What is the relationship between school leadership and student achievement?

Strong leadership is linked to improved teaching quality and student learning outcomes because effective school leaders create environments that foster collaboration, set high expectations, and prioritize professional development. By establishing a vision for the school, leaders can align resources and instructional strategies to improve teaching practices. This focus on teaching quality directly influences student engagement and achievement. Research consistently shows that when school leaders actively support teachers and facilitate a positive school culture, students are more likely to succeed academically.

In contrast, while improved technology use may enhance learning experiences, it is not solely dependent on technology to drive student achievement. Higher funding, although beneficial, does not guarantee success without effective leadership to direct those resources toward impactful educational strategies. The idea that leadership practices have no impact on student performance overlooks the substantial body of evidence demonstrating how strong school leadership can effectively elevate student learning outcomes.