Eric C. Sheninger's Blog, page 6

The Never-ending Upgrade: Why Constant Growth is the Key to Success

While I enjoy keynoting and facilitating workshops, it is through a coaching lens that I get to see how teachers and administrators are implementing innovative learning strategies with fidelity. Through their actions, I can collect evidence to show efficacy while curating exemplars I can share in my presentations. No matter where I go, I get the same message from educators on their desire for practical strategies. There is no better example than those implemented in classrooms, schools, and districts. 

“Eric, we know the why. To move our practice, we want to see how it can be done and what it could look like.”

The quote above is something I hear over and over again as I support school systems across the world. This quote is important to educators because it highlights the importance of moving from theory to practice. While understanding the reasons for change (the why) is important, it is equally important to see how this change can be implemented (how) and what the results might look like (what it could look like), something I elaborate on in Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms. Here’s why:

Educators need practical guidance: Ideas and strategies are often handed down from above, with little guidance on how to implement them in the classroom. Educators need to be shown how to put these into practice.Sharing effective practices: By sharing examples of what has been implemented successfully, educators can learn from each other and improve their own practice.Building a vision for change: Seeing what innovation could look like can help educators stay motivated and committed to making changes.

Thus, when I am in certain places, I always check in on educators who push the envelope and crave feedback so they can grow. A few weeks back, I was in Stryker Local Schools (OH), where I have been supporting the district this past year. One classroom I always try to visit is that of Larry Freshour, an elementary technology teacher. For starters, he is always craving feedback. I can’t remember a time this past school year when we had a conversation, and he didn’t mention how he was implementing an idea or strategy that he learned during one of the professional development days I facilitated. The other reason is that he thoroughly engages learners using a rotational model, immersing students in thought-provoking tasks.

During a recent visit, he had just finished up with a hook on circuits using a short video from Flocabulary.  When I entered, the class was already completing lightsaber cards in honor of May the 4th, which Star Wars fans are undoubtedly aware of and have this date marked on their calendars. Research has shown how vital relevance is to learning and Larry makes great efforts to impart authentic contexts and application during each lesson. Students were seen throughout the room creating working circuits to ignite the lightsaber. Self-regulation, pacing, and intrinsic motivation were on full display. 

Constant growth is the key to success because our world is always changing. By continuously learning new skills, adapting to new situations, and pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones, we stay relevant, overcome challenges, and unlock our full potential as educators. This growth mindset fuels progress, keeps us engaged, and allows us to reach new heights consistently, just like Larry.  

Quantifying Innovative Practices

Lately, I've been giving a lot of thought to effectiveness, and this has been mirrored in my writing and work as a coach. Reflecting on my time as a principal at my previous school, I recall the successful shift towards digitalization and incorporating innovative practices. Our main goal was to demonstrate tangible improvements rather than just discuss them. We merged quantitative and qualitative measures to validate each innovative idea's reasons, processes, and outcomes in detail. The critical element in this equation was skillfully purposefully employing digital resources while ensuring consistency and continuity in all our old and new practices. 

As a principal, I persistently sought methodologies and procedures to gauge the effects of the changes we were enacting. Regrettably, no such solutions were available. As I engage with districts and schools regularly, they frequently inquire about ways to gauge the outcomes and efficacy of their innovative strategies, such as BYOD, 1:1, blended and personalized learning, classroom and school redesign, branding, makerspaces, and professional development. This got me thinking about what might be missing to ensure efficacy. 

As the CEO of Aspire Change EDU, I'm dedicated to research-driven, data-enhanced, and evidence-based services and resources to aid districts, schools, and organizations in transforming teaching, learning, and leadership. Among these resources stands the Innovative Practices Assessment (IPA), which was created to fill a void in moving from ideas and innovative practices to results that improve the learning culture. 

The IPA establishes the framework for educators and administrators, facilitating an innovative lens to underpin individualized professional growth. It initiates by scrutinizing the tactics instituted within each educational institution, at the school or district level, which bolster student learning through technological integration, encompassing dimensions like rigor, pertinence, interpersonal bonds, involvement, and the broader ethos. Subsequently, the procedure advances to comprehending the extant leadership methodologies that effectively usher in technology and groundbreaking approaches. These methods are harmonized with the 7 Pillars of Digital Leadership & Learning. (Student Learning, Learning Spaces and Environment, Professional Growth, Communication, Public Relations, Branding, and Opportunity). 

