Transformative Principal

Welcome to our National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).

Dr. Jocelyn Washburn, an associate director of the Center for Research on Learning at the University of Kansas, discusses the Strategic Instruction Model (SIM), an approach to instruction that focuses on teaching students learning strategies. SIM has shown a significant impact on students' learning outcomes, particularly in adolescent literacy. Dr. Washburn also shares concerns about the current Science of Reading movement, emphasizing the importance of considering research-based evidence and practice-based evidence in curriculum decision-making. She highlights the need for principals to focus on supporting teachers and facilitating productive collaboration to create effective learning environments.

• SIM is an approach to instruction that focuses on teaching students strategies for learning. In short, SIM emphasizes HOW to learn.
• Learning strategies (explicit instruction) and content enhancement (teacher guided learning) strategies, Cue, Do, Review
• SIM is designed for teachers in middle and high school
• SIM Paraphrasing activity
• Center for Research on Learning
• Pretest and make commitments to learn. 
• Success formula = 
• If you figure out what works for you, what strategies will help you perform it, that will make it effective for life. 
• Strategic is about having strategies
• Why hasn’t anyone taught me “like this” before
• Learning strategies vs. Cue, do, review
• Research-based information
• Concerns about science of reading approaches
• Review process - reviewed against a long list of components (do those specific components have research showing they work.)
• Teacher not being able to teach something even though they have experience showing that it works. 
• Adapting evidence-based practices based on student data. 
• iSTAR Adaptive intervention based on SIM writing strategies. 
• Learn how write complete sentences and effective purposeful paragraphs. 
• Many different types of gaps and writing that has happened. 
• Human-delivered instruction but with dashboards for families, teachers, students, and administrators with AI to support
• Interest-inventory
• Authentic Audience - writing with purpose routine, built into iStar. 
• How to be a transformative principal? Learn alongside your teachers. 

About Dr. Jocelyn Washburn

Jocelyn Washburn, Ph.D., is an associate director of the Center for Research on Learning at the University of Kansas and the Director of Professional Development for their international network of Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) professional developers. She has been a special education teacher, instructional coach, district literacy coordinator, and regional technical assistance coordinator. Her career has been dedicated to the use of evidence-based, inclusive practices to support students with and without disabilities with an emphasis on adolescent literacy. In addition to adolescent literacy, her research focuses professional learning models, educator collaboration, and systems change. Through federally funded research, she is iteratively designing, testing, and scaling an Adaptive Professional Learning Model for coaches and teachers implementing evidence-based writing instruction and assessment practices. She also has a new federally funded project starting soon called iSTAR to re-design the SIM sentence and paragraph writing strategies into an adaptive intervention using artificial intelligence.

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Welcome to our National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).

In this interview, Tanya Sheckley and Brittany Botta from Up Academy discussed their Rebel Project Literacy Curriculum. They explained that project-based learning often didn't align well with literacy, so they developed this curriculum that focuses on a particular aspect of writing in

each module. They have seen positive results, with students not showing resistance to reading and writing. The curriculum divides the literacy block into community, agency, SELf-check, empowerment, and wrap-up. They emphasized the importance of creating time

for learning what really matters and providing space and time for students to read to increase literacy in schools.

• Up Academy - love of learning, inclusive educational space. 
• Project based learning didn’t always align well to literacy. 
• Rebel Project Literacy Curriculum
• Each module is focused on a particular aspect of writing. 
• Don’t see the resistance to reading and writing with this curriculum. 
• Not teaching the same stuff all the time, but getting to the same goals. 
• Literacy block divided into community, agency, SELf-check, empowerment, wrap-up
• Restaurant project - partnered with a local restaurant
• School Shirt opinion - leading to opinion writing. 
• Science of reading incorporation. 
• How to increase literacy in your school: Create time for learning what really matters. Space and time for students to read. 
• Increase reading time, talk to students about the books they’re reading. 

About Tanya Sheckley and Brittany Botta

Tanya Sheckley is Founder and President of UP Academy, an elementary lab school which values innovation, empathy and strength. Tanya’s vision and mission show it’s possible to celebrate differences, challenge what’s broken in the American education system, and that all children can receive a rigorous, well rounded education.  She is an Edupreneur,  Author of Rebel Educator: Create Classrooms Where Imagination and Impact Meet and host of the Rebel Educator podcast.  She speaks frequently on the future of education and entrepreneurship. She is a rebel educator who works with new and existing schools and small school leaders to question the status quo and develop innovative student experiences through inclusion and project based learning.

Brittany Botta Director of Teaching and Learning at Up Academy and the author of the Rebel Project Literacy Curriculum.

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which you can find here. If you don't know what UDL is, it's a way to make learning accessible for everyone! You can check out more about the webinars here.

Enjoy this special episode.

Jethro Jones interviews Missy Emler and Mia Chmiel, who host the UDLForward Community. Missy shares her experiences and insights as a statewide systems coach for UDL in Wisconsin, diving deep into the implementation science framework and the trials process. Mia Chmiel also joins the conversation to discuss practical examples of UDL trials and their impact on student engagement and learning outcomes.

