Our analysis revealed 19 student and staff behaviors that are most likely to contribute to a positive school culture. They are, in no particular order: Link to main story: Schools can create positive climate in not-quite 20 steps Showing pride in school Collaboration Kindness Taking pride in one's work Leadership Helping others Using time wisely […]
Books represent just a part of the early literacy equation. Districts and community organizations now provide transportation, meals, summer lessons and family activities to prepare children for kindergarten reading. "The biggest challenge for closing the literacy gap is to address its cause: an opportunity gap" says Nell Duke, professor of literacy, language and culture at […]
The "4 C's" smart model is a tool for school brand builders who are on the path to "telling, not selling." While our students strive for A's in the classroom, school administrators can focus on the "4 C's." This smart model from Jez Frampton, CEO of global marketing leader Interbrand, brings a tight structure from the […]
The human brain is notable for its ability to support cognition, communications skills, consciousness and plan appropriate behavior for future occasions. This was evidenced millions of years ago as our ancestors’ brains alerted them to life-threatening risks, as well as to life-enhancing opportunities. Consider early man foraging for food in the same space as a […]
Bay Shore Union Free School District, located on the south shore of Long Island and about 50 miles east of New York City, is a small, diverse district of approximately 6,500 students and 8.9 square miles to cover with school transportation. Rich Gallagher, director of transportation and purchasing agent for Bay Shore, used Transfinder starting […]
The population of ELL students continues to grow, and achievement gaps between ELL students and other student populations persist in many districts. There are a variety of best practices administrators can employ to address these achievement gaps and meet the needs of ELL students. This web seminar discussed ways of ensuring equity for ELL students. […]
Children from 19 El Paso ISD schools now engage in social-emotional activities at nearly two dozen new playgrounds, thanks in part to districtwide communication. CHALLENGE: In 2016, El Paso ISD wanted to transform its most deteriorated playgrounds into fun, safe environments. "We knew that playtime was an excellent opportunity for our students to interact with […]
Administrators have closed or increased monitoring of school bathrooms. They have sent students for drug tests. They have even banned USB thumb drives. These actions reflect the wide range of responses district leaders have taken to curb the alarming increase in students' use of vaping devices and e-cigarettes. "We're very concerned that the emergence of […]
Sharing special events, celebrating student accomplishments and telling stories of the small moments from a school day are all part of the role of educators. Social media platforms are powerful tools for educators who are committed to connecting with stakeholders in a meaningful, consistent manner. It gives them information in the spaces they are already […]
School district administrators hate it when they stumble across closets full of unused computing devices or visit classrooms where whiteboards are being used as very expensive chalkboards. Technology leaders at Dysart USD in the Phoenix suburbs had real-world experience with this phenomenon and were determined to make changes, says Diana Hawari, chief information officer. "Buying […]
