Just Thinking…About Principal Coaching, Planning, and Engagement for Stronger Schools and Better Outcomes with Dr. Jordan Goines

 

Principals significantly influence student outcomes, second only to classroom teachers. According to a Wallace Foundation report, effective school leadership plays a significant role in shaping a school’s impact on student learning. However, principals face increasing pressures, juggling operational responsibilities with the need to foster academic success and school culture. These challenges underscore the importance of strategic support systems enabling principals to thrive in their roles, directly impacting teacher retention and student achievement.

How can school districts better support their principals to lead effectively and create thriving educational environments?

On this episode of Just Thinking, host, Kevin Dougherty, Chief Strategy Officer of 806 Technologies engages with Dr. Jordan Goines, Director of Continuous Improvement, Compliance, and Accountability at Lancaster School District. Together, they discuss the district’s innovative leadership strategies, including principal coaching, systemic planning, and community engagement. Dr. Goines shares how these efforts have enhanced school performance and morale, transforming Lancaster into a hub of educational excellence.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

  • Coaching for Leadership Excellence: Lancaster employs a robust coaching program with targeted support for principals, addressing areas like instructional improvement, resource allocation, and operational efficiency.
  • Intentional Planning: School plans serve as foundational tools, aligning district-wide goals with actionable strategies to improve student outcomes.
  • Community Storytelling: The district prioritizes proactive storytelling, using social media and public engagement to highlight school achievements and foster community support.

Dr. Goines is an accomplished educational leader with a background in history and social science education. As Lancaster’s Director of Continuous Improvement, he oversees initiatives spanning arts programs, AVID implementation, and strategic district-wide planning. A musician and former entertainment industry professional, Dr. Goines brings a creative perspective to leadership and education. His work exemplifies a commitment to empowering principals and elevating the educational experiences of students and teachers alike.

Recent Episodes

High schoolers are overwhelmed — and not just by homework. The path to college can feel like a maze of forms, essays, and deadlines, with little guidance on where to begin. A recent survey found that nearly three-quarters of students describe the college application process as “difficult.” For many, that difficulty isn’t academic; it’s…

At the heart of every career journey is the question of how we grow—not just in skills, but in purpose, relationships, and impact. That kind of growth takes shape through everyday choices, the mentors who guide us, and the communities that stretch us to become more. Each step forward becomes part of a larger…

As college undergoes a transformation, driven by technology, equity, and new definitions of success, DisruptED explores how the “college experience” is evolving and what that means for today’s students. With the traditional four-year path under growing scrutiny—only 41% of first-time, full-time undergraduates at four-year institutions actually earn their degrees within that time—a new model…