00:00 Introduction

00:50 Meet Missy Emler

01:18 Reasons for Attending UDL Con

01:52 Implementation Science and UDL in Wisconsin

04:15 Plan, Study, Do, Act Cycles

05:57 Practical Outcomes of UDL Trials

14:50 Mia Chmiel's Role and Insights

26:46 Joining the Wisconsin UDL Community

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Welcome to our National Literacy Month series of podcasts, presented in partnership between the Be Podcast Network and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).

The podcast will discuss RIF's approach to partnerships, emphasizing the importance of both national reach and localized collaboration. It will explore strategies for promoting literacy, such as creating reading spaces in everyday locations like laundromats and parks. The conversation will likely touch on the children's literacy crisis and RIF's core philosophy of fostering the joy of reading. Jennifer Moone, drawing from her extensive experience at RIF, will share insights on how principals can integrate literacy initiatives throughout the school year.

• How RIF sees partnerships
• National scope and scale vs. localized partnerships. 
• Look at your community and who is already doing those things, and call on those partners to 
• Read-aloud at a street festival
• Driving reading motivation through supplemental materials (like providing 
• Literacy Central resources
• Literacy Network 
• Meeting families and communities where they are. 
• Literacy spaces within laundromats, playgrounds, parks, Starbucks. 
• Anyplace where kids are, there can be literacy spaces there, too. 
• Children’s literacy crisis is a real thing. 
• Core philosophy - joy of reading - Previous interview with Dr. Erin Bailey of RIF
• How to be a transformative principal as it relates to literacy: Think about infusing literacy every single month. 

About Jennifer Moone

Jennifer joined RIF in 2011. In her current role as Vice President, Marketing & Partnerships, she oversees RIF’s relationships and partnerships with leading educational organizations, civic groups, and governmental officials. She is responsible for driving engagement and awareness, with oversight for development and implementation of many strategic and promotional initiatives. From marketing campaigns, to programmatic implementations to advocacy and awareness events, Jennifer has strategized, managed, and executed myriad initiatives during her tenure at RIF. Previously, she worked as part of RIF’s Community Team, focused on building capacity, building relationships, and driving engagement with local partners including school, school districts, youth and community organization, civic and volunteer group, and school-adjacent contacts.

 Before joining RIF, Jennifer worked as an Associate at a government relations and public affairs firm, serving the firm’s municipal and education clients on a broad range of legislative issues including energy, appropriations, public safety, infrastructure and transportation.

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which you can find here. If you don't know what UDL is, it's a way to make learning accessible for everyone! You can check out more about the webinars here.

Enjoy this special episode.

Jethro Jones is joined by Alex Dang-Lozano from WestEd. They discuss the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), the UDL Jam session and Joy Room, and the importance of unstructured interaction spaces at conferences. Alex shares insights into creating adaptable conference spaces and highlights the broad applications of UDL beyond the classroom. The episode concludes with information about WestEd and ways to connect with Alex and his team.

Get in touch with Alex: [email protected]

00:00 Introduction

03:08 The Importance of Unstructured Spaces

05:48 Designing an Adaptable Conference Room

10:00 About WestEd

11:45 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which you can find here. If you don't know what UDL is, it's a way to make learning accessible for everyone! You can check out more about the webinars here.

Enjoy this special episode.

Jethro Jones speaks with Adam Lalor, Vice President at Landmark College. They discuss Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Landmark College's unique approach to educating neurodivergent students, and broader inclusivity in higher education.

Get in touch with Adam: [email protected]

00:58 Welcome and Guest Introduction

01:12 Landmark College's Unique Approach

02:02 Exploring Neurodiversity

03:27 Challenges of Focusing on Identity

04:24 Integrating Identities and Advocacy

06:50 Advice for Other Institutions

09:35 Value of Universal Design for Learning

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

In this episode of the Transformative Principal podcast, Gina Davenport, a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience, shares her insights on creating a student-centered learning environment. Davenport emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships between teachers and students, highlighting the often-overlooked need for social-emotional learning (SEL) in secondary education.

Davenport discusses the success of the AVID program at her school, describing it as "SEL on steroids." She also introduces the "Arundel Attributes," a framework designed to foster ownership and responsibility among students. The implementation of Restorative Practices led to a significant decrease in disciplinary issues, demonstrating the effectiveness of a caring and supportive school culture.

The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by educators, including the misconception that students' frontal lobes are fully developed and the lack of support for secondary students. Davenport shares her experience of navigating a controversial incident involving a music video filmed at her school, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and decisive action.

Finally, the podcast explores the positive impact of COVID-19 on SEL development and the innovative practice of onboarding freshmen with a "first practice graduation." Throughout the episode, Davenport's passion for education and commitment to student well-being shine through, offering valuable lessons for school leaders everywhere.

