Research - Main - Leader In Me

Research & Evidence:

Driving Sustainable, Whole-School Improvement

At FranklinCovey Education, our commitment to excellence is not just a promise—it’s a measurable reality. Over 100 independent studies from around the globe form the backbone of Leader in Me’s credibility, each one reinforcing aspects of our holistic approach to whole-school improvement. By sharing current findings, peer-reviewed analyses, and rigorous assessments, we equip you with the research-driven insights you need to address challenges, spark innovation, and confidently chart a path to success.

Independent studies consistently find positive impacts of the Leader in Me process.

100+

independent studies have been conducted on the Leader in Me process.

96%

of Leader in Me research has been conducted in the last ten years.

95%

of Leader in Me studies have undergone rigorous scientific standards and peer or committee review.

What Does Global Research Say About the Impact of Leader in Me in Schools?

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Unleashing Success: Inspiring Stories of Growth and Achievement

Real-world impact is where research meets practice. Explore compelling case studies from Leader in Me Schools around the world—stories that illuminate how an evidence-based model ignites student leadership, strengthens school culture, and drives academic gains.

Monthly Highlight:

CL Smith Elementary, San Luis Obispo, CA

Academic Results: 10.23 point increase in math and ELA proficiency.
Prioritizing Culture of Connectedness: Reduced chronic absenteeism by 41.4% since 2022.
Fostering a Culture of Accountability: School suspensions dropped by 67.1% in just one year.

By embracing The 7 Habits^® and implementing The 4 Disciplines of Execution^®, the staff and students at CL Smith Elementary have fostered a culture of accountability and growth, leading to measurable improvements in academic performance, behavior, and attendance.

From structured student leadership teams to school-wide goal-setting and accountability practices, CL Smith has embraced a philosophy where every student has a voice and a role in shaping their school community. Staff members, once hesitant, are now some of the most enthusiastic champions of the process, seeing firsthand how Leader in Me has instilled confidence, motivation, and a sense of ownership in students.

The transformation at CL Smith Elementary is not just about better test scores or reduced suspensions—it’s about creating a school where students feel empowered, engaged, and prepared for success beyond the classroom.

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Browse Our Entire Collection of Inspiring Stories of Impact, Remarkable Achievements and Innovative Practices

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Building Leadership, High-Trust Cultures, and Academic Excellence

At the heart of Leader in Me is a research-backed framework rooted in well-established educational theories, continuous improvement principles, and decades of scholarly work. From Michael Fullan’s system-wide change insights to validated assessment tools like the Measurable Results Assessment (MRA), our model synthesizes best practices into one cohesive, actionable approach. By focusing on leadership development, nurturing trust, and aligning academic goals, schools see measurable, enduring outcomes.

How Does Research Support the Foundation of the Leader in Me Process?

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From Insight to Action: Measuring Results with the MRA

Effective improvement demands more than intent—it requires informed action. The Measurable Results Assessment (MRA) offers a research-validated lens into leadership capacity, school culture, and academic progress. By aligning outcomes to your strategic objectives, MRA data helps you identify successes, guide next steps, and ensure every decision is grounded in evidence.

What are The Measurable Results Leader in Me Schools are Seeing?

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COACHING INSIGHTS

Journey of Hope

Some moments change everything—not just for one person, but for an entire school community. In this moving story from FranklinCovey Education Coach Molly Garcia, we hear about a personal journey from humble beginnings to becoming a turnaround principal in the very community where she grew up. Faced with low trust and overwhelming challenges, she discovered Leader in Me, and it became a catalyst for hope and transformation.

One book sparked a movement, one leader made a difference, and one community was forever changed. Watch how Leader in Me transforms not just schools, but lives—including those who lead them.

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Resource Hub

To support your school’s growth and continuous improvement, we’ve created the Research-to-Practice Resource Hub, where you’ll find a curated collection of multimedia content designed to support your journey. Browse videos featuring expert insights, read in-depth articles unpacking key concepts and evidence, listen to thought-provoking podcasts, and access practical tools and resources, and bibliographies.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding or find actionable strategies, these resources will help you translate research into meaningful practice.

Click Below to Start Exploring Today.

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Impact Research on Leader in Me

Research Foundation for Leader in Me

Measuring Results of Leader in Me

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