The New Instructional Leadership

Book excerpt: Co-published with UCEA, this exciting new textbook is the first to tackle the ISLLC Standard 2—Instructional Leadership. In light of recent curriculum reforms, accountability policies, and changing demographics, today’s leaders must not only have expertise in culture building and supervision skills, but also in adult learning, cultural funds of knowledge, curriculum, and the role of politics. The New Instructional Leadership helps aspiring school leaders examine their beliefs and practices about instructional leadership in relation to ISLLC Standard 2 and provides the theory, learning experiences, and analytical tools for effective leadership in today’s world. Chapters cover issues of collaboration, curricular programming, motivation, supervision, accountability, capacity building, use of technology, monitoring, and evaluation. Special Features: Case Studies—encourage readers to reflect and actively engage with instructional leadership beliefs and practices. Fieldwork and Extended Reflections—a range of inquiry activities provide students with opportunities to consider problems of practice related to the standard. Strategies for Leaders—offers students practical and accessible ideas in order to transform their practice to address the complex challenges facing contemporary schools. Theoretically grounded and research-based, this unique volume will help aspiring and current leaders to understand instructional leadership and help them to sustain strong curricular and instructional programs in their increasingly diverse schools and communities.