The Commons

How do you lead grading reform without causing a systemic meltdown?

In Part 2 of this four-part mini-series on The ForwardEd Network Commons, Dr. Chad Lang and Dr. Matt Townsley shift from the "Why" into the practical "How." They tackle the "seductive detour" of gradebook mechanics and explain why the first deliverable of any successful reform isn't a new scale—it’s a Grading Purpose Statement.

Curriculum and assessment reform is a complex, multi-year journey that requires more than just a single academic year of effort. Drawing on the organizational change management principles of John Kotter and...

How do we ensure a grade actually reflects what a student knows?

In the premiere episode of this four-part mini-series on The ForwardEd Network Commons, Dr. Chad Lang and Dr. Matt Townsley reflect on 20 years in the "grading trenches." They tackle the critical shift from an industrial-age "rank and sort" mentality to a modern, evidence-based approach to assessment.

The focus of this discussion revolves around the inherent complexities of curriculum and assessment reform. Refining these processes is often an arduous, time-consuming task fraught with disjointed methodologies that can hinder genuine student learning outcomes. Drawing from...

Jim Wichman, a seasoned leader in educational administration, elucidates the transformative power of leadership coaching in this enlightening discussion. He emphasizes that effective leadership is not merely about managing tasks, but about nurturing relationships and celebrating the contributions of educators. Wichman reflects on his own evolution as a leader over 25 years, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and self-awareness in fostering a supportive educational environment. He advocates for an approach that prioritizes the well-being of educators, urging them to embrace their humanity amidst the challenges of their roles. This episode serves as a poignant reminder that authentic leadership can profoundly...

Is your feedback building professional capacity or simply creating anxiety? In this episode of Control Shift Lead, hosts Jim Wichman and Adam Busch sit down with school administrator Kanika Dorsey to dismantle the "gotcha" culture of school observations.Kanika shares her powerful framework for moving toward non-evaluative feedback, emphasizing that the most impactful leadership happens when you leave the laptop at the door and pick up a sticky note. We discuss the "Control" of the feedback loop, the "Shift" toward high-frequency, low-stakes walkthroughs, and how to "Lead" by empowering teachers to facilitate their own instructional rounds.Whether you are...

"If you don't like where you are, do something about it."In this episode of Your Booster Shot, host Adam Busch sits down with former student-athlete turned motivational powerhouse, Chris Norton. After a life-altering football injury left him with a 3% chance of ever moving again, Chris didn't just survive—he redefined what it means to take "Radical Responsibility" for one's life.As school leaders and educators, we often face "3% moments" where the odds are stacked against our students or our systems. Chris shares how the qualities of resilience, the courage to ask for help, and the power of community ar...

The hiring season in education is a crowded field—how do you ensure your application rises to the top of the pile? In this "Booster Shot" episode of The ForwardED Network, we sit down with Chris Whetzel to deconstruct the competitive landscape of educational hiring.Whether you are a first-year teacher or a veteran moving into administration, Chris shares high-impact strategies to refine your professional brand, master the interview, and position yourself as the "must-hire" candidate in any pool.

About the Guest: Chris Whetzel is a seasoned voice in the ed...

Prepare to expand your thinking and challenge your assumptions with this special "Booster Shot" episode, which offers a deeper dive into pressing issues in education!We welcome Dr. Darren Pepperd, the visionary behind "The Road to Awesome," for an insightful conversation. Discover the inspiring transformation in school leadership that stemmed from Dr. Pepperd's own experiences as a high school principal, shifting the focus to positivity, empowerment, and impactful change.In this episode, Dr. Pepperd shares his journey of moving away from traditional disciplinary practices to intentionally recognizing and nurturing the strengths of both students...

This bonus episode celebrates the launch of the new educational podcast - Navigating the Nest: From K to Success. This new podcast is the collaboration between a few fellow podcasters from Ctrl+Shift+Lead and From Carpool to College, and Vice Principal UnOfficed. Together, the podcast hosts will bring perspectives from school leadership and college guidance, enriched with unforgettable real-life tales from the hallways with their first episode titled: Charting the Course: GPS Insights for K-12 to Postsecondary Success Whether you're a parent, an educator, or a student, this new podcast is designed to provide valuable insights, hearty laughs...

In this special episode, we're joined by Dr. Albert Bramante for a deep dive into the core principles of effective leadership. Dr. Bramante shares his expertise on a variety of topics, including the power of networking, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections built on curiosity and a willingness to help others. He also discusses the critical need to monitor your social circle to ensure you are surrounded by positive influences that foster growth. Dr. Bramante then explores the often-overlooked fear of success and how self-sabotage can hold leaders back, providing strategies to recognize and overcome these tendencies. The conversation also...

