The year 2023 has been a watershed moment for Ingram Consulting LLC in the realm of PK-12 education. Our focus has primarily been on tackling principal pipeline challenges, enhancing summer and out-of-school time (OST) learning, and expanding college access opportunities for disadvantaged students and their families. These areas have been crucial in shaping the educational landscape and in preparing school system leaders for the future.
Principal Pipeline Challenges
One of the critical areas of our work this past year has been addressing the challenges in the principal pipeline of school systems. The shortage of qualified school leaders, exacerbated by the pandemic, has been a pressing issue. In our work with the Wallace Foundation Equity Centered Pipeline Initiative (ECPI), we’ve collaborated with leaders in Columbus City Schools, OH and their community partners to help develop a robust principal pipeline system. This work focuses not only on recruiting talent but also on nurturing aspiring leaders to step into leadership roles with an equity lens unapologetically. The research is clear and compelling, principal pipelines where strategic actions and policies are reinforced by one another (alignment), and covering a range of actions districts can take to develop and support school leadership (comprehensive), have a cascading positive effect on teacher retention and student outcomes.
Enhancing Summer and Out-of-School Time Learning
Also, our work with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) through their State Summer Learning Network in partnership with the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) and support from the Wallace Foundation, supported seven state education agencies in their commitment to moving summer programming beyond remediation and credit recovery to engage more children and youth and community partners to boost academic achievement, social and emotional learning goals, and influence teaching and learning throughout the year. We’ve helped states and community organizations create programs that cater to a wide range of interests – from STEM to the arts – ensuring that learning continues beyond the classroom.
Expanding College Access Opportunities
Another significant area of our work has been in expanding college access, especially for underserved communities. Ingram Consulting LLC has been instrumental in developing partnerships between PK-12 systems and higher education institutions in collaboration with the National Council of Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP), a Washington, DC non-profit. These collaborations have led to the strengthening of college prep programing, mentorship initiatives, and building the leadership capacity of district administrators and college access professionals. Our focus has been on not just academic programing for secondary students but also on building the social and emotional skills necessary for leaders and practitioners.
Supporting PK-12 School System Leaders
Supporting school system leaders through these challenges and opportunities has been a cornerstone of our work. We’ve provided consultancy services that range from strategic planning and team building to change management. Our consultancy, professional learning opportunities and coaching have been well-received, offering leaders the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of modern education.
Looking Ahead
As we look to 2024, Ingram Consulting LLC remains committed to driving innovation and excellence in the PK-12 educational space. We will continue to focus on developing leaders, enhancing learning opportunities, and striving to ensure that every student has access to quality education and a path to college and career readiness.
In conclusion, 2023 has been a year of significant achievements and learning. We are proud to have contributed to shaping a more dynamic and equitable educational landscape and are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the coming year. Here’s to a successful and impactful 2024!