Through this proven model, schools and districts can identify opportunities to begin their transformation or take their digital and innovation goals to the next level. The IPA combines a self-reflection questionnaire rubric, on-site observations, and extensive data and evidence collection inventories. Rubrics are then leveraged to observe leadership and instructional practices while collecting artifacts to provide evidence of efficacy-based innovative practices. Once collected and analyzed, a detailed summary report outlining areas of success, focus opportunities, and recommended next steps will guide the professional learning journey, supporting the development of a strategic implementation plan.  

Here is a summary of the IPA process:

Step 1: The IPA questionnaire is completed by the district or school. This 18-question rubric asks school leaders to reflect on their perceptions of where their school falls, from needing to start to well-developed. School leadership teams are expected to collect and document aligned evidence for each item during this reflective process. This information will then be reviewed at the initial meeting for reflection and goal-setting to grow and improve. The baseline evidence shared is in the context of determining the fidelity of innovative practices that currently exist and are implemented on a routine basis (including examples of data, lesson plans, unit plans, student work, PLC minutes, rigorous digital performance tasks, walk-through forms, assessments, sample observations/evaluations, portfolios, PD plans, social media accounts, pictures, videos, press releases, media coverage, partnerships, etc.). 

Step 2: On-site observations and interviews with leaders, staff, and students are conducted to validate perceptions and evidence collected for the questionnaire. Targeted classroom observations of student learning aligned with the mission and vision of the school(s) are also conducted. Additional data is collected for analysis in the final report. The idea is to engage school leaders in dialogue about their culture, student learning, and practices, regardless of their transformation. 

Step 3: The data and evidence are tightly aligned to research-based rubrics to provide a detailed view of where a district or school is with its transformation. The data and artifacts are analyzed, leading to a summary report detailing the current state of practice at each school or district. 

Step 4: The IPA report is shared and discussed with the school or district leadership team. Observations about the evidence collected are shared and discussed. During the strategic planning process, discussions focus on areas of strength and improvements to develop a tailored and personalized implementation plan.

Step 5: On-going professional learning is implemented and progress monitoring through the robust questionnaire is documented to determine the efficacy of the transformation efforts using innovative approaches.

The IPA process has been created to support districts and schools looking for ways to measure and articulate the impact of technology and innovation on practice. While data is valuable, it moves beyond this as the only metric for success by actually taking a lens to an array of strategies and practices that combine to create a thriving learning culture.  

The IPA doesn’t just look at innovation. It also provides insight into all elements of school culture and student learning. In addition to being informed by a broad body of research and driven by evidence, the IPA process is also aligned with the following:

Future Ready Schools (Click HERE to view a detailed alignment document) National Education Technology Plan (NETP)Books that showcase evidence and changes to practice aligned with researchDisruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms: Preparing Learners for Their FutureDigital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing TimesUncommon Learning: Creating Schools That Work for KidsBrandED: Tell Your Story, Build Relationships, and Empower LearningLearning Transformed: 8 Keys to Designing Tomorrow’s Schools, Today

Evaluation of our practice is essential to grasp our current position and the impact of alterations. We aspire that the IPA process will aid you in shaping, honing, gauging, and subsequently disseminating remarkable innovative practices that vividly portray the achievement of effectiveness.

Reach out today to have a conversation on how the IPA process can help transform your school, district, organization, or system (AspireChangeEDU@gmail.com)

 

The Fallacy of Best Practices

In an education world obsessed with standardization, the pursuit of "best practices" reigns supreme. Countless systems and schools rely on pre-defined, one-size-fits-all approaches, promising guaranteed success. However, this rigid adherence to a single ideal can stifle innovation and hinder progress. We must shift our focus to effectiveness – achieving desired results in a way that adapts to unique situations. 

The allure of best practices lies in their simplicity. They offer a seemingly foolproof formula, eliminating the need for critical thinking and tailored solutions. This, however, ignores the dynamic nature of learning. Industries evolve, technologies change, and societal needs are constantly in flux—context matters.  A practice deemed "best" today might be obsolete tomorrow, especially in a disruptive world. Chasing an elusive ideal can leave schools stagnant, resulting in students who cannot adapt to new circumstances. The reality is that there is no such thing as a “best” practice.  If there were, every system, district, school, and educator would implement them with high fidelity and get amazing results. 

Effectiveness, on the other hand, prioritizes results. It encourages experimentation, research-based pedagogy, and data-enhanced decision-making. Schools that embrace effectiveness analyze their specific context, identify goals, and then explore diverse approaches to achieve them. This fosters a culture of innovation, where solutions are not copy-pasted but thoughtfully crafted. 

