A Distributed Leadership Perspective on Implementing Instructional Reform: A Case Study of an Urban Middle School

This qualitative case study examined the distribution of leadership and the implementation of an instructional reform in a low-performing urban middle school. Leadership for the instructional reform was widely distributed and stretched across formal and informal teacher leaders. School personnel were highly invested in the instructional model and implementation was high. The broad distribution of leadership across formal and informal leaders contributed to the school beginning to turnaround from lackluster academic performance and mediocre instruction to a culture where implementation of the instructional reform was expected, and where teacher collaboration and accountability were becoming the norm.

Effectiveness of a Student Response System Supported Curriculum and a Middle School Leadership Program

A student response system (SRS) with an engaging and interactive curriculum to support 21st -century skills could increase student performance in U.S. schools. This article will include student and teacher feedback to provide educators with possible solutions to poor student performance. Students respond positively to engagement opportunities related to their peers and classroom content. Through data collection and analysis, students learn, become involved, construct individual understanding, and experience real-time digital feedback. Why do many classrooms exclude technology and active learning strategies (ALS) although usage has resulted in great enthusiasm and consistent results? Could student success be facilitated by embedding an SRS and ALS in a standardized curriculum in a Title I middle school leadership classroom? To explore these questions, it is necessary to understand SRS technology and its capabilities, as well as its use in conjunction with an ALS embedded curriculum used in leadership programs.