Certifications in the technology sector are ever-evolving, as new education tools, apps and platforms become available on a nearly continuous basis. In fact, several new training courses debuted after the recent school year ended, offering technology certificates focused on tool-agnostic and open-resource curricula. Professional and regional education technology groups develop and host these certifications, while […]
In 2015, Raytown High School in Missouri created a much-needed class for its student leadership organization, Jay Crew, but the course still required a concrete curriculum. So the school adopted the Lead2Feed initiative, a free program of leadership lessons that students explore through activism in local or global communities in need. For their first project, […]
Shawn Stover helps principals move beyond what he calls “the tyranny of the urgent.” Stover, an instructional superintendent in District of Columbia Public Schools, says it’s all too easy for principals to devote the bulk of their days to busing, athletic schedules, discipline, building maintenance and other issues that can demand immediate attention. Yet mounds […]
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 […]
Whether it results from misinformation, staff complaints or faculty disagreements about new policies, all districts face employee issues. Some have learned better than others how to address problems early, before they erupt. “In large districts, there’s more opportunity for a communication breakdown” says Jeff Filloon, HR director at Chandler USD in Arizona. “Most problems can […]
Breaking down silos is far from a new concept. More than 25 years ago, Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric, championed the idea of working across organizational boundaries. Today, we live in a far different world. Our communications technologies have dramatically improved, and we have instant access to massive amounts of information. The promise […]
If you’ve visited a classroom lately, you’ve likely noticed a remarkable difference in how teaching and learning happens. Computers and devices are staples in most classrooms, and you’re far more likely to find students working in groups than a teacher at the front of the room lecturing. Though the teacher continues to play a crucial […]
Principal retention is a national issue. According to The School Leaders Network, “25,000 principals (one-quarter of all principals) leave their schools each year, leaving millions of children’s lives adversely affected. Fifty percent of new principals quit during their third year in the role.” In New York City, the nation’s largest school system, addressing principal turnover […]
Finding innovative ways to make math matter to students is key to improving competency in all grades. At Ridgewood Community High School outside Chicago, students are building a home on campus. The project, part of a Geometry and Construction class, reflects administrators’ efforts to make math relevant through real-world applications. “Our thought was, ‘It’s not […]
Managing and keeping track of the many hours of professional development required for a district’s non-instructional staff may be one of an administrator’s more underappreciated responsibilities. “There are a lot of different employees within the system who can easily be left out of the loop if you’re not mindful of the two types of training […]
