Dr. Knapp's teaching and research focus on educational leadership and policymaking, school and school system reform, the professional learning of teachers and administrators, and methods of inquiry and policy analysis. Over several decades, he has pursued a program of research that concentrates on the ways in which leadership and policymaking connect to - and exert influence on - classroom teaching and school improvement. In recent years, Dr. Knapp's work as both a scholar and teacher has been probing the meaning and forms of learning-focused leadership in schools, districts, and state systems of education.
While Dr. Knapp's work considers a wide range of settings and applications, he has a particular interest in the education of disenfranchised populations, mathematics and science education, and the professional development of educators.
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Education
Publications
Selected Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Ginsberg, M., Knapp, M. S., & Farrington, C. (2014). Using transformative experiences to prepare instructional leaders through doctoral education. Journal of Research on Leadership Education, 9(2), 168-194.
Knapp, M. S., Feldman, S., & Yeh, T. L. (2013). Learning-focused leadership in urban high schools: Response to demanding environments. Journal of School Leadership, 23(2), 253-286.
Portin, B. S., Russell, F., Samuelson, C., & Knapp, M. S. (2013). Leading learning-focused teacher leadership in urban high schools. Journal of School Leadership, 23(2), 220-252.
Elfers, A., Lucero, A., Stritikus, T., & Knapp, M.S. (2013). Building systems of support for teachers working with English Language Learners. International Multilingual Research Journal, 7(2), 1-20.
Knapp, M. S., & Feldman, S. B. (2012). Managing the intersection of internal and external accountability: Challenge for urban school leadership in the United States. Journal of Educational Administration, 50(5), 666-694.
Dilworth, M., & Knapp, M. S. (2010). Introduction: Accomplished teaching as a professional resource. Theory into Practice. 49(3), 168-174.
Knapp, M. S., Copland, M. A., Honig, M. I., Plecki, M. L., & Portin, B. S. (2010). Urban renewal: The urban school leaders takes on a new role. Journal of Staff Development, 31(2), 25-29.Knapp, M. S. (2008). District reform as organizational and sociocultural learning: How multiple theories shed light on a central leadership problem. American Journal of Education 2008, 114, 521-539.
Knapp, M. S. (2008). District reform as organizational and sociocultural learning: How multiple theories shed light on a central leadership problem. American Journal of Education 2008, 114, 521-539.
Loeb, H., Knapp, M. S., & Elfers, A. M.. (2008, April). Teachers' response to standards-based reform: Probing reform assumptions in Washington State. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 16(9).
Gallucci, C., Knapp, M. S., Markholt, A., & Ort, S. (2007). Converging reform ìtheoriesî in urban middle schools: District-guided instructional improvement in small schools of choice. Teachers College Record, 109(21), 2601-2641.
Elfers, A. M., Plecki, M. L., & Knapp, M. S. (2007). Teacher mobility: Looking more closely at the ìMoversî within a State system. Peabody Journal of Education, 81(3), 94-127.
Knapp, M. S. (2004). Professional development as a policy pathway. Review of Research in Education, 27, 109-158.
Portin, B., & Knapp, M. S. (2001). Readiness for reflection: Two schools' response to a data-driven school improvement process. International Journal of Educational Policy, Research, & Practice, 2(2), 103-125.
Knapp, M. S., & Plecki. M. (2001). Investing in the renewal of urban science teaching. Journal of Research on Science Teaching, 38(10), 1089-1100.
Knapp, M. S., Barnard, K., Gehrke, N. J., & Teather, E. C. (1999). The design of an interprofessional, community-responsive curriculum. Teacher Education Quarterly (Fall), 31-52.
Brandon, R. N., & Knapp, M. S. (1999). Interprofessional education and training: Transforming professional preparation to transform human services. American Behavioral Scientist, 42 (5), 876-891.
Knapp, M. S., Bamburg, J., Ferguson, M., & Hill, P. (1998). Converging reforms and the working lives of front-line professionals. Education Policy, 12(4), 397-418.
Books
Knapp, M.S., Honig, M. I., Plecki, M. L., Portin, B. S., & Copland, M. A. (2014). Learning-focused Leadership in Action: Improving Instruction in Schools and Districts. New York & London: Routledge.
Copland, M. A., & Knapp, M. S. (2006). Leadership for learning: Reflection, planning, and action. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development.
Portin, B., Beck, L., Knapp, M. S. , & Murphy, J. (Eds.) (2003). Taking stock and moving on: Local lessons from a national school renewal initiative. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group..
Hightower, Knapp, M. S., Marsh, J., & McLaughlin, M. W. (Eds.) (2002). School districts and instructional renewal. New York: Teachers College Press.
Weiss, I., Knapp, M. S., Hollweg, K., & Burrill, G. (Eds.) (2002). Investigating the influence of standards: A framework for research in mathematics, science, and technology education. Washington DC: The National Research Council/National Academy Press.
Knapp, M. S., & Associates (1998). Paths to Partnership: Universities and communities as learners in interprofessional education. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
Knapp, M. S., & Associates (1995). Teaching for meaning in high-poverty classrooms. New York: Teachers College Press.
