A Principal's Reflections

JULY 9, 2023

What is the essence of leadership? How do leaders effectively implement, sustain, and scale change? There is no shortage of responses regarding the topic, which is why questions are more important than answers. Narrowing down the most critical competencies can take time and effort. However, let’s look at it from the perspective of debunking what authentic leadership is, not to get at the heart of what it really is when it comes to agents of change.

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TeachThought

DECEMBER 13, 2023

State and national level resources for the teachers and parents of gifted and talented students inside and outside of the classroom. The post Resources For The Parents And Teachers Of Gifted And Talented Students appeared first on TeachThought.

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Catlin Tucker

FEBRUARY 26, 2023

Why should teachers use rubrics to assess student work? Rubrics are valuable assessment tools that provide clear and transparent expectations about what constitutes quality work. Rubrics identify specific criteria relevant to the assignment, along with corresponding levels of performance that allow for more precise grading. Using rubrics helps teachers stay focused during the grading process and ensures that grading is objective, consistent, and fair.

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The Hechinger Report

NOVEMBER 5, 2023

The thing that surprised me most about my teacher preparation program was that we never talked about how kids learn. Instead, we were taught how to structure a lesson and given tips on classroom management. I took “methods” classes that gave me strategies for discussions and activities. I assumed that I would eventually learn how the brain worked because I thought that studying education meant studying how learning happens.

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Middle School Psychology Classroom Management Learning Science 145

Digital Promise

FEBRUARY 21, 2023

This 3-part blog series, featuring guest authors from Michigan Virtual , describes the formation of the Learning Continuity Workgroup and how it has supported their edtech procurement and decision-making processes. In this second post, Michigan Virtual outlines how they successfully created resources by crowdsourcing ideas on how to address shared challenges among educators.

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K-12 EdTech Leadership Education 144

ED Surge

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

Julie York, a computer science and media teacher at South Portland High School in Maine, was scouring the internet for discussion tools for her class when she found TeachFX. An AI tool that takes recorded audio from a classroom and turns it into data about who talked and for how long, it seemed like a cool way for York to discuss issues of data privacy, consent and bias with her students.

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Research Professional Development Tutoring Teaching 144

Dangerously Irrelevant

JANUARY 3, 2023

[Disclaimer: Kim Cofino is a friend of mine and I highly respect her work!]. Over the past months I have had the incredible privilege of spending a lot of time with Kim Cofino and her instructional coaching team at Eduro Learning. Not in person – Kim is in Bangkok, Thailand, and her team is all over the globe – but online. Lately I have been leaning into the task of enhancing my instructional coaching knowledge and skillsets, so I signed up for Eduro Learning’s yearlong online course

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Strange Maps

DECEMBER 29, 2023

A basement renovation project led to the archaeological discovery of a lifetime: the Derinkuyu Underground City, which housed 20,000 people.

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Archaeology 115

A Principal's Reflections

FEBRUARY 19, 2023

Technology has the potential to transform teaching and learning in a number of ways. One way it can be used to transform teaching and learning is by providing students with access to a wealth of information, including multimedia resources, educational apps, and online databases. This means that students can engage with a wide range of material and have access to resources that they might not have been able to access otherwise.

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Pedagogy Project-Based Learning Teaching Research 536

A Principal's Reflections

JUNE 11, 2023

When it comes to leading change, many of us, at some point, have been made to think that we have to get others to buy into a certain strategy, initiative, or idea. Is this really the right way to proceed? I've never been a fan of the term "buy-in" when it comes to change. It's a phrase that implies that we need to convince people to change rather than inspiring them to actually want to change.

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Leadership 525

A Principal's Reflections

FEBRUARY 5, 2023

I vividly remember how frustrating it was to interview for various school administrator positions only to be told that I didn’t have enough practical experience related to the position(s). Well duh, of course I didn’t, as I was an aspiring leader who was just venturing into this space. I am sure virtually everyone reading this post has been in the same situation at some point, whether in the past or currently.

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A Principal's Reflections

APRIL 16, 2023

The education landscape is undergoing a continuous transformation, something I elaborate on in detail in Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms. While not new in any sense, digital tools continue to play an immense role as they are constantly evolving. By understanding how these tools impact teaching and learning, educators can determine which ones to use and how to implement them effectively.

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Artifacts Pedagogy Tradition Teaching 518

A Principal's Reflections

MAY 28, 2023

In my early days as an administrator, I thought that a positive school culture was one where strict rules were created and consistently enforced to keep students focused on learning. I believed that the more control I could exert over the environment, the better the results. There was not much flexibility in terms of the structure of the day and what students were “allowed” to do.

