Monitor the Learning: Instructional Leadership to Drive Achievement

About the Webinar:

Based on the transcript, here’s a summary for your website:

This dynamic session focused on the critical role instructional leaders play in systematically monitoring classroom learning to drive continuous improvement and student achievement. Kathryn Perkins from FCI Educate and Paul Powell from True North Classical Academy presented a comprehensive framework for effective instructional leadership that goes beyond administrative walkthroughs to truly understanding what students are learning in real time. The presenters emphasized that monitoring learning requires leaders to be strategic, intentional, and data-informed in their approach—moving from simply observing teaching to actively assessing student understanding, providing actionable feedback to teachers, and adjusting instructional strategies based on evidence. They outlined the essential components of robust monitoring systems, including establishing clear learning targets aligned to standards, using formative assessment data to track progress, conducting purposeful classroom observations focused on student outcomes, and creating feedback loops that support teacher growth and instructional refinement.

Perkins and Powell shared practical tools and protocols that school leaders can implement immediately, including observation frameworks, data analysis templates, feedback structures, and meeting routines that keep instructional quality at the center of leadership work. They demonstrated how effective monitoring creates a culture of continuous improvement where teachers feel supported rather than evaluated, student learning data drives decision-making at all levels, and interventions are timely and targeted. The session included real examples from successful charter schools, illustrating how consistent monitoring practices have led to measurable gains in student achievement. The presenters addressed common implementation challenges such as time constraints, building teacher buy-in, balancing administrative responsibilities with instructional leadership, and maintaining focus on high-leverage practices. They emphasized that monitoring learning is not about compliance or micromanagement—it’s about creating systems that ensure every student is progressing toward mastery and every teacher has the support needed to deliver excellent instruction. Attendees left with actionable strategies, practical resources, and renewed commitment to prioritizing instructional leadership as the most important lever for improving student outcomes.