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" The future doesn't need us to memorize its answers; it needs us to master the art of asking better questions." The future won't wait for us to catch up; it will demand that we've already anticipated its needs, making future-proofing learning not a luxury but the very oxygen of survival. Recently, on my podcast Unpacking the Backpack , I discussed this topic in detail after revisiting a blog post I wrote in 2021.
Unless you are living under a rock, AI is all the rage right now, and rightfully so. It can revolutionize various practices by addressing gaps in efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI algorithms can uncover patterns and trends that human analysts may miss, leading to more informed and effective strategies. For instance, in healthcare, AI-powered tools can analyze patient data to predict disease outbreaks, optimize treatment plans, and streamline adminis
As my Aspire Change EDU consultant team and I visit classrooms on a routine basis, we strive to lead administrators, coaches, and teachers in reflecting on their practice using questioning techniques. The majority of these often revolve around engagement, and it is quickly realized that when students are compliant, it is because the adult is doing all the work or talking.
These days, it seems that everyone says they want change. However, the fact is that those asking for it might not be as open to the idea as they want others to think. The number dwindles even more when considering who wants to lead the process. No matter how you slice and dice it, improving outcomes aligned with change relies on the dreaded “A” word – accountability.
During the pandemic, I was grounded for an extensive period of time. It was quite odd and liberating not to be constantly on a plane, train, or in a rental car. Boy, did I make use of my bike since the gyms were closed. While a few of my projects continued, these were few and far between. When I traveled, there was nowhere to go and eat as everything was delivered.
Many of my friends, family, and colleagues know that I am routine-oriented. I get up around the same time every morning (5:00 – 6:00 AM), go to the gym, and then have a protein shake. When I am home, I follow up my workout with an elaborate smoothing, take the dogs for a walk, and then head to my office to generate a to-do list for the day. From there, I open up my calendar and get to work.
There is a great deal on the plates of teachers and administrators. How many of us were initially trained doesn’t carry as much weight in a world where information is readily at our fingertips. Take lesson planning, for example. Many of us recall the days when lesson plans were a labor of love or a big waste of time. We spent countless hours crafting detailed outlines, complete with objectives, activities, assessments, and even a backup plan in case of inclement weather.
Effective leadership is not just about setting goals, improving pedagogy , and making decisions; it's also about managing relationships and resolving conflicts. Adaptability, inspiring trust, and leveraging an empathetic lens are crucial elements for a positive resolution (Kouzes & Posner, 2017; Goleman, 1988; Tannenbaum & Schmidt, 1973). As a leader, your ability to defuse the situation and restore calm can have a profound impact on the learning environment in your school or district.
" In the absence of knowledge, assumptions fill the void—where clarity is lacking, rumors take root, and uncertainty breeds misdirection. " - Eric Sheninger Imagine trying to navigate a maze blindfolded, with no idea where you're going or what obstacles lie ahead. Frustrating, right? Now, picture having a leader who hands you the map, explains the terrain, and guides you step by step.
No matter what education circle you are in, AI is likely a topic of conversation. Some see it as the holy grail of education, and this has manifested in countless books and presentations, especially at technology conferences. Even events that are not focused on digital have sessions dedicated to the topic. On the other hand, there are an equal number of skeptics and opponents of using AI in schools.
Understanding our current position is like having a detailed map before embarking on a journey. Charting a course toward our desired destination can be difficult without knowing where we stand. This awareness allows us to identify our strengths, recognize the gaps, and make informed decisions about the steps we need to take. In both personal growth and organizational development, clarity about our starting point empowers us to set realistic goals, measure progress, and ultimately reach where we
Do you ever feel virtually everything seems critical or important as a leader? Most, if not all, of us have been in this position repeatedly. What happens, though, is that we place an emphasis on tasks that seem essential but have little to no impact on student learning. Prioritization The reasons people often prioritize less essential tasks over crucial ones are multifaceted.
Personalization is the future of education because it recognizes that every student is unique, with distinct learning preferences, paces, and goals. This approach shifts away from the traditional one-size-fits-all model, allowing students to learn at their own rhythm and delve deeper into concepts that pique their interest. By creating experiences that make instruction personal and address individual needs, personalized learning enhances engagement, motivation, and ultimately, student achievemen
Myths often arise from misunderstandings, oversimplifications, or a desire to maintain the status quo. They can also be intentionally created to mislead or manipulate, serving as barriers to embracing innovative practices or protecting existing power structures. Additionally, some myths may originate from well-intentioned but inaccurate assumptions or generalizations about an idea or strategy.
