The principalship is one of the most complex jobs around. Principals are expected to demonstrate expertise in human resources, facilities, public relations, human development, federal law, crisis management, party planning, local fire codes ... you get it. Oh, and principals are also expected to artfully shift school culture and lead gains in student growth and achievement.

As longtime school principals and education leaders, we have observed and worked with principals whose students achieve at consistently high levels, and/or who have led schools to greatly improve student learning outcomes. While they work across different schools, communities, and states, these leaders display strong commonalities in their approach. In short, they spend a vast majority of their time in what we call the learning impact zone. This focus mirrors our own experience as proven leaders whose students demonstrated high levels of learning over sustained periods of time.