Leading with Versatility: The Swiss Army Knife Mindset

Recently, on my podcast Unpacking the Backpack, I discussed the Swiss Army Knife as an analogy for effective leadership.  Take a listen on Spotify or wherever you access your favorite podcasts.  Inspiration for this episode came from a past blog post, which you can read HERE. I thought it might be a good idea to expand on the topic a bit more, as leadership groups I have been working with love the concept. 

In a disruptive world, effective leadership necessitates more than just authority or charisma. It demands a multifaceted approach, a "Swiss Army Knife" mindset, where leaders possess a diverse toolkit of skills and can seamlessly adapt to ever-changing circumstances (Avolio & Gardner, 2005). This versatile approach requires leaders to be agile, resourceful, and able to navigate ambiguity with confidence.

The Swiss Army Knife, with its compact design yet remarkable functionality, serves as a powerful metaphor for effective leadership. Just as the knife's various tools can be deployed to address various challenges, effective leaders must possess a broad repertoire of skills and competencies. This includes strong communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to think strategically and solve problems creatively, emotional intelligence to understand and manage their own emotions and those of their team, and a deep understanding of their industry and the competitive landscape (Northouse, 2022).

Furthermore, the Swiss Army Knife emphasizes the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness. Leaders must be able to quickly assess situations, identify the most appropriate tools to use, and effectively deploy them. This requires a degree of flexibility and the ability to think on their feet. For instance, a leader might need to shift from a directive style to a more collaborative approach depending on the team's needs and the specific challenges they are facing (Yukl, 2010).

Cultivating a Swiss Army Knife mindset requires continuous learning and development. Leaders must be proactive in identifying and acquiring new skills, whether through formal training, mentorship, or self-directed learning. This might involve developing strong analytical skills, improving public speaking, or gaining a deeper understanding of emerging technologies. By constantly expanding their repertoire of skills and knowledge, leaders can better equip themselves to navigate the complexities of the modern business world and inspire high-performing teams (Avolio & Gardner, 2005).

The Swiss Army Knife provides a valuable framework for understanding the multifaceted nature of effective leadership. By embracing a versatile approach, developing a diverse skillset, and cultivating a continuous learning mindset, leaders can enhance their adaptability, increase their impact, and ultimately achieve greater success.

Avolio, B. J., & Gardner, W. L. (2005). Authentic leadership development: Getting to the root of positive forms of leadership. The Leadership1 Quarterly, 16(3), 321–338.

Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and practice. Sage Publications.

Yukl, G. (2010). Leadership in organizations. Pearson Education.

Using Student Discourse to Increase Engagement

As my Aspire Change EDU consultant team and I visit classrooms on a routine basis, we strive to lead administrators, coaches, and teachers in reflecting on their practice using questioning techniques.  The majority of these often revolve around engagement, and it is quickly realized that when students are compliant, it is because the adult is doing all the work or talking. A simple yet powerful strategy to move from compliance to engagement is discourse through turn & talk. 

So why is this so important when it comes to engagement? Student discourse, the interaction and exchange of ideas among students, is a vital component of learning. When students engage in meaningful conversations, they are not only actively constructing knowledge but also developing essential competencies for academic and personal success.

Cognitive Development and Critical Thinking

Research has consistently shown that student discourse is a powerful tool for cognitive development. As Mercer (2000) argues, "Talk is not simply a vehicle for transmitting information; it is a tool for thinking." When students articulate their thoughts and listen to the perspectives of their peers, they are challenged to think critically, analyze information, and construct new knowledge. This process helps students identify gaps in their understanding, refine their ideas, and develop a deeper appreciation for diverse viewpoints. 

Enhanced Communication 

The ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively is highly valued in today's interconnected world. Through classroom discussions, students learn to express themselves effectively orally and in writing. They also develop the ability to listen attentively, ask probing questions, and respond thoughtfully to the ideas of others. These skills are not only valuable for academic success but also for personal and professional growth.

Building Community and Belonging

When students feel safe and supported to share their thoughts and ideas, they are more likely to develop positive relationships with their peers and teachers. This sense of community can create a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment where all students feel valued and empowered to contribute, something Nicki Slaugh and I emphasize in Personalize. 

Nurturing Environments Conducive to Learning 

To maximize the benefits of student discourse through turn & talk or think-pair-share, educators must create a supportive classroom culture that encourages open dialogue and critical thinking. This involves establishing clear expectations for respectful interaction, providing opportunities for students to practice their communication skills, utilizing scaffolded questions, and modeling effective discourse practices themselves. As Weimer (2015) suggests, learner-centered teaching approaches, which prioritize student voice and active participation, can significantly enhance the impact of student discourse.

