HIL Team

The HIL for School Renewal project draws on the talents and energy of a committed group of professionals who support the principals and teacher leaders in more than 150 school buildings.

Our approach to complex change is one that inspires positive energy in the people engaged in the critical work of achieving literacy for all. It is grounded in school mission, appreciative of the current state of a school, and laser focused on the desired state we want to achieve. It is strengths-based and generates hope and aspirations for improved outcomes. Most of all, it is powered by a growth mindset among all participants.

WMU Management Team

The WMU management team, led by co-directors Dr. Patricia Reeves and Dr. Jianping Shen, oversees all elements of the Project’s budget, research, and activities. They establish and maintain relationships with the Project’s funders, partner organizations and  staff. They continually engage with all elements of the Project and monitor for grant compliance and continuous improvement in our activities.

Coordinator Team

HIL Project Coordinators work with the WMU Management Team to prepare and support HIL Implementation Facilitators for each school. They design, develop, and deliver training for the Implementation Facilitators and provide follow-up supervision. Coordinators also assist the WMU Management Team in planning and delivering the HIL Project principal and teacher leader Summits.

School Renewal Facilitator Team

HIL School Renewal Facilitators play a significant role in achieving high impact leadership goals and outcomes. Facilitators work with the building administrators to help them learn and use the High Impact Leadership Principles and Processes for School Renewal and the five phases of the School Renewal Inquiry and Change Cycle. Facilitators work directly and on-site to complete one or more full School Renewal cycles. They provide feedback to the WMU Management and Coordinating Teams to ensure they respond to the needs of participating schools as they become evident. Finally, Facilitators are the ambassadors who help HIL schools connect with HIL Project managers, coordinators, and partners.

Participating schools, ISDs and ESAs

Through a growing list of initiatives, the HIL Project continues to support schools across west and southwest Michigan. Through a USED Seed Grant, we supported literacy instruction in 150 schools in high-poverty districts with our partners at the Reading Now Network and MAEIA's General Education Leadership Network. Thanks to a new Promise Neighborhood grant, we are now working in more than a dozen South East Grand Rapids schools and others to implement the High Impact Leadership Model and provide equity in opportunity and success outcomes for students. Additional schools contract with the WMU Office of School Renewal for a range of pay-as-you-go services. 

Click the map to see all our school locations!