TL;DR: Traditional in-school suspension (ISS) remains ineffective, sharing negative outcomes with out-of-school suspension. It also correlates with a greater than 25% chance of standardized test failure. Trauma-Informed In-School Suspension (ISS) is proposed as a more successful alternative, emphasizing four pillars: safety, transparency, collaboration, and empowerment. This approach, seen in rare “unicorn” ISS programs, offers structured consequences while providing academic and … Read More
How Self-Aware Are YOU?
TL;DR: Self-reflection leads to self-awareness, a crucial foundation for wisdom and effective leadership. It’s a continuous process that requires intentional practice and time. Methods like journaling, meditation, and nature walks are powerful tools for self-reflection, helping to recognize emotions, strengths, weaknesses, biases, and blind spots. Self-awareness leads to self-efficacy, essential for personal and collective growth. Through mastery and vicarious experiences, … Read More
A Growth Mindset Transforms Educational Leadership
TL;DR: Principals are key to shaping school culture and fostering resilience, adaptability, and continuous improvement in their teams. Emphasizing learning from challenges boosts educators’ impact on students; strategies include leading by example and celebrating progress. Cultivating a thriving learning community relies on nurturing resilience, improvement, collaboration, and student success. As a school principal, one of your most influential roles is … Read More
The Reluctant Leader: The Case for Intervention
TL;DR: Attempts to use a common WIN period for intervention were overwhelming due to the sheer number of students who needed help. After brainstorming with a colleague and involving administrators, a new initiative for a Math Intervention WIN was proposed and implemented, eventually leading to the creation of full-time Math Interventionist positions to better support struggling students. The Case for … Read More
The Curse of Mount Rushmore
TL;DR: People in education can sometimes lose touch with what is most important. Remember who you are and why you went into the profession. Above all, stay true to your mission. Each year, new teachers, administrators, and superintendents are hired. School districts across the United States put their faith in individuals and hope they will support the students and staff … Read More