Get ready to start the school year right with this week's collection of 'Your Morning Boost' episodes! We're talking about everything from the power of going above and beyond, to transforming boring preservice meetings into engaging sessions. Plus, we've got great tips on how to genuinely welcome new staff and students, and a crucial reminder to take a moment for yourself before the school year kicks into high gear. It's a full week of inspiration and practical advice to help you lead with purpose and passion! Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by AWB Education and Grundmeyer Leader Search...

In this special recap episode, we dive into the Fitting Five, a collection of valuable articles designed for modern school leaders. We'll explore four key topics: the growing influence of AI on student connection and the need to prioritize authentic relationships; how to be a proactive, purpose-driven leader by taking control of your day; shifting student motivation through a policy of reassessment over simple redos; and why Contextual Intelligence (CQ) is the most valuable skill for leaders in the age of AI, surpassing traditional IQ and EQ.This episode is packed with inspiration to help you lead with purpose, clarity...

This "Boost Bundle" provides a week's worth of crucial insights for school leaders. This comprehensive episode covers: supporting English Learners in math by addressing linguistic challenges; empathetically assisting students from challenging home environments while maintaining academic rigor; fostering unity between fine arts and athletics to celebrate all student talents; strategies for becoming a recognized thought leader and sharing your expertise; and guiding assistant principals and other rising leaders for their next career move through intentional development. A vital resource for holistic leadership growth and cultivating the next generation of educators.This episode is brought to you by awbeducation.org and...

Welcome to Your Boost Bundle, an essential guide for every school leader dedicated to fostering a positive and accountable school environment! In this special combined episode, we bring together five powerful discussions on restorative practices, offering a comprehensive playbook to transform challenges into opportunities for growth.We begin by setting the stage for transformative school discipline, moving away from punitive methods towards approaches that build empathy and genuine accountability. Next, we dive into practical strategies for handling common incidents, starting with student vaping, demonstrating how to turn these moments into valuable learning experiences. We then tackle conflict resolution, providing insights...

Welcome to the AWB Boost Bundle, a collection of this week's essential leadership insights from Your Morning Boost podcast by AWB Education and Grundmeyer Leader Services! In this comprehensive episode, we tackle critical topics for school communities.First, we delve into the teacher shortage crisis, offering actionable strategies for school leaders to attract and retain top talent. Discover how cultivating a culture of appreciation, providing tailored professional development, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing community among staff can make a significant difference.Next, we explore the vital importance of culturally responsive leadership in today’s diverse educational landscape. Learn how understanding an...

Welcome to AWB's Boost Bundle, a special episode designed to elevate your school leadership. Brought to you by AWB Education, this bundle condenses a week of deep dives into personality assessments and their impact on education.We kick things off by exploring how understanding diverse personality traits in the workplace can dramatically improve communication and reduce misunderstandings within your school. Then, we get specific, breaking down the DISC profile (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness) and the Big Five Personality Traits (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism). You'll learn how these frameworks can revolutionize team dynamics and foster a more supportive school environment...

Welcome to AWB's Boost Bundle, a special episode designed to elevate your school leadership. Brought to you by AWB Education, this bundle condenses a week of deep dives into personality assessments and their impact on education.We kick things off by exploring how understanding diverse personality traits in the workplace can dramatically improve communication and reduce misunderstandings within your school. Then, we get specific, breaking down the DISC profile (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness) and the Big Five Personality Traits (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism). You'll learn how these frameworks can revolutionize team dynamics and foster a more supportive school environment...

This Boost Bundle brings you all of this week's Morning Boost shows in one convenient, unedited package! Catch up on essential insights for school leaders, covering everything from the power of first impressions and effective cell phone policies in schools to supporting entry-level workers and navigating the integration of AI in education. Get the full dose of actionable advice and stay ahead in the dynamic world of education by listening to the entire week's content now! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/your-morning-boost--6612702/support.  Learn more about our sponsors at awbeducation.org and grundmeyerleadersearch.com. L...

Welcome to the very first episode of "From the Mind of Jess Hansen" on the AWB Ed Ventures Network! Join your host, Jess Hansen, as she delves into a critical topic for all school leaders: the paramount importance of ensuring students with significant health needs are safe, supported, and exceptionally well-cared for within school environments.This episode goes beyond mere compliance, emphasizing the cultivation of a warm, welcoming, and secure space where every child feels genuinely secure and ready to learn. Jess stresses that this demands a cohesive, school-wide commitment, from leaders to teachers, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers. She...

Welcome to the AWB's Boost Bundle! This special episode is an unedited compilation of all the Morning Boost shows from this week, offering you the convenience of catching up on all the valuable insights and strategies in one go.This week on the Morning Boost Bundle, we dove into essential topics for school leaders! We started by exploring how to integrate dedicated MTSS time for Tier II interventions into your school schedule, ensuring every student gets the support they need. We then discussed including specials teachers in professional development, ensuring these vital educators are fully integrated. Later, we tackled the...

