Each spring, ACSA’s Council of Elementary Educational Leaders engages in a longstanding tradition that reflects the core of instructional leadership: visiting schools where effective practices are not only discussed but actively lived. These site visits are designed to highlight exemplary programs, provide real-time learning for educational leaders, and ground our collective work in what matters most — student outcomes.

This year’s meeting brought council members to Berry Elementary School in the South Bay Union School District, located in the southernmost region of San Diego County. The visit offered a look into a schoolwide commitment to instruction, data-informed practice, and aligned systems of support. Under the leadership of Principal Joseph Prosapio, Berry Elementary has developed and implemented an instructional model centered on clearly defined quality indicators.

The core of this work is a structured approach to measuring instructional effectiveness. The school’s quality indicators focus on three key domains: teacher actions, student actions, and the classroom environment. The indicators were collaboratively developed in partnership with the district office. The leadership team uses a walkthrough tool that enables site and district leaders to systematically gather evidence of instructional practice and student engagement, creating a shared language around what high-quality instruction looks like in action.

The impact of this system provides meaningful, actionable feedback to teachers that is directly tied to observable practices. Additionally, it allows the school and district to monitor trends in instruction and student learning over time. This alignment between observation, feedback, and professional growth reflects an instructional system grounded in continuous improvement.

A part of the implementation of the process was the role of Teachers on Special Assignment, who support instruction by modeling lessons and building teacher capacity. Their work ensures that professional learning is job-embedded and directly connected to classroom practice. This approach fosters a culture of shared expertise and shared responsibility.

Reflections from CEEL members further highlight the power of these practices.

Dr. Frances Hansell (Region 17): “What I saw today wasn’t just instruction — it was intentional lesson design, empowering students, and a shared language of learning that brings coherence to every classroom.”

Tina Hollander (Region 7): “Walking onto Berry Elementary yesterday was a powerful reminder that great schools aren’t defined by programs or posters, but by people — educators who lead with purpose, students who rise to the expectations set before them, and a culture where every detail reflects a deep belief that all children can thrive. What I witnessed was not just instruction, but intention — and it’s that level of clarity and commitment that transforms a school into a place where excellence is the standard, not the exception.”

Julie Hansberger (Region 12): “Being welcomed so openly by both students and staff during walkthroughs in a different district was a beautiful reminder that connection, warmth, and joy in learning are universal.”

Antonette Cass (Region 16): “Principal Prosapio shared how belonging, cohesion, and consistency are the three ingredients that are supporting the growth at Berry Elementary, and it is truly evident. At Berry Elementary students are happy, loved and learning, teachers are cohesive, and the consistency in leadership is making a substantial difference in outcomes for students.”

Paulette Smith (Region 6): “Spending time with fellow administrators ... was both grounding and inspiring, especially seeing how Berry Elementary brings GLAD strategies to life, honors students’ home languages, and builds coherence through intentional Tier 1 and Tier 2 ELD supports. ... The school’s focus on belonging, cohesion, and consistent teaching and learning offers a powerful reminder of what is possible for multilingual learners.”

Principal Joseph Prosapio (Region 18): “Today was such a powerful day for me as a site leader. To be surrounded by strong and knowledgeable leaders from all across our state was special. As a leader, it is so important to continually learn and grow. If we’re not taking time to look at our strengths and growth areas alongside other leaders, we’re missing some real golden opportunities to learn and get better. I was so grateful for this opportunity for my team to have strong educators offer feedback on our practices and then be able to hear such powerful validation of their efforts and passion to create an environment of belonging, cohesion, and consistency in our Berry Community.”