About Us
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K-12 Leadership Diagnostics specializes in comprehensive school and district reform, particularly in improving failing schools, systems improvement, instructional leadership development, teaching, learning and instructional delivery strategies, and problem-solving for improved student achievement outcomes. Transformative plans for schools and districts are designed to elevate student achievement outcomes and increase opportunities for students, leading to notable state accountability gains. Our proven strategies have successfully revitalized K-12 public schools, turning low-performing and under-resourced schools into thriving centers of learning.
Why Choose Us?
Proven Success:
Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve implemented systemic reforms that consistently drive improvements in student performance, eliminating low ratings and fostering excellence.
Holistic Approach:
We believe every student has the potential to succeed. By addressing the needs of district and school administrators, teachers, and students, our strategic systems ensure a supportive environment that promotes learning and achievement.
Tailored Solutions:
Whether you’re looking to reform a few schools or undertake a district-wide transformation, we offer customized solutions to meet your specific goals and challenges.
Let us help you create a future where every school excels and every student thrives. Contact us today! Learn how we can partner with you to make a lasting difference.
Meet our team of experienced school reform specialists at the bottom of this page.
We are educators serving educators.
TRANSFORMING SCHOOLS. EMPOWERING STUDENTS.
Proud Preferred Vendor and Partner of the Following School Districts:
A Picture of Houston ISD's improvement Data in the West Division During the First Year of the Texas Education Agency's District Takeover, Where K-12 Leadership Diagnostics' Founder, Dr. Laura Stout, Led the Large Division to Historic Improvement.
The data below represents reform at 68 schools with 64,000 students.
Strategies for Educational Leadership Development
Discover effective strategies for developing strong educational leaders who can drive positive change.
Improving Teaching and Learning in Failing Schools
Learn how to improve teaching and learning in failing schools to improve student achievement.
Addressing Common Challenges in School Systems Reform
Explore common challenges and effective approaches to school systems reform for better student outcomes.
Dr. Laura Stout, RTSBA, PMP
K-12 Leadership Diagnostics, LLC, Founder, Chief of School Improvement
Dr. Laura Stout is an experienced and effective educational leader with a teaching, counseling. principal and cabinet executive leadership background. She has a proven track record of success over a career of 26 years. She was part of the original cabinet leadership team that improved Houston ISD for the first year of the transformational and historic district takeover by the Texas Education Agency. She has ability to train, lead, and motivate cross-functional teams to meet and exceed educational objectives, to build and maintain schools conducive to high educational achievement, safety, building strong instructional leadership teams, while also building a strong culture of setting high expectations and a sense of urgency for student improvement. She has extensive experience in managing wholescale, systemic projects, such as implementation of improved systems for structure, discipline, PLCs, student academic data tracking and improvement of school collaboration and climate, improved structures and systems for CCMR, instructional systems and ADA -from inception to fruition, and ensures timely process implementation.
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT EXPERIENCE Houston ISD: West Division Superintendent Austin ISD: Associate Superintendent for Secondary Schools Corpus Christi ISD: Assistant Superintendent for Secondary SchoolsTyler ISD: Director of Secondary Instruction Dallas and Grand Prairie ISDs: PrincipalCoppell and Irving ISDs: Counselor, Lead Counselor and Assistant PrincipalHarlingen CISD: Art, History, Bilingual ESL Teacher EDUCATIONDoctorate, Educational Leadership in K-12 Leadership, Dallas Baptist University (2013) Master of Science, Guidance and Counseling, Texas A&M University Kingsville (2000) Bachelor of Arts, History, minor in Government, University of Texas at Brownsville (1999) Bachelor of Fine Arts, Art with minor in Merchandising, University of North Texas (1997) Master of Ed., Curriculum/Instruction, Emphasis: Urban Ed, Texas A&M University (2021)
STATE OF TEXAS (SBEC) CERTIFICATIONSSuperintendent Certification EC-12, University of Texas at Arlington (2007) Principal Certification EC-12, University of Texas at Arlington (2004)Bilingual ESL Spanish Teacher 6-12 (2001)School Counselor Pk-12 (2000) Secondary Art 6-12 (1999) OTHER CERTIFICATIONSProject Management Professional (PMP) Certification: PMI Institute, October 2022Conflict Resolution Certification: Cornell University, February 2023Registered Texas School Business Official (RTSBA) (2020): Texas Association of School Business Officials Principal as Instructional Leader Preparation Standard Setting Committee Member: Texas Education Agency & Pearson
