Thursday, July 27, 2017

Scope and Sequence Implementation

The problem with scope and sequence implementation is that essentially, at scale, no one implements their scope and sequence. Don’t protest, this is common knowledge.

But here is the deal, when it comes to scope and sequence implementation, campus leadership has three choices.  In rank order these choices are:

1. Commit, train, support and monitor full fidelity implementation. This is the optimal solution.  And schools that do this, consistently outperform schools that do not. Don’t protest, this is common knowledge.

2. Do not implement a scope and sequence. I am not suggesting that you do this.  But if your campus is affluent, your students will meet minimum standards with or without you. Don’t protest, this is common knowledge.

3. Implement only part of the scope and sequence.  This is typical practice.  You should avoid this option at costs.  It guarantees eventual failure.  And it is not the fault of the scope and sequence.  It is pure implementation failure.  Implementing parts of a scope and sequence is like trying to fly a plane that has only one wing.  The only assured result is a spectacular crash.    

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...
  • Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com!  http://tinyurl.com/Fundamental5 
  • Upcoming Conference Presentations: The Fundamental 5 National Summit (Keynote) 
  • Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Timer (Fundamental 5 Delivery Tool); PowerWalks CLC (Networked Formative Observation Tool) 
  • Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

A Reader Asks... Campus Administration Survival Skills

A LYS Assistant Principal asks the following:

SC,

What knowledge or skills help a campus leader move through a range of demands and decisions required to efficiently and effectively manage operations and resources?

SC Response
Great question that has a two-part answer.

Part 1: Experience.  The principalship represents the greatest learning curve in education.  To go from having input in decisions or limited decision making authority to being responsible for the performance and behavior of students and staff, 24/7 is at first overwhelming.  For the first year principal, everything is new, everything must be reviewed and the pace is relentless. Which is why, all things be equal, the experienced principal gets hired over the in-experienced assistant principal in most districts.

Part 2: After experience, here are the basic skills, understanding and characteristics that any decent principal must have.

1. The ability to deal with people, especially difficult people.

2. The ability to manage up.

3. A solid understanding of pedagogy.

4. A solid understanding of effective literacy practice.

5. A solid understanding of basic data analysis and adjustment practices.

6. A solid understanding of how to build and manage a flexible budget.

7. A burning desire to recruit staff and build successful teams.

8. The discipline and fortitude to fire.

9. A fundamental need to compete.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...
  • Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com!  http://tinyurl.com/Fundamental5 
  • Upcoming Conference Presentations: The Fundamental 5 National Summit (Keynote) 
  • Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Timer (Fundamental 5 Delivery Tool); PowerWalks CLC (Networked Formative Observation Tool)
  • Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Coming Soon... My New Book

I'm happy to announce that I have a new book that will be released within the next two months.  The title is, “On School Vouchers: Honest Arguments in a Debate of Lies.”

The book is a compilation of the posts I have written on the topic over the last three years. 

My goals for the book are two-fold. First, is to educate the non-educator on why school vouchers are bad public policy, in spite of political rhetoric they are bombarded with daily.

Second, is to provide assistance to you, the public school educator. The book will be a slate of compelling arguments to share with our constituents, friend and neighbors.

The battle against school vouchers is an unfair fight.  The Anti-Public School Politician is bound by neither truth nor a commitment to the common good.  Hopefully, this book can tilt the argument back towards public schools a little bit.

It will be available as a paperback and a Kindle e-book. I’ll announce the release date as soon as I know more. 

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...
  • Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com!  http://tinyurl.com/Fundamental5 
  • Upcoming Conference Presentations: The Fundamental 5 National Summit (Keynote) 
  • Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Timer (Fundamental 5 Delivery Tool); PowerWalks CLC (Networked Formative Observation Tool) 
  • Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook