Lead Your School

Top Ten Elementary Schools - Student Excellence (LYS Performance Score)

2012-01-27T05:46:00.003-06:00

The following list presents the ten elementary schools that had the greatest percentage of their fragile learners score at the Commended level on all sections of the TAKS test (2010/2011).

10. Dyess ES* (Abilene ISD)

9. Aloe ES# (Victoria ISD)

8. Gonzalez ES* (Edinburg CISD)

7. Homer Drive ES* (Beaumont ISD)

6. Devers ES# (Devers ISD)

5. Rising Star ES# (Rising Star ISD)

4. Country Place ES* (Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD)

3. Hobby ES* (Houston ISD)

2. Lyons ES* (Houston ISD)

1. Canterbury ES* (Edinburg ISD)

* = TEA Exemplary / # = TEA Recognized

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Middle School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

Top Ten Elementary Schools - Student Competency (LYS Performance Score)

2012-01-26T05:47:00.002-06:00

The following list represents the ten elementary schools that had the greatest percentage of their fragile learners pass all sections of the TAKS test (2010/2011).

10. Vega ES* (Vega ISD)

9. Walnut Springs ES* (New Braunfels ISD)

8. Panhandle ES* (Carson ISD)

7. Lone Oak ES* (Hunt ISD)

6. Winborn ES* (Katy ISD)

5. Lamar ES* (Amarillo ISD)

4. Lawn ES* (Jim Ned CISD)

3. Becker ES* (Austin ISD)

2. Burrus ES* (Houston ISD)

1. Tice ES* (Galena Park)

* = TEA Exemplary

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Middle School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

Overall Top Ten Texas Elementary Schools - LYS Performance Scores

2012-01-25T05:59:00.006-06:00

For the record, I am an advocate for school accountability. I believe in keeping score, raising the bar and the constant pursuit (and redefining) of excellence. I love winning. But more importantly, I don’t fear losing. There is a profound sense of calm that comes when you give your absolute all and still come up short. For a brief time, your limit is clear and your next goal is just sitting there, barely beyond your grasp. That being said, I also recognize that nearly all school ranking systems suffer from a mathematical and philosophical flaw that make their objective use nearly impossible.

The flaw? Nearly all rating systems are weighted to benefit schools with the greatest number of affluent students. In practical terms, this means that affluent schools are under assessed and poor schools are over assessed. You are, of course, encouraged to debate this, but do know that I have been studying this bias to systems for a long, long time.

Now, as experienced LYSers know, it is poor leadership to point out problems and not have a viable solution or recommended course of action. So as many of you are aware, and as was alluded to in the 1/12/2012 post, “The Power of LYS Doctrine,” we have a campus ranking solution. LYS ranks campuses based on their performance in the face of adversity. Essentially, the tougher row you have to hoe, the more credit you receive. Some of the adversity factors that are considered in the LYS formula include grade levels, campus size, LEP populations, Economic Disadvantage populations, true academic competency, and true academic excellence.

We don’t share this information with the general public (and even most educators) because, frankly, most people don’t understand what we are measuring, why we are measuring it, and how to interpret the results. However, a number of you have requested that I share the Top 10 list (Texas) just so you know what is the standard and what schools you should chase. That argument is appealing and is in line with my competitive nature. So, over the next couple of days I will present the schools in Texas that are the tops in getting exceptional student performance in the face of significant external adversity. First up, the overall top ten elementary schools (2010/2011).

10. Sutton Elementary* (Houston ISD)

9. Aoy Elementary* (El Paso ISD)

8. Kennedy Elementary* (Houston ISD)

7. White Elementary* (Houston ISD)

6. JP Henderson Elementary* (Houston ISD)

5. Ramirez Elementary* (Rio Grande City ISD)

4. Park Place Elementary* (Houston ISD)

3. Hobby Elementary* (Houston ISD)

2. Lyons Elementary* (Houston ISD)

1. Field Elementary# (Dallas ISD)

* = TEA Exemplary / # = TEA Recognized

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Upcoming 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Middle School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

A LYS Principal Shares... Semester Targets

2012-01-24T06:43:00.006-06:00

A LYS Principal shares her campus goals for the Spring semester.

LC,

On January 2, our grade level teams met and set team goals. Without getting into specifics of baseline data and measurements, their goals are as follows:

Kindergarten: We will plan a critical writing/thinking product in one subject area three times a week.
1st grade: We will incorporate more critical writing using vocabulary in math.
2nd grade: We will incorporate one critical writing product per day.
3rd grade: We will develop academic vocabulary through critical writing products two times per week per subject.
4th grade: Our goal is to increase our team average in Recognize and Reinforce from 41% to 50%.

As you can see, almost all teams want to focus on critical writing. We will be planning for these experiences during our Tuesday afternoon whole campus PLC/staff meetings.

SC Response

Excellent! You have started out on the right foot. Make sure that you monitor and review progress on a frequent basis. A goal without follow-up is simply a creative writing exercise. Here is one, small suggestion (use at your discretion).

1^st Grade – “More” is subjective. Put a number on the goal. It’s transforms the statement from a suggestion into a target.

Do that and you are golden. All that is left for you and your staff is to do it. Make everyone proud!

