While you're waiting for more LITTLE THINGS FIRST, why not try Jim's other podcast with Rachel called YES AND KNOW?  It's an educational podcast focused on the binaries that often plague education--and how to deal with them.  If you like YES AND KNOW, please subscribe!

Dr. Sarah Thomas and Dr. Larry Parker collaborated on an article that listens to students and what their experience have been in the secondary setting.  They share little things that make a difference in helping our young people feel heard and truly improving education.

Additional resources recommended by Dr. Parker:

George Theoharis (2009). The schools our children deserve: 7 Keys to equity, social justice and school reform. New York: Teachers College Press; 

Rosa Rivera-McCutchen (2021). Radical care: Leading for Justice in Urban schools. New York: Teachers College Press.

It's important to teach kids writing--teachers everywhere understand this.  But what if mastering the art and craft of writing is about more than just learning the associated skills?  What if it requires a kind of writing mindset that makes writing possible for all kids?  Author and current teacher Chris Hall takes Jim and Rachel into the mindsets that he's discovered are vital to moving kids from casual writers to authentic authors.  

Get Chris's book here!

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Little Things is back for a temporary time!  Joining Jim is guest co-host Rachel Nance to discuss all things education.  Mike Anderson returns to the podcast this week with his latest book TACKLING THE MOTIVATION CRISIS that looks at some of the reasons we currently need extrinsic rewards to keep our students going and what works even better.  Mr. Anderson also discusses how we can continue to have pizza parties and not sabotage intrinsic motivation.  Do intrinsic motivations work for all kids?  And what if we didn't need to decide between the extrinsic and intrinsic polarity currently facing us in education?  This informative podcast will give you insights into little things you can do to capture the natural curiosities that kids bring with them to school.

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Tackling the Motivation Crisis Book

Little Things is back for a limited time!  Tracy Vandeventer (who goes on hiatus after this episode) and Jim Martin visit with the new Superintendent of Sal Lake City School District in an episode recorded last summer but never released.  Dr. Gadson discusses his approach to leading an urban district that is majority-minority and closing opportunity gaps. He discusses his vision for the future, how to navigate improvements in the age of a pandemic, and the role of race and diversity.  Special thanks to Yandary Chatwin for coordinating this interview!

Next week: Jim and guest host Rachel Nance interview Mike Anderson about extrinsic and intrinsic rewards!

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Stacey Green of Stockton, Kansas was recently recognized as a Distinguished {Principal of the Year through the National Association of Elementary School Principals, after first being recognized as a state principal of the year.  Ms. Green talks about her recipes for success, from personal coaching to a move from regular faculty meetings to "stand-up" check-ins.  Ms. Green's school has undergone a transformation as they've explored their vision, mission , and core values, reflected in being TIGER ready.  There are also opportunities for individuals to bring forward ideas to pilot, which have empowered faculty and staff.  Listen in on Ms. Green's success story!!

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What are some little things schools can do to positively impact family engagement?  Drs. Mavis Sanders and Claudia Galindo have been studying the topic for years, and their new book REVIEWING THE SUCCESS OF FULL-SERVICE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS IN THE US walks us through the success of community schools throughout the nation.  You don't have to have a community school to benefit from this episode.  Dr. Sanders and Dr. Galindo tell us the little things that get families involved in meaningful, respectful, and culturally-relevant ways.  This was such an engaging talk, we just couldn't stop visiting!

Find their book here

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Michelle Love-Day has been a teacher and an administrator.  She has worked at the district level and now has unveiled a supplemental schooling experience for Black youth that focuses on Black history and culture.  This new schooling experience is being called the Rise Virtual Academy.  Michele has worked hard to diversify her teaching ranks and to ensure that students learn the culture and history that is often missing in traditional schools.  What can educators and schools learn about the little things that make a difference for Students and Communities of Color?  How should educators counter the attacks on critical race theory as a ruse for suppressing all multicultural education?  

https://www.risevirtualacademy.com

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Dr. Susan Hall has been studying reading for many years now and has started her own company--the 95% Group--focused on improving reading outcomes for all students.  Dr. Hall's programs are being used by districts and schools across the country as they transition to a more research-based approach to reading and literacy instruction.  After such a volatile year with COVID-19, Dr. Hall is very concerned about starting the coming school year right, with a focus on accelerated results for students who need remediation.  She recommends that some of her materials be used for all students, regardless of reading ability, as a way to transition into grade level core this fall.  Find out more on this week's episode!

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This week, Tracy and Jim talk with Dr. Don Vu, who has released his book LIFE, LITERACY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.  A refugee himself, Dr. Vu has learned firsthand and through his scholarship what it takes to support refugee and immigrant youth in their literacy development.  He reflects on the little things that will make a difference now as well as the practices we currently employ in the name of literacy teaching and learning that may get in the way.  

LITTLE THINGS FIRST will premiere new episodes every two weeks beginning today.  The next new episode will air June 22.

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