Tips for bridging learning gaps and achieving positive student outcomes

Preparing Administrators for a Successful School Year

The 2022-2023 school year brings significant challenges for faculty, staff, and students. Administrators face issues such as academic, emotional, and behavioral struggles among students, teacher shortages, staff retention, and widened achievement gaps. Here are four actionable strategies to prepare for success:

1. Prioritize the Needs of the Entire School Community

Success requires collaboration among families, teachers, behavior experts, counselors, and other school staff. By providing students with academic and social supports, equipping teachers with vital tools, and offering families the resources they need, schools can build a strong foundation for student achievement.

2. Focus on Teacher Support and Wellness

As educators focus on student well-being, administrators should prioritize the wellness of their teachers. Consider:

• Partnering with a provider that offers customizable, proven professional development solutions.
• Scheduling PD sessions during the school day to make them more accessible.
• Implementing peer-to-peer solutions such as themed “lunch and shares” to foster collaboration and morale.

Empowered teachers equipped with the tools to navigate challenges create a win for schools, students, and families.

3. Provide Supplemental Academic Services for All Students

High-dosage tutoring can help struggling learners regain confidence through intensive small-group instruction. Schools should also allocate post-pandemic education funding for intervention programs with a multi-year focus. These programs activate prior knowledge, build foundational skills, and connect educators with students to address critical needs.

4. Incorporate Life Skills and Social-Emotional Programming

Student well-being is foundational to academic success. Schools should provide mental health support through:

• Group counseling sessions
• Individual support for students
• A tiered structure for mental health services

Administrators should evaluate school resources to determine the most-needed supports based on behavioral and social challenges. These efforts require consistency and a multi-year approach to create a productive and healthier school environment for all.

About the Author

Michal Kisilevitz is the senior vice president of education and corporate operations for Catapult Learning, a provider of intervention programs for students and professional development solutions for teachers in public and nonpublic K-12 schools. For more information, visit https://catapultlearning.com.