“The Great Math Divide! Are we looking at inquiry based learning? Or are we looking at explicit direct instruction in math? Or perhaps we need to have both in the classroom.”

Join us on this episode of Mosaic Days as Allison and Leonard have a discussion on the great math debate! What is the best way to instruct students in math? Do we need to focus on just direct explicit instruction, or could students successfully show growth through learning that is based on inquiry tasks and developing problem solving skills? Tune in to hear our thoughts.

“Follow up! Follow up! Follow up! In many ways, this is the most overlooked. We do our planning and hold the meeting but there is still some follow up and if we don’t do it appropriately, this can get us in a lot of legal trouble.”

Now that the meeting is over, Allison and Leonard discuss what should be done after the meeting, including post-meeting debrief to review strengths and concerns, creating a follow up list with who is responsible as well as Alternative Dispute Resolution.

“We have to remember that our families are advocates for their children, even when the advocacy manifests as antagonistic. Keeping the focus on the student and the data are integral to a successful meeting.”

Now that we have prepared for our meeting, it is the big day! Join us as we give teams tips on how to navigate those difficult IEP meetings, including managing paperwork, dealing with conflict and maintaining relationships with families.

“The better prepared you are as a team, the better supported the parent is and the smoother the process is going to be as we navigate the IEP.”

Planning and preparation should always be at the forefront when teams are tasked with challenging meetings. Join us on Mosaic Days where we discuss how administrators can provide additional support and training to prepare for meetings so that we can meaningfully engage in informed decision making.

While in office, former California State Senate Member Portantino introduced SB 98, which requested the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) to research the change in student count methodology of California’s funding formula from average daily attendance (ADA) to student enrollment. With this change, would California schools benefit or would they lose out on key fiscal resources for students?

Join us on the next episode of Mosaic Days where we review the LAO report, debate the challenges of the current ADA model for funding, and discuss the overall impact that enrollment based funding would have on California schools.

With a new budget proposal released for California, Governor Newsom has made a recommendation to change the structure of governance of education in the state, moving control of the department of education under his watch. While most education advocacy groups support the recommendation, Tony Thurmond, the current Superintendent of Public Instruction, is in opposition of this new plan as he feels it will take power away from voters. Join us as we discuss the impact that this update will have on the state of education in California and whether or not there will be an impact on our current work at the district or school site level.

“With all the stressors at work and home, it is vital for staff to identify what re-energizes them and make explicit connections to understand that these activities are restorative, lest we see staff burnout that may impact staff retention.”

On Episode 20, in celebration of the New Year, Allison and Leonard discuss staff mental health and the importance of identifying ways to recharge.

“No matter what happens, find a way to restore the relationship, no matter who thinks they’re right, no matter who thinks they’ve won. If we can’t move forward, then everyone loses. We need to remain student-focused with student-driven discussions.”

On Episode 19, Allison and Leonard discuss tips for keeping your cool, making data informed decisions and ensuring the conversation stays student-focused.

“Communication is the key to trust. Once it erodes, conflict quickly replaces it.”

Our parents should be our partners in education until they feel like they’re not. On Episode 18, Allison and Leonard discuss the basis for potential conflict with staff in part two of dealing with school - parent conflict.

As Educational Partners, parents play a vital role in education but what happens when there is disagreement between staff and parents? How do we navigate those discussions? How do we listen with an open mind, with an open heart in order to support our families?

On Episode 17, Allison and Leonard discuss their own personal challenges as parents with the educational system in part one of dealing with school - parent conflict.