The Role of Administrators in Building School Culture

School administrators play a crucial role in shaping school culture and driving instructional leadership. To successfully implement science of reading-based instruction in their schools, they must become true instructional leaders; they must have a functional understanding of the underlying principles and the ability to translate that understanding—and impact—to all stakeholders. 

Administrators need support, actionable insight, and clear data to support their decision-making and navigate the transition to science of reading-based literacy instruction. During a Science of Reading Week panel, presenters Paula White, executive director of JerseyCAN, and Rich Zigarovich, principal at Lordstown K–6 School in Ohio, emphasize the value of vulnerability, a learner's mindset, and coalition building to spearhead literacy transformation in schools. 

In this video, the panel highlights the shift from surviving to thriving through Structured Literacy practices and underscores the importance of building and modeling a culture of learning among literacy leaders. White shares her experiences in education, emphasizing the challenges of unlearning old practices and the need for administrators to support teachers effectively. Zigarovich discusses the importance of creating a positive school culture that values continuous learning and growth. He emphasizes the need for systematic, explicit implementation of the science of reading, tailored to the unique needs of each school community.

A key theme throughout the discussion is the necessity of prioritizing literacy as a foundational element of education. All panelists recommend leveraging professional learning solutions, grounded in the science of reading, to equip teachers and administrators alike with the knowledge, tools, and practical implementation insight they need to build a culture of literacy in their schools.