How Leaders Can Maximize Impact Before State Testing

Presented by Lauren LaMont, Educational Consultant, Heart & Hustle Consulting; Leslie Johnson, Instructional Coach, New York City Public Schools (NY); and Keri Hubbard, Chief of Program, National Summer School Institute (NSSI) This edWeb podcast is sponsored by The National Summer School Initiative (NSSI). The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. January is an important—and often overlooked—moment in the school year. With state testing just months away, many leaders double down on interventions, tutoring, and Tier 2 supports. But the truth is simple: no amount of intervention can compensate for weak Tier 1 instruction. This edWeb podcast brings together school and district leaders to explore how to reset, refocus, and elevate Tier 1 instruction from January to test season. We dive into the high-leverage moves leaders can make now to strengthen core instruction, tighten standards-aligned practice, maximize teacher skill, and ensure every student gets daily access to grade-level content that moves achievement. Leaders leave with practical strategies they can implement—and the confidence that they can still meaningfully shift outcomes before spring. This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 school and district leaders. Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.