Beyond style: Playing a variety of consultant roles to meet clients’ needs
A colleague recently asked me to describe my “consulting style.” I interpreted their question as wanting to learn more about how I see and enact my role [...]
How can you tell if literacy instruction is working across a district?
States from Tennessee to Wyoming have passed laws aimed at ensuring that all students can read. The laws require a variety of specific actions from [...]
Get your house in order: Preparing for change through curriculum mapping
To undertake any major change, the critical first step is to take stock of where you are and get your house in order. In the case of [...]
Piloting and validating a new educator evaluation system in Wyoming
When state education agencies and school districts set out to build new systems, programs, and tools, it’s helpful to have a trusted partner to help [...]
Rural schools are already the hub: How a community schools approach can capitalize on this strength
The rural schools that I’ve visited across the country are each unique—from Newhalen, Alaska, where as a visiting researcher I flew in on a bush [...]
Evaluating the implementation of Oregon’s Tribal History/Shared History initiative
Learning about the history of tribal nations and contemporary issues in an authentic, culturally competent way is important for all students. Marzano Research recently partnered [...]
Outcomes matter: Helping school teams maintain focus and achieve their goals
I feel grounded and most productive when my house is well-organized and tidy. But using an annual “spring cleaning” approach doesn’t work for me—I start with great gusto [...]
What content expertise do school improvement consultants need to bring to the table?
As a member of a team of school improvement consultants, I often participated in the hiring process when we had openings for additional consultants. The process began with [...]
What does it mean to be good at change?
Change is the only constant. (Heraclitus) Things change. Nothing ever stays the same, yo. You ain’t never gonna stay 25 or 30 or 40. You always gonna [...]
Three ways educators can support students’ mental health this Fall
Andrea Holt, LMFT Certified Addiction Specialist, Certified EMDR Clinician Andrea Holt is a mental health professional with over 20 years of experience. She currently works [...]