Effective school leadership is effective leadership, regardless of where it occurs
In March 2020, there was no manual for leading schools and school systems during a pandemic. School leaders had to figure things out as the crisis unfolded. But starting now, leaders have the opportunity to prepare for leading schools through distance learning with purpose and intent―using what works best to accelerate students’ learning all the while maintaining an indelible focus on equity.
Harnessing the insights and experience of renowned educators Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and John Hattie, The Distance Learning Playbook for School Leaders applies the wisdom and evidence of the VISIBLE LEARNING® research to understand what works best. Spanning topics from school climate at a distance, leader credibility, care for self and colleagues, instructional leadership teams, stakeholder advisory groups, and virtual visibility, this comprehensive playbook details the research- and evidence-based strategies school leaders can mobilize to lead the delivery of high-impact learning in an online, virtual, and distributed environment.
This powerful guide includes:
- Actionable insights and hands-on steps for each module to help school leaders realize the evidence-based leadership practices that result in meaningful learning in a distance environment
- Discussion of equity challenges associated with distance learning, along with examples of how leaders can work to ensure that equity gains that have been realized are not lost.
- Analysis of the mindsets that empower leaders to manage change, rather than technology
- Space to write and reflect on current practices and plan future leadership strategies
- The mindframes for distance learning that serve leaders well in any instructional setting and will position schools after the pandemic to come back better than they were before
The Distance Learning Playbook for School Leaders is the essential hands-on guide to leading school and school systems from a distance and delivering on the promise of equitable, quality learning experiences for students.
Douglas Fisher is professor and chair of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. Previously, Fisher was an early intervention teacher and elementary school educator. In 2022, he was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame by the Literacy Research Association. He has published numerous articles on reading and literacy, differentiated instruction, and curriculum design, as well as books such as Your Introduction to PLC+, Welcome to Teaching, How Feedback Works, Teaching Reading, and RIGOR Unveiled. Fisher loves being an educator and hopes to share that passion with others.
Nancy Frey is a professor in educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. Her published titles include The Courage to Learn, The Art and Science of Coaching, How Scaffolding Works, and The Illustrated Guide to Visible Learning. Frey is a credentialed special educator, reading specialist, and administrator in California and learns from teachers and students every day.
Dr. Dominique Smith is an award-winning educator, author, and school leader who has dedicated two decades to transforming schools into inclusive, safe, and empowering spaces for students and educators alike. He currently serves as Principal at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego, California.
Dr. Smith earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from
San Diego State University and a Master of Social Work from the
University of Southern California. His dual expertise in education and social work uniquely positions him to bridge the gap between academic success, emotional safety, and equitable school culture.
A passionate advocate for belonging, restorative practices, and leadership development, Dr. Smith has co-authored several influential books, including
Belonging in School: Creating a Place Where Kids Want to Learn and Teachers Want to Stay,
Better Than Carrots or Sticks: Restorative Practices for Positive Classroom Management,
Building Equity: Policies and Practices to Empower All Learners,
Leader Credibility,
How Leadership Works: A Playbook for Instructional Leaders, and
The Restorative Practices Playbook.
In recognition of his commitment to fostering safe and supportive school environments, Dr. Smith received the National School Safety Award from the School Safety Advocacy Council. His TED Talk on building authentic relationships between students and teachers has inspired educators across the country to reimagine connection as the cornerstone of effective teaching and learning.
Through his leadership, writing, and speaking, Dr. Smith continues to champion the belief that when students feel seen, heard, and valued, they are empowered to thrive ― both academically and personally. His work challenges schools to move beyond compliance and discipline toward cultures of belonging, accountability, and restorative growth.
John Hattie, PhD, is an award-winning education researcher and best-selling author with nearly thirty years of experience examining what works best in student learning and achievement. His research, better known as Visible Learning, is a culmination of nearly thirty years synthesizing more than 2,100 meta-analyses comprising more than one hundred thousand studies involving over 300 million students around the world. He has presented and keynoted in over three hundred international conferences and has received numerous recognitions for his contributions to education. His notable publications include
Visible Learning,
Visible Learning for Teachers,
Visible Learning and the Science of How We Learn, Visible Learning for Mathematics, Grades K-12, and
10 Mindframes for Visible Learning.