Imagine a marketing campaign: a "best practice" approach might dictate a specific social media strategy. However, focusing on effectiveness would analyze the intended audience and platform trends, potentially leading to a more innovative, targeted approach. Like a marketer analyzing their audience and platform trends to tailor their approach, educators should assess their students' individual and collective needs, key concepts, and the most recent pedagogical research. This could lead to more innovative, personalized, and effective teaching strategies that deviate from traditional practices but result in better learning outcomes.

Best practices often lack nuance. They are developed based on broad trends in education or a world that no longer exists, failing to account for unique strengths and weaknesses at the school or individual level. Effectiveness, however, thrives on understanding specificities. It empowers schools to leverage their unique assets – their culture, staff skillset, or niche expertise – to achieve their goals in a way that optimizes their strengths. This approach encourages autonomy, knowing what actually works in a given context, and innovation, allowing for the adoption of cutting-edge strategies that resonate with the current generation of students. It also fosters a more dynamic environment where feedback and data from actual classroom experiences can shape ongoing approaches, keeping learning relevant and impactful.

The shift towards effectiveness is a testament to the power of educators and schools. It requires a change in mindset, a move away from blind adherence to methodologies that some figureheads and organizations claim are the only way to get results, and instead, a move towards continuous learning and adaptation. Schools need to invest in ongoing support, evidence collection, and analysis, allowing them to track the success of their chosen strategies. They must cultivate a culture of open communication where educators feel empowered to challenge assumptions and propose alternative methods. 

Embracing effectiveness isn't about discarding all existing knowledge. Established practices can serve as valuable starting points. The key lies in using them as a springboard, not a rigid blueprint. Schools gain the agility and creativity needed to navigate an ever-changing world by prioritizing effectiveness, not clinging to the fallacy of best practices. Achieving real results in a dynamic world trumps a theoretical ideal. 

The time has come to break free from the shackles of "best practices" and embrace the power of effectiveness driven by the true experts in education—the schools and educators who implemented these strategies consistently and with a high degree of fidelity. It is these people who move an idea into action and determine its effectiveness.  

11 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools to Support Effective Teaching and Leadership

It goes without saying that AI is a hot topic of conversation in education circles and beyond. In the beginning, I was a skeptic myself, but now I use it to support my professional work, especially when I coach leaders. While there are legitimate concerns and anything generated by AI needs to be fully vetted, the most profound benefit is how it can save educators precious time.  Teachers can use it to help design lessons, build assessments, unpack standards, personalize, scaffold questions, develop hooks, provide relevant connections, and so many more possibilities.  Leaders can use certain AI tools to streamline communication, personalize feedback, provide targeted support to staff, find peer-reviewed research in a snap, and aid in other leadership tasks. 

Here are some of the most popular tools being used at this moment:

Magic School - Get help with lesson planning, differentiation, writing assessments, and so much more. Click on the “magic tools” tab at the top of the page to see all of the options available to teachers.   School AI - Know what students need, when they need it and deliver it with AI support. The company behind this tool is extremely committed to data privacy. QuestionWell - Generate an endless supply of questions so you can work smarter, not harder.Gradescope -Seamlessly administer and grade all of your assessments, whether online or in class. Save time grading and get a clear picture of how your students are doing.Parlay - Facilitate meaningful, measurable, and inclusive class discussions.Diffit - This is a great tool for differentiation. It allows teachers to get “just right” instructional materials, saving tons of time and helping all students access grade-level content. Chat GBT – A chatbot that uses natural language processing to create humanlike conversational dialogue. It can respond to any prompt, such as unpacking a standard into scaffolded questions or differentiating aligned tasks. I recently used it when working with a fourth-grade teacher to create a song on long division as part of a review activity. Users who have the paid version can create elaborate images. Gemini – A chatbot from Google that is very similar to Chat GBT. The free version allows for the creation of pictures that do not contain people. Brisk Teaching – A Google Chrome extension that helps busy teachers save time in the tools they already use, like Google Classroom, Docs, Slides, YouTube, and online articles. In seconds, teachers can create unlimited instructional materials, give feedback, evaluate student writing, and level or translate texts - all without needing to switch between apps. Ideogram – A free image creation tool. Create picture prompts for worksheets and writing tasks. During coaching sessions, I have helped elementary teachers create images for sight words.Copilot (free, but need a Microsoft login) – Very similar to Chat GBT and Gemini. 

Another tool that I have begun to explore is Leap. It can convert my blog posts to podcasts that sound very professional. When I listened to the first recording, I was amazed.  Stay tuned as I launch my podcast later this year. 