We are all familiar with the saying that there is no "I" in team. Collaboration is the lifeblood of successful change initiatives. It harnesses the power of diverse perspectives, fostering a rich environment for idea generation and problem-solving. When individuals from different backgrounds and expertise come together, they can identify blind spots, challenge assumptions, and develop more comprehensive and effective solutions.
One of the most significant challenges educators face is time. While the focus is typically on getting more of it, the emphasis should be maximizing what is already available. When it comes to student learning and success, how time is used when students are in class is pivotal. While sound instruction will always be needed in some form, meeting the needs of learners relies on other pedagogical pathways that veer away from all students consistently doing the same thing, at the same time, the same
Taking a leap of faith can be daunting, but it is often needed to grow. Stagnation is the enemy of progress. In education, sticking solely to what's comfortable hinders growth. Calculated risk-taking becomes crucial for improving practice. Sticking to the familiar routine feels safe, even if it means being perpetually stuck in neutral. Self-doubt creeps in, making us question our capabilities to navigate the unknown.
We all have that nagging voice, whispering about what we "should" be doing. Maybe it's a call to eat healthier, exercise more, or finally tackle that neglected hobby. But how often does that voice translate into sustained action? The truth is that achieving lasting change is rarely about grand gestures or dramatic overhauls. It's about the power of consistency and continuity – small, steady shifts that build momentum and pave the way for a transformed you.
The following is a guest post by Dr. Richard Schroeder. Many sayings show how important it is for an organization to have a strategic plan. Without a strategy, a goal is only a wish. A map is only useful if you know where you are. Without a strategic vision in place, a strategic plan is useless. All roads lead nowhere if you do not know where you are heading.
There is a saying out there that I hear often: learning is learning. While I don’t discount this view, I firmly believe there is so much to it at the individual level. Preferences and experiences play a significant role in how we all learn, and interests do as well. When asked to do the same thing at the same time in the same way, it is pretty much a fact that a few people will thrive, some will get by, and others will struggle.
Imagine a classroom buzzing with curiosity, where questions fly like sparks and exploration thrives. Engaged learners are joyful learners. When students are genuinely invested, a sense of wonder takes hold. They delve into challenges with a smile, their eyes alight with the thrill of discovery. This joy of learning is contagious, fueling a classroom where knowledge isn't just absorbed; it's embraced.
Fate has a funny way of bringing together people with similar views and passions. In March of 2022, I worked with a school system in Provo, Utah. During a roundtable discussion, I was asked to discuss key aspects of personalized learning that are critical to successful implementation. There were a lot of people in the room who listened to what I had to say and seemed to be hanging on every word.
The social media landscape has changed quite dramatically when I first arrived in the space back in 2009. To put things in perspective, Instagram and TikTok were years away from existing, and Facebook was the dominant tool of choice. At that time, Twitter was emerging as the preferred space for educators to connect, and blogs were the go-to source for relevant ideas and strategies.
While I enjoy keynoting and facilitating workshops, it is through a coaching lens that I get to see how teachers and administrators are implementing innovative learning strategies with fidelity. Through their actions, I can collect evidence to show efficacy while curating exemplars I can share in my presentations. No matter where I go, I get the same message from educators on their desire for practical strategies.
Lately, I've been giving a lot of thought to effectiveness, and this has been mirrored in my writing and work as a coach. Reflecting on my time as a principal at my previous school, I recall the successful shift towards digitalization and incorporating innovative practices. Our main goal was to demonstrate tangible improvements rather than just discuss them.
It goes without saying that AI is a hot topic of conversation in education circles and beyond. In the beginning, I was a skeptic myself, but now I use it to support my professional work, especially when I coach leaders. While there are legitimate concerns and anything generated by AI needs to be fully vetted, the most profound benefit is how it can save educators precious time.
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
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.
A few weeks back, I shared ideas on ELA stations for primary students after this was brought up during a coaching cycle with one of my schools. Upon reflection, I decided to do the same with math. Creating math stations for primary students can be a fun and effective way to introduce them to basic math concepts through hands-on activities. These stations can help develop their understanding of numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurements in an interactive and engaging manner.
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.
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
We live in exciting times as unprecedented access to knowledge, research, and effective strategies at our fingertips can assist educators in creating meaningful experiences for students that align with both needs and strengths. One thing is for certain: learning is not linear. While a one-size-fits-all approach either worked for us or we just managed to get by, our connected world has shined a light on shifts that can be made to maximize students' time in class.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In an ideal world, every student would have access to an education tailored to their unique needs and abilities. Hence the need to personalize learning. However, special education students often face more significant challenges that can impede their academic progress. One of the major hurdles they encounter is the stigma associated with intervention, a key component of personalization.
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.
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.
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
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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