Building Collective Efficacy in the New Year
As we step into a new year, APSRC remains deeply committed to supporting Arkansas educators in building strong, thriving school communities. At the heart of this work is collective efficacy, the shared belief among educators that, together, they can positively impact student learning.
Jessica Wright, APSRC’s Director of Instructional Leadership, shared:
“The power of all educators in a building truly believing that they can grow all students through dedication and evidence-based instructional practices can be life changing for students and for the entire community. In a culture with a true shared belief that growth and proficiency are not only possible, but deserved, educators strive to be better every day, and in turn, that leads to better instruction, better connections, a collective student belief, and better student outcomes.”
Collective efficacy is not just a concept. It is a daily practice. The start of a new year offers an opportunity to intentionally strengthen it. Here are three simple ways schools can build collective efficacy in 2026:
1. Celebrate the small wins.
Recognizing growth, no matter how incremental, reinforces the belief that improvement is possible. When educators see progress, they feel empowered to keep going.
2. Commit to shared, evidence-based practices.
When everyone is aligned around strategies that work, consistency grows and students experience stronger, more predictable instruction.
3. Prioritize connection and collaboration.
Authentic conversations about challenges and successes foster trust. As collaboration deepens, so does the team's belief in what is possible.