AI can be an invaluable timesaver for all educators. However, it is important to note that it cannot facilitate lessons and feedback conversations.  It is a tool to support effective practices, not drive or replace the work of educators. The real power behind AI is the people who use it strategically to work smarter, not harder. 

AI in the Classroom: A Teacher's Toolkit for Transformation

The landscape of education is constantly evolving, and artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool for educators. While it won't replace the irreplaceable human touch in the classroom, AI can significantly enhance teaching and learning by offering personalization, efficiency, and insightful data analysis. Below are some ways educators can leverage AI to create a more dynamic and effective learning environment while also getting professional learning support from Five Star Technology Solutions.

Personalized Learning Pathways

Imagine a classroom where each student receives instruction tailored to their specific needs. AI-powered platforms can analyze student data, including test scores, past performance, and learning styles. This allows educators to curate individualized learning pathways, suggest resources, adapt difficulty levels, and provide targeted feedback. Students who grasp a concept quickly can move on to more challenging material, while those needing extra support can receive targeted practice and additional explanations. To learn more, take a look at this blog post I wrote on the topic. 

Grading and Feedback Systems

AI-driven grading systems can automate the process of assessing short answer questions, multiple-choice tests, and written assignments, freeing up valuable teacher time for more in-depth feedback and one-on-one interaction with students.

Data-Enhanced Instruction

AI can help educators analyze vast amounts of data related to student performance, class trends, and curriculum effectiveness. Educators can make data-enhanced decisions about instructional strategies, pedagogical approaches, resource allocation, and intervention plans by identifying patterns and pinpointing areas of difficulty. This allows for a more proactive approach to addressing student needs and ensuring all learners are on track for success.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

AI tools like text-to-speech and speech-to-text can create a more inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities. AI-powered captioning can make direct instruction and video content accessible to students who are deaf or hard of hearing, while language translation tools can support English language learners.

Engaging and Interactive Learning Experiences

AI can be used to create interactive learning activities and simulations that make the learning process more engaging and enjoyable for students. Gamification elements can motivate students and foster a sense of healthy competition. Additionally, AI-powered simulations can provide students with real-world experiences and allow them to practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a safe environment.

Professional learning support can help teachers maximize AI in the classroom and beyond. Five Star is offering some fabulous workshops on the topic. You can learn more about their programs HERE. 

While AI offers numerous benefits, it's crucial to remember that it is a tool to empower educators, not replace them. The human connection between teacher and student remains central to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional development. The role of teachers will shift towards becoming facilitators, curators, and mentors who guide students through personalized learning journeys. By harnessing the power of AI, educators can create dynamic and effective classrooms that cater to each student's individual needs. This paves the way for a more engaging and enriching learning experience that empowers students to thrive.

Cultivating Lifelong Learners: How to Support Personalized Teacher Growth

Imagine a classroom buzzing with engaged students, actively constructing knowledge and diving deep into topics that spark their curiosity. This vibrant learning environment does not just happen by chance. It thrives under the guidance of a passionate, skilled educator who is constantly evolving alongside their students. However, like their students, teachers need personalized growth opportunities to stay engaged, motivated, and effective.

Teachers are the backbone of any thriving learning environment. Nevertheless, just like their students, educators thrive in personalized learning experiences. In a world of standardized tests and rigid curricula, fostering a culture of continuous, personalized growth for teachers allows them to stay abreast of current trends and effective strategies, maximize time, and become the best iteration of themselves for the learners they serve. 

Here is how educational leaders can champion personalized professional learning  for their teachers:

Needs Assessment: Start with the Individual

One-size-fits-all professional development (PD) is a recipe for disengagement. PD is typically done to teachers something other than what they actively want to be a part of or crave. A shift to personalized professional learning can change this dynamic. Effective leaders begin by understanding each teacher's unique needs and aspirations. Conduct individual needs assessments through surveys, goal-setting conversations, or classroom observations. This allows you to tailor professional learning opportunities that address specific skill gaps, teaching styles, and career goals (Guskey, 2000).

Embrace Choice and Variety

Move away from the traditional "sit-and-get" PD model. Offer teachers a diverse menu of learning opportunities. This could include workshops on specific instructional strategies, online courses on emerging educational technologies, or peer coaching programs that foster collaboration. Allow teachers to choose formats and topics that resonate with their individual learning preferences and goals (Desimone, 2009).

Leverage Technology for Flexibility

Technology can be a powerful tool for personalized learning. Online courses and learning modules allow educators to access content at their own pace and on their own schedules. Additionally, micro-learning opportunities through bite-sized videos, podcasts, or webinars that cater to busy schedules and allow for focused learning on specific topics should be considered (Moeller & Allen, 2017).

