TL;DR: We need more academic playgrounds. We need to spend time observing children in outdoor spaces to discover how indoor learning spaces can be better designed. Consider 20 questions to ask when designing and transforming learning space to enhance student performance. The goal should be to design learning spaces that meet the needs of today’s learners. All students deserve a … Read More
12 Lessons For Instructional Leaders
TL;DR: Instructional leaders play an important role in providing a system that supports teaching and learning so that students will continue to be challenged and grow. Successful principals who are instructional leaders understand the importance of establishing a clear vision and commitment to learning goals. Administrators must create time for instructional leadership. Below you will find 12 lessons for instructional … Read More
Planning Plinko
TL;DR: Sometimes teachers plan lessons or units that are disconnected to their desired student outcomes, like the Plinko effect. It’s important that you consider the pegs and barriers that exist with your students. It’s better to look at individuals and groups of students, and determine how to remove barriers so that the chip can fall into the desired slot. The … Read More
Evaluating EdTech, Content, and Other Classroom Tools
TL;DR: Assessing Content in Education Systems (ACES) is a strategy for evaluating educational content created by the author of this post. ACES is based on four key spectrums: active or anchored, creation or consumption, educational or entertainment, and social or solo. Knowing how to assess content is a foundational skill, especially because the technical aspects change often in our fast-paced … Read More
4 Steps to Create and Market Your School’s Brand
TL;DR: Plan and execute a strategic process for creating and communicating your school’s brand. Create a brand you want people to hear, see, and feel when they interact with your school district. Your school’s brand is how you do things. It is your culture. It is the WHY that drives you. And it’s the WAY you achieve your goals. Create … Read More