Research shows daily student reflection and goal setting has positive effects on students. The missing piece of implementing reflection and goal setting in many classrooms is student ownership. Allowing students to choose the medium used, providing open-ended questions, sharing (some) of that reflection with stakeholders, embedding it into routine to make it a habit, reflection checks, and reflection on the … Read More
How to Build Stronger Relationships With Your Students
Build strong relationships with your students. You’ve heard this before, I know. I really don’t think I need to harp on it. However, the reason we’ve heard it a million times, is the same reason we actually do need to continue to harp on it. Building relationships with your students is absolutely crucial if you want to truly reach them. Other … Read More
Getting Started on Social Media – 6 To-Dos For Your School District
If your school is not already on social media, it should be. There’s no denying the fact that social media is now simply a part of our lives. Studies show that 74% of all online American adults use social media daily. When we look at students, that number jumps to 81% (of all teens 12-17). As an administrator, you understand … Read More
Still Not Sure How to Roll Out That New District Initiative?
Working on a new district initiative? One of the most common things we come across when talking with district administrators is the story of that last initiative that fell flat or blew up in their face. The truth is, rolling out a new district-wide initiative is not easy. It is complicated, stressful, and always presents the potential for push-back, frustration, … Read More
Create Your Own Breakout EDU or Escape Room Challenge
I love the concept of Escape Rooms and Breakout EDU challenges! I think escape rooms and breakout EDU challenges are great ways to encourage teamwork, build a strong and positive classroom culture, and engage students with challenging ideas in a low-stress (but high-fun!) way. Over the last year, I’ve created my own version of a hybrid-Escape/Breakout Challenge that is very … Read More