Worthwhile Links:  Range by David Epstein Drip7 Readwise About Ryan Palmbaum Ryan Palmbaum is the founder and CEO of Dabbl Discovery, an educational, bite-sized video learning platform designed to help people discover and follow new interests and career paths through short videos created exclusively by experienced experts and educators in a wide variety of industries. Dabbl combines the engaging, concise, 1-3 minute format of TikTok with the quality content and creators of Masterclass or Ted Talks to sit at the peak of engaging education.  Before entering the EdTech space, Ryan w ..read more

In this episode, we explore the power of purposeful play in education. Join us as we discuss the importance of play in the learning process, the Connecticut legislation about play in elementary grades, and the benefits of purposeful play for students. We also delve into LEGO Education that highlights the positive impact of play on learning in K-8 students. We emphasize the importance of putting kids in the driver's seat, exploring concepts, making connections, and conducting experiments. We also discuss how building models and using natural curiosity can help students learn effectively. We en ..read more

Jethro welcomes Dr. Jayne Lammers to Transformative Principal. Although we're talking about AI tools, we didn't spend a lot of time talking about the mundanity and what other sources are talking about: the how to, which tool does what thing. Really, we give guidance for school leaders about how to think beyond the boxes and the accountability systems that are currently set up to start to reimagine what learning can be  in schools and beyond, and the ways in which generative AI tools might play a role in that.  Edmentum has been using AI tools on the back end for a while.  Cours ..read more

In this podcast conversation, Tiffany Caouette discusses the role and importance of play-based learning in education. Tiffany Caouette, currently working with the Connecticut Association of Schools, shares her insights on Connecticut being one of the first US states to acknowledge the significance of play-based learning through legislation. She talks about her experiences as an administrator, and her push for the inclusion of play-based learning in schools. She emphasizes the benefits of this learning approach, which not only includes improved executive functioning skills and critical thinking ..read more

This file is to help us prep for the podcast. If you have something you would like to share in addition to what you filled out on the form:  Systems that make you do your best, even when you don’t want to. Please add your bio here:  Please add questions that we would ask here, and you can add anything that you would like to add as well.  This is certainly not an exhaustive list, nor will we ask everything that is on here, but will help guide the conversation.  Our podcast interview is scheduled for: December 4, 2023 in the America/New York time zone. And the link for our ..read more

Today's episode is super fascinating. Rick Meyer shared his dashboard, and you might want to check out the YouTube video for this episode because it is incredible what he’s doing with teacher data.  The power of the data hub Very reactive in MTSS to start Didn’t know how to do formulas to start Data entry comes from Google forms Main test scores entered by admin/instructional coach Progress monitoring is done by paraprofessionals Students enter data Teachers don’t put any data in.  Daily: Checkin/attendance data Weekly: Sonday Phonics Progress monitoring - Color coding based on thei ..read more

How she stays at the same place for so long.  Relationships Street cred and reputation exist, but they don’t know me personally.  Each family is a new relationship Honesty and transparency People don’t always love the news I give them, but they do appreciate the honesty and directness Don’t need to sugarcoat things because it doesn’t actually help.  Call and connect with new families.  Calling to share good news.  Our students deserve our A game every day Developing teachers when you have a good relationship.  Be a good listener, open the door for reflection.&nbs ..read more

In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey joins Jethro Jones to talk about how to engage families in inspiring the joy of reading in children.  Making reading backed by research, powered by joy Concerns in children’s reading - not teaching it correctly Teaching teachers to be culturally responsive Train teachers in getting to know their students.  Things we should do to teach kids reading: phonological awareness (hearing and manipulating sounds), phonics, vocabulary, fluency (rate, accuracy, expression), and comprehension. Typically science of reading stops at the first two. There’s no one w ..read more

In this episode, Matthew Ebert joins Jethro to discuss how to actively and intentionally create the space for educators to be their authentic selves at work and how that impacts a greater school community. Ongoing, authentic, and messy 1:1 meetings with all the staff. Slack as a schoolwide communication tool - How to implement without teachers feeling like they need to be in the  Avoid performative care 6 staff meetings in one year.  Use Slack as you need it - Autonomy Power of muting channels Hilarious communities The power of continuous meetings.  All development is personal ..read more

Jethro sits down with David Bryan to talk about how to make school more worthwhile.  The difference between public and private schools More freedom in a private school to address issues in their schools. How to manage high tuition. All students paid tuition. Why he started New Roads to connect people.  The richness of a diverse population leads to amazing environments. Schools that are worthwhile are flexible, nimble, and messy.  What does the future of education look like?  Schools have to invest in those areas where kids are interested. Improving the conversation by bei ..read more