A Principal's Reflections

MARCH 24, 2024

The landscape of education is constantly evolving, and artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool for educators. While it won't replace the irreplaceable human touch in the classroom, AI can significantly enhance teaching and learning by offering personalization, efficiency, and insightful data analysis. Below are some ways educators can leverage AI to create a more dynamic and effective learning environment while also getting professional learning support from Five Star Technol

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Classroom Gamification Data Analysis 381

A Principal's Reflections

MARCH 17, 2024

Imagine a classroom buzzing with engaged students, actively constructing knowledge and diving deep into topics that spark their curiosity. This vibrant learning environment does not just happen by chance. It thrives under the guidance of a passionate, skilled educator who is constantly evolving alongside their students. However, like their students, teachers need personalized growth opportunities to stay engaged, motivated, and effective.

How To 393

How To Professional Learning Strategy Assessment 393

A Principal's Reflections

MARCH 3, 2024

In today's rapidly changing world, where new challenges and technologies emerge at an unprecedented pace, students need to be relevant thinkers to successfully navigate the complex social, economic, and environmental issues they will face. The ability to think relevantly enables them to connect classroom learning with real-world applications, fostering deeper learning and cultivating critical life competencies such as problem-solving, adaptability, and creativity.

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Exercises Assessment Knowledge Base Analysis 392

A Principal's Reflections

FEBRUARY 25, 2024

In my coaching work, suggestions typically arise for ideas on implementing various personalized strategies effectively at the primary level (PreK – 1). While choice , in my opinion, might not be the most developmentally appropriate option, I do see station rotation (or centers) as a viable option. Establishing engaging and educational station activities for primary-age students in the English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum is essential for fostering literacy skills, including reading, writing, l

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Tablets Adaptive Learning Groups Data 347

A Principal's Reflections

JANUARY 28, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the role of leadership is pivotal. The notion of educational leadership extends beyond administrative responsibilities; it embodies the vision, direction, and ethos of a learner-centric environment. Building capacity is not just an individual pursuit but a collective journey towards excellence. It is vital because it directly impacts the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning environments.

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Strategy Professional Learning Examples Outcomes 320

A Principal's Reflections

JANUARY 7, 2024

As we navigate the shifting currents of the educational landscape, it's clear that transformative change is not just necessary—it's inevitable. To foster an environment where every student thrives, we must reimagine our approach to education from the ground up. This calls for a system that is not just a patchwork of quick fixes but a comprehensive blueprint for enduring change.

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System Education Outcomes Strategy 376

A Principal's Reflections

DECEMBER 31, 2023

As we reflect on the past year, it's evident that the realm of education continues to be influenced by an array of disruptive forces, most notably artificial intelligence. Through my writing, I have attempted to capture the essence of contemporary challenges and innovations but also provide practical solutions and thought-provoking insights from the field.

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Personalized Learning Technology Classroom Education 322

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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Personalized Learning Analysis Blended Learning Strategy 388

A Principal's Reflections

NOVEMBER 19, 2023

Looking for ways to improve should be an expectation, not something that is optional. Whether at the individual or system level, the fact remains that there is always room for growth. So why is this the case? Pursuing improvement is a never-ending process because the landscape of knowledge, technology, and human understanding is in a perpetual state of evolution.

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Competency Based Learning Elementary System Professional Learning 293

A Principal's Reflections

NOVEMBER 5, 2023

The journey of learning is a unique and intricate process, with each learner embarking on their own distinctive path towards success. The idea that every individual follows a different route to achieve their goals is deeply rooted in the diverse nature of human cognition, aspirations, and experiences. In this introduction, we will explore the fundamental reasons why every learner carves out a distinct educational journey, acknowledging the multifaceted elements that contribute to this diversity.

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Personalized Learning Learning Outcomes Study 334

A Principal's Reflections

OCTOBER 29, 2023

In today's fast-paced world, traditional one-size-fits-all educational approaches need to be updated. Students have diverse needs, preferences, and learning paces, making it crucial for schools to adapt to this variability. Enter artificial intelligence (AI), a powerful tool that has the potential to revolutionize education by personalizing learning experiences for every student.

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Personalized Learning Adaptive Learning Learning Data 371

A Principal's Reflections

OCTOBER 15, 2023

Education has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, and one of the most significant developments is the concept of "anywhere learning." This innovative approach to personalized education leverages technology to give students the flexibility and freedom to learn at their own pace, in their own space. Anywhere learning is proving to be a game-changer, benefiting students in a multitude of ways, primarily because it is entirely learner-centric.

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Learning Personalized Learning Strategy Assessment 405

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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Classroom Personalized Learning Outcomes Assessment 379

A Principal's Reflections

JULY 23, 2023

" It's the follow-through that makes the great difference between success and failure, because it's so easy to stop. " - Charles F. Kettering Have you ever made a commitment to do something, only to find yourself needing to follow through? How about getting motivated at a conference or professional learning, only to keep everything the same once you are back in your classroom, school, or district?

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Conference Professional Learning Classroom Learning 276

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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Strategy Learning Meeting Classroom 541

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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Laptops Study Social Media Examples 421

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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Social Media Outcomes Professional Learning Assessment 401

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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Blended Learning Company Strategy Examples 411

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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Assessment Social Media Analysis Tools 468

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.

