Research Brief

Developing Deeper Learning Leaders

A principal and a student talking and walking in a school hallway.
Marjorie E. Wechsler and Steven K. Wojcikiewicz
August 2024 | Learning Policy Institute
A principal and a student talking and walking in a school hallway.

This brief from the Learning Policy Institute explores five leadership preparation and in-service programs that help school leaders acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to enable, encourage, and sustain deeper learning. It describes the dimensions of deeper learning leadership and articulates the program practices aligned to those dimensions: follow a deeper learning vision, align priorities with equity, create and emphasize learning communities, model the instruction leaders should promote, and teach systemic thinking. Providing engaging and comprehensive learning experiences—deeper learning—to all students will require new school structures and classroom practices. This transformation will depend heavily on school leaders, given their strong influence on teacher working conditions, classroom instruction, school environments, and student learning. The brief concludes with policy recommendations that can support wider adoption of the features and practices highlighted.