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Cultures Leadership 516

A Principal's Reflections

JANUARY 16, 2023

Education is still reeling from the impacts of COVID-19. The rapid shift to virtual learning was a necessity and, like always, educators rose to the occasion like they always do even though training in this area didn’t really exist at scale. A few years later, we are beginning to get an idea of the most pressing issue at hand, which is learning recovery.

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K-12 Pedagogy Leadership Research 522

A Principal's Reflections

MAY 14, 2023

Change is hard because it requires us to step outside of our comfort zone and into the unknown. It means letting go of the familiar and embracing something new. This can be a scary and uncertain process, which is why many people resist change. There are many reasons why people resist change. Some people are afraid of the unknown. They may worry about what will happen if they change, and they may not be confident in their ability to adapt to new situations.

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A Principal's Reflections

JANUARY 22, 2023

I remember vividly as a young principal when I started to drink the “edtech” Kool-Aid many years ago. It represented a true turning point in how I thought about change in education. Up until this point, my thinking was relatively traditional and as such, so was the culture of my school. However, I was motivated like never before to move beyond the nearly impenetrable walls I had mentally constructed that had inhibited me from moving beyond my comfort zone until this point.

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EdTech Cultures Leadership Tradition 507

A Principal's Reflections

JANUARY 8, 2023

One of the best and most gratifying aspects of my job is getting into classrooms and providing feedback to leaders, who, in turn, help their teachers grow. Most of my blog ideas materialize during these times of bliss. Without this practical lens, I don’t think I would be able to write anything of value. Over the years, the state of Utah has provided me with a plethora of opportunities to work with schools on Personalized Competency-Based Learning ( PCBL ).

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A Principal's Reflections

OCTOBER 8, 2023

Inclusion is essential for special education (SPED) because it promotes the social and academic development of students with disabilities, fosters a sense of belonging, and prepares them for life outside of school. It aligns with legal and ethical imperatives, is often cost-effective, and encourages teacher development. Inclusive education also positively impacts school culture, reduces stigma, and advocates for equity and civil rights, ensuring all students have equal opportunities and contribu

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Teaching Junior High Professional Development Leadership 473

A Principal's Reflections

JANUARY 30, 2023

Humans crave a deep connection when it comes to learning something new, especially if they initially don't see any value in what's being taught or facilitated. We expect this as adult learners, so it goes without saying that our students both want and need this as well. In the absence of authentic meaning there is a tendency to disconnect or go off task, putting the learning experience at hand in jeopardy of not being successful.

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A Principal's Reflections

MAY 22, 2023

As we all know, navigating change is often a tricky process. It requires a clear vision, a sound plan for implementation, and patience. Even with all these elements and many others in place, it is rarely a smooth journey. One of the biggest obstacles to overcome is zeroing in on compelling reasons to change that will lead to better outcomes. I refer to these as entry points, which can serve as a catalyst for any initiative or strategic plan.

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K-12 Professional Development Research High School 476

A Principal's Reflections

MARCH 19, 2023

A thriving culture views technology as a seamless component that can enhance learning in a multitude of ways. When digital tools are intentionally integrated, students are able to produce tangible evidence of their conceptual comprehension, develop a range of competencies, illustrate the construction of new knowledge, and become self-directed in their learning.

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Cultures Leadership Teaching Research 474

A Principal's Reflections

MARCH 27, 2023

There is a great deal of confusion out there as to what personalization is when it comes to learning in and out of the classroom. When terms that are new materialize, there is a natural inclination to develop a meaning that works for a particular narrative or goal. A lack of clarity or pedagogical understanding translates to people and organizations making up whatever fits best.

Cultures 473

Cultures 473

A Principal's Reflections

APRIL 24, 2023

When it comes to technology in education, there is a natural tendency to see it as just another thing that somebody must do. In other cases, it is viewed as being more work. Let me tackle the second issue first. When we try implementing anything new, there is always a learning curve. It is important to remember, though, that the time and effort put forth will reap the rewards when it comes to improving practice and, in turn, learning outcomes.

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EdTech Pedagogy Teaching Research 472

A Principal's Reflections

MARCH 5, 2023

No pain, no gain has been a common saying for years. Truth be told, getting better is hard work, no matter the context. When faced with adversity, we take one of two paths. The first is seeing the inherent opportunity in a challenge through a growth mindset. Sometimes that means looking beyond traditional metrics of success to find other areas where the needle can be moved.

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A Principal's Reflections

SEPTEMBER 17, 2023

Learning is a deeply personal journey and tailoring it to individual needs and preferences is essential for fostering meaningful and effective education. Personalized learning increases engagement and helps learners develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. It all begins with understanding the learner's interests, something I dive deeply into in Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms.

