Gary Kipp on Leadership, Learning, and the Framework That Shaped a State

In this special episode of A Matter of Principals, David Morrill sits down with former AWSP Executive Director Gary Kipp to explore the origins and evolution of the AWSP Leadership Framework.

As one of the key architects of the framework, Gary reflects on the educational shifts that shaped its development, including the move from classroom autonomy toward greater system alignment, the impact of No Child Left Behind, and the Race to the Top initiative that accelerated the adoption of performance-based evaluation systems.

Gary shares the story of how a small group of practitioners and researchers spent two years identifying the most important leadership responsibilities that influence student learning. Those original seven responsibilities ultimately became the foundation of the AWSP Leadership Framework used by principals and assistant principals across Washington State today.

The conversation also explores common misconceptions about the framework, including the tendency to view it as a checklist or evaluation tool rather than a planning and improvement framework. Gary discusses the interconnected nature of leadership, why no criterion exists in isolation, and how principals can use the framework proactively to improve culture, instruction, and student outcomes.

Whether you’re new to school leadership or have worked with the framework for years, this episode provides valuable context about its purpose, history, and enduring relevance.