Means, B., Chelemer, C., & Knapp, M. S. (Eds.) (1991). Teaching advanced skills to at-risk students. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Knapp, M. S., & Shields, P. M. (Eds.) (1991). Better schooling for the children of poverty: Alternatives to conventional wisdom. Berkeley, CA: McCutchan.
Book chapters
Knapp, M. S. (2014). Introduction: The evolution of learning-focused leadership in scholarship and practice. In Knapp et al., Learning-focused leadership in action: Improving instruction in schools and districts (pp. 1-20). New York and London: Routledge.
Portin, B. S., & Knapp, M. S. (2014). Team-based leadership of instructional improvement in demanding contexts. In Knapp et al., Learning-focused leadership in action: Improving instruction in schools and districts (pp. 23-51). New York and London: Routledge.
Knapp, M. S., & Portin, B. S. (2014). Learning-focused leadership support within the school. In Knapp et al., Learning-focused leadership in action: Improving instruction in schools and districts (pp. 52-78). New York and London: Routledge.
Plecki, M. L., & Knapp, M. S. (2014). Frameworks and strategies for investing in instructional leadership. In Knapp et al., Learning-focused leadership in action: Improving instruction in schools and districts (pp. 123-152). New York and London: Routledge.
Plecki, M. L., Halverson, T. J., & Knapp, M. S. (2014). Investing for equity in instructional improvement. In Knapp et al., Learning-focused leadership in action: Improving instruction in schools and districts (pp. 153-180). New York and London: Routledge.
Knapp, M. S., Copland, M. A., Honig, M, I., Plecki, M. L., & Portin, B. S. (2014). Conclusions: Practicing and supporting learning-focused leadership in schools and districts. In Knapp et al., Learning-focused leadership in action: Improving instruction in schools and districts (pp. 181-210). New York and London: Routledge.
Knapp, M. S., Mkhwanazi, S. T., & Portin, B. S. (2012). School-based instructional leadership in demanding environments: New Challenges, new practices. In Barnett, B. G., Shoho, A. R., & Cypres, A.T. (Eds.) The changing nature of instructional leadership in the twenty first century. Charlotte NC: Information Age Publishing.
Knapp, M. S., & Yoon, I. (2012). Social class & education. In Banks, J. (Ed.). Encyclopedia of diversity in education (pp. 1968-1973). Thousand Oaks CA: SAGE Publications.
Knapp, M. S., & Yeh, T. L. (2012). Student diversity: Clarifying meanings. In Banks, J. (Ed.). Encyclopedia of diversity in education (pp. 2087-2090). Thousand Oaks CA: SAGE Publications.
Portin, B. S., & Knapp, M. S. (2011). Expanding learning-focused leadership in U. S. urban schools. In MacBeath, J., & Townsend, T. (Eds.), International Handbook on Leadership for Learning (pp. 501-525). Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer Publishers.
Portin, B. S., Knapp, M. S., Plecki, M. L., & Copland, M. A.. (2010). Supporting and guiding learning-focused leadership in U. S. schools. In MacBeath, J., & Cheng, Y. C. (Eds.), International Encyclopedia of Education, 3rd Edition—Volume XX: Leadership for Learning: International Perspectives. Oxford, U.K.: Elsevier Press.
Copland, M. A., Knapp, M. S., & Swinnerton, J. A. (2009). Data-informed leadership and school improvement. In Kowalski, T. (Ed.), Handbook of Data-based Decisionmaking in Education (pp. 153-172). . Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Knapp, M. S., Copland, M. A.,& Swinnerton, J. A. (2007). Data-informed leadership: Insights from current research, theory, and practice. In Moss, P. (Ed.), Evidence and decisionmaking—the 106th Yearbook of the National Society for the Study of Education. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Gallucci, C., Knapp, M. S., Markholt, A., & Ort. S. (2006). Standards-based reform and small schools of choice: Converging reform theories in three urban middle schools. In Harris, A., & Chrispeels, J. H. (Ed.), Improving schools and educational systems (pp 186-216). London and New York: Routledge:
Knapp, M. S. & Meadows, J. L. (2005). Policy-practice connections in state standards-based reform. In Datnow, A., Leithwood, K., and Bascia, N. (Eds.), International handbook of educational policy. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Kluwer Press.
Knapp, M. S. (2001). Policy, poverty, and capable teaching. In Biddle, B. W. (Ed.). Social class, poverty, and education. New York: Garland Publishing.
Book Reviews
Feldman, S., & Knapp M. S. (2008). Book Review. Elusive justice: Wrestling with difference and educational equity in everyday practice, by Thea Renda Abu El-Haj. Anthropology of Education Quarterly.
Selected Reports & Monographs
Knapp, M. S., Copland, M. A., Honig, M. I., Plecki, M. L., & Portin, B. S. (2010). Learning-focused leadership and leadership support: Meanings and practice in urban systems. Seattle, WA: Center for the Study of Teaching & Policy, University of Washington.
