In a recent Gallup article, Jim Clifton writes that based on over 100 million employee interviews, the most engaged teams find the difference is “just the manager.” In school terms, we talk about how principals as managers can make a difference by being a restorative coach. It takes an intentional casual approach to conversations, connections …
Category: Uncategorized
Aug 15
BIPOC students don’t receive informal mentoring at school – podcast August 24
The problem presented in the Education Week article (see link below) is that white teachers don’t set up informal mentoring with black or Latino students. BIPOC students are missing out on trusted caring adult relationships. “It isn’t that you have to have all the answers. It was the fact that they (students) trusted that they …
Aug 15
Marginalized students’ attendance rates dropping in the pandemic – Season 1 Final Podcast August 31
BIPOC students are absent from school at higher rates than white students. As one high school student recounted “I feel like a ghost at school. I don’t even know if the teacher knows my name.” (Shelley) According to Attendance Works (see link below), “it requires nurturing feelings of belonging to school in the spring for …
Dec 31
“This or That” – a game with a restorative twist
Learners will experience a lively way to connect quickly and learn about others
on a virtual platform, beginning by responding to more silly and low-risk
prompts, and moving towards prompts that elicit more personal sharing and
deeper reflection.
Oct 06
“End racism in our schools” is a California-based approach which centres on relationships
“Relationship-centered schools combine social-emotional learning with academics, help all students reach their full potential, offer the capacity and working conditions necessary for staff to develop meaningful relationships with students, address trauma, build resilience, confront bias, and distribute leadership among students, parents, and staff.” Use these 3 steps: Value student voice. Invest in staff. Create space …
Aug 30
Promising Practices Brief:Improving Student Engagement and Attendance During COVID-19 School Closures
“The brief provides a resource to
states and districts on promising practices in measuring
and improving attendance and engagement during
extended school closures.”
Aug 03
Planning for the Next Normal at School: Keeping students, staff, and families safe and healthy
Here’s a guiding playbook with practical suggestions like taking time for check ins to build community and trauma informed practices like restorative practice.
Apr 01
With the COVID-19 pandemic, focus on student well being by putting compassion ahead of content
“As schools across the country remain closed, students with trauma, difficult home situations, and anxiety need support now more than ever.”