The EduLeader Lens: October 2025

In this month’s issue of The EduLeader Lens, we’re sharing:

• How instructional rounds can strengthen collaborative planning
• Content-specific observation tools
• Research-based insights on teaching multilingual learners to read
• Resources to assess and improve your professional learning structures

Don’t miss out on next month’s issue—subscribe to stay in the know!

Instructional rounds: The key to better collaborative planning

Instructional rounds—a structured approach to classroom observations—are an effective way to keep your PLCs focused on high-impact instructional practices while staying responsive to students’ real-time needs.

This blog post explores:

• The purpose and definition of instructional rounds
• How to integrate them into your professional learning
• An example of a school leadership team using instructional rounds to support curriculum implementation

Classroom observation tools to inform instructional rounds

To lead effective instructional rounds, your team needs a clear, shared vision of what strong instruction looks like. The Instructional Practice Guides (IPGs) can help. 

These content-specific observation tools help teams focus on the most important aspects of instruction—rigorous content, effective teaching practices, and meaningful student engagement—in reading foundational skills, ELA, math, and science.

Common misconceptions about teaching multilingual learners (MLs) to read

Our early literacy team challenged two widespread misconceptions that can limit MLs' potential:

• Misconception #1: MLs must demonstrate grade-level English proficiency before they can handle grade-level content.
• Misconception #2: Only English language development (ELD) teachers are equipped to instruct MLs.

This blog post digs into the research that debunks these misconceptions and offers actionable strategies to better support multilingual learners.

How is your professional learning (PL) going so far?

Now that we’re well into the new school year and PL routines are underway, it’s a good time to take stock of what’s working and where adjustments might be needed.

Our interactive rubrics can help you reflect on how well your PLCs and coaching cycles are set up this year. Each rubric includes sample facilitator and teacher surveys, along with specific guidance on how to use those insights to assess your PL. Based on your responses, you’ll receive detailed action plans and resources for improvement.