Impact Leadership for Lasting School Change

For leaders ready to address the challenging work of transformative change, this inspiring book provides the framework to move forward with confidence and purpose.

This groundbreaking guide introduces the Awakening Developing Deepening (ADD) Impact Framework, a revolutionary approach that challenges the traditional school reform formula in favor of authentic, community-driven transformation. Drawing from research and real-world experience, the authors argue that transformation emerges not from technical solutions, but from adaptive processes that honor the lived experiences of all stakeholders. Each chapter features testimonies and interactive elements to help readers assess organizational readiness for meaningful change; navigate resistance while getting buy-in from everyone in the school communityfacilitate professional development that empowers rather than prescribes; and transform the theoretical framework into action. The text includes thought-provoking questions and reflective exercises inviting readers to engage deeply with the material as a resource for individual and team development.
Book Features:

• Innovative Framework for Educational Change: The ADD Impact Framework distinguishes itself by bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and actionable steps that directly benefit students and communities.
• Interactive Professional Development Tool: Strategically placed "pause points" allow readers to personalize the content to their specific school context and leadership challenges.
• Deepening Dialogue Tools for Cultural Change: These facilitation exercises help leadership teams move beyond surface-level discussions to address the underlying beliefs and practices that influence student outcomes.
• Authentic Leadership Testimonies: These candid insights into both successes and failures normalize the challenges school leaders face while demonstrating achievable pathways to success.

Deirdre Williams is the chief bridge builder with U-Bridge Consulting Group. Kelly Brown is an associate professor of educational leadership at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

“This asset-based framework is not just a strategy; it is a philosophy that redefines what it
means to lead and succeed in education.”
—From the Foreword by Gaye Lang, director for restorative practices for the Texas Education Agency, and contributing author of Colorizing Restorative Justice, winner of the Benjamin Franklin Silver Award

"Impact Leadership for Lasting School Change is a must-read for school leaders. It introduces a framework that offers a structured path for leaders to drive lasting change. Real-life leadership testimonies from the authors make the concepts tangible. Each chapter features reflection pauses and dialogue exercises that promote self-awareness and collaborative learning. This book equips leaders with practical strategies to transform school systems and improve educational outcomes, leaving a positive, long-lasting legacy."
—Starr Sackstein, instructional leader, assessment reformer, and author

“This powerful framework challenges educational leaders to move beyond surface level change by awakening their beliefs, developing a shared vision, and deepening their commitment to lasting impact. Through honest reflection, practical tools, and courageous testimony, this book guides leaders on a transformational journey from intention to systemic influence.”
—Darlene Breaux, program director, EdD Educational Leadership, Abilene Christian University

“This book offers school leaders focused opportunities for reflection. The use of the Awakening Developing Deepening (ADD) Framework encompasses guided practice to effectively stimulate leadership development for those seeking to make lasting change in their educational settings.”
—Mariela A. Rodríguez, professor of educational leadership, The University of Texas at San Antonio

“Williams and Brown offer a real-world view of how leaders can have meaningful impact and foster real transformation in today's education settings. With a focus on awakening, developing, and deepening who we are as leaders, this book is a must-read for educators ready to make a difference in the lives of students.”
—Stacey Edmonson, dean, College of Education, Sam Houston State University

Contents

Foreword Gaye Lang  ix

Acknowledgments  xi

Introduction  1

Part I: Awakening

1.  Leading for Impact: The Awakening Developing Deepening Framework  9

Pause for Reflection  9

Kelly’s Leadership Testimony: Don’t Lose Focus on Impact  9

Why Lead for Impact?  10

Developing a Mindset for Impact  19

Chapter Summary  21

Deepening Dialogue Exercise: Impact Gap Analysis  22

2.  From Unconscious to Awareness of Beliefs: Beginning the Awakening Phase  24

Pause for Reflection  24

Leadership Testimony: Deirdre—I Didn’t Lead With Why  24

What Does the Leader Believe?  25

Creating Awareness for Change With Leaders’ Beliefs  27

Know What Teachers Believe  28

Observing Beneath the Surface  33

Chapter Summary  34

Deepening Dialogue Exercise: Bridging Identities, Actions, and Beliefs  34

3.  The Leader’s Awakening Journey: Motivated to Make a Change  37

Pause for Reflection  37

Leadership Testimony: Deirdre—When You Do All You Can and Nothing Changes  37

Why the Leader’s Awakening Journey Is First  38

Understanding the Roots of Beliefs  39

Chapter Summary  45

Deepening Dialogue Exercise: Personal Narrative Map  45

Part II: Developing

4.  Creating a Shared Understanding of Impact and Preparing for the Developing Phase  51

Pause for Reflection  51

Leadership Testimony: Kelly—Bringing Everyone Together  51

Developing a Shared Meaning of Impact  52

Creating a New Vision for Impact  54

Core Principles for Impact  55

Understanding the Emotional Connection to Change  59

Establishing Reflective Learning Communities for Impact  61

Chapter Summary  64

Deepening Dialogue Exercise: Desired State of Being Planning Tool  65

5.  Adult Learning for Impact: Surfacing, Challenging, and Changing Beliefs  68

Pause for Reflection  68

Leadership Testimony: Deirdre—From Passion to Power to Change  68

Creating the Space Required for Developing  69

Center Adult Learning  74

Cycle of Improvement  79

Chapter Summary  84

Deepening Dialogue Exercise: Barriers to Bridges for Impact  86

Part III: Deepening

6.  Deepening Impact With the Continuous Change Process  91

Pause for Reflection  91

Leadership Testimony: Kelly—Improvement for the Community  91

STUDY-PLAN-ACT (SPA)  92

Understanding the Narrative (Study)  95

Confronting Systems (Prepare and Plan)  96

Action-Oriented Change (Act)  97

Factors That Drive I-Continuous Improvement (Impact)  98

Chapter Summary  99

Deepening Dialogue Exercise: Aligning Systems for Impact  100

7.  Moving From I to We  102

Pause for Reflection  102

Leadership Testimony: Deirdre—From Reflection to Action  102

Extending Impact  103

Beyond the School Walls: Transforming Systems for a Stronger School Community  106

Metrics for Success  109

Leaving a Legacy  109

Chapter Summary  111

Deepening Dialogue Exercise: Reimagining a School for Impact  112

Epilogue  114

What We’ve Learned About Impacting Schools  116

References  119

Index  123

About the Authors  126