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Upcoming 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Middle School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

Top LYS Tweets from the Week of January 15, 2012

2012-01-22T21:05:00.004-06:00

I was talking to a group of teachers about using bootleg technology in their classrooms. As a group they were open to idea but there was one universal factor that was holding them back. They were waiting for the district to buy the equipment. The consensus opinion was, “I can’t wait to integrate all this new stuff, but if I’m going to use technology at work, the district needs to provide it.”

As I told the group, I agree that it would be nice if the district gave them each an I-pad. But even if the district was willing, the most prudent thing they could do is say “No” and still buy their own.

If you are asking why (like they were), you are obviously new to the blog, so I will give you the short version of a long answer.

The power of bootleg technology is how portable it is, how powerful it is, and how it seamlessly integrates into all facets of your life. And there is the rub. On my I-phone and I-pad I have everything I am currently listening to and reading. I could also download everything I want to watch (I need to use my Netflix account or cancel it). Right now as I type this I am listening to an unedited version of a popular song (the singer seems to be somewhat angry and obviously desires some female companionship). I have a thriller that I am reading that includes murder, profanity, drug smuggling and again, the successful pursuit of female companionship by the protagonist. If I used my Netflix account, I know that some of the movies that I want to see are rated “R.” I take my I-pad and I-phone everywhere I go, but that is OK, because I own it.

But let’s say I work for a school and the school owns my I-Pad. I know I would not download the movies, that’s an obvious no-brainer. But my music would end up on the device, and honestly I never know which version of the song I’m buying (radio or uncut) so that is always a gamble. I would have what I’m reading on the device and honestly I don’t know if and when the action in a work of fiction will become mature. Still you might think this isn’t a big deal because you aren’t going to let your students use your device. But it’s not the students I’m worried about. It’s the crazy parent, community member or colleague. Because when the school owns the device, everything on it is public information. So you are minding your own business, working hard, teaching kids and the local nut case wants to prove how lazy, immoral and wasteful educators are and makes a public information request of what content is loaded on the district I-pads that teachers use. This information will be used out of context, but it doesn’t matter. Now you have to prove you aren’t sexist and profane with questionable morals. Or you can simply own the tools that make you more productive.

A number of you in the LYS Nation are now using your own bootleg technology devices to follow Twitter. If you haven’t done so yet, we want you to join us. To let you see what you are missing, here are the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of January 15, 2012, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse.

1. Tom Bean Middle School named National School to Watch. World Class School - World Class Practice!

2. Great Definition of Critical Writing: A Planned Prompt That Focuses and Connects Thinking.

3. More education increases IQ scores. Yet people still think that how we teach doesn't matter.

4. Unless you are better at scheduling emergencies than I am, the part-time nurse option seems like a huge gamble.

5. LYS Principal quote: "I would never compare monkeys to politicians. I like monkeys.

6. Marble Falls MS had another awesome training day on the Fundamental 5 with Sean Cain of the LYS Nation! Sean does an excellent job of modeling the Fundamental 5! (By @principalschu)

7. Article states, "NCLB's Promise Falls Short." Why is this a surprise when the majority of our field either ignored or fought it?

8. Every teacher who claims students don't respond to recognition & reinforcement can't be more wrong.

9. Prepping "Fundamental 5 for Parents" training. Here's to focused school/home partnerships!

10. I'm reading Sean's book now (The Fundamental 5) in advance of his visit to our region in February. Looking forward to implementing some ideas at our high school. (By @tlonganecker)

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Upcoming 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Middle School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

A Reader Shares... More Accolades in the LYS Nation

2012-01-20T06:56:00.005-06:00

A long time reader shares,

SC,

As a believer in the LYS Nation and faithful reader of your daily blog/post, I wanted to submit some information on our middle school here at Tom Bean ISD. As you well know, Tom Bean Middle School Principal, Dewitt Smith, is a huge follower and LYS administrator. Last week it was announced that Tom Bean Middle School is one of six Texas "Schools to Watch" and will be showcased and presenting at the Texas Middle School Associations Annual Conference held in Galveston, Texas in March and at the National Schools to Watch Conference held in Washington, D.C. this June.

Here are some of the observations of the selection committee:

TBMS knows and articulates the academic outcomes they seek.
TBMS takes deliberate steps to help students achieve those outcomes by making strategic changes in curriculum, teaching, and school services.
TBMS sets benchmarks for implementing their strategies, and hold themselves accountable for specific results—data guide instructional planning and campus decisions.
TBMS strategically concentrates its energies on important focus areas.
TBMS has strong, visionary leaders who can articulate challenging goals, and motivate faculty and staff to reach those goals.

I have attached a link to our local news that did a great news piece as well as a written article on their website. When you watch the video, pay careful attention to the book showcased on the right side of the screen over the edge of Mr. Smith's shoulder. It’s a little free publicity for "The Fundamental 5"!!! I thought you might enjoy this.

The video is located on the far upper right had side of the front page of the website: http://www.kxii.com/news

SC Response

This is awesome news; news which has spread like wildfire. You can’t believe the number of people who are talking about TBMS. But even with this deserved recognition, what I love about Dewitt and the staff is that they are never satisfied. This is just one step in a continuous journey to redefine what is possible at their “little ol’ school.”

The video is great, and yes, the shot of “The Fundamental 5,” in Dewitt’s office is a classic.