Quality discussion involves purposeful questions prepared in advance, assessment, and starting points for further conversations. I shared the following ideas in Disruptive Thinking:

• Facilitate face-to-face interaction 
• Pose open-ended questions 
• Encourage peer-to-peer dialogue 
• Prompt students to explain their reasoning 
• Diversify question formats
• Provide opportunities for all students to share out following the discussion to amplify voice (individual whiteboards, dry-erase surfaces, Post-it notes, technology)

By creating a space for authentic conversation, teachers can transform their classrooms into vibrant learning communities where students thrive. As the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2018) emphasize, student engagement is a key factor in promoting deep learning and long-lasting knowledge retention.

Student discourse is a powerful tool for fostering critical thinking, enhancing communication skills, and building a strong sense of community within the classroom. By prioritizing student voice and creating opportunities for meaningful conversation, teachers can create more engaging, inclusive, and transformative learning experiences for all students.

Mercer, N. (2000). Words and minds: How we use language to think together. Routledge.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2018). The science of learning: Organization, motivation, and engagement. National Academies Press.

Weimer, M. (2015). Learner-centered teaching: Five key changes to practice. Jossey-Bass.

Accountability Drives Growth

These days, it seems that everyone says they want change. However, the fact is that those asking for it might not be as open to the idea as they want others to think. The number dwindles even more when considering who wants to lead the process.   No matter how you slice and dice it, improving outcomes aligned with change relies on the dreaded “A” word – accountability.  It doesn’t have to be this way, though.  Success hinges on a leader’s ability to help others see the value in accountability as a growth mechanism, not an “I gotcha.” A vision, mission, and strategic plan only come to fruition when this piece is in place. 

Let’s examine this fact a bit more closely. Accountability for growth is a cornerstone of effective organizations, and districts and schools are no different. When teachers and administrators are held accountable for their actions and outcomes, it drives performance, innovation, and continuous improvement. At a systems level, instilling a culture of accountability requires a comprehensive approach that involves clear goals, regular feedback, and supportive leadership.   

Goals

One key strategy for instilling accountability is to establish clear and measurable goals. Research suggests that specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals can significantly improve performance and motivation (Locke & Latham, 1990). When goals are well-defined and understood, individuals and teams are more likely to take ownership of their work through reflective action and strive to achieve them.   

Feedback

Regular feedback is another critical component of a culture of accountability, a fact I discussed in detail in Disruptive Thinking. Constructive feedback helps individuals understand their strengths and gaps in practice and provides opportunities for growth and development. According to Hattie (2009), feedback is one of the most powerful influences on learning and achievement. By providing timely and specific feedback, leaders can empower individuals and teams to improve their performance and stay on track.   

Leadership

Leadership plays a crucial role. Effective leaders create a culture where accountability is valued and rewarded. They set a strong example by holding themselves accountable for their own actions and decisions. Additionally, as I articulated in Digital Leadership, they empower their people by providing them with the resources, support, and autonomy they need to succeed.  Transparency cannot be overstated.  As I shared in a previous post, leadership is not just about providing direction—it's about creating a culture where trust thrives, decisions are transparent, and every voice is empowered to contribute to the bigger vision. 

Districts and schools can implement systems and processes that promote transparency and shared responsibility. For example, regular learning walks, performance check-ins, and progress updates can help to keep everyone aligned and focused on common goals. Additionally, using data and analytics to track progress and identify areas for improvement can provide valuable insights and drive accountability.   

Achieving growth accountability at the systems level necessitates a comprehensive strategy that includes well-defined expectations, continuous feedback, strong leadership support, and efficient systems and processes. Strong leadership is essential for creating a culture of accountability. Leaders must set the tone by modeling the behaviors they expect from their people. They must also provide the resources and support that individuals and teams need to succeed. Additionally, leaders should celebrate successes and provide constructive feedback to help individuals and teams improve.

Hattie, J. (2009). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement. Routledge.   

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (1990). A theory of goal setting & task performance. Prentice Hall.

Compliance vs Engagement

One of the best aspects of the work my team and I at Aspire Change EDU do is getting into classrooms with leaders as part of the coaching process.  During this time, we begin to collect qualitative evidence aligned with growth opportunities that they have set during initial meetings.  No matter where our travels take us, one of the most common areas districts and schools want to improve is shifting from compliance to student engagement. Truth be told, from my lens, this is something that most systems would benefit from if learning is the goal. Let’s begin to differentiate the two. 

Compliance and engagement are two concepts in the classroom, which I dive into in Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms. Compliance refers to following rules or expectations without necessarily understanding or internalizing the reasons behind them. It's often driven by external motivations like avoiding punishment or receiving rewards. Below are some characteristics and examples:

• External or limited motivation: Students may comply to avoid punishment or receive awards. In Drive, Dan Pink refers to these as “carrots & sticks” and “if-then” rewards that are extrinsic in nature.
• Passive consumption and participation: Students may simply do what they are told without active involvement. Examples include taking notes, listening to lectures, watching videos, and popcorn or teacher-led reading.  Other passive examples include paying attention while only a few students respond to verbal questions and sitting at desks while one student is at the board or interactive screen. Keep in mind there is no such thing as passive learning. 
• Superficial understanding: Compliance often indicates a basic understanding of the task but not necessarily a deeper grasp of the subject matter or concepts. These are often associated with questions that are mostly depth of knowledge (DOK) 1 or the foundational level of Bloom’s Taxonomy (who, what, where, when).

Engagement, on the other hand, involves being actively involved, interested, and enthusiastic about learning. It's fueled by intrinsic motivation and often leads to a deeper understanding of the subject matter. While both compliance and engagement may result in completing tasks, the underlying motivations and levels of involvement are vastly different. Here are some practical examples that can be aligned with standards to engage students in the classroom:

• Student voice: everyone in class responds to questions using whiteboards, dry-erase surfaces, Post-its, or technology.
• Turn & talk to spark discourse 
• I do, we do, you do
• Relevant application
• Scaffolded questions & tasks to provide an appropriate amount of challenge (check out the Relevant Thinking Framework) 
• Choice activities (must-do/may-do, choice boards, playlists - learn more in Personalize)
• Differentiation (i.e., data-enhanced rotations)
• Cooperative learning
• Meaningful extension activities to maximize time
• Success criteria & rubrics when students are completing projects or writing tasks

Think of a classroom like a garden. Compliance is like planting seeds without tending to them. The seeds may sprout, but they won't grow into healthy plants without proper care. Engagement is like carefully tending to the garden, watering the plants, and providing sunlight. These plants will thrive and produce beautiful flowers.

Similarly, in a classroom, compliance may result in students completing tasks, but they may not truly understand the material or be able to apply it. Engagement involves active participation, asking questions, and seeking deeper understanding. This approach leads to students who are more likely to thrive academically and develop a genuine love for learning. That’s the goal, right? 

Small Steps, Big Shifts: How Consistency and Continuity Unlock Lasting Change

We all have that nagging voice, whispering about what we "should" be doing. Maybe it's a call to eat healthier, exercise more, or finally tackle that neglected hobby. But how often does that voice translate into sustained action? The truth is that achieving lasting change is rarely about grand gestures or dramatic overhauls. It's about the power of consistency and continuity – small, steady shifts that build momentum and pave the way for a transformed you.

Nicki Slaugh and I shared the following in Chapter 1 of Personalize:

Is there such a thing as a “small” win? We challenge this notion because the overall impact is in the eye of the beholder. Small victories can carry equal or even greater significance than their larger counterparts, and there are two primary reasons for this phenomenon. Without these minor triumphs, attaining significant accomplishments becomes doubtful; we tend to surrender in disappointment and frustration before reaching a grand victory. 

Small shifts to practice implemented consistently have the greatest impact. To innovate and improve, you don’t need to swing for the fences or radically change your current work. 

The Illusion of the Instant Fix

Our culture thrives on instant gratification. We're bombarded with messages promising quick fixes and overnight transformations. The rub, though, is that these purported shortcuts often backfire. Crash diets leave us depleted, intense workout routines lead to burnout, and abandoning our passions feels like failure. Education is no different. All one has to do is look at the slew of books, social media posts, speakers, and podcasts boasting claims that their big ideas will transform practice over time. There is no silver bullet. The key to lasting change lies not in drastic measures but in consistent, incremental steps. 

The Magic of Consistency

Imagine yourself trying to chip away at a large rock. A single, forceful blow might make a small dent, but it's unlikely to break the rock. However, with consistent taps from a smaller hammer, the rock will eventually crack over time. Consistency is the steady application of effort, the daily practice that builds upon itself. It's the difference between sporadic bursts of motivation and a sustainable approach to change. Look to identify parts of your practice that are either absent or need to be implemented more consistently. From a teacher's perspective, this could be lesson components such as hooks, scaffolding questions, or closure. For leaders, this could be learning walks, ensuring data is analyzed in professional learning communities, or timely feedback to staff. 

The Power of Continuity

Let's say you decide to start running. You lace up your shoes, head out the door, and complete a fantastic 5k. Feeling empowered, you envision yourself as a marathoner. But life gets busy, and your next run isn't for a week. Then, another week passes. Continuity is about maintaining momentum. It's the missed run you reschedule for the next day, the short walk you take when you're short on time. Continuity bridges the gaps between your consistent efforts, ensuring progress doesn't stall. For small shifts to practice to impact the great culture, there needs to be continuity across grade levels, classrooms, and schools in relation to the shared vision, goals, and focus areas.

Small Shifts, Big Impact

Change doesn't have to be overwhelming or more work. Here's how to harness the power of consistency and continuity through small, achievable shifts:

• Start Incredibly Small: Don't try to overhaul your entire practice overnight. Begin with a tiny, manageable step. Maybe it's implementing lesson closure or conducting three learning walks a day. 
• Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: There will be setbacks. A new teaching method might not click with your students at first, or a new school routine might take some time to get used to. Don't beat yourself up if you fail to stick to your plan. Acknowledge the slip-up, recommit to your goals, and move forward. As I shared in Disruptive Thinking, chase growth, not perfection. 
• Make it Enjoyable: Choose changes that resonate with your education philosophy and align with your students' (or staff’s) needs and interests. If you're passionate about technology, explore ways to integrate it into your lessons meaningfully. If your students struggle with reading comprehension, incorporate more engaging texts and activities into your reading block.
• Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Did your students become more comfortable participating in class discussions after a month of implementing a new technique? Take a moment to recognize their growth. Did you stick to your plan to give more frequent, formative assessments? Reward yourself with a well-deserved break.

