Shifting the Balance: Leadership Toolkit 

Building Momentum Toward More Science-Aligned Practices (K-2)

As a school leader, you’re sifting through the politics, the pressure, the research, and the needs of all the children in your building, in an effort to arrive at some kernel of instructional truth about reading instruction. But finding answers is time consuming at best, a moving target at worst. And whether navigating conversations with concerned parents, observing classroom instruction, facilitating selection of curricular materials, or working to facilitate productive conversations, a reading science lens is critical. This tool is for any school leader who is serious about ensuring leadership is grounded in research, humility, respect, and urgency.  

The Six Commitments

The work we invite you into is not purely academic or technical in nature. It can also be emotionally taxing work, especially when it calls on us to reevaluate long-held beliefs or practices. As you commit to take an honest second look at practices in your system, school, or classroom – in order to spot misunderstandings, misinformation, and missed opportunities – we hope you will find grace for yourself. To that end, we share with you the commitments we crafted for ourselves as we stepped into this vulnerable work.  

The Six Commitments – Printable Color-Me Bookmarks

Would you like to have a fun way to access the Six Commitments or share them with colleagues? These unique printable, “color-me” bookmarks are designed and generously shared by Kim Harkreader. Thanks, Kim! Where might you place these in your world as a reminder to give yourself grace? How will you share these little goodies with those who support and inspire you? Which commitment will you focus on today? 

Teacher-Friendly Guide to Making Sense of Scientific Research

Are you confused by conflicting studies and research claims? We’ve  written this simple guide just for educators like you to help you make better sense of research, avoid confirmation bias, and make sound instructional decisions.

5 Walls and 5 Bridges

Our goal is to create momentum, one conversation and one changed practice at a time. If you’re working to build momentum but running into barriers as people with diverse approaches struggle to hear and understand each other, we invite you to download this tool. In this one-pager we share the five walls we’re trying hard to avoid in our work, and the five bridges we’re working to build.