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Upcoming 2012 Presentations: Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

Come Out and See Us in January!

2012-01-19T06:01:00.002-06:00

As we move into the last half of January, the LYS crew will be present at a number of big events. We will have a booth at the Oklahoma Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference and I will present at three sessions. We will also have a booth at the Texas Association of School Administrators Mid-Winter Conference. We don’t present at that conference because we have planning meeting with senior administrative teams from districts across the state. If you haven’t scheduled yours yet, we are almost completely booked. Call Jo (number below) if you want to reserve a slot. If you are new to the blog and are wondering if you should make the effort to stop by the booth or sit in on a presentation, below are some audience comments from our last presentation:

I thought the Fundamental 5 training did an excellent job of reminding us to not get caught up in all of the hoopla but rather to remember the foundations of teaching and work together in order to become better educators.
The Fundamental 5 presentation was very informative. I liked the way effective instructional strategies were broken down into an easy to understand and common sense approach.
Cain was very uplifting and had really interesting ideas about how to focus a lesson and get students to focus on what they are learning.
The training was relevant to the student population that I work with. I was able to use what I learned in the presentation yesterday in my classroom today.
I actually enjoyed it! Cain presented information that will actually be helpful in the classroom.
I thoroughly enjoyed Cain and think his ideas should be implemented everywhere in the district!
The speaker was very informative about good teaching practices. He was a very engaging speaker.

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

STAAR, EOC and Final Grades - Part 2

2012-01-18T06:54:00.002-06:00

In response to the 1/10/2012 post, “A Reader Asks... STAAR, EOC and Final Grades,” A LYSer answered:

SC,

This is a complicated issue with no simple answer. When I say no simple answer, I mean every solution has a potential trap. Remember back in 2008-2009 when TEA tried to come up with a standardized GPA system for the state? Districts howled and went to the attorney general, who ruled TEA had no authority to mingle into the affairs of GPA. Now the legislature has put their feet into the GPA quicksand, but offered no guidance in statute. And guess what, TEA is also silent on the issue. Given their 2008 experience with the GPA and grading, I can't say I blame them.

There are two basic questions you have to ask. First, how will we include the 15% EOC scores into the final grade? You have two starting points: an average, or a "bin" approach.

The average is simply taking an EOC raw score and converting it to a percentage. For example, if the EOC test has 50 questions and the student gets 25 questions right, that could be considered a 50, a failing score. Of course the EOC is a standardized test, so 25 questions may be deemed passing by TEA, yet you just assigned a failing score. Of course you could always normalize or "curve" the scores in some fashion, but that brings it's own new level of complexity. If you use the average method with or without any type of curve, understand that the TEA passing standards are likely to change for years to come, meaning you will have to continuously adjust your calculation system. Not fun, in my opinion.

The next approach is a "bin" approach. TEA will assign three broad classifications to the EOC: Advanced Academic Performance, Satisfactory Academic Performance, and Unsatisfactory Academic Performance. For all students earning Advanced, a score of 100 is entered as the EOC grade and that becomes 15% of the final course grade. Satisfactory may be a 90, and Unsatisfactory could be assigned a 69. The actual numbers here are just examples, the idea is a single score is assigned based on the level of performance, not a calculated percentage. This method is immune to changing state standards. The down side is, if a student gets 100% of all questions right yet another student misses 1 question, these students are assigned the same grade as they both scored Advanced. This is not a problem for me, but some kids, and parents, play the GPA game to the hilt. We will address that in a moment.

Keep in mind that whether using the average or the bin approach, you have to determine if you will use partial credit. That is, if a student passes semester 1 with an 80, but fails semester two with a 50, do you give 1/2 credit? If you do, this will effect how you calculate the final course grade. Remember the law says the EOC must count 15% of the FINAL course grade. The law is silent on the issue of semester grades. I intend to use partial credit, so each semester grade will stand alone, and then a final grade will be calculated, using the bin approach for me. In my method credit will be awarded by semester, so the final grade has NO impact on credit. You will need to look at policy EI (LOCAL) to make sure it is consistent with partial credit practices.

Second, once you determine how you will deal with the 15% issue, you have to address the issue of GPA. This one is simple: Yes or No. That is, will you include the EOC score in the GPA calculation, Yes, or No. I have contacted several attorneys who have all assured me there is no requirement in law to include EOC scores in GPA. TEA says EOC "should" be reflected in GPA, but again, the attorneys have assured me TEA has no authority on the issue, which seems consistent with the 2008 GPA debacle, which is why I brought it up. I am going with NO, EOC will not be used in GPA calculations. Saying no gets around the problem I mentioned using the bin approach where two students get a different number of test questions correct yet are assigned the same grade. Parent squabble averted.

So for me, I am using a bin approach with scores of 100, 90 and 69 assigned for the three levels. Credit and GPA will be calculated based upon semester grades, not the final course grade. Using this method the final course grade is of no meaning or consequence and only the semester grades have any impact on the student at all. It fits the letter of the law, if not the intent.

Keep in mind you will need to look at EIC (LOCAL) and EI (LOCAL). You don't have to mention the details of how credit and GPA are calculated in policy. Policy can just flesh out the general idea and refer the public to the student handbook in order to find the details of calculation. This has obvious advantages.

