High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) are fundamental teaching actions that significantly impact student learning and development. They are a concise set of core practices that, when implemented effectively and consistently, serve as a road map for guiding teacher preparation, professional development, and current self-assessment for educators at all stages of their careers.
These practices are not merely a collection of good ideas; they are specific, high-frequency actions that teachers use to support student success across various learning environments. They are considered "high leverage" because they are applicable across different subject areas and grade levels, and their effective execution yields substantial positive outcomes for students.
Key Domains of High-Leverage Practices
High-Leverage Practices cover four essential areas of teaching, providing a comprehensive framework for effective instruction and student support. These domains ensure that educators focus on a broad spectrum of critical skills necessary for a thriving classroom and school community.
1. Instruction
Practices within this domain focus on the core act of teaching academic content to students. They involve how teachers plan, deliver, and adapt lessons to ensure all students can access and understand new information, develop skills, and apply their knowledge effectively.
- Examples include:
- Clearly explaining content and providing multiple representations of concepts.
- Leading and organizing effective group discussions.
- Promoting academic language and literacy development.
- Using strategies to support student engagement and active participation.
2. Collaboration
This domain emphasizes the importance of working effectively with students, families, colleagues, and other professionals. Collaborative practices are crucial for building a supportive learning environment, addressing diverse student needs, and fostering a shared responsibility for student success.
- Examples include:
- Collaborating with families to support student learning and well-being.
- Working with colleagues to improve instruction and student outcomes through professional learning communities or team teaching.
- Facilitating positive peer interactions and group work among students.
3. Assessment
Practices in this area revolve around monitoring student learning, providing feedback, and using data to inform instructional decisions. Effective assessment ensures that teachers understand what students know and can do, and can adjust their teaching strategies accordingly.
- Examples include:
- Eliciting and interpreting student thinking through various formative assessment techniques.
- Providing specific and actionable feedback to students.
- Using student data to analyze learning needs and differentiate instruction.
4. Social/Emotional/Behavioral
This domain focuses on creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. It involves practices that foster students' social-emotional development and manage classroom behavior constructively.
- Examples include:
- Establishing and maintaining consistent classroom routines and expectations.
- Building positive relationships with students and fostering a sense of community.
- Implementing strategies for de-escalating challenging behaviors and promoting self-regulation.
Summary of High-Leverage Practice Domains
To further clarify the scope of HLPs, the table below summarizes the four key areas:
| Domain | Core Focus |
|---|---|
| Instruction | Delivering content effectively and promoting deep learning. |
| Collaboration | Working with stakeholders to support student success. |
| Assessment | Monitoring learning and using data to inform teaching. |
| Social/Emotional/Behavioral | Fostering positive environments and supporting student well-being. |
Why High-Leverage Practices Matter
The emphasis on High-Leverage Practices reflects a commitment to ensuring that all educators are equipped with a core set of skills that are proven to be effective. By focusing on these practices, teacher preparation programs can better prepare new teachers, professional development initiatives can offer targeted support to current educators, and individual teachers can reflect on and refine their own practice. This systematic approach aims to enhance the quality of teaching, leading to more consistent and equitable educational outcomes for all students.