Change in education isn't about dramatic leaps; it's about the steady climb, something I discuss in detail in Digital Leadership. By embracing consistency and continuity, focusing on small shifts, and celebrating your progress, you'll be amazed at the transformations you can achieve. Remember, it's not about overnight success; it's about taking one small step at a time, building momentum, and creating a new, sustainable you. So, lace up your shoes, metaphorically speaking, and start walking. The journey to a transformed classroom, school, or district begins with a single step, and with consistent effort, you'll get there.

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. It 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.  

What School Should Be

I vividly remember the first World Book Encyclopedia set my parents bought for the house in the early 1980’s. It was a sight to behold as what seemed like an infinite amount of knowledge was alphabetically organized, just waiting to be consumed. Housed in the dining room for ease of access by all, the copper and cream books with gold trim were a staple resource for my brothers and me when we had to do any research for school work. I even found myself perusing through the set randomly, looking to glean more insight into things that interested me. Without the encyclopedia set, our world was not very big. Little did we know, however, that the second these were published, they became irrelevant as new editions were already in print to keep up with the pace of new knowledge.

The Internet was still over a decade away, and when I got my first taste in the mid-1990s, I didn’t know how society would change forever. Flash forward many years, and we now have instant access to what seems like endless sources of information, which is both a good and bad thing, depending on perspective. I am of the opinion that endless scrolling through TikTok and over-snapping on Snapchat don’t always yield the best results when it comes to leveraging connectivity to learn. I digress. The rise of artificial intelligence has now put us in a new frontier of knowledge acquisition. You can even claim that the world is in the palm of our hands.

While the Internet drove the encyclopedia as we knew it to irrelevance, emerging technologies are having the same exact impact on traditional schooling. Virtually any student today can access knowledge and information. It’s what they can do with it in a meaningful way that they crave. This was reinforced to me recently when I met with a group of high school students in New York. During our conversation, they stressed the need for relevant learning and a more significant purpose, something that isn’t always emphasized in the curriculum. The image below captures the essence of what school should be in the eyes of those we serve.

Now, I am not saying that knowledge and recall don’t have their place. They certainly do, especially at the lower elementary level. However, we need to ask ourselves what was gleaned of value from our experiences being “schooled” and then put ourselves in the shoes of our learners who have powerful computers in their pockets, access to AI, and can create elaborate content on a drop of a dime. Yes, they still need teachers, even more so than in the past, who can help them construct new knowledge, self-regulate, overcome challenges, and see connections to what is learned in a real-world context. What they need less of is content dissemination, where passive consumption and regurgitation of facts have limited value in a disruptive world.   

Change is hard. Without honesty and vulnerability, it becomes even more difficult. While present challenges still remain in the form of time and a focus on standardized test scores, we must look for opportunities to honor students' voices and help them develop the competencies to engage in work that matters. This means personalizing the curriculum in ways that connect to what matters. While the tasks depicted in the image above are certainly important, we can’t discount the importance of competencies that will allow learners to thrive now and well into the future. In Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms, I identified six of these, which you can see below.

As I reminisced about the bygone era of encyclopedias, the purpose was to chart our journey to the present, where the Internet and artificial intelligence have revolutionized access to knowledge. It’s time for a fundamental transformation in education from the passive intake of information to a system emphasizing relevance, purpose, and the practical application of knowledge. Conversations with students confirm the craving for education that aligns with real-world needs and enables meaningful contributions. The time is now to evolve beyond traditional roles, fostering competencies that empower students to proactively navigate and shape the future. It calls for personalized curricula that respect and amplify student voices, preparing them for a world where adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking are paramount. Are you in?

Tips for Creating Must-Do/May-Do Tasks

As readers of my blog know, I am incredibly passionate about pedagogically-sound personalized learning. Who wouldn’t be excited about implementing strategies that support ALL learners getting what they need when and where they need it to succeed? What is even more intriguing is that there is no one best way to personalize, something I wrote extensively about in Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms and this recent blog post. While technology is a powerful tool that can be leveraged, it is not a prerequisite. Don’t get sucked into the narrative that students have to be on a device for it to be personalized.

As a presenter and coach, I show the value of various strategies educators can implement. I always point out that what might work for one person or classroom might not necessarily be the best fit for others. The key is to know your students in terms of interests, strengths, and areas for growth. Once a solid foundation has been established through sound Tier 1 instruction, the next course of action is to determine what high-agency practice will be employed. Choice is often one of the most preferred means to personalize. Don’t think you need to create an elaborate board.  A must-do/may-do menu is a great option that I see used more and more during my job-embedded coaching cycle.

