Blog
An Administrator's Perspective for PLC Meetings
![thumb](/media/image/custom/1864.jpg)
There is an age-old question—If a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to see it, does it make a sound? Here’s another question—If a collaborative team meeting takes . . . Read more
What Does Your School’s Success Rest On? The Four Pillars in Action at East Pointe Elementary
Editor’s note: This entry is a joint publication by Jonathan G. Vander Els and Dr. Josh Ray. Testimonials from Dr. Ray, the principal at East Pointe Elementary School, are noted with the . . . Read more
An Elementary School Schedule that Promotes Student Learning
![thumb](/media/image/custom/1861.jpg)
[Editor's note: Refer to Table I and Table II above for a visual representation of the author's scheduling practices.] Spring is a great time to consider some high-leverage work that . . . Read more
On a Mission: Building a Culture of Continuous Growth
Before Morrilton Intermediate School was selected to be a part of Cohort One of the PLC at Work® process in Arkansas, we had common planning times, but there was no expectation of . . . Read more
Seven Norms for Collaborative Teams
During our first year working in the district office, we had monthly district grade-level meetings led by teachers who set agendas, provided oversight to the meetings, and facilitated . . . Read more
Let's Be Prescise
![thumb](/media/image/custom/1846.jpg)
On my mind a great deal lately is the precision that is required of schools. I often hear my father-in-law in my head saying, “Start straight, stay straight, and you will be . . . Read more
Game On
![thumb](/media/image/custom/1838.jpg)
My phone rang that Sunday and, on the line, I heard my 18-year-old son’s quivering voice say, “Dad, Kobe died.” I sat in the car stunned. I turned on the radio to find out . . . Read more
CFA Data Inquiry Helps Foster Collective Teacher Efficacy
![thumb](/media/image/custom/1836.jpg)
In a school with strong collective efficacy, all of the faculty feels they have a hand in helping each child excel. Students are valued for the diversity of their learning profiles, and teachers . . . Read more
Finding Your Team's Foundation With Fundamentals
![thumb](/media/image/custom/1830.jpg)
Fundamentals are never fun. Fundamentals are never exciting. But fundamentals are necessary. NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan summed up the importance of fundamentals when he said, “The . . . Read more
'But They Don't Speak English!'
![thumb](/media/image/custom/1828.jpg)
When our daughters were 7 and 9 years old, being a military family (my husband was a naval officer), we received orders to move to Bahrain in the Middle East. This would be our next “new . . . Read more
Pit Bulls and Fallen Trees: A Message to Principals
![thumb](/media/image/custom/1816.jpg)
It’s the Monday after Thanksgiving break. As a busy elementary school principal, I spent the previous four days resting, relaxing, and gearing up for the mad dash to winter break. I renewed . . . Read more
Does 'All' Mean 'All?' Labels, Be Gone!
![thumb](/media/image/custom/1813.jpg)
[Photo courtesy of Kenneth Williams’ Defenders and Disruptors of the Status Quo: Who Will Educators Choose To Be? (2017)] Great teachers who truly want what is best for their students . . . Read more
Comprehension Challenge
![thumb](/media/image/custom/1807.jpg)
Students who read below grade level do not think below grade level. Again: students who read below grade level do not think below grade level. If we hold that misconception to be true, then . . . Read more
The 10 Deadly Sins of Improvement
![thumb](/media/image/custom/1803.jpg)
As an educator for more than 27 years in the heart of California, I have learned a great deal about the challenges educators face to improve outcomes for students. I have spent my entire . . . Read more
Leaning on Parents is NOT an 'Intervention'
![thumb](/media/image/custom/1794.jpg)
The joy of my life is my 10-year-old daughter, Reece. She’s beautiful and funny and smart and curious—and I’d do anything to help her succeed. That’s why her third-grade . . . Read more