ASCD Book Reviewer Since 2017
National Effective School Boards Governance Certification in Progress
Dr. Stout is currently writing a book about the history of school reform, and what can be done to improve public schools, for colleges and school districts to learn from
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT EXPERIENCE Houston ISD: West Division Superintendent Austin ISD: Associate Superintendent for Secondary Schools Corpus Christi ISD: Assistant Superintendent for Secondary SchoolsTyler ISD: Director of Secondary Instruction Dallas and Grand Prairie ISDs: PrincipalCoppell and Irving ISDs: Counselor, Lead Counselor and Assistant PrincipalHarlingen CISD: Art, History, Bilingual ESL Teacher EDUCATIONDoctorate, Educational Leadership in K-12 Leadership, Dallas Baptist University (2013) Master of Science, Guidance and Counseling, Texas A&M University Kingsville (2000) Bachelor of Arts, History, minor in Government, University of Texas at Brownsville (1999) Bachelor of Fine Arts, Art with minor in Merchandising, University of North Texas (1997) Master of Ed., Curriculum/Instruction, Emphasis: Urban Ed, Texas A&M University (2021)
STATE OF TEXAS (SBEC) CERTIFICATIONSSuperintendent Certification EC-12, University of Texas at Arlington (2007) Principal Certification EC-12, University of Texas at Arlington (2004)Bilingual ESL Spanish Teacher 6-12 (2001)School Counselor Pk-12 (2000) Secondary Art 6-12 (1999) OTHER CERTIFICATIONSProject Management Professional (PMP) Certification: PMI Institute, October 2022Conflict Resolution Certification: Cornell University, February 2023Registered Texas School Business Official (RTSBA) (2020): Texas Association of School Business Officials Principal as Instructional Leader Preparation Standard Setting Committee Member: Texas Education Agency & Pearson
ASCD Book Reviewer Since 2017
National Effective School Boards Governance Certification in Progress
Dr. Stout is currently writing a book about the history of school reform, and what can be done to improve public schools, for colleges and school districts to learn from
Sheila HEnry
Transformative Leadership Developer
Sheila L. Henry is an experienced executive coach, mentor, district-level administrator with a passion for educational leadership, coaching, and student-centered learning. An Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation, she integrates a coaching approach to develop and support leaders at all levels, fostering a culture of excellence in education. With decades of experience in school leadership, curriculum development, and professional learning, Sheila has held key roles, including Executive Principal, Executive Director for High Schools, and Principal, earning multiple recognitions such as Principal of the Year (Austin ISD) and HEB Principal Award nominations. She is skilled in strategic planning, leadership development, and instructional innovation, having successfully implemented transformative initiatives to enhance student success. A compassionate and equity-centered leader, Sheila believes in the power of collaboration and mentorship, guiding aspiring principals and school leaders toward sustainable, impactful change. She is a trusted advisor and speaker, conducting workshops and seminars on educational leadership, race relations, and student empowerment. Sheila holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and has pursued doctoral studies at Concordia University. She remains deeply engaged in the field through affiliations with the International Coaching Federation, National Association of Secondary School Principals, and Harvard Institute for Urban Leaders.
Dinorah Bores
Transformative Leadership Developer
Dinorah is an educator, consultant, and advocate dedicated to supporting children, especially those who have experienced adversity and trauma. Originally from Brownsville, Texas, she has spent over 20 years working in Central Texas, gaining expensive experience with special populations in roles ranging from bilingual teacher to instructional specialist, principal and district administrator. Dinorah holds a M.A. in Bilingual Education from Texas State University and an Ed.D. from the University of Texas Cooperative Superintendency program. As the daughter of immigrant parents, she values educations’ transformative power.
Some' McCowan
Transformative Leadership Developer
Founder and CEO of S&J Partnership, Some’ McCowan specializes in culturally responsive, anti-racist and equity centered leadership, campus/district-level implementation of school turnaround practices, effective campus culture, observation feedback cycles, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), instructional improvement, response to intervention, effective teaching strategies for diverse student populations, data-driven decision making, and design/delivery of professional development (campus/district level).
Some’ provides executive coaching to C-Suite leaders. She walks alongside executive leaders with a plan of action to reach their goals, while providing plenty of accountability and support along the way. The executive coaching gives them the time they need to make real, sustainable change and optimize their performance as leaders.
