Empowering Student Learning and Teacher Excellence
At Educational Directions, student learning takes center stage. From kindergarten to high school, we are committed to creating strategies that directly enhance student achievement, close learning gaps, and ensure education aligns with students’ individual needs.
Our tailored academic improvement programs focus on measurable outcomes, equipping schools with tools to elevate both teaching effectiveness and student success. By fostering strong leadership among faculty and staff, we build cultures of excellence that drive positive change in K-12 education.
We partner with state, district, and school leaders to implement impactful strategies across three essential pillars—teacher effectiveness, student achievement, and school culture. Each initiative is customized to align with grade levels, state standards, subjects, and the unique needs of the school. These initiatives include dedicated teacher development programs and innovative learning plans designed to empower students to excel.
Together, we transform education—one student, one teacher, and one school at a time.


Student Centered Teaching
Educational Directions helps schools redefine how they approach “work.” By identifying and focusing on “the right work,” we empower schools to improve student performance. Our professional development training aligns with what students need to accomplish at specific points in the school year, equipping educators with actionable strategies.
Our expert coaches work directly with schools to tailor these strategies to the unique needs and challenges of their communities. Rather than prioritizing test scores, we emphasize meaningful student work to address the root causes of performance, fostering long-term growth and success.
Our Proven Framework
At the center of our approach is The 5 Legged Model, our foundational framework that ensures a well-rounded, effective plan for student success. Coupled with The Rhythm of the Learner Year, we identify key experiences students need at each stage of the academic year to achieve their full potential.
Data You Can Count On
Test scores alone don’t tell the whole story. That’s why we use a variety of data points—like portfolios and assessment samples—to track performance and gain deeper insights into each student’s needs.
Collaborative Decision-Making
Teachers and Educational Directions staff come together in Professional Learning Community (PLC) discussions to analyze data and create strategies to support student development effectively. This partnership ensures that every decision is informed and student-focused.
Together, these approaches allow us to support schools in creating tailored, data-driven solutions that result in measurable improvements.
Custom Goal Setting
We work with schools to identify yearly goals that align with student success. These goals are translated into actionable course, unit, and lesson plans that target specific competencies all students are expected to achieve.
Data-Driven Diagnostics
Through diagnostic assessments, we pinpoint where students are in their learning journey. This data helps educators craft appropriately challenging and tailored experiences, ensuring every student progresses from where they are to where they need to be.
Professional Development (PD)
Our professional development programs equip teachers and leaders with the skills to design meaningful, engaging lessons and build a roadmap for success. Together, we focus on strategies that maximize student potential and foster a culture of continuous learning.
Whether it’s enhancing unit planning, refining instruction, or leveraging diagnostics effectively, Educational Directions offers professional guidance and actionable plans to transform your school’s educational practices.
Let’s collaborate to drive innovation in your school community. Contact us to learn how our Professional Development programs can make a measurable impact today.

Increase Learning Opportunities
Educational Directions believes in creating equal opportunities—both in learning and performance—for every student. Our approach combines academic and management routines to ensure all students experience a level playing field.
We start by using diagnostic tools to assess where each student stands as both a learner and a performer. This allows us to create a tailored plan to help every student meet the academic transition goals set for the year.
By focusing on equal experiences and individualized support, we ensure every student has the foundation they need to succeed.
Monitor Student Achievement
A truly effective “plan backwards – deliver forwards” curriculum isn’t just about monitoring test scores. It’s about understanding and fostering the learning abilities, performance skills, attitudes, and perceptions students need to unlock their potential. This approach ensures students are prepared not only to succeed now but to confidently transition to the next level.
Educational Methodology and Performance Model

Educational Directions defines student performance as a student’s ability to independently retrieve learning from long term memory and use that information and those processes at the level at which he or she will be assessed.
Student performance rests on five legs. Learn more about our 5 Legged Model of Student Performance.
We split the year into discrete periods, each with priorities building toward an independent student learner and performer who understands proficiency and gives best effort. These periods make up what we call the “Rhythm of the Learner Year.”

Our Leadership

Jacqueline Byrd
supt. in residence

Carolyn Davis
Leadership Coach

Frank DeSensi
Chief Innovation Officer

Robert Knight
Chief Academic Officer

Lynne Wheat
Leadership coach

Patricia Willis, Ed.D.
Supt. in residence