomes. 

Lexia’s latest professional learning solution, Lexia Aspire® Professional Learning, provides teachers of adolescents with the necessary literacy knowledge to help their students advance their reading skills in late elementary school and middle school. Together, these programs embody a dedication to evidence-based practices, enabling administrators to lead effectively and cultivate literacy-rich environments through informed strategic decisions.

Learn more about the impact these programs have had on teachers: 

• Making Up for Lost Time: Why LETRS Professional Learning Is Imperative for Literacy Acceleration
• K–3 Literacy Success Levels Soar in Ohio District After Educators Turn to LETRS
• Students in This Colorado District Make Significant Literacy Gains When Educators Are Trained in LETRS Professional Learning
• Life-Changing Professional Learning District Switches from Balanced Literacy to Proven Science of Reading Instruction
• Choice Overload: St. Louis Elementary School Chooses Proven Professional Learning to Help All Students Read

“As a superintendent, my participation in the LETRS training (teacher version) has equipped me with essential background knowledge, empowering me to make more informed, evidence-based decisions regarding curriculum, instruction, and assessment. This training has broadened my perspective, enabling me to consider the viewpoints of both students and teachers. Furthermore, it has facilitated discussions using a common language within school and districtwide PLCs, centered around best practices, resulting in improved outcomes for our district which is supported by data. I believe every administrator who has a direct impact with curriculum, instruction, and assessment should participate in the training. Furthermore, the training has also opened doors of information to share with parents and community alike, generating trust and confidence in the learning process provided to students.”—Dr. Jim Masters, superintendent, Henry County Public Schools, Kentucky 

Science of Reading-Based Professional Learning 

Integrating the science of reading into professional development transforms literacy teaching by emphasizing foundational literacy as essential. Science of reading-based professional learning uses evidence-based insight to enhance teachers' strategies, aligning them with scientific findings about reading. Rooted in extensive research, effective professional learning improves literacy by offering a structured, effective teaching approach. It improves literacy education quality, ensuring teaching methods are tailored to help students reach their full reading potential, highlighting its direct influence on learner success.

Furthermore, studies indicate teachers who engage in extensive professional development—receiving, on average, 49 hours of training—can elevate their students' performance by approximately 21 percentile points. Learn more about the importance of the science of reading and effective professional learning with these resources:

• Reviewing the Evidence on How Teacher Professional Development Affects Student Achievement
• Professional Development in Scientifically Based Reading Instruction: Teacher Knowledge and Reading Outcomes
• The Science of Reading Progresses: Communicating Advances Beyond the Simple View of Reading
• Ending the Reading Wars: Reading Acquisition From Novice to Expert
• How the Science of Reading Informs 21st-Century Education

Importance of Professional Learning for Educator Satisfaction and Student Outcomes

Positive professional learning plays a pivotal role in boosting educator satisfaction and retention, which, in turn, enhances the overall quality of education delivered to students. These resources explore how targeted professional development initiatives bolster educator confidence and serve as a cornerstone for improved student literacy outcomes. They further delve into the importance of mitigating teacher burnout, thereby creating a more encouraging and successful educational environment. By implementing professional learning focused on these strategies, the direct link between educator well-being and positive student outcomes is addressed, reinforcing the importance of supporting teachers for the benefit of the entire educational community.

Review these curated resources and studies for more information: 

• How to Support Teachers Now: Three Ways to Reduce Teacher Burnout and Promote Success
• From Surviving To Thriving: Why Systemic and Sustainable Support for Educators Begins With the Science of Reading
• Effective Teacher Professional Development
• How School Leaders Can Support Effective Professional Development
• Teachers Matter: Understanding Teachers’ Impact on Student Achievement

Literacy Instruction Strategies 

These resources emphasize the significance of adopting literacy instruction strategies firmly rooted in the science of reading. They underscore the necessity of providing systemic support to teachers, ensuring they are well-equipped to implement these evidence-based practices in literacy education. By highlighting how strategic professional learning choices can effectively navigate the diverse challenges faced by educators, these resources showcase the potential for improved literacy outcomes across various contexts. This approach reinforces the importance of informed instructional strategies and illustrates the transformative impact of equipping teachers with the right tools and knowledge to enhance student learning.

Review these resources and studies to learn more about effective literacy instruction and what it can do: 

• Supporting Teachers Through Adolescent Literacy Efforts With Rhonda Nelson
• Practical Support: Evidence-Based Implementations With Dr. Shayne Piasta
• The Power of Effective Literacy Instruction
• Effective Reading Instruction for Struggling Readers: The Role of Direct/Explicit Instruction
• Best Practices in K–12 Literacy Models

Professional Learning Works

Elevating educational leadership is fundamentally tied to professional learning, which plays a crucial role in empowering educators and enhancing student achievement. By addressing challenges such as educator turnover and burnout, effective professional learning fosters a supportive, stable educational environment. It aligns teaching practices with the science of reading, unlocking literacy's transformative potential through data-driven strategies and specialized programs like LETRS, LETRS for Administrators, and Aspire. These tools boost teaching efficacy and literacy outcomes and equip leaders with the necessary insight to support dynamic learning environments where teachers feel empowered and students thrive.

This approach transcends mere resource compilation, urging educational leaders to adopt a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy for professional learning. By committing to innovative and targeted learning solutions, educational leaders can navigate the complexities of literacy education, enhancing teacher support and student success. Together, we can build a future of educational excellence driven by knowledge, empowerment, and innovation.