Little Things First

In educational buzz speak, rigor is one of those words that has permeated our ranks.  Since the introduction of the common core, there has been more talk about educational rigor.  What makes curricula rigorous?  And why does it matter for our students?  How do educators respond when faced with raising the rigor in their classrooms?  Tracy and Jim discuss this current topic.  

We interview Jared Covili, one of the coordinators of EdCamp Utah, scheduled for November 2 at Rowland Hall in Utah.  Beyond the immediacy of this upcoming event, EdCamps are a professional learning opportunity taking the nation by storm.  They are a way for educators to have more say over their professional learning options.  What is an EdCamp, and how is it different than traditional professional development--and why might it be a better option?  

Jim was able to attend the Utah Pride Center's Educator Conference at East High School last month.  During this conference, he learned many things that can support LGBTQ+ youth in schools.  As he finished the conference for the day, he chatted with Amanda Darrow of the Utah Pride Center who shared her insights about the little things we should all be doing in schools to make them better for youth who identify as LGBTQ+.  

Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh is a former Utah Education Association President and a Utah Teacher of the Year.  She continues to be an ambassador of education at the state and national levels.  Ms. Gallagher-Fishbaugh recently wrote an op-ed explaining the ways that teacher voice is left out of the educational decision-making process.  What would including teacher voice in educational decisions look like?

Flexible seating, with different kinds of chairs and configurations than what we are used to seeing in classrooms, is on the surge.  But what does the research say?  Is it effective?  Should it be one of the little things schools invest in to affect change?  Co-hosts Tracy and Jim debate.  

Abrams Elementary was a recent national Distinguished School Award winner, one of only 68 schools across the country.  Situated in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Abrams has been led by Lois Skaggs, its dynamic principal, who talks about their recipe for success.  

Ross Lunceford has been recognized nationally for his work in Title I schools.  He has worked in Ogden School District and has much to share about how to affect positive change.  Ross was recently featured as a principal to watch in the latest edition of Driven By Data by Paul Bambrock Santoyo about how we can use data to make significant changes in our schools.  

John Arthur has been teaching in one of the most highly-impacted schools in Salt Lake for many years.  During that time, he has established himself as a true advocate for social justice education, prioritizing the experiences of his students.  He has put their interests front and center in the creation of several videos, the most recent a response to national immigration policies.  Where do these relevant issues fit in a tight curriculum and what are the effects?

Today, we interview reporter Karin Chenoweth about what she has discovered in successful schools across the country.  Her findings have been assembled into four books, the latest focusing on systemic efforts at school reform.  What are the little things that can happen at the school system level to change outcomes for young people?  Ms. Chenoweth shares her wisdom in an extended episode.  

Last week, we talked with Debbie Bolden out of Alabama and found out her secrets to effective leadership, prioritizing the little things.  This week, we continue our interview with Principal Bolden and discover some of the other leadership moves she has employed to make a significant difference in every school she has been in.