Leadership Connection Rubric

Announcing the third edition

Leadership Connection Rubric: Advancing Equity and Justice in Schools

Since 2012, the Leadership Connection Rubric has been an invaluable resource for school leaders. The third edition of the Leadership Connection Rubric, released in July 2025, is designed to better serve the needs of school leaders given the current political climate.

As a key resource for the Principal Leadership Institute (PLI) and Leadership Support Program (LSP), the Leadership Connection Rubric (Third Edition) guides effective leadership preparation, induction, ongoing support, coaching, and supervision of school and district leaders.

Download in single-page format, or as two-page spreads ideal for wide screens.

Updates for the Third Edition

Rubric elements: 1. presence and attitude. 2. personal identity and relationships. 3. equity and advocacy. 4. curriculum and instruction. 5. organization and systems. 6. change and coherence. 7. continuous improvement.

Overview of the updated Rubric elements

The seven updated rubric elements are essential building blocks of effective leadership. In the right combination, they support leaders at all levels to develop an individualized approach to their own practice. The elements are more completely explicated in the descriptors of practice (DoPs) and in the detailed indicators of practice (loPs).

The book will be available for purchase later in 2025.

Leadership Connection Rubric Elements

Leadership elementElement summary
Presence and AttitudeCommunicate a compelling presence and a steadfast belief in the power of the possible.
Personal Identity and RelationshipsDemonstrate personal and professional self-awareness and nourish trusting relationships in a diverse learning organization.
Equity and AdvocacyAdvocate for equitable academic, civic, and social-emotional outcomes for students who have been historically underserved by schools and society.
Curriculum and InstructionCultivate high expectations and ensure durable academic, civic, and social and emotional learning outcomes for students and adults so they can thrive.
Organization and SystemsAlign systems, structures, and resources that sustain an environment that centers equitable student outcomes.
Change and CoherenceEngage all constituents in change efforts that respond collectively and coherently to the assets and challenges in schools and communities.
Continuous ImprovementExhibit a persistent focus on teacher, staff, and student continuous learning and development by aligning and monitoring a holistic, equity-driven accountability system.

For additional information about the rubric, related research, and the Principal Leadership Institute, email bse-pli@berkeley.edu