TL;DR: A book desert is defined as a “geographic area with limited access to age-appropriate books, print materials and reading culture.” Reading requires time and access to materials. Students have a right to quality, diverse, and robust selections of books. Consider representation in reading materials. Readers who can see themselves in books are more likely to pick up more books. What is … Read More
Introducing Tech Better
TL;DR: Educators went from using technology for everything in remote learning to using it less when they returned to face-to-face. As we return back to school, we need to be intentional about how we integrate technology back into our classrooms. Learn 6 ways how to be intentional with the integration of technology. (1) Identify learning targets. (2) Notice where handles … Read More
Approaching the Upcoming School Year
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