Before implementing this personalized strategy, determine how the tasks will align with the standard(s) that are the focal point of the mini-lesson it will follow. Always remember the inherent value of tried-and-true instructional strategies where personalization can be integrated through student voice. The next step is to develop substantive tasks that all students must complete and choices they may engage in afterward.

Below are some general tips for creating a pedagogically sound list of activities that students must complete and then options to choose from, as well as effective implementation ideas.

• Develop a template and embed it in your learning management system (LMS) for easy access if digital tools are incorporated.
• Ensure alignment to the mini-lesson (content and concept specific) or areas of need (intervention).
• Shy away from all tech options.
• Include a challenging and relevant task(s).
• Try to avoid overloading with too many activities.
• Integrate an adaptive tool if available.
• Display a timer to aid in self-regulation and pacing.
• If possible, differentiate by having at least two variations.
• Use data to pull individuals for 1:1 support (Tier 3) when the entire class is working.
• Make time to monitor in between 1:1 support.
• End the lesson with a scaffolded closure task (i.e., exit ticket) for learner accountability and teacher feedback.

In the real world, individuals often have choices in how they approach tasks and projects. Must-do/may-do activities mirror this reality and prepare students for decision-making and time-management skills they will need later in life. Their value extends even further. In a diverse classroom, students have different strengths and weaknesses. Must-do/may-do activities provide flexibility for students to choose tasks that align with their abilities. This flexibility can reduce frustration for struggling students and prevent boredom for advanced ones.

As an option to personalize, must-do/may-do tasks are essential in the classroom because they create a more inclusive, engaging, and personalized learning environment. They support students at various competency levels, encourage autonomy, and prepare students for the complexities of the real world, all of which contribute to a more effective and enriching educational experience. Most of all, they can free up teacher time to support those learners who need it the most. 

Making Learning Personal: 5 Steps for Success

Learning is a deeply personal journey and tailoring it to individual needs and preferences is essential for fostering meaningful and effective education. Personalized learning increases engagement and helps learners develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. It all begins with understanding the learner's interests, something I dive deeply into in Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms. What are they passionate about? What do they want to learn more about? Once you know the learner's interests, you can tailor the learning experience to them.

Below are five things to consider, which can help make learning personal and empower students to take ownership of their education.

Establish Clarity

To make learning personal, educators should establish clear learning targets that are both challenging and achievable for students. These should align with the standard(s) being addressed and the student’s current knowledge and skills, ensuring they feel the appropriate cognitive flexibility without becoming overwhelmed. Clarity provides a sense of purpose, direction, and motivation, allowing students to measure their progress and take pride in their accomplishments. When facilitating Tier 1 instruction, look to impart relevance during the opening minutes through a well-designed anticipatory set. At the conclusion, have the students reflect on how they will use what they learned outside the classroom as part of a closure task.

Determine Individual Needs

Data is the best tool educators can use to determine what a learner needs to succeed. There are so many sources to pull from, such as common formative assessments, routine benchmarks, and adaptive tools. You can even leverage data from exit tickets. By identifying both areas for growth and strengths, educators can begin to map out specific personalized pedagogical pathways that focus on customized supports. They can also adapt their teaching methods and materials to cater to the diverse needs of their students.

Emphasize choice and autonomy

Empowering students with choice and autonomy is a fundamental aspect of personalized learning. When students have the freedom to choose topics, tasks, projects, or how to demonstrate understanding, they become more invested in their learning. Educators can provide a range of options within the curriculum, allowing students to pursue their passions and explore their strengths while meeting educational objectives through choice activities, playlists, specific digital tools, dry-erase surfaces, and must-do/may-do options. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for their learning.

Provide Continuous Feedback and Support

Learning that is personal ensures continuous feedback and support to students. Constructive feedback helps learners understand their strengths and areas for improvement, allowing them to adjust their strategies and take initiative in their learning journey. It should be timely, specific, and practical, where educators maintain open lines of communication, offering guidance and resources tailored to each student's needs. Also, fostering a growth mindset, where students understand that learning involves setbacks and challenges, can help them persevere and succeed.

Adapt and Evolve

Making learning personal is an ongoing process that requires adaptability, evolution, and growth. As students grow and change, so should their educational experiences. Educators should be willing to adapt their teaching methods and materials based on feedback and assessment results while connecting relevant trends and issues. Technology can also play a significant role in creating a personal touch, offering adaptive learning platforms and tools that cater to individual progress and needs.

The best classroom management strategy is sound pedagogy. Making learning personal can help establish attentive behavior while creating an environment where students want to work. Here are some practical tips that can be leveraged during every lesson:

• Integrate a hook at the beginning of class.
• Use technology to create interactive and engaging learning experiences.
• Connect learning to the learner's real-world experiences.
• Encourage learners to reflect on their learning and set goals for themselves.
• Celebrate the learner's successes.

