EDL 2900: The Schools Our Students Deserve: Leading a Culture Where Every Learner Thrives

This graduate-level leadership book study examines how school leaders intentionally shape a culture in which every learner and adult can thrive through the study of The Schools Our Students Deserve by Mario I. Acosta. The course is embedded within the 2026-2027 Elementary AP Collaboration series and connects the reading to authentic leadership responsibilities including operational systems, attendance and intervention, special education, MTSS, High Reliability Schools (HRS), the Model of Instruction, Code of Conduct, staff supervision and evaluation, and difficult conversations.

Participants will engage in structured reading, collaborative dialogue, reflection, and school-based application. Throughout the course, administrators will examine the alignment between stated values and daily practice, consider how adult behavior and leadership systems influence school climate, and implement one culture-focused leadership action within their own setting. The emphasis is on practical application rather than chapter summary.
  • Build a shared language for defining and strengthening school culture.
  • Examine how leadership decisions, routines, systems, and adult behaviors communicate what a school values.
  • Align a shared vision with daily practices that support every learner.
  • Strengthen school climate by creating conditions in which adults feel safe, supported, valued, and accountable.
  • Connect culture work to HRS, the Model of Instruction, MTSS, student support systems, staff supervision, and family engagement.
  • Use collaborative problem solving and reflection to move from ideas in the text to specific leadership action.

 Session Details

Schedule: Contact the IOR for session start and end times.
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Attached Credit (1 credit, S/U grade) : $50.00 (Coupon Required)

Cancellation Policy

If UND receives the Course Withdrawal Form 7 or more calendar days before the learning event start date, the fee paid to UND Professional Development for Educators minus a $35 processing fee will be refunded. If the fee paid to UND is less than $100 the processing fee will be waived. NO REFUNDS are available if a withdrawal notification is received 6 or less calendar days before the learning event start date.

Instructor or Facilitator

Name Additional Resources
Heather Sand