The resources on this page highlight that central office transformation involves the fundamental redesign of all central office practices and systems to ensure they work together in support of excellent, equitable teaching and learning.
Research
District Systems to Support Equitable and High-Quality Teaching and Learning (2020)
This brief is one in a series aimed at providing K-12 education decision makers and advocates with an evidence base to ground discussions about how to best serve students during and following the novel coronavirus pandemic. The brief addresses what changes in central office systems are likely to support principals in leading for equitable, high-quality teaching and learning.
How Districts Can Support Deeper Learning (2015)
This report reflects our most recent research on central office transformation.
Beyond the Policy Memo: Designing to Strengthen the Practice of District Central Office Leadership for Instructional Improvement at Scale (2013)
This chapter argues for the importance of design-based leadership research (DBLR) for advancing the research and practice of educational leadership, with a focus on school district central offices.
From Tinkering To Transformation: Strengthening School District Central Office Performance (2013)
Our research in the form of an Education Outlook published by the American Enterprise Institute in 2013.
Central Office Transformation for District-wide Teaching and Learning Improvement (2010)
This report documents our first and foundational research on central office transformation.
Tools
Central Office Transformation Readiness Assessment--Version 1.0.
One piece of the Central Office Transformation Toolkit–a self-assessment for central office leaders to help them gauge their current work in relation to the three main areas of Central Office Transformation.
News
Phi Delta Kappan: What a difference a district can make (2018)
An interview with Meredith Honig about how district central office staff can play critical roles in improving schools and ensuring student success.
Reculturing the Central Office (2014)
An article in School Administrator co-authored by the superintendent of one of our partner districts.