Personalized learning is a powerful approach to education that recognizes the uniqueness of each student. Educators can create an environment where students are actively engaged and take ownership of their learning by assessing learning preferences, establishing clarity, offering choice and autonomy, providing continuous feedback and support, and adapting to changing needs. Ultimately, personalized learning enhances academic achievement and fosters a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

The Role of Content in Classrooms Today

Reflecting on my days as a student, I recall how the subject matter was the primary focus in every class. Whether delivered through lectures in college, direct instruction during K-12 education, or occasionally gleaned from textbooks and encyclopedias, it permeated every aspect of learning. Upon closer examination, it becomes evident that information, in the form of content, held a central role in all my classes. The routine was consistent: my peers and I would receive information and then be assigned tasks to showcase our comprehension, occasionally even constructing new knowledge. Essentially, the objective was to excel in exams.

I don't intend to undermine the value of content or curriculum; it serves as the foundation for progressing from basic to advanced learning levels. Indeed, mastering essentials such as letters and numbers is crucial for delving into language arts and mathematics, respectively. However, with the advancement of technology, learners can easily access content and information using various devices as they move through the education system. When considering artificial intelligence (AI), Alexa, Siri, and well-thought-out Internet searches, there is no end to how readily content can be accessed. This prompts the question: How significant is content truly in a knowledge-driven economy evolving rapidly due to technological strides?

Contemporary learners exhibit less compliance and conformity compared to earlier generations, and rightfully so. Whether engaged in authentic or pertinent learning, students naturally seek the underlying purpose and justification, an entirely reasonable sentiment. When content is imbued with purpose and applied in authentic ways to foster fresh insights, learners can articulate:

• What they've learned
• The rationale behind their learning
• The practical application of this knowledge both within and outside of educational contexts

Pertinent and purposeful instruction empowers students to leverage their knowledge to tackle multifaceted real-world challenges, often possessing multiple solutions. This shift in approach is pivotal and represents a move from instruction (what the teacher does) to learning (what the student does). Engaging in learning encourages students not merely to accumulate knowledge but to employ it for practical ends. Many aspire to apply their knowledge to address intricate real-world issues, creating projects, designs, and other tangible outcomes applicable to real-life scenarios. As I shared in Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms, the value of content is intrinsically linked to how it's utilized to foster purpose-driven thinking and application, which are both hallmarks of personalized learning.

While being adept at trivia might be advantageous for a game show like Jeopardy, its utility in real life is limited. Given the heightened stakes of today, it's imperative that we critically assess our methods to facilitate growth and enhancement. Nurturing a sense of purpose among our learners is a collective objective that will undeniably yield enduring benefits for their future endeavors.

Why Choice in Learning Matters

Do you like being told or directed to do something a certain way even though you know it doesn’t align with your innate strengths, interests, or learning preference? Pretty frustrating, right? It becomes even more of an obstacle to growth if you know how to demonstrate understanding but aren’t afforded different pathways to articulate a response. Choice matters when it comes to learning if that is the ultimate goal. The key is first to be open to giving up some control and understanding that, in many cases, there isn’t always one right way to demonstrate competency.

While educators can leverage many high-agency strategies, choice might be the most essential element of personalization because it allows students to take ownership of their own learning in so many different ways. When students have a say in what they learn, how they learn, and when they learn, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. They are also more likely to see the relevance of their learning to their own lives and interests. Most importantly, when they are able to demonstrate understanding on their own terms, it builds invaluable confidence in their abilities.

I shared the following in Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms:

Choice is the great differentiator that helps meet the needs of all learners.

There are many ways to incorporate choice as a means to personalize. For example, students can choose their own learning:

• Goals by involving them in setting individual goals, working with a group to set group goals, or choosing from a set of pre-determined goals.
• Materials such as a variety of textbooks, articles, websites, technology, or other resources to assist with or demonstrate learning.
• Activities such as hands-on activities, simulations, projects, or tasks in a choice board, playlist, or must-do/may-do list. During Tier 1 instruction, there are opportunities where students can choose to show their understanding using individual whiteboards or dry-erase surfaces (text, drawings) or technology (video, audio, drawing, text, images, etc.).
• Pace by setting their own deadlines for completing assignments, projects, or when working on a personalized task.

In my work with principal Nicki Slaugh and her Quest Academy Junior High School staff, student choice as a high-agency strategy has begun to flourish. Below you can see a few examples. I also encourage you to check out these posts from Wells Elementary (TX), Snow Horse Elementary (UT), Juab School District (UT), and the Corinth School District (MS).

