Transformative Leadership: “Harnessing Relationships and Influence to Bridge Achievement Gaps and Ignite Student Success"

Format

Individual Presentation

First Presenter's Institution

Dougherty County School System

First Presenter’s Email Address

leadership@politeway.com

First Presenter's Brief Biography

Dr. Frederick E. Polite is a transformative leader with over two decades of experience in education and administration, driving change and fostering academic and social success across multiple schools. His vision is rooted in cultivating the social-emotional, cultural, and academic behaviors necessary for reducing educational apathy and achieving success in young minds. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Federal Programs and Administrative Services and previously served as the principal of Monroe High School in Dougherty County, Georgia, where he has transformed the learning environment by developing strong relationships with students and staff, redesigning instructional protocols, and holding all personnel accountable for effective teaching practices. Prior to this role, Dr. Polite led Albany Middle School as principal, significantly increasing student performance and reshaping the school culture through innovative initiatives such as the Attendance-Behavior-Academic (ABA) program. His leadership was instrumental in boosting CCRPI scores and improving instructional support through professional learning communities and teacher development programs. At Southside Middle School, Dr. Polite took on the challenge of reversing an underperforming school, where his interventions led to increased test scores and reduced disciplinary incidents. His capacity-building efforts for staff included professional learning sessions and the implementation of behavior intervention programs, creating a more positive and productive learning environment. In addition to his work as a school administrator, Dr. Polite has served as an adjunct professor at Tennessee State University, developing and delivering engaging courses on educational leadership. His experience extends to assistant principal roles in several schools, where he spearheaded school improvement initiatives, led accreditation efforts, and secured grants for unprivileged student programs.

Submitter

I am submitting this proposal as one of the presenter(s)

Location

Verelst

Strand #1

Head: Academic Achievement & Leadership

Strand #2

Head: Academic Achievement & Leadership

Relevance

The topic "Transformative Leadership: Harnessing Relationships and Influence to Bridge Achievement Gaps and Ignite Student Success" directly aligns with the core mission of "Academic Achievement & Leadership: Closing Achievement Gaps and Promoting Learning for All Children and Youth" by focusing on the critical role that leadership plays in educational equity. It emphasizes that strong, relational leadership is not just about authority or management, but about building trust, influence, and meaningful connections with students, staff, and communities.

When leaders prioritize relationships and leverage their influence effectively, they create an inclusive, supportive environment that accelerates student achievement. This session will offer educators, school leaders, and consultants the tools and strategies needed to harness the power of leadership to address disparities, foster collaboration, and ultimately close achievement gaps. Through real-world examples, actionable insights, and innovative leadership approaches, attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how transformative leadership practices can elevate academic outcomes for all students, regardless of their background. This is not just leadership in theory—this is leadership in action, aimed at making an immediate and lasting impact on student success.

Brief Program Description

Discover how Transformative Leadership can reshape student success by bridging achievement gaps through strategic relationships and influence. This session delves into building trust accelerators, fostering emotional maturity, ensuring positive accountability, and executing visionary leadership. Gain actionable insights that inspire purpose-driven leadership and drive measurable impact in education. Walk away equipped to create lasting, impactful change in student achievement and educational equity.

Summary

The presentation, "Transformative Leadership: Harnessing Relationships and Influence to Bridge Achievement Gaps and Ignite Student Success," is designed to empower educators and school leaders who work with high-needs students. This session will explore how leadership rooted in self-reflection, accountability, and emotional intelligence can drive significant improvements in academic outcomes.

Focusing on the unique challenges faced by high-needs students, the presentation emphasizes the crucial role leaders play in fostering positive relationships, leveraging influence, and managing emotions, especially under pressure. Leaders will be encouraged to reflect on their own behaviors, decisions, and leadership styles to better understand how they directly impact student success.

Key themes include building trust accelerators, practicing emotional maturity, and developing a growth-oriented, purpose-driven leadership approach. Participants will gain actionable strategies for creating meaningful relationships with students, staff, and communities, which are essential for closing achievement gaps. The session will also delve into how leaders can use influence not just to lead, but to inspire collaboration, resilience, and accountability within their teams.

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to manage emotions effectively in high-pressure situations, create inclusive learning environments, and ensure that their leadership translates into real academic growth for all students. This presentation will equip educators and leaders with the tools and mindset needed to drive lasting, positive change in the academic lives of their students.

Evidence

Visionary Leadership and Student Outcomes

Transformative leaders set a clear vision and inspire staff and students toward achieving high academic standards. Research indicates that when school leaders articulate high expectations and align school culture with this vision, student academic performance improves.

  • Evidence: A study by Leithwood and Jantzi (2005) demonstrated that transformational leadership significantly influences student engagement, which is a key predictor of academic achievement. Schools led by transformative leaders exhibited greater student motivation and improved academic results due to the shared commitment to the vision.

Promoting an Inclusive and Supportive School Environment

Transformative leadership promotes equity and inclusion, addressing achievement gaps by creating a supportive environment for all students, including those from marginalized communities. Leaders who prioritize social justice and inclusivity foster better academic outcomes across diverse student populations.

  • Evidence: Shields (2010) highlighted the effectiveness of transformative leadership in closing achievement gaps, particularly in schools with diverse student populations. The focus on social justice and equitable practices ensures that all students, regardless of background, are given opportunities to succeed academically.

Evidence after Implementation in a South Georgia High School

Population - Approximately 1100 students

Poverty Rate - Approximately 87%

American Literature Achievement

Algebra Achievement

Biology Achievement

US History Achievement

Year 1

33.71

16.72

29.18

20.79

Year 2

29.55

15.78

38.78

33.42

Year 3

34.54

42.45

38.52

41.81

Evidence after Implementation in a South Georgia Elementary School

Population - Approximately 400 students

Poverty Rate - Approximately 77%

ELA Achievement

Math

Achievement

Science Achievement

Year 1

27.01

37.82

33.17

Year 2

28.77

32.8

35.63

Year 3

29.22

39.6

50.00

Learning Objective 1

Develop Self-Reflective Leadership Practices: Participants will evaluate their own leadership styles, decisions, and behaviors through the lens of emotional intelligence and accountability, understanding how these factors directly influence student outcomes and relationships within the school community.

Learning Objective 2

Cultivate Trust and Emotional Maturity: Attendees will gain practical strategies for building trust and demonstrating emotional maturity, particularly in high-pressure situations, to foster a positive and resilient school environment that supports both staff and students.

Learning Objective 3

Leverage Influence to Inspire Collaboration and Growth: Leaders will learn how to use their influence not only to lead but to inspire collaboration, resilience, and accountability among teams, driving the creation of inclusive, growth-oriented learning environments that bridge achievement gaps for high-needs students.

Keyword Descriptors

Self-Reflective Leadership, Emotional Intelligence & Maturity, Accountability in Leadership, Trust Building & Relationships, Influence & Collaboration, Growth-Oriented Leadersh, Inclusive Learning Environmentsip

Presentation Year

2025

Start Date

3-4-2025 10:15 AM

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Mar 4th, 10:15 AM

Transformative Leadership: “Harnessing Relationships and Influence to Bridge Achievement Gaps and Ignite Student Success"

Verelst

Discover how Transformative Leadership can reshape student success by bridging achievement gaps through strategic relationships and influence. This session delves into building trust accelerators, fostering emotional maturity, ensuring positive accountability, and executing visionary leadership. Gain actionable insights that inspire purpose-driven leadership and drive measurable impact in education. Walk away equipped to create lasting, impactful change in student achievement and educational equity.