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Personalized Learning Strategy Course Classroom 424

A Principal's Reflections

MARCH 13, 2023

Everyone loves a great story. We spend countless hours visualizing how they unfold when reading and watching them come to life through our device of choice. It comes as no surprise that civilizations across the globe have been curating and sharing them since the beginning of time. From cave paintings, stone carvings, and ancient papyrus paper, the most significant stories of our past have been preserved.

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Social Media Technology Classroom How To 375

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.

Competency Based Learning 426

Competency Based Learning Professional Learning Strategy Examples 426

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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Technology Learning Assessment Data 497

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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Strategy Learning 401

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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Outcomes Learning Strategy Professional Learning 431

A Principal's Reflections

DECEMBER 12, 2022

I never saw myself as a writer until I started blogging back in March 2010. It all began with goal setting for the Google Teacher Academy for Administrators, and I haven’t looked back. Consistency has been vital for me, as I have published a post every week since. Therein lies the dilemma I am currently facing. The struggle is real in my case when it comes to finding new topics to blog about or adding an innovative spin to already-prevalent concepts.

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Strategy Video Course Google 436

A Principal's Reflections

NOVEMBER 13, 2022

All leaders most likely view themselves as jugglers. Who could blame them when there are always multiple areas to address and the fact that the buck stops with them when it comes to making big decisions? Here are just a few: Accountability Morale Meetings Professional learning Stakeholders Achievement Budget Crises The act of juggling requires concentration and focus.

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Secondary Policies Professional Learning Meeting 413

A Principal's Reflections

OCTOBER 23, 2022

In order to learn and grow, some type of feedback is needed along the way. While an experience can be a foundation for learning, it is the feedback that often serves as a catalyst for reflection. At this point, learners gain valuable insight into the strategies being used so that adjustments can be made to make better progress. There is also a robust research base to validate its importance.

Learning 350

Learning Strategy Analysis Study 350

A Principal's Reflections

OCTOBER 16, 2022

During my training to become a teacher, I was immersed in the work of Madeline Hunter when it came to lesson plan design. Her Instructional Theory into Practice (ITIP) model helped me identify the strategies I would use on a daily basis to help my students learn. These included the anticipatory set (hook), reviewing prior learning, checking for understanding, forms of practice, and closure.

Competency Based Learning 469

Competency Based Learning Strategy Education Elements Assessment 469

A Principal's Reflections

SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

“ We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.” – John Dewey The quote above from Dewey has always resonated with me, especially when I am outside doing yardwork in Texas. In the past, I used to often get stung by bees and wasps. There is a difference between the two species and how they sting. Some of them actually bite.

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Outcomes Strategy Classroom Video 462

A Principal's Reflections

SEPTEMBER 19, 2022

Everyone wants to feel that they belong where they work. A culture of acceptance and respect can reap the rewards for all stakeholders. Hence, we have seen an increased emphasis on workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Now, more than ever, getting people to feel valued is of utmost importance in the face of a myriad of challenges impacting morale.

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Professional Learning Company Data Study 408

A Principal's Reflections

SEPTEMBER 4, 2022

I absolutely love being at home. Having an intense travel schedule makes you cherish the little things that help alleviate stress and relax. One of my favorite pastimes is taking advantage of being outside any chance I get. Moving to Texas seven years ago meant the weather would stay warmer longer, making this more realistic. There is almost always music, whether in the pool, doing yard work, or hanging out with family and friends.

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STEM Knowledge Base Strategy Accessibility 487

A Principal's Reflections

AUGUST 28, 2022

There is no shortage of ways to reflect on how we lead in an effort to initiate and sustain change. Culture is everything. Establishing and maintaining relationships is paramount, which Is why I detailed research-based ways to improve morale in a previous post and in Digital Leadership. Another way to help ensure success in this area is to hold ourselves accountable through a self-efficacy lens.

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Outcomes System Tools Learning 477

A Principal's Reflections

AUGUST 7, 2022

We know for a fact that everyone learns differently. While a one-size-fits-all approach served its purpose for some of us, it doesn’t meet the diverse needs of kids today. It also doesn’t provide teachers and administrators with valuable insight on how to best support learners no matter where they are in relation to standards and critical competencies.

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Personalized Learning Data Meeting Outcomes 502

A Principal's Reflections

JULY 31, 2022

At times I find myself claiming that I am a visual learner. Hence, I try to have an original image to go along with most blog posts I write. While text adds needed details and depth, the accompanying visuals provide more context. They also do a great job capturing the attention of prospective readers. I am not alone in my affinity for pictures. Researchers at MIT found that the brain can process images as quickly as 13 milliseconds.

Personalized Learning 451

Personalized Learning Strategy Outcomes Assessment 451

A Principal's Reflections

JULY 17, 2022

There is no shortage of advice on how to lead effectively. The simple fact, though, is that the process is rarely easy. Decisions must always be made, and sometimes delegation and consensus—both powerful elements in building a positive culture—are not suitable courses of action. The bottom line is that the buck stops with the one who has the title or is in a position of authority, whether we like it or not.

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Personal Learning Network Social Media Facebook Personalized Learning 399

A Principal's Reflections

JULY 10, 2022

The concept of how one’s mindset plays a crucial role in growth and change is nothing new. However, there are different ways to look beyond just fixed vs. growth. I shared the following in Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms : A mindset is an attitude, disposition, or mood with which a person approaches a situation. In short, it’s a belief that determines the decisions we make, actions that are undertaken, and how situations are handled.

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Outcomes Conference Tools Classroom 495