SPARK University for Administrators and Instructional Leaders

Instructional leaders begin by grounding their work in the core instructional foundations of SPARK U. Leaders revisit the instructional framework teachers use in SPARK classrooms, ensuring a shared language, shared expectations, and a clear vision for high-quality instruction.

Foundational topics include:

• Strategic Instructional Design – planning lessons around a clear learning objective using a Strong Beginning, Flexible Middle, and Comprehensive Ending
• The Teaching–Learning Cycle – checking for understanding and using formative assessments to guide instructional decisions‍
• Retention – understanding how modeling, practice, meaning, and feeling tone impact how students learn and retain information‍
• Motivation – creating pathways that build enthusiasm, attention, and investment in learning
  
  

Days 3 and 4 focus on sharpening instructional conferencing and evaluation practices. Building on SPARK’s Foundations of Instruction, instructional leaders deepen their ability to accurately diagnose lessons, calibrate what effective instruction looks like, and align evidence to expectations. Leaders learn to conduct focused, purposeful conferences that move beyond opinion and toward clear, actionable feedback—strengthening both instructional practice and professional trust.