I chose the method of bin and No to GPA because I truly see a no win in this for schools. Parents are going to soon figure out that the GPA and credit situation is inconsistent across the state. Literally millions of dollars ride on these issues in college admission and scholarships, and I am quite sure this EOC/GPA scenario has the potential to explode in the State’s face. Giving a monkey a hand grenade is not good for the monkey and will probably not be good for anyone in the vicinity. Not that I am drawing any similarities between the legislature and monkeys. I like monkeys.

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

Readers Write... STAAR, EOC and Final Grades - Part 1

2012-01-16T21:59:00.003-06:00

In response to the 1/10/2012 post, “A Reader Asks... STAAR, EOC and Final Grades,” LYSers answered:

SC,

Regarding EOC & 15%, be sure to check your local policy EIA.

And

SC,

Perhaps you've seen this? It’s ESC 10’s, SYNTHESIS OF FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSIONS RELATED TO 15% REQUIREMENT

http://portal.esc20.net/portal/page/portal/doclibraryroot/publicpages/STAAR/STAAR%20Administrators/B023F1FFAD2FB5EFE040640A06874CEC

After reading your last post, I thought it might be useful to the LYS Nation.

SC Response

Thanks, and way to step up!

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

Top LYS Tweets from the Week of January 8, 2012

2012-01-15T21:05:00.002-06:00

Even though I am an advocate for bootleg technology and computer assisted instruction, I do think it is important to remind everyone (especially educators) that technology is simply a tool that amplifies teacher effectiveness. Technology is not a teacher replacement. You would think that would be obvious to everyone, but it is not. Many non-educators see technology as a way to drastically cut education costs. Many sub-par education leaders see technology as a way to counteract the effect of poor teachers. And many poor teachers see technology as a way to manage “hard to teach” students. We in the profession must guard against these misconceptions and work to ensure that the following is never an option.

~ If the answer is put the student in front of the computer, then why do we need a highly trained, moderately paid professional in the classroom? ~

A number of you in the LYS Nation are now using your own bootleg technology devices to follow Twitter. If you haven’t done so yet, we want you to join us. To let you see what you are missing, here are the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of January 8, 2012, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse.

1. In a math class with too few graphing calculators. Teacher compensating by letting kids use their smart phones. 100% student engagement. Bootleg technology rules.

2. Any educators out there? Buy this book: The Fundamental 5, at Amazon.com. A must read by @LYSNation (By @mike_metz)

3. To not use the Fundamental 5 because you don't agree with them is convenience driven ignorance.

4. The constant introduction of the "new" without implementing the "old" perpetuates the misperception that awareness equals professional growth.

5. Gates Report: “Up to 6 teacher observations a year may be necessary.” LYS campuses average over 30 coaching observations per teacher. Still wonder why LYS campuses improve?

6. Best reason for campus standardized dress - increasing esprit de corp.

7. Worst reason for campus standardized dress - punishment.

8. When most of your GT students are white and/or affluent, you probably have some significant flaws in your selection process.

9. If you are concerned about student performance and student attendance, but use suspension for discipline, your concern is suspect.

10. Remember the E Don Brown lesson, "There is no such thing as a rational parent. It's our job to be the rational party."

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

A LYS Principal Shares... The Effect of the Fundamental 5

2012-01-13T06:59:00.005-06:00

A LYS Principal sent the following:

SC,

I wanted to share a few comments with you. We started the new semester reviewing Fundamental 5 data, both campus and individual. We also discussed our Fundamental 5 coaching initiative for this semester. As we finished the staff development session, my Band Director came up to me with his data and said, "Looks like I need to work on increasing critical writing in my classes".

Yes, my Band Director!!

Then, when I was in a science classroom doing a PowerWalk, I observed the teacher reviewing with students through the use of specific questions. The students were answering all of her questions correctly. The teacher stopped and told the class, "Wow, I am impressed that you remember so much from over the break!"

The same day, I stopped and asked a math teacher how her first day back was and she jokingly replied, "Great, they (students) must have had a great teacher before the break because they were remembering everything about cosine and sine. That stuff is hard, but they remember it."

Several others have shared similar information with us as well. The Fundamental 5 is alive and working here!!!

Thanks for all of your hard work and support.

SC Response

This is fantastic news! It validates what we know about the effect that the Fundamental 5 has on student learning and for the teacher provides anecdotal evidence (which drives perception) that things are improving. Just like we shared with the staff during the training, “You can teach what you always taught, just make these small adjustments and every student will learn more of what you are teaching.”

We will see you and your staff soon. Until then, keep up the hard work because now we are in instructional prime time.

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

An Old School LYSer Submits... The Power of LYS Doctrine

2012-01-12T07:02:00.004-06:00

An Old School LYSer submits the following:

SC,

I know that every day there are educators just joining the LYS Nation. Either new to the training and/or new to the blog, they are introduced to the terms Foundation Trinity, Fundamental 5, PowerWalks, and other components of our practice. They will hear and read about our successes (and our failures) and too many will find it easy to dismiss our doctrine as either too simple or too hard (funny how your critics can’t figure out the best way to dismiss you).

As you are well aware, you ran some number for me that showed the performance of my previous district, from pre-LYS practices, through LYS practices, and then (sadly) the abandonment of LYS practice after I, and other key LYSers, left to lead a larger district. Please share those same numbers with the LYS Nation; there is a lesson there for all of us.

