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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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.

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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 392

A Principal's Reflections

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

I vividly remember the first World Book Encyclopedia set my parents bought for the house in the early 1980’s. It was a sight to behold as what seemed like an infinite amount of knowledge was alphabetically organized, just waiting to be consumed. Housed in the dining room for ease of access by all, the copper and cream books with gold trim were a staple resource for my brothers and me when we had to do any research for school work.

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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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A Principal's Reflections

DECEMBER 17, 2023

In the ever-evolving personalized landscape , relational learning emerges as a fundamental component. At its core, it underscores the importance of building connections between concepts fostering a deep and interconnected understanding of subjects. However, the significance of relational learning extends beyond the academic realm, as it emphasizes cultivating relationships among students and educators centered on trust.

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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 318

A Principal's Reflections

OCTOBER 22, 2023

During this school year, I have been working with Stryker Local Schools in Ohio. Like all my implementations where the work is job-embedded and ongoing, learning walks are a core component. In September, the leaders and I conducted walks in every classroom over two days. As a result, I provided them with close to 5000 words of feedback. With the suggestions in hand, the leaders were empowered to review what we had seen and my recommendations to determine the focus for an upcoming professional de

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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 441

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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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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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 426

A Principal's Reflections

AUGUST 6, 2023

Do you like being told or directed to do something a certain way even though you know it doesn’t align with your innate strengths, interests, or learning preference? Pretty frustrating, right? It becomes even more of an obstacle to growth if you know how to demonstrate understanding but aren’t afforded different pathways to articulate a response. Choice matters when it comes to learning if that is the ultimate goal.

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A Principal's Reflections

JULY 30, 2023

When you think about how you learn best, what comes to mind? Your response most likely flies in the face of how you were taught, and the same could be said of students today. If all kids are doing the same thing, the same way, at the same time, the experience is more impersonal than personal. It might work for some, but definitely not all. Learning is a process, not an event.

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Personalized Learning Assessment Adaptive Learning Groups 252

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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A Principal's Reflections

JUNE 25, 2023

Leadership embodies consistent qualities and characteristics that remain unchanged while the tools, research, and societal shifts influencing the work have evolved. Leadership combines artistic and scientific elements, aiming to mobilize people toward a shared objective. Despite my extensive writing on the subject, I continuously seek additional insights to assist others, including myself, in excelling in this role.

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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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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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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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A Principal's Reflections

APRIL 2, 2023

I have vivid memories of my early days as an assistant principal and principal, where overseeing instruction was just one of many duties that came with the job. Managing budgets, developing memos, attending meetings, responding to emails and phone calls, and other tasks also consumed a significant portion of my time. The advent of social media introduced yet another responsibility into my already packed schedule: digital leadership.

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Personal Learning Network Strategy Conference Assessment 538

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 461

A Principal's Reflections

FEBRUARY 27, 2023

I see student voice as the gateway to personalization. Educators can easily implement it as part of Tier 1 instruction and for students to report out during cooperative learning, projects, and choice activities. It can also allow students to advocate for needed changes to school culture. You would be hard-pressed to find a more valuable strategy that is universal in nature across virtually all pedagogical techniques.

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Strategy Examples Assessment Report 370

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 529

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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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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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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Classroom Competency Based Learning Pearson Strategy 491

A Principal's Reflections

NOVEMBER 27, 2022

While there are some exceptions, most people do not like to be told what to do, especially when it comes to change. Not only does this often lead to resentment, but it can also inhibit people from doing their best work. I am sure many of us can recount numerous instances during our careers when directives have been leveled down by a leader(s). We end up following through with them in many cases because we are subordinate instead of empowered.

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A Principal's Reflections

NOVEMBER 20, 2022

The pandemic leveled down an array of lessons that should pave the way for future success. One that sticks out to me as the most critical is how resilience got us through one of the most disruptive events we have ever experienced. Adversity, like never before, compelled us to not only change but also to persevere in the face of countless unknowns. While the path was fraught with obstacles, we learned to overcome them together through innovative means.

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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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A Principal's Reflections

NOVEMBER 6, 2022

We blink, and things change. While disruption is not new in any sense, it is happening at a more frenetic pace for a variety of reasons. I shared the following in Disruptive Thinking : With the exponential rate of change taking place in society, it is exciting to think about what the future may hold, despite many unknowns. However, we know that the future will be vastly different than what we are currently experiencing and that these changes will dramatically impact workforce expectations.

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A Principal's Reflections

OCTOBER 9, 2022

Many concepts are looked upon negatively as they are associated with buzzwords, fads, or a lack of substance. You won’t get much of an argument from me as to the validity of this view because it is true in many cases. Educators want proven strategies that can be implemented readily that will address diverse learner needs while leading to an improvement in outcomes.

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Strategy Data Assessment Outcomes 511

A Principal's Reflections

OCTOBER 2, 2022

Suppose you were to research or Google the qualities of effective leaders. In that case, all you would come up with are the typical characteristics such as good communication, ability to make difficult decisions, having a vision, models, and listening intently, to name a few. What doesn’t show up in routine searches is humility. There is a strong link between this trait and effective leadership.

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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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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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A Principal's Reflections

AUGUST 21, 2022

One question that is posed to me often by districts and schools is how their staff can be proactive when it comes to student behavior and addressing their social-emotional needs. It comes as no surprise to anyone that the pandemic, in the eyes of many, has led to an uptick in issues that not only disrupts precious learning time but also results in more discipline referrals, tardies, and absences.

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A Principal's Reflections

AUGUST 14, 2022

Morale can best be defined as the confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time. Thriving cultures that produce results make every effort to keep this on the positive side. However, this is easier said than done. While the pandemic has undoubtedly played a monumental role in decreasing morale, other factors continuously play a role, such as leadership, mandates, lack of time, systems that are in place, a toxic culture, inadequate pay, or trying to maintain a wo

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Strategy Social Media Survey Industry 463

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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