Assessing Student Needs: Remediate or Promote?

Colissa JordanBlog, Reflect Better

TL;DR: There are a number of reasons why parents may consider remediation for their child. Recently, the governor of Kentucky signed a “redo bill” into law that would allow students to repeat this past year’s grade level if the student’s school district permits. As you assess student needs, be sure to consider both the consequences and benefits of remediation. The … Read More

5 Tips to Reimagine School as a Verb

Teach Better TeamBlog, Leadership, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Reimagine school as a verb with these five tips. Start with defining the problem. We need to focus on more than preparing students for the next grade; we need to focus on the necessary human skills of success. Reflection: The pandemic has forced us to relook at the whole learner through a metacognitive lens. Establish a growth mindset to … Read More

Lead with HOPE: What is Your Why?

Brandi KellyBlog, Leadership, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Know your why, your purpose, and passion as it shapes your mindset and what you do every day. Brandi shares her personal story that started with tragedy that led to leading with HOPE, turning tragedy into triumph. The Leader in Me program helps every student see they have greatness and leadership potential. What is Your Why? We have to … Read More

Beat Overwhelm with a Goal Setting System That Works

Teach Better TeamBlog, Classroom Management, Leadership, Reflect Better, Self-Care

TL;DR: The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) is a goal-setting framework based on four critical components of execution: focus, leverage, engagement, and accountability. Focus and decide on only one or two goals that are most important to your success. Measure your success using a lead measure (predictive, proactive, and push you closer to your goal) rather than a lag measure … Read More

Still Learning…Even Though I’m the Principal

Martin SilvermanBlog, Leadership, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Even when you hold a leadership position, you still learn new things every day. Make sure your reasons for asking staff to produce something are clear and be sure to communicate the “why.” Even though I’m the principal, and have been doing this for a long time, doesn’t mean I don’t occasionally learn a lesson! I have a very … Read More