SC Response

Below is the data summary you referenced. A brief explanation: 2006 was the year prior to your arrival. 2007 – 2010 are the years that you lead the district. In 2011, the district was under new leadership. Leadership that continues to de-emphasize the implementation of Foundation Trinity practices. It should also be noted that in 2010, your district successfully switched to a new common scope and sequence.

Year	Formula Score: Economic Disadvantaged TAKS - Pass All Sections	Formula Score: Economic Disadvantaged TAKS - Commended All Sections	LYS Performance Over Adversity Scale Score
2006: Pre-Foundation Trinity	60.0	4.18	110.8
2007	65.35	6.81	119.6
2008	70.92	11.24	131.54
2009	75.3	14.88	135.98
2010	81.14	11.46	143.51
2011: Foundation Trinity abandoned	77.22	12.78	143.1

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

School Closures, Who to Blame

2012-01-11T06:52:00.003-06:00

Across Texas, districts are having to close under-capacity schools. As one could guess, this has created staff and community anger. I’m not going to say that the anger is wrong, but where it is present, it is almost always misguided. Let’s look at the situation logically.

If a school is under-capacity, enrollment is declining, and there is room for the students at a nearby campus, closing the school is a rational decision. Why is this rational? Closing a small elementary campus can save between $400,000 and $1,000,000 a year in facility and support costs. So the decision to not close is actually detrimental to students, staff and the community. How, you ask? The saved money could be spent on instructional tools and training, which helps students. The saved money could be spent on staff compensation and benefits, which helps teachers. The saved money could pay off school debt, increase fund balance, or reduce taxes, which helps the community. Or you can fight to continue to spend money inefficiently.

Now let’s look at the situation illogically. Logic be damned. You’re angry and someone needs to know about it. Ok, I can respect that. Let’s just make sure we channel that anger towards the right parties. Should you be mad at the Superintendent? No, the job of the Superintendent is to maximize district resources for the benefit of the greatest number of students. Consolidating schools solve the very real financial problems currently facing individual districts.

Should you be mad at the School Board? No, the job of the school board is to balance the needs of the school system and the needs of the community. Consolidating schools solve the very real financial problems currently facing individual districts.

Now I know you are thinking, “Sean, if not the Superintendent and the School Board, who should I direct my anger towards?”

If you are in Texas, the answer is rather straightforward. Texas school districts are facing significant declines in funding, but this decline has nothing to do with the economy. The Texas economy is doing quite well. In Texas, the school funding crisis was created, either by design or incompetence. I’ll explain. Texas was doing a slightly less than adequate job of funding schools. Then Governor Rick Perry, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and the Republican members of the State House decided to revise the tax code. The stated plan was to reduce personal property tax rates and increase business tax rates. However, instead of increasing the business tax rate first and then reducing the personal property tax rate, in a stoke of political genius or incompetence, they attempted the reverse. They reduced the personal property tax rate, reducing education funding by billions. Then they tried to increase business taxes, but surprisingly, that attempt was derailed.

So you want to be angry, call the Governor, the Lt. Governor and your Republican State Senator and Representative. Let them know that your anger is based on emotion and sense of betrayal and you won’t forget when it comes time to write campaign donation checks and step into the voting booth.

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

A Reader Asks... STAAR, EOC, Finals and Grades

2012-01-10T06:57:00.002-06:00

A LYS Assistant Principal asks:

SC,

With the new EOC format and state-required 15% of final grade weighted into averages, we are unsure on how to address the awarding of credits at mid-term in the core classes when no score is yet available.

If students fail enough in the Fall where they are not able to make up ground in the Spring (especially depending on the EOC which would have to be weighted differently than 15% to compensate) then the chances are they will just give up and thus make dropout rates even a bigger issue.

How are LYS schools addressing these issues and what strategies are they employing in managing this dilemma with the current Freshman class?

SC Response

Those are some great questions. Instead of weighing in with my opinion, let’s toss this to the LYS Nation. Steve, Mike, John, Mike, Brandy, Trig, Jill, Bobby and all the rest of the LYS Texas High School crew, what are your answers?

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

Top LYS Tweets from the Week of January 1, 2012

2012-01-08T22:21:00.004-06:00

I believe that we expect our schools to do too much. If an organization is to be successful it must focus on its primary mission and continuously increase its staff's expertise in the core competencies of its business. In 21^st century education, I believe that this boils down to three areas. The Foundation Trinity, which is the intellectual infrastructure of a high performing instructional machine. The Fundamental 5, which is the “blocking and tackling” of expert instruction. And the purposeful integration of bootleg technology in our classrooms. Bootleg technology will change education. As teachers, we can either provide the blueprint for its effective use, or we can be replaced by it. I for one would prefer to rule the tool, instead of being ruled by it.

A number of you in the LYS Nation are now using your own bootleg technology devices to follow Twitter. If you haven’t done so yet, we want you to join us. To let you see what you are missing, here are the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of January 1, 2012, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse.

