TL;DR: Data drives many of our decisions in education. It comes from a variety of sources and is more than just numerical information from test scores. The use of data needs to be intentional and involve not only educators but students and families as well. Elevate data by using it to not only help you see progress but to help … Read More
Take Ownership: It’s Leadership!
TL;DR: Take ownership to speak up when there is injustice and make a difference. Equitable practices in education mean change sparked by reflection. Consider our biases and use picture books to introduce the 7 “isms” to start the conversation: ableism, classism, ageism, religion as an ism, racism, homophobia/heterosexism, and sexism. Take ownership: It’s leadership! Leaders speak up when there is … Read More
Delighting in Inclusion
TL;DR: Melinda Arnost is an educator, author/illustrator, and inclusion specialist. She was recently a guest on the Good News, Brad News Podcast. Her advocacy for inclusion started in high school inviting other students to join their Breakfast Club. As a teacher, Melinda trusted her gut and started teaching outside of the box in order to meet the needs of students. … Read More
There Is NO Hacking Life
TL;DR: When working towards success, “hacking life” is not the solution. Many self-help leaders and other successful individuals did not start that way. They had to overcome obstacles and put in the time to get where they are. Perfection can be achieved over time with hard work and persistence. Teachers are demonstrating this with their creativity and determination. There Is … Read More
Improving Stakeholder Communication
TL;DR: Remember to offer in-person, live, virtual, and recorded access to events so everyone has access. Make sure your school website is up to date. Consider the use of video messages as a form of communication. Consider different modalities of communication and participation for families and the community to get involved with the school. Every beginning to a new school … Read More