In our July 29 post, “A New Look at Assessments: The Student Performance Grid” we showed you how to conduct a detailed analysis of a classroom assessment of students’ learning. After sorting the student work, we began with the less proficient work samples. We entered
This was originally published on Improving Our Schools. Reading Proficiency, Unprepared Students, Untrained Teachers, and Ill-Advised Responses: A National Dilemma and New National Report Dear Colleagues, Since the early 1990s (and even before), our schools have been laser-focused on students’ proficiency in literacy. In the early 1990s, many
This post was originally published on Finding Common Ground. A Mindful Revolution This blog post explores the functioning of the brain as it relates to mindfulness and effective school leadership. We are in the midst of a mindfulness revolution in the United States and worldwide. Research-based studies on
Good leaders know that sharing, discussing, and examining teaching practices and student work improves student learning through professional examination, inquiry, and growth. Educators who harness the power of informal professional conversation invite teachers to do the intellectual work needed to connect with students and boost
We want our students to be independent thinkers and readers and we want our students to have ownership of their learning. But our wants and our roles as teachers sometimes conflict. First, we can get clear on what true independence is and then we can
Last month I spent some time with a man who returned to college to get his teaching credential after many years of working in the business world. I truly admire his energy, dedication, and creativity. He’s going to be a great teacher, but he was
Complex times call for clear solutions—If initiative overload and fragmentation are keeping your best plans from becoming reality, it’s time to start leading differently. The key to bringing about the kind of successful and sustainable change you need is the Coherence Framework, a dynamic, customizable
Every education leader wants to implement reforms that improve student outcomes. And all of us, as professionals, understand that we need to have conversations about performance with other professionals in order to do this successfully. It seems almost too obvious to state! So why is it
There is a secret to classroom management. You won’t find it in most of the books on classroom discipline or the endless lists of classroom management tips. Here is a hint: It is far more important than any single strategy for managing students. Teachers want students
I’m writing this aboard another plane heading to another spot away from home. As much as I am not enamored with time in planes, airports, and hotel rooms, I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to work with, and learn from, so many talented