1. Second semester begins. Time to do challenging work. (By @blitzkrieg607)

2. Working to communicate that rigor can exist without high failure rates. Embrace the Fundamental 5. It is not paint by numbers instruction. (By @blitzkrieg607)

3. Great start to 2012 - did a radio interview today. The Fundamental 5 is the real deal!

4. BRILLIANT: College students listen to a lot of lectures—but research shows there are better ways to learn. (By @anniemurphypaul)

5. MFMS is better thanks to the LYS training. RT @LYSNation Great start to 2012 - worked with 90 new LYSers at Marble Falls MS today! (By @principalschu)

6. Great start to 2012 - did 2 newspaper interviews today. Inquiring minds want to know about the LYS Nation!

7. Love the Fundamental Five Book!! A must read and recipe for success! Happy 2012 to all of you and see you soon. (By @janet_wright)

8. @LYSNation I especially love the explanation of "knowing/doing gap"!! All schools need to share with educators!! (By @janet_wright)

9. BRILLIANT: IQ, long thought to be largely unchangeable after early childhood, can in fact be raised. (By @anniemurphypaul)

10. Unemployment rate with college degree, 4.1%; without a high school diploma,13.8%. (By @FareedZakaria)

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

LYS Principals Write... So What is Your Scheduling Alternative - Part 1

2012-01-06T08:52:00.004-06:00

In response to the 11/29/11 post, “So What is Your Scheduling Alternative,” LYS Principals are asking:

SC,

I would like to know more about the trimester schedule.

And

Where can I find more information on scheduling?

SC Response

Here are some critical facts you should know about trimesters and other schedules.

1. The eight period and nine period days only work on paper. It is a nightmare for students, teachers and instruction. For students, they have to keep up with content, homework and studying in eight to nine courses each day. Honestly, I can count on one hand the number of adults I know who can do nine things a day with both competence and high quality (I’m not one of them). Why would I expect a teenager to do better? For teachers, they face multiple preps, an endless series of starts and stops, and the unrelenting pressure of having to cram too much content into not enough time. But at least our politicians have increased class sizes and reduced support in order to make this task more manageable. As for instruction, I’ve yet to meet an educator that doesn’t understand that increasing time on task is critical to academic success. Yet in a nine period day, students spend 40 to 50 minutes a day just walking from class to class. Here’s my idea, instead of taking PE, just count the passing periods as a PE class. Now you have a ten period day. I don’t want to brag, but this may be my best idea ever.

2. With the trimester, students take five, 75-minute classes a day for twelve weeks. Now students have a manageable course load. And teachers only have four courses a day to prepare for and they actually have time to teach the content. So what could be the downside?

3. Here are the downsides. First, not a lot of schools run the trimester, so your school will be different. Therefore, if being part of the herd is part of your district’s culture, then don’t do this. Second, the adults who manage the schedule will have to burn the midnight oil three times a year instead of two times a year. Obviously, a completely unreasonable expectation... Oh yeah, the trimester is better for teachers and students.

4. Notice that I didn’t mention state tests. A lot of trimester detractors claim that the trimester doesn’t line up with state testing calendars. Interestingly, neither does the traditional semester calendar. But if believe that being exposed to all of the content prior to the test (trimester) is worse than not being exposed to all of the material before the test (semester), then keep doing what you have always done.

If anyone wants additional scheduling information or support, just call Jo (number below), she can set you up with a meeting with Former Principal of the World and Expert Scheduler, E. Don Brown.

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

A Reader Writes... Thanks for the Meeting

2012-01-05T07:24:00.001-06:00

An Old School LYS’er writes:

SC,

Thanks again for taking the time to listen and share your observations with me. It remains exciting to hear about what is really best for teachers and students. Thanks for all you and the LYS crew do to make sure that none are left without the best opportunity to succeed in the classroom and in life.

I appreciate your candor and enthusiasm for our craft. In reflection, I realize that I am at a level of frustration but still have a passion to help students be all they can be. How do I know this? By the amount of time I spend endeavoring to improve.

I really wanted to gain some insights to engage our district's leadership in making the vital step toward balancing growth at all campuses. But I now realize that the best change may be a change in myself. I can't wait to hear about more successes at the LYS campuses in Central Texas. Keep up the good work.

Thanks again for dinner and your time.

SC Response

CL,

It was great to sit down and talk schools and leadership with you. Just remember to keep your head up. That allows you to find the best solutions for your staff and students and the best options for you.

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

Top LYS Tweets from the Week of December 25, 2011

2012-01-04T06:04:00.003-06:00

For those of you who are keeping track, here are the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of December 25, 2011, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse.

1. Who is surprised that the same politicians that enacted laws that prevent educator double-dipping, are double-dippers?

2. Presidential candidates aren't going near public education in the debate. Certainly not in their talking points for votes. Perry particularly silent. (By @tlongnecker)

3. Public education funding is broken across the nation. Maybe the presidential candidates are Waiting for Superman. *Sigh* (by @tlongnecker)

4. Paying teachers 10% more results in 5-10% higher pupil performance in OECD countries, find two professors. (By @FareedZakaria)

5. BRILLIANT: Babies can tell if adults are reliable or unreliable, and they choose to learn form the reliable ones. (By @anniemurphypaul)

6. BRILLIANT: Male college students’ grades drop in the fall if their school’s football team is winning lots of games. (By @anniemurphypaul)

7. BRILLIANT: A mistake is not a blunder to be regretted, but a welcome indication that you're out of your comfort zone. (By @anniemurphypaul)

