The Leadership for Equity Assessment & Development (LEAD) Tool™

The LEAD Tool™ helps school leadership teams start dialogue and sustain action in expanding educational opportunities, improving school climate, and attaining equitable outcomes. It provides teams the opportunity to examine practices and policies through the lens of 10 research-based equitable practices and to bring families, communities, and other stakeholders into the conversation. Teams can use the rubrics to assess their personal and organizational strengths, challenges, and progress.


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Get started by learning more about the LEAD Tool and its rationale


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Explore the core and additional high-leverage equitable practices


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Team leaders: Gain insight and guidance for LEAD Tool facilitation


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Browse “homework” resources to prepare for your discussions about each practice


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Consult our glossary for background info and common language

Download Rubric

You can also share the LEAD Tool with your team as a paper activity by downloading a printable PDF of the 10 equitable practices rubric.

Oregon Leadership Network

The Oregon Leadership Network (OLN) is the only statewide educational leadership network in the nation with equity at its core. Its vision is that every Oregon school, district, and organizational leader demonstrates the highest level of culturally responsive leadership anchored in Oregon’s research-based leadership standards.

Education Northwest

Education Northwest is a Portland, Oregon-based private nonprofit that works to transform teaching and learning. Founded in 1966, the organization primarily serves the five Northwest states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, but also provides research and development, technical assistance, and training nationwide.