Welcome back to Your Booster Shot, the podcast for educators on the AWB Ed Ventures network. Join Douglas Newell as he dives into two of the most pressing challenges facing educators today: learning loss and the mental health needs of students (and ourselves).In this insightful episode, Douglas explores practical strategies for addressing academic gaps widened during remote learning. Learn about the power of assessment for learning, targeted intervention through small group instruction, and differentiated instruction to meet every learner where they are.The conversation then pivots to the critical issue of student mental health. Discover actionable steps to incorporate s...

This week on AWB's Boost Bundle, we're diving deep into the critical issue of student absenteeism. We kick things off by understanding the 'why' behind student absences, exploring individual, family, school, and community factors. Then, we shift to identifying best practices, sharing proven strategies and tiered intervention systems for consistent attendance. Next, we guide you through assessing your current system, pinpointing areas for improvement through data review, policy assessment, and stakeholder feedback. Finally, we equip you to set a strategic improvement plan with SMART goals and actionable steps, and then effectively communicate that plan to all stakeholders for successful implementation...

Welcome back to "Your Booster Shot," your go-to on the AWB Education EdVentures network for supercharging school leadership!This episode, Summer dives into transforming those crucial first staff meetings of the new school year. Discover how to shift from mere information delivery to powerful team building and genuine relationship fostering. Learn practical strategies like collaborative agenda setting, small group discussions for diverse voices, and the importance of celebrating staff achievements.Summer offers concrete examples, including a "school scavenger hunt" for team building and using staff surveys to shape meeting agendas. She emphasizes modeling active learning and seeking feedback to build...

Feeling like your calendar runs you instead of the other way around? In this episode of "Your Booster Shot," we dive into the often-overlooked, yet critical skill of calendar management for school leaders. Discover actionable strategies like time blocking, the Eisenhower Matrix, and proactive scheduling to reclaim your most valuable resource – your time. Learn how intentional calendar control can reduce stress, boost your leadership effectiveness, and create space for what truly matters: instructional leadership, staff connection, and personal well-being. Don't let your day lead you – take charge and transform your principalship. Find more resources and insights at www.awbeducation.org and...

Your Booster Shot Beyond the daily dose. 'Booster Shot' episodes offer a deeper dive into the most pressing issues in education today. Prepare to expand your thinking and challenge your assumptions. Check us out at: www.awbeducation.orghttps://www.coaching2tnl.org/   Welcome to the first episode of our new Booster Shot Editions, where we delve into essential topics for school leaders. Join us as we explore practical strategies, share real-world examples, and offer actionable insights to help you implement your vision and achieve your goals effectively. Our esteemed guest, Chris Whetzel, an expert in educational leadership and founder of C...

Join us in this enlightening episode of "Your Booster Shot" by AWB Education Network, as we delve into the intricacies of educational leadership with Todd Bloomer, a seasoned educational expert from San Antonio, Texas. Todd shares his 29-year journey in education, focusing on leadership development, keynote speaking, and coaching aspiring administrators. In this episode, Todd discusses the high turnover rates among school principals and emphasizes the importance of preparing assistant principals through mentorship and guidance. He unveils his unique philosophy on leadership, encouraging school leaders to prioritize personal well-being while juggling professional responsibilities. Todd Bloomer also introduces "flexible grouping," an...

In this episode of your Booster Shot from AWB Education, host Adam Busch engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Chad Lang from Recalibrated Services, focusing on the transformative power of curriculum development within schools. Dr. Lang provides insights into effectively developing and implementing curriculum through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), highlighting the importance of a collaborative culture that empowers educators to unpack and understand teaching standards. The conversation delves into the challenges educators face, such as permission culture and the complexities of unpacking standards, and how to overcome these through a mindset shift and collaborative approaches. Dr. Lang emphasizes the...

In this powerful episode of Your Booster Shot, host Adam Busch welcomes former student and athlete Chris Norton to share his remarkable story of defying the odds. Once a promising college football player, Chris's life changed drastically after a spinal cord injury left him with a mere 3% chance of ever moving below the neck. Yet, through sheer determination and an unwavering belief in being part of the 3% who could recover, Chris embarked on a journey of resilience and triumph. Learn how Chris tackled this life-altering challenge not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, adopting a philosophy of radical responsibility and...

Your Booster Shot Beyond the daily dose. 'Booster Shot' episodes offer a deeper dive into the most pressing issues in education today. Prepare to expand your thinking and challenge your assumptions. Check us out at: www.awbeducation.orghttps://inspirededification.com Join us in this engaging episode of the Booster Shot podcast from the AWB Education Network as we delve deep into the inspiring journey of school leadership with Jim Wichman. Jim, co-founder of Inspired Edification, shares his path from a middle school administrator to a visionary driving positive change in education systems across the country. Discover how his experiences with...