TL;DR: Shift the focus to the development of skills. Content is still important, but it’s just not the purpose of the course. Develop a framework and common language to use during the feedback process. Limit feedback to a specific part of the assignment. When used appropriately, whole class feedback is a valuable tool. Provide multiple practice opportunities to every student … Read More
I Need the Sea: Be a Student Yourself
TL;DR: Learn more about the West Coast Trail in British Columbia, Canada. There is a lot you can learn about the wildlife in this area, like black bears, just by asking. Learn from nature and experiences, reading and watching videos, and from asking an expert. Having experiences and being a student yourself allows you to be the teacher you need … Read More
Waiting for a Lifeguard
TL;DR: Steven shares a story about how he and his dad were caught in a riptide and needed support from a lifeguard. Many students are struggling. We cannot expect them to save themselves. Hope is not a strategy. In order to focus on students’ needs, school support teams can ask themselves a list of questions found below. Consider how intentional … Read More
Agile Leadership During A Storm
TL;DR: Agile school leaders designing plans with multiple contingency plans and keep the end in mind. Seek clarity in the storm and in your plans to communicate with the public. Embrace complexity and allow cognitive elasticity to support team decisions, rather than relying on traditional approaches and what worked in the past. “This is about identifying the direction you and the … Read More
New Year, New Relationships, New Opportunities
TL;DR: As students return to school, they may not be at the “level” we need them to be. Some tips as students return: Interact and build relationships with your students by connecting with their interests and start making a plan for how best to get support for them. Content becomes easier to teach after you build relationships. Take one day … Read More