Empower Teacher Leadership

Teachers are a wealth of knowledge and experience. Empower them by creating opportunities for leadership within the professional development framework. Encourage them to lead workshops, share best practices with colleagues, or mentor other teachers in specific areas of expertise. This fosters a culture of collaboration, validates teachers' expertise, and fuels their intrinsic motivation to learn and grow.

Celebrate Growth and Achievement

Recognition is a powerful motivator. Regularly acknowledge and celebrate teachers' professional growth milestones. Highlight innovative practices implemented in the classroom or successful application of newly acquired skills. This public recognition reinforces the importance of continuous learning and inspires others to embark on their own personalized growth journeys.

Prioritize Reflection and Feedback

Growth does not happen in a vacuum. Create a safe space for teachers to reflect on their learning experiences. Host post-workshop discussions, provide feedback mechanisms, or encourage using professional learning communities (PLCs) where teachers can share successes, challenges, and best practices.

Invest in Teacher Wellbeing

Teacher stress and burnout are real challenges. Supporting personalized growth extends beyond professional development. Promote a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible schedules, stress management workshops, or on-site wellness programs. A well-rested and supported teacher is more receptive to learning and innovation.

By embracing these strategies, educational leaders can move away from a one-size-fits-all approach and create a continuous, personalized growth culture for their teachers. This fosters a more engaged, motivated, and ultimately, more effective teaching staff – a win-win for educators, students, and the entire learning community. Always keep in mind that the key to success with any form of professional learning is that it is part of a job-embedded and ongoing model.

Efficacy should be the goal of all professional learning. Learn more about how Aspire Change EDU helps districts, schools, and organizations personalize professional learning HERE.

Desimone, L. C. (2009). Improving teacher quality in an era of educational reform. Educational Researcher, 38(8), 649-664.

Guskey, T. R. (2000). Evaluating professional development. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Moeller, S. C., & Allen, J. (2017). Microlearning for professional development: A systematic review. TechTrends, 61(3), 286-293.

11 Ideas for Primary Math Stations

A few weeks back, I shared ideas on ELA stations for primary students after this was brought up during a coaching cycle with one of my schools.  Upon reflection, I decided to do the same with math. 

Creating math stations for primary students can be a fun and effective way to introduce them to basic math concepts through hands-on activities. These stations can help develop their understanding of numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurements in an interactive and engaging manner. 

Here are some ideas for math stations suitable for students in PreK – 1st grade:

Counting: Practice counting and number recognition by having students use items like beads, blocks, or buttons for children to count. Include number cards so they match the quantity to the correct number.

Shape Sorting: Provide a variety of geometric shapes in different colors and sizes to identify and sort. Have children sort them by shape, size, or color into designated bins or onto labeled mats.

Pattern Making: Recognize and create patterns where students use colored beads, blocks, or stickers to create simple patterns. Encourage children to continue the patterns or create their own.

Measurement: Explore concepts of size and measurement by offering various items to measure with non-standard units, such as paper clips, blocks, or hands. Include activities like comparing the height of plants or the length of objects.

Simple Addition and Subtraction: Introduce essential addition and subtraction using visual aids like number lines, counting bears, or finger puppets to help children understand adding and taking away.

Number Writing: Practice writing numbers by providing dotted numbers for tracing, blank paper for free writing, and activities that involve writing numbers related to counting objects.

Math Storybooks: Combine literacy with math by selecting storybooks incorporating math concepts (e.g., counting, shapes). After reading, children can engage in related math activities or crafts.

Geometry Block Building: Understand spatial relationships and geometry by offering blocks of different shapes and sizes for accessible building. Challenge students with specific building tasks that require using certain shapes.

Graphing: Introduce data collection and representation by using simple graphing activities, such as graphing favorite fruits or the color of socks children are wearing. Provide stickers or stamps for children to fill in their answers on a chart.

Time Telling: Familiarize students with time using teaching clocks to show different times. Include puzzles that match times to daily activities (e.g., lunchtime, nap time).

Technology: This is a great way to integrate tech purposefully and acquire data using adaptive tools when appropriate. Use tablets or computers with ed-tech tools focused on math concepts, such as counting, simple addition/subtraction, measurement, shape sorting/identification, and patterns. 

Each station can be adjusted to match the children's developmental level. It should be supervised to ensure that students grasp the concepts and to provide help as needed. Rotating the stations every few weeks can keep the activities fresh and engaging for the students. As with all station tasks, ensure that a sound pedagogical design is in place and that there is a targeted instruction or support rotation. 

