Student Conferencing with a Focus on the Focus Video Highlights: Use “we” instead of “you” during student conferences. Celebrate growth rather than “got it” moments. When it comes to student conferencing, don’t judge, just support. See the full series here! [scroll down to keep reading] About Dave Schmittou Entering his twenty-first year in education, Dave has earned a reputation … Read More
3 Ways Mastery Learning Can Fix Learning Loss
TL;DR: This post shares 3 ways mastery learning can fix learning loss. Mastery and instructional frameworks allow students to work at their own pace. They help shift the focus to supporting learners wherever they are at. Mastery changes mindset. It accounts for learner differences. And it provides a framework where targeted and tiered instruction is built in. Let’s be honest, … 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
5 Tips for Better Grading
TL;DR: Grade better by aligning all of your assessments and creating clear feedback measures. Eliminate unnecessary assignments and involve students in the process. Use tech tools and verbal feedback whenever possible. Coming back to school means many things: students in our rooms, interacting and building relationships in person, learning to instruct in person and online simultaneously. But it also means … Read More
4 Tips to Reimagine Assessment
TL;DR: Assessment should be a series of events, each leading to the next moment of improvement. Reimagine assessment by determining what you value and seeking assessment that leads to instruction. Understand that “one and done” is not enough and consider consistency and recency when assessing. As I am writing this, March Madness is ramping up. It is my favorite time … Read More