Getting Off the Educational Hamster Wheel

Getting Off the Educational Hamster Wheel In education, we frequently reference the buzzwords data and fidelity. But how much of it are we collecting, and when are we using it? Last month I was talking with my teacher friends who, like most teachers, felt like a hamster in a running wheel. No matter how hard […]

The Educational Super Power-Solving Teams

The Educational Super Power-Solving Teams As I visit rural schools in Montana, I hear the same concern: teachers are leaving the field in droves and communities are struggling to fill positions with high-quality staff. In last month’s blog, we talked about creating sustainable practices. Sustainability does matter as it leads to better student outcomes and […]

Staying the Course in Education

Staying the Course in Education If you have worked in education for any length of time, you have surely heard a teacher say “this too shall pass” when faced with implementing something new. Teachers are wary-and rightly so when districts adopt new practices. Their reality is that schools never stick with one thing for very […]

Planting Seeds for Student Growth

Planting Seeds for Student Growth As a former farmer/rancher and avid gardener, I associate spring with the labor-intensive work of preparing the soil, planting crops, and planning for the upcoming growing season. The fruits of my labor pay off in high dividends as I am ready to respond to weather conditions, insect infestations, and other […]

Efficient Data Use Leads to Improved Student Outcomes

Efficient Data Use Leads to Improved Student Outcomes Suppose you have trouble breathing. You call your doctor’s office to make an appointment and the receptionist says the doctor has a long waiting list and won’t be able to see you for at least three months. Since you can’t afford a trip to the emergency room, […]

Prevention Science Using Social Emotional Screeners to Improve Student Outcomes

Ask any teacher and they will tell you their students’ ability to self-regulate, resolve conflict, and manage emotions is markedly different from students 10 to 15 years ago. There are many reasons why kids are different—access to Internet and electronic devices, working parents, and trauma, to name a few. The bottom line is students are […]