5 Practices of Effective Principals What exactly is it that effective principals do that ripples through classrooms and boosts learning, especially in failing schools? Since 2000, The Wallace Foundation has been trying to answer that question. A Wallace Perspective report that takes a look at the foundation’s research and field experiences finds that five practices in particular seem central to effective school leadership (The Wallace Foundation, 2012): When principals put each of these elements in place — and in harmony — principals stand a fighting chance of making a real difference for students. Reference The Wallace Foundation. (2012, January). The school principal as leader: Guiding schools to better teaching and learning. New York: Author. Source: Mendels, P. (2012, February). The effective principal: 5 pivotal practices that shape instructional