As a devoted contributor to public education and the ever-evolving education arena, when Some’ isn’t busy with all that was mentioned above she can be found reviewing authors' literature. As well as supporting the research of others in the field of education.Additionally, she is creating partnerships within her community to support the development of her nonprofit Elite Scholars with A Purpose. The organization addresses the variables that hinder foster youth, specifically males of color that have aged out of foster care from attending higher education. Furthermore, she oversees an unincorporated nonprofit Progress Point Tutoring. Progress Point Tutoring provides free tutoring for k-12 students with financial needs. Lastly, she supports young entrepreneurs and small business owners as they grow their businesses in an impactful and meaningful way through entrepreneurship coaching.
When she is not strategically supporting others, you will find her spending time with her family and friends watching sports and she loves Salsa dancing. She also enjoys reading and traveling to unique places.
Some’ provides executive coaching to C-Suite leaders. She walks alongside executive leaders with a plan of action to reach their goals, while providing plenty of accountability and support along the way. The executive coaching gives them the time they need to make real, sustainable change and optimize their performance as leaders.
As a devoted contributor to public education and the ever-evolving education arena, when Some’ isn’t busy with all that was mentioned above she can be found reviewing authors' literature. As well as supporting the research of others in the field of education.Additionally, she is creating partnerships within her community to support the development of her nonprofit Elite Scholars with A Purpose. The organization addresses the variables that hinder foster youth, specifically males of color that have aged out of foster care from attending higher education. Furthermore, she oversees an unincorporated nonprofit Progress Point Tutoring. Progress Point Tutoring provides free tutoring for k-12 students with financial needs. Lastly, she supports young entrepreneurs and small business owners as they grow their businesses in an impactful and meaningful way through entrepreneurship coaching.
When she is not strategically supporting others, you will find her spending time with her family and friends watching sports and she loves Salsa dancing. She also enjoys reading and traveling to unique places.
Dr. Ralph Silva
Transformative Leadership Developer
Dr. Rafael Silva is a dedicated educational leader with over 34 years of experience in public education, administration, and leadership development. As the Executive Director of the Corpus Christi Principals and Supervisors Association, Dr. Silva brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to empowering school leaders and educators in the Coastal Bend region. Dr. Silva began his career as a classroom teacher, serving 10 years at the elementary level before transitioning into school administration. Over the next 24 years, he served as an assistant principal and principal at both elementary and secondary levels, impacting students and staff across multiple campuses. His leadership extended to the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) Central Office, where he served as an assistant superintendent for school leadership, supervising elementary, middle and high school campuses and their leadership teams. Beyond his service in K-12 education, Dr. Silva is an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC), where he works with aspiring school administrators pursuing principal certification. His passion for developing future leaders is also evident in his involvement with professional training programs, including Assistant Principal and Principal Leadership Institutes. Committed to community service, Dr. Silva serves on the board of several youth-focused organizations, including, the Islander Alumni Association, and the Corpus Christi Rotary Club, where he actively supports initiatives that enrich students' educational experiences and leadership development. He is also a board member and president of CASA of the Coastal Bend. Dr. Silva is also a graduate of the Leadership Corpus Christi Class 45 (LCC 45). Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Silva has been recognized for his contributions to education, including receiving the CCISD Administrator of the Year Award (2008-2009,2009-2010) and being named the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals’ Middle School Principal of the Year for Region II (2011-2012). He has also presented at numerous educational conferences, sharing expertise on building leadership capacity, developing future leaders, and school reform initiatives. A proud native of Corpus Christi, Texas, Dr. Silva is an alumnus of Del Mar College, and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where he earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2008. In addition to his professional achievements, he is a devoted advocate for fine arts education and youth development programs.
Dr. Maggie De La Rosa
Transformative Leadership Developer
Dr. Maggie De La Rosa is an experienced educational leader with 26 years in education. Passionate about transforming schools and communities, Dr. De La Rosa has successfully led the turnaround of an elementary campus by building strong leadership teams, empowering teachers, students, and parents, and fostering community partnerships. A champion for instructional excellence, Dr. De La Rosa is dedicated to building capacity with campus leaders, equipping them with systems, strategies, and data-driven practices needed to make significant academic gains. Through targeted coaching, leadership development, and a relentless focus on student outcomes, Dr. De La Rosa has helped schools make measurable leaps in academic success. Committed to uniting and supporting school communities, Dr. De La Rosa strives to create learning environments that empower all students to succeed.