In the ever-evolving field of education, high-leverage teaching practices (HLTPs) have emerged as a significant force in enhancing classroom learning and student achievement. After years of teaching and leading instructor development programs, a colleague recently asked about “high leverage practices,” and I decided to provide some research and explanation.

Great teachers have a sixth sense of what is working instructional with students. For example, a teacher is offering lecture instruction on the accounting equation and can feel in their gut an uneasy feeling that students aren’t getting it or are uninterested, although some are learning (low-leverage). So the teacher decides to put the students into groups, asks them to come up with their own business idea, and they begin itemizing expenses and revenues they might experience in their business.  Students engage and seem more interested and certainly learn more (high-leverage).  These HLTP practices, grounded in extensive research, offer educators effective strategies to optimize teaching and learning experiences.

 Understanding High-Leverage Teaching Practices

HLTPs are teaching methods identified through research as highly effective in improving student learning. They are considered "high-leverage" due to their substantial impact on student engagement and achievement across various subjects and grade levels.

 Key High-Leverage Teaching Practices

Research highlights several core HLTPs, including:

1. Explicit Instruction: This involves breaking down learning tasks, setting clear, measurable objectives, providing opportunities for student response, and delivering immediate feedback. Explicit instruction is particularly effective in teaching students with disabilities, enhancing skills across many domains, and fostering strategic thinking (American Federation of Teachers).

2. Providing High-Quality Feedback: Constructive feedback guides students' learning and behavior, helping them understand their progress and areas for improvement.

3. Teaching Social Behaviors and Cognitive Strategies: This includes strategies to support learning and independence, promoting active student engagement, and using assistive technologies.

4. Scaffolded Supports and Flexible Grouping: These strategies adapt to individual learning needs, providing varying levels of support and flexible group arrangements to facilitate learning.

 The Impact of HLTPs on Education

HLTPs have been shown to yield positive outcomes in various educational settings. Teachers report enhanced student engagement, higher achievement levels, and more efficient classroom time utilization. These practices enable educators to be more responsive to students' needs, fostering a dynamic learning environment.

 Implementing HLTPs

Successfully integrating HLTPs into classrooms requires a shift in teaching approaches and mindset. Professional development is essential for educators to adopt these practices effectively. Collaboration among educators to share best practices is also crucial in this process.

 HLTPs in Special and General Education

HLTPs are applicable in both special and general education. They can be adapted in intensity and focus depending on the students' needs, making them versatile tools in diverse educational settings (Reading Rockets).

 Evidence-Based Practices and HLTPs

Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) for special education, which are instructional strategies backed by research and professional expertise, align closely with HLTPs. Together, they form a powerful combination for addressing the needs of all students, particularly those with disabilities. Implementing HLTPs alongside EBPs within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework has shown promise in increasing student success (High-Leverage Practices Writing Team).

 Conclusion

High-Leverage Teaching Practices offer a research-backed pathway to more effective and engaging teaching and learning experiences. By focusing on these practices, educators can create a learning environment that is both inclusive and effective, leading to improved educational outcomes for students across various learning spectrums. The trick is for teachers to always be looking for a more effective way to engage their students and increase the leverage of the opportunity to have with each of them.

 References

American Federation of Teachers. (n.d.). High-Leverage Practices. Retrieved from [www.aft.org](https://www.aft.org)

High-Leverage Practices Writing Team. (n.d.). High-Leverage Practices and Evidence-Based Practices: A Promising Pair. Retrieved from [highleveragepractices.org](https://highleveragepractices.org)

Reading Rockets. (2015). High-Leverage and Evidence-Based Practices: A Promising Pair for All Learners. Retrieved from [www.readingrockets.org](https://www.readingrockets.org)