Global Leadership Academy Schools Seven Pillars represents the framework in which we ground our practices:
CLIMATE CULTURE AND SAFETY
GLA’s pillar of climate, culture and safety is placed first because children cannot learn and teachers cannot teach if the school environment is not conducive to learning. Families send their children to schools that are safe first. School settings that have a Culture of Learning cultivate a safe environment by making the environment predictable. Expectations and school-based practices should not be something that anyone has to guess. GLA has established its Culture of Learning through research-based systems for classroom management, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Family & Community Engagement, and scholar-based initiatives. Learn more about our parent & scholar programs
SCHOLAR-CENTERED DECISION MAKING
GLA’s second pillar represents the practice of making the children we serve the focus of all decisions. This is accomplished by determining how each decision will influence and impact scholar outcomes throughout their development of becoming independent responsible decision-makers.
CULTURALLY RELEVANT EXPOSURE
GLA’s third pillar is the practice of ensuring that all aspects of learning are grounded in our scholars’ cultural identity to increase the capacity of their cultural competence (knowledge of themselves) and cultural intelligence (knowledge of varying cultures around the world and their ability to engage people of every walk of life wherever they may be across the globe).
ACADEMIC RIGOR
GLA’s fourth pillar ensures that our teaching practices and teaching tools are Relevant (culturally) Relatable & Rigorous (well-planned and implemented at a high standard of excellence).
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
GLA’S fifth pillar reflects the adage, “you can’t teach me if you don’t know me.” It is our priority that our staff establishes connections with scholars and GLA stakeholders and that they foster trust and unity.
SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
The sixth pillar is the practice of making sure that whatever is implemented within the learning environment achievable and usable.
INTENTIONAL AND CONSISTENT REFLECTION
GLA’s seventh pillar summarizes key practices successful people and organizations must reflect upon to remain confident in their craft. Those reflections include take the opportunity to think critically and assess outcomes to:
Ensure our work aligns with the sustainability of systems model
Foster relationship building
Develop teaching practices and curriculums that are academically rigorous and culturally relevant
Verify that decisions are scholar-centered and contribute to the creation of Global Leadership Academy Schools culture of learning and climate of safety.