Relevant Thinking and Learner Success

In today's rapidly changing world, where new challenges and technologies emerge at an unprecedented pace, students need to be relevant thinkers to successfully navigate the complex social, economic, and environmental issues they will face. The ability to think relevantly enables them to connect classroom learning with real-world applications, fostering deeper learning and cultivating critical life competencies such as problem-solving, adaptability, and creativity. I shared the following in Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms:

In a disruptive world, learners need to be able to replace conventional ideas with innovative solutions to authentic problems.

As the future workforce will demand individuals who can apply knowledge in diverse and evolving contexts, relevant thinking empowers students to become effective problem solvers, innovators, and disruptive thinkers. It also ensures that education remains dynamic and meaningful, preparing students to make informed decisions and contribute positively to society. Hence, nurturing relevant thinking is essential for equipping young minds with the competence to transform knowledge into action and meet the demands of the future head-on.

Relevant thinking in an educational context refers to connecting new knowledge and skills to real-world situations, making learning applicable to students' lives and future careers. It involves critical thinking directly related to personal experiences, societal issues, or practical applications.

Relevant thinking is essential in schools for several reasons:

Enhanced Engagement: When students see the relevance of what they are learning to their own lives and the world around them, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated.Improved Retention: Information connected to personal experiences or real-world examples is often retained more effectively because it becomes meaningful and is processed at a deeper cognitive level.Practical Application: Relevant thinking helps students understand how they can apply what they learn in school to solve real-world problems, a critical skill for their future careers and personal lives.Preparation for the Future: Schools are tasked with preparing students for the future. Relevant thinking ensures that the skills and knowledge they acquire are theoretical, practical, and applicable to future challenges. It also sets the stage for effective personalized learning. Encourages Lifelong Learning: When students practice relevant thinking, they develop a mindset that education is a continuous process that extends beyond the classroom, fostering lifelong learning.Development of Critical Competencies: Relevant thinking involves critical analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, which are essential competencies for success in a disruptive world. These are all elements associated with deeper learning. Cultural and Social Awareness: Integrating relevant social and cultural issues into the curriculum can promote empathy, respect for diversity, and an understanding of global interconnectivity.

In essence, relevant thinking helps bridge the gap between academic concepts and the real world, ensuring that education is not an isolated endeavor but a foundation for students to become effective, responsible, and active members of society.

The Relevant Thinking Framework is a powerful tool that educators can use to enhance learning outcomes by aligning teaching methods with how students learn most effectively. I changed the name as many educators, including myself, are not very fond of the word rigor in an educational context. However, the premise remains the same. This framework is structured around two dimensions: the Knowledge Taxonomy (vertical axis) and the Application Model (horizontal axis), each comprising four quadrants labeled A, B, C, and D. 

Here's how educators can leverage each quadrant to elevate student achievement:

Quadrant A - Acquisition: This quadrant focuses on foundational knowledge acquisition, where students recall and understand facts and principles. Educators should ensure students have a firm grasp of essential information in the classroom before progressing. Techniques such as repetition, mnemonic devices, and direct instruction are effective. However, moving beyond this quadrant is vital to applying knowledge in more complex ways.

Quadrant B - Application: Application refers to putting knowledge into action within familiar contexts. Educators can design activities where students apply what they've learned to solve problems or complete tasks. This might involve practical exercises, experiments, or real-life scenarios that require students to use their knowledge practically. For instance, math concepts can be reinforced through budgeting exercises or measuring ingredients in a cooking project.

Quadrant C - Assimilation: Here, students extend their thinking to analyze, evaluate, and create based on their knowledge. It encourages deeper cognitive processes and critical thinking. Educators can facilitate debates, research projects, or simulations that challenge students to synthesize information and form new understandings. It’s about making connections between different pieces of knowledge and seeing the larger picture.

Quadrant D - Adaptation: Adaptation represents the highest level of application, where students autonomously use their knowledge to tackle complex, real-world problems that may not have clear solutions. Educators should encourage project-based learning, interdisciplinary approaches, and creative problem-solving. In this quadrant, the role of the educator shifts from instructor to facilitator, providing guidance as students explore and innovate.

Educators should use the framework as a dynamic tool to scaffold instruction and assessment while moving to more personalized pedagogies. It can also be leveraged to ensure technology is used purposefully. Starting with Quadrant A, students can build a solid knowledge base, which serves as a springboard into higher-level thinking and application. Teachers should lead students through each quadrant, not necessarily linearly, but by providing opportunities to apply their learning in new and challenging ways. Moreover, the framework recognizes the importance of relevance in learning. For example, students are more likely to be engaged and motivated when they see the connection between standards and concepts to real-world applications. This engagement is critical for meaningful learning and retention.

