TL;DR: Shift the focus to the development of skills. Content is still important, but it’s just not the purpose of the course. Develop a framework and common language to use during the feedback process. Limit feedback to a specific part of the assignment. When used appropriately, whole class feedback is a valuable tool. Provide multiple practice opportunities to every student … Read More
Waiting for a Lifeguard
TL;DR: Steven shares a story about how he and his dad were caught in a riptide and needed support from a lifeguard. Many students are struggling. We cannot expect them to save themselves. Hope is not a strategy. In order to focus on students’ needs, school support teams can ask themselves a list of questions found below. Consider how intentional … Read More
Agile Leadership During A Storm
TL;DR: Agile school leaders designing plans with multiple contingency plans and keep the end in mind. Seek clarity in the storm and in your plans to communicate with the public. Embrace complexity and allow cognitive elasticity to support team decisions, rather than relying on traditional approaches and what worked in the past. “This is about identifying the direction you and the … Read More
New Year, New Relationships, New Opportunities
TL;DR: As students return to school, they may not be at the “level” we need them to be. Some tips as students return: Interact and build relationships with your students by connecting with their interests and start making a plan for how best to get support for them. Content becomes easier to teach after you build relationships. Take one day … Read More
Welcoming Staff Back to the Building
TL;DR: Be mindful as you plan for return to school team-building activities. Consider your staff’s comfort level. You can survey staff prior to the start of the school year. In this post, you will learn some suggestions on how to build school culture at the beginning of the year. As I write this blog post, many districts where I live … Read More