Giving students a choice in their learning can be a challenge, but it is worth the effort. While some might see it as more work or just another thing to do, once you find a schedule that works for you, choice can be integrated routinely, even if it is once a week. When students have a say in their learning, they are more likely to succeed. Here are some of the benefits of giving students choices in their learning:

• Increased engagement and motivation
• Improved understanding of the relevance of learning
• Increased self-regulation and direction
• Enhanced problem-solving skills
• Increased creativity and innovation
• Improved critical thinking skills

If you are interested in incorporating choice into your classroom, here are a few tips:

• Start small. Try to do only a little at a time.
• Be clear about your expectations. Let students know what they need to learn and how they will be assessed.
• Provide students with a variety of choices. This will help ensure that everyone can find something they are interested in.
• Be flexible. Be willing to adjust your plans based on student feedback.
• Celebrate student choices. When students make good choices, be sure to let them know.
• Share templates and ideas. Don't reinvent the wheel. Leverage your best resource, which is other educators invested in the work.  

Giving students choices in their learning can be a powerful way to improve their engagement, motivation, and understanding. If you are looking for ways to personalize your classroom, I encourage you to give choice a try. For an array of strategies, check out this post.

How Pace Benefits All Learners

When you think about how you learn best, what comes to mind? Your response most likely flies in the face of how you were taught, and the same could be said of students today. If all kids are doing the same thing, the same way, at the same time, the experience is more impersonal than personal. It might work for some, but definitely not all. Learning is a process, not an event. It is more about the experience as opposed to a single lesson, curriculum, or assessment. So, what does or can, this look and feel like? In Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms, I defined personalization as ALL learners getting what they need, when and where they need it, to succeed. Time is a critical element in this process. 

Pacing is an essential element of personalized learning because it allows all students to thrive. By enabling students to learn at their own pace, personalization ensures that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Pacing is critical when it comes to personalized pedagogy because it affects a number of factors that are essential for learning, including:

• Students learn at different paces. Not all students learn at the same rate. Some students may need more time to process information, while others may be able to learn more quickly. 
• Pacing can impact engagement. When students are able to learn at their own pace, they are more likely to be invested in the learning process. This is because they are not forced to keep up with a group that is moving too quickly for them or to wait for a group that is moving too slowly.
• Pacing can affect understanding. When students are able to learn at their own pace, they are more likely to comprehend the material. This is because they have the time to process the information and to ask questions if they do not understand something.
• Pacing can increase motivation. When students see they are making progress, they are more likely to be empowered to continue learning. This is because they feel like they are in control of their own learning and capable of succeeding, which is a crucial tenant of ownership.

In addition to these reasons, pacing is also vital for personalized learning because it allows students to focus on their strengths and interests. When students can learn at their own pace, they can spend more time on concepts they are interested in while concentrating more on areas of perceived difficulty. This can help them to develop essential competencies in those areas. Overall, pace is critical to personalized learning because it allows all students to succeed. 

There are a number of ways to implement pacing in personalized learning. One way is to use a variety of learning activities that allow students to learn at different levels and at different paces. For example, some students learn best by reading, while others learn best by listening to lectures or doing hands-on activities. By providing a variety of learning activities, teachers can ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn at their own pace.

Another way to implement pacing in personalized learning is to use technology. Several software programs allow teachers to create personalized learning plans for their students. These programs can track students' progress and adjust the pace of learning accordingly.

Here are some tips for pacing in personalized learning:

• Start by assessing students' individual needs. This will help you to determine how much time each student needs to learn the material. Consider common formative assessments, routine benchmarks, or the regular use of adaptive learning tools to get and then act on quality data. With useable data at their fingertips, educators can group, regroup, differentiate, target instruction, and implement Response to Intervention (RTI) with fidelity based on need. 
• Implement a variety of learning activities. This will allow students to learn at different levels and at different paces. Sound pedagogical strategies such as station rotation, choice activities, playlists, and flipped lessons can be leveraged. 
• Be flexible. Be willing to adjust the pace of the learning as needed. Consider using timers during tier 1 instructional activities as well as more robust pedagogical tasks.
• Provide regular feedback. This will help students to track their progress and to stay motivated.

Pace is a critical element of personalization because it allows students to exhibit more ownership of their learning. This is important because not all students learn at the same rate. Some students may need more time to process information, while others may be able to learn more quickly. By allowing students to learn at their own pace, personalized learning ensures that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Keep these tips in mind so you can ensure that the pace of personalized learning is appropriate for your students and that they are able to learn effectively.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Leaders

You would be hard-pressed not to have heard how AI is evolving at such a fast rate. Tools like ChatGBT and Google Bard weren’t even a thing before 2023. With any innovation, there is both excitement and fear. While there is room for caution, leaders can tap into the power of AI. As I shared in Digital Leadership, evolving technology enables and empowers leaders to seize the moment and look for ways to fundamentally improve teaching, learning, and leadership.

Peer-reviewed research

Educators want a compelling why that imparts value when it comes to change. Look no further than using AI to conduct queries on any aspect of educational practice, such as grading, pedagogy, professional learning communities, virtual learning, or the use of technology. Be sure to specify that you are looking for peer-reviewed research that supports the practice you are trying to implement or change.