8. Thirty major corporations paid zero federal income taxes in the last 3 years. (By @thinkprogress)

9. Mentally ill flood emergency rooms as U.S. states cut services. (By @Reuters)

10. I love a New Year! Clean slate: Winning is a choice. Choose to do the tough things that cause you to win!!! (By @DaveRamsey)

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

PowerWalks Hero Schools (December 2011)

2012-01-03T08:28:00.003-06:00

Blog Post: PowerWalks Hero Schools (December 2011)

As is now a LYS Nation tradition, we will take time to tip our caps to the campuses that are taking the most important step in creating and maintaining an action oriented professional learning community. These are the campuses that have conducted an extraordinary number of formative classroom observations in a given month. For the month of December the cutoff numbers were as follows:

Big Schools – 250 PowerWalks Observations

Medium Sized Schools – 130 PowerWalks Observations

Small Schools – 90 PowerWalks Observations

Very Small Schools – 40 PowerWalks Observations.

So without further adieu, here are your twenty-five PowerWalks Hero Schools for the Month of December. Congratulations!!!

(2) = Two Months in a Row / (3) = 3 Months in a Row

Elementary Schools	Junior High and Middle Schools	Alternative Schools	Combined Campuses	High Schools
Cottonwood Creek ES (HISD) (3)	Hutto MS (HISD) (2)	Garza County (JWJPCS)	Louise Schools (LISD) (3)	Hutto HS (HISD) (3)
Johnson ES (HISD) (2)	Marble Falls MS (MFISD)	Waco Alternative School (WISD) (3)		Waco HS (WISD) (3)
Luling ES (LISD) (3)	GW Carver Academy (WISD)
Alta Vista ES (WISD) (3)
Bell’s Hill ES (WISD) (3)
Brook Avenue ES (WISD) (3)
Cedar Ridge ES (WISD)
Crestview ES (WISD) (3)
Dean Highland ES (WISD)
Hillcrest ES (WISD) (2)
JH Hines ES (WISD) (3)
Kendrick ES (WISD) (3)
Lake Waco ES (WISD) (3)
Meadowbrook ES (WISD)
North Waco ES (WISD) (3)
Provident Heights ES (WISD) (2)
Sul Ross ES (WISD)

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

Top LYS Tweets from the Week of December 18, 2011

2012-01-02T06:08:00.004-06:00

And we’re back. Happy New Year’s to all and I hope that you had a safe and restful holiday.

In regards to bootleg technology I often get the question, “Where should we start?”

Let you people try their bootleg technology at a personal level, first. And this is the best time of the year do this. A lot of your staff just received an e-reader, smart phone, tablet, and/or a notebook computer as a present. At one of your first staff meetings of the new year, take an hour and create three to six stations. Have each station focus on a bootleg technology use (examples: Twitter, Facebook. Photos, Apps, Reading, Scheduling, To-do Lists, etc.) Have a staff member serve as a facilitator at each station and then let the rest of the staff rotate through the stations of their choice. Reduce technophobia and leverage current staff expertise, sounds like a win/win to me!

A number of you in the LYS Nation are now using your own bootleg technology devices to follow Twitter. If you haven’t done so yet, we want you to join us. To let you see what you are missing, here are the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of December 18, 2011, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse.

1. Congratulations to Blue Ridge HS! A new Blue Ribbon School! Kudos to the two LYS Principals (both now Superintendents), Dr. Mike Seabolt and Dr. Chane Rascoe who took BRHS from unacceptable to national prominence!

2. BREAKING: LYS Principal Dale Mitchell is the new principal at Sterling HS! Who will be next?

3. Here's the LYS STAAR test solution: 1 - Teach the TEKS at the appropriate rigor; 2 - Assess in short time windows; 3 - Adjust at full speed.

4. The focus on social and economic issues to improve schools ignores the variable we most control. Ourselves.

5. The ultimate goal of behavior management is to help students behave responsibly - not pay for their actions. (By @kimbarker25)

6. If we graduate a student who can't meet exit requirements, what did we actually accomplish in 12 plus years?

7. Timeline for fixing Texas school finance issues? 2-3 years minimum. (By @Dr.JerryRBurkett)

8. Dear Texas Politician: In 2012, will you lead, be forced by the courts to lead, or neither? (By @tlonganecker)

9. @LYSNation Considering Foods with Minimal Nutritional Value and holiday parties...what are your thoughts on bootleg popcorn? (By @cheadhorn)

10. Bootleg popcorn is the secret to increased partygoer engagement. Hosts should look for ways to embed its use in their events.

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

Top LYS Tweets from the Week of December 11, 2011

2011-12-19T06:56:00.002-06:00

Christmas Holidays are beginning, so here is my bootleg technology advice for this week. Take this time to start using it. Read an e-book, download some apps, play a game, and/or do some research. Just play with a new gadget and have some fun. Who knows what you might be inspired to try when school begins anew in 2012.

Speaking of which, this is the last post of 2011. The blog will crank up again on January 3, 2012. So to all of the LYS Nation, enjoy a happy, restful and safe Holiday Season!

A number of you in the LYS Nation are now using your own bootleg technology devices to follow Twitter. If you haven’t done so yet, we want you to join us. To let you see what you are missing, here are the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of December 11, 2011, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse.

