LAUSD Principals' Leadership Institute 2025

Review the key understandings of building Coherence and its alignment to PDSA cycles. Consider the intent/purpose of a PDSA cycle and plan for actions that need to be taken at each stage (Plan, Do, Study, Act). Study Tier 1 and Tier 2 PDSA models to consider ways to schedule cycles across the year.

This session will highlight efforts, successes, and lessons learned as the Gifted/Talented Programs and Black Student Achievement Plan (BSAP) teams meaningfully collaborated to address the underrepresentation of Black students in GATE programs, in accordance with the Strategic Plan. Participants will learn how to recognize the characteristics of gifted/talented learners, conduct the GATE referral and identification process in seven categories, and use a culturally-affirming, data-driven approach to increase GATE participation and academic achievement of Black scholars.

A coherent implementation of the ELA curricular program Core Knowledge Language Arts, CKLA, may be the cornerstone of Academic Excellence.  In this context:

1. Directors can craft the fundamentals to monitor CKLA implementation
2. Principals can support teaching and learning by (a) Focusing direction; (b) Supporting
   Teacher Learning Communities, TLCs; and (c) Deepening learning in ways that lift the TLCs current level of understanding in: (i) Pedagogical strategies that engage students in academic discussions in the context of a gradual release of responsibility and (ii) Feedback to students.

Does your school’s GATE program need a pick-me-up? Do you have bright and capable scholars who are not identified as gifted, participating in GATE classes, or achieving to their potential? Do you need support with gifted identification and verification, GATE instruction and professional development, and student-centered GATE clustering and master scheduling? Are you trying to figure out how to align GATE to other District policies and practices? We’re here to help! Join Gifted/Talented Programs as we explore practical strategies and resources to give your GATE program (and students!) a boost for the new school year.