4 Tips to Reimagine Assessment

Dave SchmittouBlog, Grading & Assessment, Leadership, Mastery Learning

TL;DR: Assessment should be a series of events, each leading to the next moment of improvement. Reimagine assessment by determining what you value and seeking assessment that leads to instruction. Understand that “one and done” is not enough and consider consistency and recency when assessing. As I am writing this, March Madness is ramping up. It is my favorite time … Read More

5 Out of the Box Ways to Engage TEACHERS in Professional Development

Teach Better TeamBlog, Innovation, Leadership, Professional Development, Student Engagement

In This Post: As a Student Learning Coach, providing meaningful professional development for my teachers is so important. There are 5 out of the box ways to engage teachers in PD. What better way to guide discussions than by leading with the students? Inviting students in and having teachers watch drives engagement. Google Classroom isn’t limited to your class, it … Read More

Breaking Down Why District Initiatives Break Down

Chad OstrowskiBlog, Leadership, Professional Development

Breaking Down Why District Initiatives Break Down - Chad Ostrowski

In This Post: The sad truth is, most district initiatives fail. There are common mistakes that are typically to blame for district initiatives failing, and they can be avoided. Start small, plan long-term, involve all stakeholders, provide follow-up, and choose the right provider, and you’ll be off to a better start, with your initiative much more likely to succeed. We’ve … Read More

Creating Impactful PD for Teachers

Teach Better TeamBlog, Leadership

Image for blog post . "CREATING IMPACTFUL PD FOR TEACHERS"

In This Post: Developing impactful professional development takes careful and purposeful planning. Planning your PD sessions to encourage having fun, meet educators where they are, and start and end on time are key to success. Remember that being a learner can be stressful, don’t over plan, and utilize the expertise and experiences of those attending. Developing impactful professional development can … Read More

3 Mistakes Districts Make with Professional Development (PD) – Video

Chad OstrowskiBlog, Leadership, Video(s)

3 Mistakes Districts Make With Professional Development - Video

How was your last professional development session?  Video Highlights Having worked with hundreds of districts around the country, we have seen some amazing PD sessions, and we’ve seen quite a few that just don’t work. What we’ve found is that most of those that don’t work, don’t work because of three key mistakes that districts make with PD. Districts … Read More