Are fundamental to effective teaching

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 49 views

High-Leverage Practices: Research-Based Strategies for Effective Teaching

Effective teaching is a multifaceted concept that encompasses a range of skills, strategies, and practices. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching, research has identified certain high-leverage practices that are fundamental to successful instruction. These practices are not only supported by research but also occur with high frequency, making them essential for educators to master. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of high-leverage practices, their research-based foundations, and how they can be applied across various content areas and settings.

What are High-Leverage Practices?

High-leverage practices refer to a set of instructional strategies that have been shown to have a significant impact on student learning outcomes. These practices are not only effective but also occur frequently in the classroom, making them essential for educators to master. The term "high-leverage" was first introduced by Douglas B. Fisher and Nancy E. Ebersole in their 2014 article, "Using High-Leverage Routines to Enhance Literacy Instruction." They defined high-leverage practices as "instructional strategies that have a high probability of improving student learning outcomes when implemented with fidelity."

Characteristics of High-Leverage Practices

High-leverage practices share several key characteristics that set them apart from other instructional strategies. These characteristics include:

Research-based: High-leverage practices are grounded in research and have been shown to be effective in improving student learning outcomes.
Affect instruction: High-leverage practices have a direct impact on instruction and can be used to enhance teaching and learning.
Occur with high frequency: High-leverage practices occur frequently in the classroom and are essential for educators to master.
Are fundamental to effective teaching: High-leverage practices are essential for effective teaching and are used by experienced educators.
Are usable across content and settings: High-leverage practices can be applied across various content areas and settings, making them versatile and effective.

Examples of High-Leverage Practices

Several high-leverage practices have been identified in the research literature. Some examples include:

Formative assessments: Formative assessments are a high-leverage practice that involves ongoing, informal assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
Scaffolding: Scaffolding is a high-leverage practice that involves providing temporary support and guidance to students as they learn new skills and concepts.
Feedback: Feedback is a high-leverage practice that involves providing students with information about their performance and progress.
Metacognition: Metacognition is a high-leverage practice that involves teaching students to think about their own thinking and learning processes.
Differentiation: Differentiation is a high-leverage practice that involves tailoring instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Implementing High-Leverage Practices in the Classroom

Implementing high-leverage practices in the classroom requires a thoughtful and intentional approach. Here are some strategies for implementing high-leverage practices:

Modeling: Modeling involves demonstrating high-leverage practices in the classroom and providing students with opportunities to practice and apply them.
Coaching: Coaching involves providing teachers with support and guidance as they implement high-leverage practices in their classrooms.
Professional development: Professional development involves providing teachers with ongoing training and support to help them master high-leverage practices.
Collaboration: Collaboration involves working with colleagues to implement high-leverage practices and share best practices.

High-leverage practices are a set of instructional strategies that have been shown to have a significant impact on student learning outcomes. These practices are not only effective but also occur frequently in the classroom, making them essential for educators to master. By understanding the characteristics of high-leverage practices and implementing them in the classroom, educators can enhance teaching and learning and improve student outcomes.
High-Leverage Practices: Frequently Asked Questions

High-leverage practices are a set of instructional strategies that have been shown to have a significant impact on student learning outcomes. These practices are not only effective but also occur frequently in the classroom, making them essential for educators to master. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about high-leverage practices and provide additional information to help educators implement these strategies in their classrooms.

Q: What is the difference between high-leverage practices and low-leverage practices?

A: High-leverage practices are instructional strategies that have a high probability of improving student learning outcomes when implemented with fidelity. Low-leverage practices, on the other hand, are strategies that have a lower probability of improving student learning outcomes. High-leverage practices are essential for educators to master, while low-leverage practices may not have as significant an impact on student learning.

Q: What are some examples of high-leverage practices?

A: Some examples of high-leverage practices include:

Formative assessments: Formative assessments are a high-leverage practice that involves ongoing, informal assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
Scaffolding: Scaffolding is a high-leverage practice that involves providing temporary support and guidance to students as they learn new skills and concepts.
Feedback: Feedback is a high-leverage practice that involves providing students with information about their performance and progress.
Metacognition: Metacognition is a high-leverage practice that involves teaching students to think about their own thinking and learning processes.
Differentiation: Differentiation is a high-leverage practice that involves tailoring instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Q: How can I implement high-leverage practices in my classroom?

A: Implementing high-leverage practices in the classroom requires a thoughtful and intentional approach. Here are some strategies for implementing high-leverage practices:

Modeling: Modeling involves demonstrating high-leverage practices in the classroom and providing students with opportunities to practice and apply them.
Coaching: Coaching involves providing teachers with support and guidance as they implement high-leverage practices in their classrooms.
Professional development: Professional development involves providing teachers with ongoing training and support to help them master high-leverage practices.
Collaboration: Collaboration involves working with colleagues to implement high-leverage practices and share best practices.

Q: What are some common challenges to implementing high-leverage practices?

A: Some common challenges to implementing high-leverage practices include:

Lack of time: Implementing high-leverage practices can require additional time and effort, which can be challenging for educators with heavy workloads.
Limited resources: Implementing high-leverage practices may require additional resources, such as technology or materials, which can be challenging for educators with limited budgets.
Resistance to change: Implementing high-leverage practices may require educators to change their teaching practices, which can be challenging for educators who are resistant to change.

Q: How can I overcome these challenges and successfully implement high-leverage practices in my classroom?

A: Overcoming challenges and successfully implementing high-leverage practices requires a thoughtful and intentional approach. Here are some strategies for overcoming challenges and implementing high-leverage practices:

Prioritize: Prioritize high-leverage practices and focus on implementing them in a way that is manageable and sustainable.
Seek support: Seek support from colleagues, administrators, and other educators who can provide guidance and resources.
Be flexible: Be flexible and willing to adapt high-leverage practices to meet the needs of your students and your classroom.
Celebrate successes: Celebrate successes and recognize the impact of high-leverage practices on student learning outcomes.