Perspectives of two principals: how to mitigate learning loss in turnaround schools

Abstract

Schools are facing many issues as a result of the recent pandemic, as well as societal pressures for all students to achieve. There have been unprecedented changes in the educational landscape with a growing concern for students’ success and learning loss. Instructional leaders are expected to make innovative changes to meet the instructional needs of all students in K-12 public schools, whether brick-and-mortar or virtual platform. Principals are called to lead their schools and organize the initiatives needed to improve the constantly shifting and complex school environment. The authors will describe the effective efforts of two school leaders who supported innovative changes that resulted in two turnaround schools and addressed student learning loss. As instructional leaders and practitioners in the field, it is essential to support and sustain initiatives that promote student achievement and lessen learning loss.

Keywords:

• Learning loss
• turnaround schools
• instructional leadership

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Douglas A. Taylor

Douglas A. Taylor is the Director of Human Resources and Professional Development for the Macon County School District in Tuskegee, Alabama.

Nicole Lewis

Nicole Lewis is the Executive Director of School Administration for the Northeast Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas.

Aneta Walker

Aneta Walker is an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership in the School of Education at the University of West Florida.

Julie A. Gray

Julie A. Gray is an Associate Professor at UWF, as well.