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Alternatives to Suspension
Written by: Kelly Amshey, Assistant Principal Rockford Public Schools Freshman Center We have all been frustrated when issuing suspension to students when we know that the consequence does little to shape behavior. In my experience, many students who “earn” suspensions are the most at-risk academically, requiring more time in the classroom, not less. Students who…
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MDE “Top 10 in 10 Roadshow” Visits GR in April
“We have a tremendous opportunity, working together as a state, to lift student achievement using these goals and strategies. This requires open minds and the will from all involved to make it work.” State Superintendent Brian Whiston Michigan’s Education Vision is for “Every learner in Michigan’s public schools to have an inspiring, engaging, and caring…
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The Power of Reflection
In considering the various “R’s in Education”, how important is the process of “reflection”? The power inherent within your personal reflection of your educational practices should never be undervalued. But, does “reflection” fall into my 5 R’s of Effective Engagement? A component of this reflection strategy are the proverbial “Look In The Mirror” Moments. For…
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Change Illusion
Blog post written by: Dr. Anthony Muhammad Change is a very difficult process, but it is the catalyst to continuous improvement. It tests our ability as professionals at many different levels. Sometimes, when things get too challenging, we tend to look for short-cuts or we quietly surrender. We live in a political climate that demands…
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Observation and Formative Feedback: Best Practices
Written by Steve Seward, Associate Director, MASSP “Teaching is complex work. You don’t have to be bad to get better!” Candi B. McKay Regardless of age or role, we all deserve formative feedback for growth that is centered on clearly specified areas of focus and success criteria. Those that are most effective as leaders, in…
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Leaders In Action
Originally posted: September 20, 2017 | Ben Gilpin (@benjamingilpin) on The Colorful Principal Blog “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Ghandi True Story. Every year (including this year), my intentions and optimism are sky high. I head into a school year thinking of projects, ideas, innovation and truly changing…
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Literacy Leadership Symposium is here in Grand Rapids!
Attention School Administrators: The Fall Literacy Leadership Symposium is here in Grand Rapids! In March, Reading Now Network (RNN) hosted the West Michigan Early Literacy Leadership Symposium at Western Michigan University. More than 600 educators from 26 counties gathered to focus on literacy. Participants learned how to implement the RNN Five Key Findings and explored…
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Twitterpated: Three Ways to Take Twitter to the Next Level
Remember the Rolodex? Educators would exchange business cards with phone numbers, alphabetize them and access their contacts to help answer questions or identify resources they didn’t already have at their fingertips. People with a plethora of names and numbers could have an answer to any problem by the end of the week. Now, with Twitter,…
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Growing Confident and Compassionate Student Leaders…the “LLL” Approach
“Schools should teach two things…Problem Solving and Leadership. Leading is a skill, not a gift. You’re not born with it, you learn how. And schools can teach leadership as easily as they figured out how to teach compliance.” Seth Godin, Linchpin Schools do many things well…teaching students to be independent leaders is NOT one of them.…
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#SummerAdminReads
Kelli Campbell, T&L Director Kent ISD- As summer approaches, I am preparing my summer reading list. One thing we know as educators, is that reading is very important to professional growth. Reading can remind you, challenge you, and give you an opportunity to interact with others. (Why Leaders Must Be Readers, Forbes.com) What’s on your summer reading…