• Pattern for students with discipline behaviors - they were missing something. 
• When they struggle with reading, you teach, when they struggle with math, you teach, when they struggle with 
• Teachers and students were missing out on building relationships. 
• We’re under the misconception that their frontal lobe has developed. 
• There’s not a lot of support for secondary students. 
• They want to teach their subject, not their students. 
• People lose their jobs because they can’t get along with other people. 
• Formative Five podcast interview with the author. 
• AVID Program as the helpers for creating the program. 
• AVID is SEL on steroids. 
• What attributes should a successful student have in our school? 
• Arundel Attributes - Ownership
• Brainstorm and share how the attributes will be applied to their day-to-day life
• The Arundel Way
• How you can tell when kids are really taking it to heart. 
• Kids who are struggling don’t get the experiences that help them learn resilience. 
• How COVID was beneficial for the school and the SEL development of students. 
• It’s hard to be a jerk when you care about someone. 
• Onboarding students to the high school, first practice graduation on first day of school as freshmen - pledge, swag, and tour. 
• Students teach SEL lessons with the teacher as backup. 
• The Music Video disaster.
• How it went down
• Gina was already being moved to a different school before this was happening. 
• On being instructed to not comment. 
• Mistake was not escorting the student out. 
• Gina and Larry King

About Gina Davenport

With over 30 years of experience in the field of education, Gina Davenport is most proud of her work as the principal of a diverse suburban high school that is truly student centered. By employing Restorative Practices, discipline referrals dropped to under 50 per year for a student population of over 1,700 with less than 15 out of school suspensions each year since 2021. In this learning community, adults and students share ownership to build a culture of trust, respect, and authentic caring. Gina leverages student voice as a cornerstone of a positive learning environment.  Her school boasts a 96% graduation rate. 

Davenport is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership for a Change Population at Notre Dame of Maryland University.  To participate in her study of principals’ perspectives on student voice as a culturally responsive leadership practice, please complete the survey linked here.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5ZDCT59

Connect with Gina On LinkedIn

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which you can find here. If you don't know what UDL is, it's a way to make learning accessible for everyone! You can check out more about the webinars here.

Enjoy this special episode.

Jethro Jones interviews Mirko Chardin, the keynote speaker at the UDL Conference. Together, they discuss Universal Design for Learning (UDL), transformative educational moments, and the importance of ensuring that education is accessible and relevant for all students. They discuss Chardin's personal experiences, innovative teaching methods, and the necessity of preparing the next generation for leadership and decision-making.

Get in touch with Mirko: [email protected]

00:00 Introduction to the Special Episode and UDL Conference

00:49 Welcoming Guest Speaker Mirko Chardin

01:31 Mirko Chardin Shares His Transformative Educational Moment

02:41 The Concept of Being a Ruckus Maker in Education

04:11 Encouraging Student Expression Through Writing

09:11 Empowering the Next Generation to Make Decisions

16:05 Conclusion and How to Connect with Mirko Chardin

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

This episode is a special episode from UDL-Con, powered by CAST. CAST just released the Guidelines for (Universal Design for Learning) UDL 3.0, which you can find here. If you don't know what UDL is, it's a way to make learning accessible for everyone! You can check out more about the webinars here.

Enjoy this special episode.

Jethro Jones interviews Kelli Suding and Michelle Soriano, technical assistant specialists at CAST. They discuss their roles in supporting educators with accessibility and universal design for learning (UDL), the significance of storytelling in education, the importance of UDL-Con, and the value of both engagement and entertainment in learning environments.

Get in touch with Michelle: [email protected]
Get in touch with Kelli: [email protected]

00:00 Introduction to UDL Con and Guests

01:06 Michelle Soriano on Technical Assistance

01:32 Kelli Suding on Her Role and Background

02:02 Explaining Technical Assistance

04:01 Importance of Storytelling in Education

07:51 The Joy Lab and Its Impact

05:43 Why Attend UDL Con?

10:29 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Learn how to get the guaranteed highest pension payout. Jethro Jones discusses the "Pension Maximization" strategy for school principals with John "Hutch" Hutchinson.

Rather than protecting your spouse by choosing a reduced monthly benefit payment from your pension, you can instead calibrate a life insurance policy to guarantee you the highest monthly pension payout possible. Plus, you can also take extra tax-free income from the cash value as you go.

Resources & Timestamps:

Comprehensive article on how Pension Maximization works:

https://bankingtruths.com/pension-maximization/

Video example of Pension Maximization:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUdhxBlmG8s

Book a free consult about customizing Pension Max for you:

https://bankingtruths.com/pension-max-schedule/

Podcast Timestamps 
0:00 - Risk off money and how Big Banks invest their safe reserves. 
4:00 - Intro to the Pension Maximization strategy
7:00 - How a Life Insurance policy can help you take a bigger pension payment
11:20 - Pension reductions for survivor benefits are just expensive "life insurance" policies that won't even pay your kids if both spouses die
18:10 - Only 4 possible outcomes when retiring. What happens with & without Pension Max? 
23:58 - Where to find the money for "another bill" with this Life Insurance for Pension Max. 
28:57 - Start with cheap term insurance as you build up to a full-blown Pension Maximization strategy 
34:47 - Resources to learn more about Pension Maximization 
37:01 - Take tax-Free supplemental income from life insurance like a Roth

We’re proud to be sponsored by IXL. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.