Impact

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) decided to make a radical investment in their central office leaders. By design, school districts allocate resources in direct service of students and schools. DPSCD held a both/and view: a deeply held value of Students First, and a recognition that central office leaders are critical as they carry out organizational vision in service of students and schools. Researchers highlight the importance of learning organizations that prioritize central office leadership development (Honig et al, 2012). However, these leaders are overlooked when it comes to professional development. 

Leadwell and DPSCD partnered to create the DPSCD Leadership Forum - a cohort-based program for central office leaders of all levels. Over six months, Leadwell designed 54 modules grounded in research-based competencies  - including facilitator guides, session plans, session presentations, participant workbooks, and evaluation surveys - with DPSCD feedback at every step of the way. Leadwell facilitated a Train-the-Trainer to position DPSCD leaders to facilitate the program. This signature professional development program is rooted in experiential learning and grounded in equity. The curriculum creates space to form a transformational community while building lasting skills.  

Participants have stepped into larger roles, grown as managers, and shifted organizational culture. Upon completion of the pilot:   

• Approximately 23% of participants earned a promotion within the calendar year 

• Leaders applied tactical management skills to support their teams and achieve results, facilitating more effective check-ins, giving direct feedback, and leveraging project management frameworks

• Participants transformed collaboration and connection, building trust with one another and creating new cross- departmental collaboration structures 

Participants said:

“I left this program with a lot of insightful information and useful tools to begin implementing in my current role and in preparation for a future leadership role.”  - Aspiring Managers cohort participant

“The Leadership Forum allowed me to think more critically about what it truly means to be an effective leader and how to lead with an equitable and inclusive mindset. It allowed me to connect with colleagues across the district to engage in personal growth that in turn will help me to influence positive change within my team and ultimately throughout the District. " - Managers cohort participant 

Clients said: 

Leadwell “helped us move from a big idea to a fully realized initiative, and through each step in the journey, they brought knowledge, skill and thought partnership that pushed our work to the next level. We are so grateful to be their partners.” - Elizabeth Cutrona, Deputy Superintendent of Strategy and Academics, Detroit Public Schools Community District

District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) sought to transform culture and strengthen engagement within their Central Services team. DCPS partnered with Leadwell to offer customized Leadwell Accelerator workshops focused on specific leadership skills, capacities, and mindsets in order to advance their strategic priorities and cultural work. DCPS and Leadwell collaborated to identify 9 out of the existing 54 Leadwell Accelerator modules to offer DCPS Central Services leaders, through a series of three workshops:

• Transforming Culture, focused on:  leading with purpose & strengths, inclusive culture, and collaboration. 100% of participants strongly agreed or agreed with the statement: “Overall, this workshop was a valuable use of my time”

• Leadership Fundamentals, exploring: ways of being & doing in leadership, feedback, and influence. 100% of participants strongly agreed or agreed with the statement: “The workshop was well facilitated”

• Excel Now & Develop for Future, empowering aspiring managers to identify and build on their strengths, give feedback, and motivate others. 100% of participants strongly agreed or agreed with the statement: “The workshop gave me useful ideas and tools to improve in my job.”  

DCPS invited members of existing cross-departmental leadership groups to opt-in to the workshop series as participants. Each workshop guided participants to explore three frames of leadership: knowing SELF, supporting TEAMS, and navigating SYSTEMS. Participants focused on research-based competencies such as: Self awareness, Self development, Give feedback, Build inclusive culture, Collaborate, and Influence. DCPS also chose to offer a Train-the-Trainer to equip DCPS leaders to expand the reach of the Leadwell Accelerator workshops, delivering content throughout their departments. DCPS Central Services leaders gained leadership skills in community with one another. Participants said:

“I have learned a lot in such a short period of time; actionable items that I can immediately implement in my current role at my organization.”

“I loved the warm and engaging environment that the Leadwell Accelerator workshop created. This created a bonding experience for me and my colleagues to learn together, supporting our professional and personal growth. I feel empowered to implement today's learning in my workplace.”