External Context and Policy
Education leaders influence political, social, economic, legal and cultural contexts affecting education to improve education policies and practices.
Elements of Standard 6
Elements and example indicators
The element statements and example indicators below reproduce the state framework. Open an Element to review its indicators and follow any indicator link for the corresponding detailed SDLA resource page.
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Element 6A: Understanding and Communicating Policy
Leaders actively structure and participate in opportunities that develop greater public understanding of the education policy environment.
- Operate consistently within the parameters of federal, state, and local laws, policies, regulations, and statutory requirements.
- Understand and can explain the roles of school leaders, boards of education, legislators and other key stakeholders in making education policy.
- Welcome and facilitate conversations with the local community about how to improve learning and achievement for all students, including English Learners, and students needing additional support.
- Facilitate discussions with the public about federal, state and local laws, policies, regulations, and statutory requirements affecting continuous improvement of educational programs and outcomes.
- Work with local leaders to assess, analyze and anticipate emerging trends and initiatives and their impact on education.
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Element 6B: Professional Influence
Leaders use their understanding of social, cultural, economic, legal and political contexts to shape policies that lead to all students to graduate ready for college and career.
- Advocate for equity and adequacy in providing for students’ and families’ educational, linguistic, cultural, social-emotional, legal, physical, and economic needs, so every student can meet education expectations and goals.
- Support public policies and administrative procedures that provide for present and future needs of all children and families and improve equity and excellence in education.
- Promote public policies that ensure the equitable distribution of resources and support services for all students.
- Identify personal and institutional biases and remove barriers that derive from economic, social-emotional, racial, linguistic, cultural, physical, gender, or other sources of educational disadvantage or discrimination.
- Commit to making difficult decisions in service of equitable outcomes for students, staff and the school community.
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Element 6C: Policy Engagement
Leaders engage with policymakers and stakeholders to collaborate on education policies focused on improving education for all students.
- Work with the governing board, district and local leaders to influence policies that benefit students and support the improvement of teaching and learning.
- Actively develop relationships with a range of stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers to identify and address issues, trends, and potential changes that affect the context and conduct of education.
- Collaborate with community leaders and stakeholders with specialized expertise to inform district and school planning, policies and programs that respond to cultural, economic, social and other emerging issues.