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Pedagogy Classroom Management Teaching Education 452

A Principal's Reflections

APRIL 9, 2023

When it comes to education training, the main pathway to improvement is through professional development. Depending on where you reside or your school system, this typically consists of a few days to begin the new academic year and a few random days going forward that are often associated with student holidays. While the premise is positive, the result doesn’t always lead to sustainable change.

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Professional Development Research Education 460

A Principal's Reflections

DECEMBER 3, 2023

The physical and virtual environments where learning takes place play a pivotal role in shaping the effectiveness and depth of personalized learning strategies. Consider for a moment the impact of the physical classroom. It is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in the learning journey. The arrangement of desks, the presence of collaborative spaces, and the infusion of technology all contribute to the atmosphere that shapes a student's educational experience.

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Tradition Library Interactive Learning Research 441

A Principal's Reflections

OCTOBER 1, 2023

A s readers of my blog know, I am incredibly passionate about pedagogically-sound personalized learning. Who wouldn’t be excited about implementing strategies that support ALL learners getting what they need when and where they need it to succeed? What is even more intriguing is that there is no one best way to personalize, something I wrote extensively about in Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms and this recent blog post.

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Education 441

A Principal's Reflections

APRIL 30, 2023

Being a leader is not a solo endeavor but a collective effort that involves everyone in the organization, school, or district. While a leader may occasionally have to make critical decisions that require going against consensus, such instances are rare and insignificant in the larger scheme of things. To succeed, it is crucial to foster a culture of open-mindedness where people are motivated to change on their own accord rather than being coerced into it.

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Leadership Cultures Education 449

A Principal's Reflections

SEPTEMBER 3, 2023

Reflecting on my days as a student, I recall how the subject matter was the primary focus in every class. Whether delivered through lectures in college, direct instruction during K-12 education, or occasionally gleaned from textbooks and encyclopedias, it permeated every aspect of learning. Upon closer examination, it becomes evident that information, in the form of content, held a central role in all my classes.

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K-12 Education 438

A Principal's Reflections

MAY 9, 2023

To say that there is a great deal of pressure on educators today is a gross understatement. It is shared with me during conversations that they feel it is difficult to catch their breath and keep up with all that is expected of them. While this has led to an increase in stress and anxiety, it is always made clear to me that they want to grow and improve.

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Education 444

A Principal's Reflections

FEBRUARY 13, 2023

Assisting others to be their best is something that we all can do through feedback. Sometimes it is as simple as making an effort to point out commendations that serve as validation and pieces of advice to improve performance. However, sometimes our delivery and words mean otherwise. It is vital to make the distinction between feedback and criticism.

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Cultures 445

A Principal's Reflections

SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

As I work with leaders across the globe, I am always careful with my words. There are rarely absolutes when it comes to educational leadership and ushering in meaningful change. The best course of action depends on the situation and context, which is rarely the same for different administrators. However, I am direct when it comes to what can be controlled.

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Leadership Research Education 434

Catlin Tucker

MARCH 28, 2023

What barriers make designing for deeper learning in schools challenging? In today’s rapidly changing educational landscape, educators face numerous challenges when designing instruction that promotes deeper learning for all students. Recently, I had the privilege of meeting with a group of international educators in Dubai grappling with these challenges.

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Tradition Psychology Cultures Teaching 202

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 12, 2023

Why Would a Teacher Use the Flipped Classroom Model? First, let’s establish the value of the flipped classroom in case you have never used this blended learning model. The flipped classroom was designed to invert the traditional approach to instruction and practice/application. Instead of spending precious class time transferring information live for the whole group in the form of a lecture or mini-lesson, which presents myriad barriers (e.g., auditory processing, attention deficit, lack o

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Tradition Teaching Education 192

Catlin Tucker

MAY 20, 2023

How can formative assessment data help students to develop their metacognitive skills? Formative assessments are ongoing assessments embedded throughout the learning process. These informal assessments provide information to the teacher about students’ understanding of the material being covered and the skills being introduced. This data allows the teacher to identify where students are struggling, where they are excelling, and where they need additional support.

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Critical Thinking Tradition 193

Catlin Tucker

DECEMBER 12, 2023

In our newest book, Shift Writing into the Classroom with UDL and Blended Learning , Dr. Katie Novak and I guide teachers in creating the time and space to support all parts of the writing process in the classroom. Not only has the explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots created concern about assigning writing, but myriad challenges exist when we send writing home with students. #1 Hard to Motivate After a Long Day at School After spending six to seven hours in a structured, often

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