Learning Forward

Learning Forward has launched a professional learning initiative that will help Galveston County, Texas, area superintendents and their leadership teams support school leaders, change educator practice, and improve student results. The Galveston County Learning Leaders initiative, with support from the Houston Endowment, will provide participants the intensive training and coaching […]

The board of trustees anticipates an exciting year ahead for Learning Forward. We look forward to working with Executive Director Stephanie Hirsh and the senior leadership team to develop a new vision and plans for the organization. The board is responsible for reviewing and approving the final strategy and will […]

Opening Doors to Equity: A Practical Guide to Observation-Based Professional Learning By Tonya Ward Singer How do we make educational equity a reality, lesson by lesson? This book focuses on observation-based professional learning to elevate teaching practice. Learn how to bring team observation into the classroom to test, refine, and […]

As the U.S. Department of Education and Congress debate the future of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Learning Forward Executive Director Stephanie Hirsh pledges to work toward three goals in 2015 that will offer compelling evidence of professional learning’s importance and affirm stakeholders’ commitment to invest in it. These […]

What the Study Says A three-year, randomized controlled trial study demonstrates that, when implemented with high levels of fidelity, the Responsive Classroom approach results in achievement gains in reading and math for 5th graders in schools participating in the intervention for three years. For students with initial low math achievement, the […]

Great coaching is an art. It involves skillfully asking questions and challenging assumptions. Coaching opens participants to changing the way they think about themselves, their leadership, and the opportunities they have to shape their own futures and the future of their schools. Coaching does not mean telling others what to […]

Building Leaders  Leading From the Front of the Classroom: Teacher Leadership That Works The Aspen Institute, October 2014 Teacher leadership is emerging as a key strategy to increase retention of effective teachers and distribute responsibility for improving instruction, but it must be designed and implemented strategically to meet these goals. […]

If Disney movies have taught me anything, it is the importance of a wise and trusty sidekick. Jiminy Cricket has often been perched on my shoulder to guide me to making a better decision, particularly when the shortcutting side of my nature would rather push ahead and get something done […]

As the story illustrates, coaches must be continuously guarded in their language and actions. Coaches can be drawn into casual conversation and make comments that violate trust. Trust, which often takes years to build, can be destroyed in seconds without thought. By intentionally focusing on trust, however, organizations and individuals […]

For the past 12 years, I have worked with peer coaches in more than 40 countries, and I have seen schools where peer coaches have collaborated with colleagues to improve teaching and learning in classrooms across the school. In other schools, coaches have played a critical role in creating a […]