Portin, B. S., Knapp, M. S., Dareff, S., Feldman, S., Russell, F. A., Samuelson, C., & Yeh, T. L.. (2009). Leadership for learning improvement in urban schools. Seattle, WA: Center for the Study of Teaching & Policy, University of Washington.
Plecki, M. L., Knapp, M. S., Castaneda, T., Halverson, T., LaSota, R. & Lochmiller, C. (2009). How leaders invest staffing resources for learning improvement. Seattle, WA: Center for the Study of Teaching & Policy, University of Washington.
Elfers, A., Stritikus, T., Caleff, K. P., Von Esch, K. S., Lucero, A. Knapp, M. S., & Plecki, M. L. (2009). Building systems of support for classroom teachers working with English language learners. Silverton, WA: Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession
Elfers, A., Knapp, M. S., Zahir, A., & Plecki, M. (2007). Teaching mathematics in Washington’s high schools: Insights from a survey of teachers in high-performing and improving high schools. Silverdale, WA: Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession. (Cross-listed as CTP report)
Plecki, M. L., Elfers, A., Knapp, M. S., Yeo, G. J., & Magowan, M. (2006). Who's teaching Washington's children? A 2006 Update Silverdale, WA: Center for the Strengthening the Teaching Profession. (Cross-listed as CTP report)
Loeb, H., Elfers, A., Plecki, M. L., Ford, B. L., & Knapp, M. S., (2006). National Board Certified Teachers in Washington State: Impacts on professional practice and leadership opportunities. Silverdale, WA: Center for the Strengthening the Teaching Profession. (Cross-listed as CTP report.)
Plecki, M. L., Elfers. A., & Knapp, M.S.. (2006). Examination of longitudinal attrition, retention, and mobility rates of beginning teachers in Washington state. Silverdale, WA: Center for the Strengthening the Teaching Profession. (Cross-listed as CTP report)
Knapp, M. S., Copland, M. A., Plecki, M. L., & Portin, B. (2006). Leadership, learning, & leadership Support. Seattle, WA: Center for the Study of Teaching & Policy, University of Washington.
Knapp, M. S., Copland, M. A., Swinnerton. J. A., & Monpas-Huber,. J. (2006). Data-informed Leadership. Seattle, WA: Center for the Study of Teaching & Policy, University of Washington.
Portin, B., Alejano, C., Knapp, M. S., & Marzolf, E. (2006). Redefining roles, responsibilities, and authority of school leaders. Seattle, WA: Center for the Study of Teaching & Policy, University of Washington.
Plecki, M. L., McCleery, J., & Knapp, M. S. (2006). Redefining and improving school district governance. Seattle, WA: Center for the Study of Teaching & Policy, University of Washington.
Portin, B. S., Feldman, S., & Knapp, M. S. (2006). Purposes, Uses, and Practices of Leadership Assessment in Education. Seattle, WA: Center for the Study of Teaching & Policy, University of Washington.
Plecki, M. L., Alejano, C., Lochmiller, C., & Knapp, M. S. (2006). Reallocating resources and changing incentives to improve leadership and teaching. Seattle, WA: Center for the Study of Teaching & Policy, University of Washington.
Elfers, A., Knapp, M. S., Zahir, A., & Plecki, M. (2005). Preparation and support for teaching: Teachers’ response to state education reform. Silverdale, WA: Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession.(cross-listed as CTP report)
Knapp, M. S., Plecki, M., & Elfers, A. (2005). Teachers count: The state’s teaching force and how it is supported. Silverdale, WA: Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession. (cross-listed as CTP report)
Plecki, M. S., Elfers, A., Loeb, H., Zahir, A., & Knapp, M. S. (2005). Teacher retention and mobility: A look inside and across districts and schools in Washington state. Seattle, WA: Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession.
Grossman, P., Stodolsky, S., & Knapp, M. S. (2005). Making subject matter part of the equation: The intersection of policy and content. Seattle, WA: Center for the Study of Teaching & Policy
Knapp, M. S., Elfers, A., & Plecki, M. (2004). Preparing for reform, supporting teachers' work. Seattle, WA: Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession.
Elfers, A., Plecki, M. , Knapp, M.S., Boatright, B.,& Loeb. H. (2003). Who's teaching Washington's children? Seattle, WA: Center for the Strengthening the Teaching Profession.
Gallucci, C., Knapp, M. S., Markholt, A., & Ort. S. (2003). Standards-based reform and small schools of choice: Converging reform theories in three urban middle schools. Seattle, WA: Center for the Study of Teaching and Policy/University of Washington.
Knapp, M. S., Copland, M., & Talbert, J. E. (2003). Leading for learning: Reflective tools for school and district leaders. Seattle, WA: University of Washington/Center for the Study of Teaching & Policy.
Knapp, M. S., & Associates (2003). Leading for learning sourcebook: Concepts and examples. Seattle, WA: University of Washington/Center for the Study of Teaching & Policy.
Knapp, M. S. (2002). Understanding how policy meets practice: Two takes on local response to a state reform initiative. Seattle, WA: Center for the Study of Teaching and Policy/University of Washington.