(Originally posted on Habits of Reflective School Leadership.) By Dan Fowler As a FAME (Formative Assessment for Maryland Educators) Leader at the district and school level, I have found, and believe, that the formative assessment process is one of the single most important things that educators can do for their students. The statement “formative assessment […]
The Corrosive Side of Leadership – David
(Originally posed on DCulberhouse.) By David Culberhouse “Is the question being asked: Whose fault was this? If so, your culture is one that vilifies failure. Failure is difficult enough without it being compounded by the search for a scapegoat.” -Ed Catmull ‘Creativity, Inc.’ If we are going to build up the capacity for more creative […]
Advice for First Year Principals – Jessi
(Originally posted on Mrs. Cromer: Leading and Learning.) By Jessica Cromer Whoa, what’s that in your newsfeed? A new blogpost from @MrsJCromer?! Its only been since February people, don’t be so surprised. I’ve been just a little busy with my first year running a school and have not been the best blogger. But have no […]
The Speed of Innovation – David Steward
(Originally posted on One Administrator’s View.) By David Steward Recently, I was fortunate to engage in a chat on Twitter that accompanied a local district beginning to discuss innovation and change for their kids. The chat was extremely interesting (check out #ImagineSPS to see the discussion) and got me reflecting on change, innovation, and specifically […]
Compliance or Commitment? – Dan Butler
(Originally posted on Once a Bobcat, Always a Bobcat.) By Dan Butler A couple of weeks ago, I had a conversation about instructional coaching with an educator outside of my district. We were talking about the coaching model that we utilize in Western Dubuque, and how we have implemented this in the past seven months. […]
What is Your Story? – Douglas Elmendor
(Originally posted on ASCD EDge.) By Douglas Elmendorf “You are not merely here to make a living. You are here to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, and with finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world. You impoverish yourself if you forget this errand.” – […]
What’s Holding You Back? – Ben Gilpin
(Originally posted on The Colorful Principal.) By Ben Gilpin 2014 was the start of something special. That something was #ClassroomCribs. I’m a believer that learning spaces matter. As we jump start 2015, I feel it is critical to talk about where we’ve been and what we’re learning. This past summer +A.J. Juliani, +Erin Klein and I began working […]
Flipping Staff Meetings The Why, How, a...
Going into my 15th year as a teacher, I have been through a lot of staff meetings. This may surprise you, but they are not a highlight of my job. In fact, I never found them particularly helpful in my practice. Most of the information in typical staff meetings I have sat through could have […]
5 Ways to Make a Change Happen Faster –
(Originally posted on Eduleadership.) By Justin Baeder When change happens too fast, it overwhelms people and diminishes their confidence that they’ll be successful. Skills take time to develop, and no one wants to be judged too quickly on a skill they are still developing. But some people think they should have three or four years to […]
Classroom Observations: Leading In A Cul...
(Originally posted on On Principal.) By John Falino Accountability. This term is now at the political forefront as state and federal officials consider the best ways to improve our schools, student performance, and of course teacher performance. The discussions and changes have naturally led to more questions about the validity and true worth of standardized […]
People Want a Boss – Michael Smith
(Originally posted on Michael Smith’s Principal’s Page) By Michael Smith It is definitely that time of year. And not just for resumes and countdowns (spring break and end of the year). Schools districts are in the process of hiring administrators for next year. More people will be joining me in this challenging profession (notice I […]
Steps to Upgrade your Hiring Process – D
(Originally posted on @DrMattParker) By Matt Parker As a school administrator, it is a source of stress and opportunity when a job comes open in a school (or any organization). We suffer from the loss of an employee, but we also have a chance to enhance our organization by gaining special attributes in a new […]
Ten School Leadership Lessons Inspired b...
(Originally Posted on Common Sense School Leadership.) By Christopher Wooleyhand The Godfather is arguably one of the best books and movies ever produced. While the violence associated with the film should never be glorified, there are many messages in the movie that can be used to inspire thoughtful leadership in education. My wife, Debbie, and […]
Power: Embrace it, Respect it, and Seek ...
(Originally posted on Ripples of Change.) By Kenneth Durham I recently wrote about Climate and Culture and for Leadership Day 2014 I would like to expand on these ideas and share what I have newly learned about Power. Leadership is a group phenomenon that occurs when two or more people interact, and an individual or […]
How Does A School Move From Good to Grea...
(Originally posted on On Principal.) By John Falino The beginning of the school year is always an optimal time to engage teachers in some “big picture” thinking. Enthusiasm and energy are at a high as teachers are well rested and optimistic about the possibilities of a new school year. As part of our two-day opening […]