Assessment is integral to the Relevant Thinking Framework. Educators should design assessments that not only measure recall of information (Quadrant A) but also the ability to apply knowledge in new contexts (Quadrants B and D) and the ability to think critically and create new ideas (Quadrant C). This means utilizing a mix of traditional tests, performance tasks, technology, portfolios, student reflections, and feedback.

The Relevant Thinking Framework is not a prescription but rather a guide for educators to design curriculum and instruction that meet students where they are and push them to where they need to be. It’s about recognizing that the ultimate goal of education is to prepare students to be thinkers, problem-solvers, and lifelong learners in an increasingly complex world. By using the framework thoughtfully, educators can create learning environments that raise standards and make learning relevant and exciting for their students.

10 Ideas for Primary ELA Stations

In my coaching work, suggestions typically arise for ideas on implementing various personalized strategies effectively at the primary level (PreK – 1). While choice, in my opinion, might not be the most developmentally appropriate option, I do see station rotation (or centers) as a viable option. Establishing engaging and educational station activities for primary-age students in the English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum is essential for fostering literacy skills, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Stations allow young learners to explore and practice these skills at their developmental level through purposeful play and hands-on activities. At the same time, the teacher can pull small groups for targeted instruction or support.

Recently, I was asked by some Kindergarten teachers at Howell Elementary School in Tennessee during one-on-one coaching sessions about ELA-specific stations that would be great for young learners.   The conversation provided the spark for this blog post. 

Here are several practical ideas that can be effective and enjoyable for primary students:

Sight Words Station: Little learners engage in tasks to recognize and practice high-frequency words. Implement interactive games like sight word bingo, memory match, and word fishing (using a small fishing rod with magnets to "catch" words written on paper fish).

Phonics and Word Families Station: Students learn to build phonemic awareness and understand word families. They can use sorting games where students group words by their beginning sounds or word family endings. Consider incorporating simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) word-building activities with letter tiles or magnets.

Technology Station: Here is a great way to integrate digital literacy and acquire data using adaptive tools when appropriate. Use tablets or computers with ed-tech tools focused on ELA skills, such as letter recognition, phonics games, or digital storytelling tools.

Alphabet Station: Students learn to recognize and practice letters and sounds. Activities can include magnetic letters, alphabet puzzles, and letter-matching games. They can work on identifying letters, matching uppercase to lowercase, and producing letter sounds.

Listening Station: Students learn to develop listening comprehension and focus. Try setting up a listening center with headphones and a variety of age-appropriate audiobooks. Include follow-up activities related to the stories, such as drawing a scene from the story or answering simple questions.

Writing and Drawing Station: Students actively practice writing skills and express creativity. Provide various writing materials like paper, notebooks, pencils, markers, and crayons. Include prompts or story starters, and encourage students to draw pictures related to their stories.

Reading Nook: This station encourages a love for reading while improving fluency. Teachers can create a cozy corner with a range of picture books, early reader books, and thematic books related to current classroom topics. Rotate books regularly to keep the selection fresh and engaging.

Drama and Role Play Station: Students work to enhance speaking skills and imagination. Set up a mini-stage area with costumes, props, and puppets. Students can retell familiar stories, perform improvised scenes, or use puppets to create narratives.

Poetry and Rhyme Station: Your learners work to enjoy the rhythm and rhyme of language. Offer poetry books, nursery rhymes, and songbooks. Include activities like rhyming matching games, building simple rhymes, or creating class poems.

Sensory Writing Station: Students practice letter formation and fine motor skills. Provide trays with sand, shaving cream, or salt for students to write letters and words with their fingers or small writing tools.

For each station, it's essential to provide clear instructions and rotate activities regularly to keep students engaged and challenge their learning. Additionally, adapting each station to meet primary students' diverse needs and learning preferences will ensure that all children can participate and benefit from these ELA station activities. Here are some tips to help you develop station rotation effectively:

Develop a template and share it on-screen with contextIntegrate a timerUse available data to group/regroup and target instructionIntegrate an adaptive learning toolKeep rotations between 3-4Use an exit ticket (2-3 scaffolded questions/problems) at the end of the block for accountability

Effective and engaging ELA station activities for primary students are crucial for developing literacy skills. Although choice may only sometimes be developmentally appropriate for learners in PreK to Grade 1, station rotation offers a structured yet flexible method of instruction. These stations encourage skills ranging from letter recognition to creative expression and fine motor skills, all tailored to young learners’ developmental levels. Providing clear instructions and regularly updating activities are vital to maintaining engagement and addressing the diverse needs of the students.