Observation comment library

Writing up observations can be a tedious process. To ease the burden as a principal, I would spend my summers developing a document containing concise commentary on virtually every strategy addressed in our observation and evaluation tool. I would then reference this when it was time to write everything up before the post-conference. AI can be used to create short narratives on any practice that you are evaluating your staff on, many of which are showcased in Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms. For example, you can ask why cooperative learning is a sound strategy and how to implement it correctly. 

Streamline communication

Artificial intelligence (AI) can streamline communication and collaboration among leaders and their respective staff. For example, you can use it to:

• Schedule meetings: AI can automatically suggest meeting times that work for building or district teams, all staff, departments, or PLCs. This saves time and hassle and helps ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Assign tasks: AI can automatically assign tasks within your leadership team based on their skills and availability. This helps ensure that tasks are completed on time and that everyone is contributing to the task(s) at hand.
• Provide updates on change efforts: AI can automatically generate progress reports related to strategic planning, implementation of initiatives, professional learning, and facilities updates. This can help all leaders stay on top of their work and identify potential problems.

Tools like Bard and ChatGBT can be invaluable as part of your leadership toolbox. They can help save time, reduce errors, and ensure everyone is working towards the same goals. AI-powered chatbots can be used to answer questions, provide information, and resolve problems. This can free up people to focus on more complex tasks. Project-management tools with embedded AI can help to track progress, manage tasks, and collaborate on documents. This can help to improve efficiency and coordination. Finally, AI can provide a boost to analytics that can be used to track communication patterns, identify areas for improvement, and make recommendations.

Personalized feedback

AI can generate human-like responses tailored to individuals' specific needs and preferences. This can lead to increased engagement and satisfaction among your leadership team and staff, leading to increased productivity and efficiency. Here are some ways it can personalize the feedback process.

• Provide tailored responses: AI can analyze someone’s work and provide feedback tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. This can help people improve their performance and to feel more supported.
• Suggest resources: AI can suggest resources relevant to someone’s interests or needs. This can help team members learn new skills, stay current on education trends, and find solutions to problems.
• Resolve issues: AI can be used to resolve issues between staff members. This can improve communication and collaboration and create a more positive work environment.

By providing personalized feedback, suggesting resources, and resolving issues, AI can help educators feel more supported and valued. This can lead to increased productivity and efficiency, benefiting the entire organization.

While AI has potential pitfalls, leaders can harness its power to become more effective and efficient. It can improve communication, lead to a reduced sense of stress by taking routine tasks off your plate, and help to build trust with staff. With AI as a leadership tool, time will be freed up so you can be more human.

Tackling Roadblocks to Change

Change is hard because it requires us to step outside of our comfort zone and into the unknown. It means letting go of the familiar and embracing something new. This can be a scary and uncertain process, which is why many people resist change.

There are many reasons why people resist change. Some people are afraid of the unknown. They may worry about what will happen if they change, and they may not be confident in their ability to adapt to new situations. Others may be resistant to change because it requires them to give up something they are comfortable with. For example, a person who is used to working from home may be resistant to the idea of going back to the office.

Change can also be difficult because it requires us to learn new things. This can be a challenge, especially if we are not used to change. Learning new things takes time and effort, and it can be frustrating when we don't see results immediately. However, in a disruptive world, it is a must. 

There are many reasons why change in education is so hard. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Lack of resources. Schools often lack the resources they need to implement new changes, such as funding, training, and time.
• Resistance to change. Teachers, administrators, and parents may be resistant to change for a variety of reasons, such as fear of the unknown, lack of trust in new approaches, or concerns about the impact of change on students.
• Bureaucracy. The education system is often slow to change due to its complex bureaucracy. This can make it difficult to implement new initiatives and get them off the ground.
• Political pressure. Schools are often under political pressure to maintain the status quo. This can make it difficult to implement changes that are seen as being too radical or controversial.
• The need for evidence. Schools often need to see evidence that a new approach is effective before they are willing to adopt it. This can be a challenge, as it can take time to collect and analyze data on the effectiveness of new programs.

Despite these challenges, there are many examples of successful educational change, which I have highlighted in Digital Leadership. These changes often involve a combination of factors, such as strong leadership, a clear vision, and the support of key stakeholders. By understanding the reasons why change is so hard, we can better support efforts to improve our schools.

Here are some additional tips for making change in education more successful:

• Start small. Don't try to change everything at once. Start with small, achievable goals that can be implemented quickly and easily.
• Get embracement from stakeholders. Make sure that teachers, administrators, parents, and other stakeholders are on board with the change before you implement it.
• Provide training and support. Teachers and administrators need training on how to implement new changes effectively. They also need support from their colleagues and administrators as they go through the process of change.
• Measure the impact of change. Collect data on the impact of the change to make sure that it is having the desired effect. This data can be used to make further improvements to the change.
• Be patient. Change takes time. Don't expect to see results overnight. Be patient and persistent, and eventually, you will see the benefits of change.

Despite the challenges, change can be a positive thing. It can help us to grow and learn, and it can lead to new opportunities. If we can learn to embrace change, we can open ourselves up to a world of possibilities.