Leaders have the responsibility to establish a thriving culture where all students and adults are welcomed and supported as learners engaged in continuous growth. Inherent in a supportive learning culture are the underlying assumptions about each person’s value and ability as a learner. John Hattie (2012)  astutely states, “The greatest influence on student achievement is a teacher’s belief in a student’s ability to learn supported by a commitment to act on that belief.” Through modeling belief in both the teachers’ and students’ abilities to grow as learners and demonstrating a commitment to act on this belief, leaders shape the cultures of their schools. This is not a fast process, but it is  essential if schools are going to close the learning gaps and ensure that all students are college and career ready.

A flourishing learning culture also invites stakeholders to collaborate with one another as together they support continuous growth. In order for strong collaboration to occur, leaders must also establish a culture of trust. People don’t want to collaborate with those whom they do not trust. When people trust one another, they are more likely try new ways to support student learning. They try varied approaches and take risks because they have a greater sense of support from their colleagues.  When students experience a trusting environment, they are reassured as well and overtime, their achievement improves.