Unlocking the Spectrum of Learning: The Multi-Faceted Magic of Personalization

We live in exciting times as unprecedented access to knowledge, research, and effective strategies at our fingertips can assist educators in creating meaningful experiences for students that align with both needs and strengths. One thing is for certain: learning is not linear. While a one-size-fits-all approach either worked for us or we just managed to get by, our connected world has shined a light on shifts that can be made to maximize students' time in class. Herein lies the power of personalization. 

Now, let me clarify a few things. Personalization is all learners getting what they need, when and where they need it, to succeed. It’s not all students doing the same thing at the same time, the same way. It is also important to point out the following:

You don’t need technology to personalize learning.Putting all kids on a device simultaneously and having them watch a video or work on an adaptive learning tool is not personalization.There is not one best or right way to personalize.

There are pathways that genuinely personalize learning for all students and there are uniform approaches that only focus on one aspect of high-agency practices. The latter is a common position of many vendors in the space. Herein lies why I outlined the three main points above. For personalization to fully flourish in ways that meet the needs of all, there should be a multi-faceted approach that strategically embeds voice, choice, path, pace, and place throughout lesson design and facilitation. This means looking at key practices such as Tier 1 instruction, pedagogy, assessment, feedback, differentiation, RTI, real co-teaching, and professional learning to see where there is an opportunity to grow.  

The above paragraph sets Quest Junior High School apart from many other, if not all, schools across the country and the world. It starts at the top with leadership. Principal Nicki Slaugh has engaged with her staff to create a shared vision and works tirelessly to provide support through feedback and professional learning. The consistent use of high-agency strategies and data has resulted in a myriad of ways to help address the needs of learners. In her words, there are no “cookie-cutter” ways to personalize. Keep this point in mind if and when you are looking to grow personalized practices in your district, school, or classroom. 

While competency-based approaches buoyed by standards-aligned rubrics in the form of proficiency scales are the gold standard for path and pace, you will also see so much more. This includes using tech and whiteboard spaces for voice during Tier 1 instruction, choice activities, playlists, flipped lessons, stations determined by data, one-on-one conferencing, and maximizing flexible spaces. However, one aspect that sticks out is a consistent focus to impart high levels of cognition and relevance in all questions, tasks, and assessments. This is a testament to the staff at Quest, who see the value in personalization and not just another thing added to their plates.  

Case in point. During a recent coaching visit, I had the opportunity to visit numerous classrooms with an emphasis on feedback for new teachers and growth in co-teaching practices, which has been a primary focus in year two of the work I have been facilitating. Before I highlight one teacher in particular, I must say that we saw exceptional personalized practices occurring throughout the school. This is yet another testament to the culture of learning that has been established. I was particularly impressed by first-year teacher Brylee Nelson’s English class. From my lens, you see clarity in the form of a standards-aligned learning target, a real-world application involving choice, high-level thinking in the form of a scaffolded rubric, and a closure task using technology that amplifies students' voices. While the students worked, Brylee was seen conducting individual conferences as a Tier 3 support.

Another standout for me was to see firsthand how much progress has been made with effective co-teaching strategies. Nicki and her teachers have worked so hard to grow in their area, and their accomplishments can serve as a model for other districts and schools. When you look at the image below, can you identify the four adults? It wasn't very easy for me at first. Data was used to establish the groups that were staffed by two teachers (math, SPED) and two teaching assistants. You would be hard-pressed to figure out their roles as they were all immersed in targeted support. MTSS, RTI, differentiation, and co-teaching are all established pathways to personalized learning when good data is available and leveraged effectively.   

Supporting Quest and Nicki these past two years has been an absolute honor. You can see a snapshot of all they have accomplished HERE. When I created Aspire Change EDU, the main goal I set forth for the company was to ensure that all of our practice areas and solutions were tailored and customized to meet the needs of those I would serve. What this translates into is that there is no one way to personalize. While Quest had the best competency-based learning at scale I have ever seen in practice, which they established independently, Nicki saw opportunities to grow in other areas. The rest is now history.

To effectively personalize, we need to embrace a multi-faceted approach. Be wary of any solution, program, or professional development that doesn’t address all aspects of student agency while making connections to established practices that are known to be effective. 

If you would like to learn more about how Aspire Change EDU can support your district, organization, or school or provide you with 1:1 coaching, feel free to reach out – AspireChangeEDU@gmail.com