Educational Leadership and System Design at WestEd provides current and future educational leaders with vital professional learning opportunities that positively affect teaching and learning in today’s complex educational landscape.
Our team conducts rigorous research and evaluation studies for school districts, charter management organizations, and state departments of education to determine how to best train, support, and retain today’s leaders.
Leadership Research and Evaluation Studies
We believe that district, state, and national decisions about educational leadership supports should be informed by good data.
Large-Scale, Rigorous Impact Studies
Our researchers conduct large-scale impact analyses that document the effects of school leadership improvements on principal retention, instruction, and student performance. Our research designs adhere to What Works Clearinghouse guidance.
Rapid-Response Studies
We conduct rapid-response, descriptive studies that provide principals, their supervisors and central office administrators with good data for decision-making.
Leadership Studies
Our team has developed leadership measurement tools like the Leadership Learning Conditions survey, Principal Supervisor 360, and Fast Feedback observation tools. Our research team supports school districts and charter management organizations to implement these tools.
Our Work in Action
Retaining Excellent, Diverse Principals
The Bridge Project at WestEd is partnering with six Illinois Regional Offices of Education and 12 Illinois public school districts to create and test a model for principal apprenticeship and induction. Over the next two years, WestEd will provide coaching and support to educators of color and women educators in support of their journey to principal positions. Learn more about the Bridge Project at WestEd