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When stakeholders and staff members thoroughly understand the why, how, and what in schools, true magic can happen.

Applying the research of positive psychology in our schools is more than telling staff to be happy, focus on the positive aspects of your job, and pretend challenges and obstacles do not exist.

Based on my own experiences and research, here are the five measures I’ve seen make a difference in advancing educational equity and opportunity for all students. 

Many principals do an outstanding job of working with staff to develop the building’s vision, goals, and action plans, but there is also a need for leaders to communicate their “non-negotiables.” And stick to them.

While student learning is the fundamental purpose of a school, there are other measures that can inspire school improvement. 

Whats on your Stop Doing List? School leaders must learn how to filter external influences, prioritize initiatives, eliminate distractions, and maintain an internal laser-like focus on student learning.

Writing a mission statement is not a difficult process. The hardest part is getting started. When a mission statement become public, people (and organizations) are more willing to commit and execute.

Anyone can learn how to increase the engagement of their staff. Recently, I had the opportunity to watch a video of Oprah Winfrey delivering a Harvard Commencement Speech. 

Developing emotional intelligence in school leaders is critical to meet the needs of a staff that is engaged in developing a common vision for their school, maintaining a focus on high achievement for all students, and creating a school culture of trust and respect.

Over the past 10 years I have had an opportunity to study, research, and work with some very high performing schools. During this time, I was able to coach, network, and learn from the amazing leaders of these highly effective schools.