1. Bad practice with an excuse is still BAD PRACTICE.

2. A Superintendent shares: My staff meetings are much more productive when I use the Fundamental 5.

3. If I believe that my students can't, then they never will.

4. Heard claims that test prep materials have been proven to increase scores on STAAR? Can't be true because no scores have been reported yet. (By @teainfo)

5. Students are engaged when they are using technology; not so much watching the teacher use technology. (By @lsitzes)

6. Purposeful planning and execution of that plan makes all the difference for kids. (By @CabidaCain)

7. Should be no surprise that alcohol and tobacco use among teens has declined, yet drug use hasn't. Simple answer: Drug dealers don't check IDs.

8. Just notified that LYS will have multiple presentations at the Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal's Mid-Winter Conference!

9. Everyone deserves second chances but not for the same mistakes. (By @coachwrong)

10. A covered classroom door window is BAD PRACTICE. It also creates an unsafe setting for students and teachers.

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

A LYS Principal Submits... The Importance of the Power Zone

2011-12-16T07:32:00.002-06:00

LYS Principal submits the following:

SC,

I just had an experience that has convinced me that there is no more important instructional practice than Working in the Power Zone.

One of my teachers brought a student to my office to complete his work. He had made some poor choices in class. The teacher gave him his assignment he was to work on and clearly stated the instruction, “Write why it is important to follow instructions.”

I was taking care of some paperwork so I let the student work quietly while I was stuck in my ‘instructor work area.’ Multi-tasking, I occasionally asked the student a guiding question that I thought would focus his ‘critical writing,’ which of course required him to write why it is important to follow instructions. And his verbal responses to my questions were to my satisfaction. When I left my "instructor work area" to get in the "Power Zone", I discovered the student had been busy writing. Just not writing what the teacher and I envisioned. Instead, he had written, over and over again, the sentence, “Why is it important to follow directions?”

I had to laugh at this great reminder of how simple tasks still need our “eyes” for student success.

SC Response

Great story and a testament to how when we allow our attention to be divided between what is critical (students and instruction) and what is pressing (paperwork and administrivia) how quickly student effort is wasted.

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/4ydqd4
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

A LYS Assistant Principal Submits... Dr. Jim Davis, Our LYS Coach

2011-12-15T07:11:00.003-06:00

A new LYS Assistant Principal submits the following:

SC,

I just want to let you know how much I appreciate Dr. Jim Davis. He has gone out of his way to make sure I had an opportunity to make up the training on the Fundamental 5 modules I had missed. Not only has he been very accommodating, he has been very pleasant and very professional. (He also went out of his way to set me up with an additional account so that I could have complete access to all PowerWalks data at both campuses I am assigned to). I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the training modules. He is an excellent presenter. The information I have gained in each of the trainings is very beneficial and I am pleased to have had the opportunities to gain this knowledge. Lead Your School is an excellent program. I look forward to any future trainings and/or updates. My thanks, again, to Dr. Davis.

SC Response

Thank you for your note and I agree. Dr. Davis has been a steady and guiding influence on me for over ten years now. There is no question that he is one of the “Good Guys.” And if the LYS Nation is wondering who is this Dr. Jim Davis, many of you know him by his alias, “The Big Easy.”

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

A LYS (and Game On!) Principal Shares... The Cleaning Fairy

2011-12-14T06:19:00.002-06:00

A LYS Principal shares a team memo from her Game On! campus. If you are new to the blog, the Game On! campuses are LYSers on steroids. Their performance is legendary. Now the memo:

The Cleaning Fairy made a few stops this weekend! I know you LOVE it when she comes for a visit :)

Just a few things to note before our visitors on Wednesday....

1. Check the corners of things on the wall.... all corners should be tacked down.

2. Check the anchor charts.... all charts should be level.

3. Check for Junky Corner Disease.... if you have corners that are beginning to look like a storage facility, clean them out.

4. Check the for THE PILE-UP...You know, those things that become "piles" in your room :)

The Cleaning Fairy will be stopping by daily... make her proud!

Bell's Battalion will RISE to the Challenge!

SC Response

If you think the focus on cleanliness and appearance is over the top, you should see how a Game On! campus attacks and devours performance data.

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

A LYS Superintendent and Principal Share... A Powerful Staff

2011-12-12T22:11:00.005-06:00

Here is a field report from a LYS campus in a LYS District.

SC,

See what our 4th grade teachers are wearing on Thursdays. They designed the shirts. Thought you might enjoy this!

SC Response

Awesome!!! These teachers are the runaway winners of my “Favorite Fourth Grade Team of the Week” award!

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principal’s Mid-Winter Conference; Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

Top LYS Tweets from the Week of December 4, 2011

2011-12-12T06:16:00.002-06:00

“Students with access to educational materials on smart phones study about 40 minutes longer each week” (StudyBlue).

How is that for a quote? When I ask secondary teachers what are the main hindrances to campus academic performance, the consistent answers are:

A. The students don’t turn in homework.

B. The students don’t study.

C. The students don’t care about school.

So considering the complaints of teachers and the findings of StudyBlue, if I was still a principal, how could I not encourage the use of bootleg technology on my campus?

A number of you in the LYS Nation are now using your own bootleg technology devices to follow Twitter. If you haven’t done so yet, we want you to join us. To let you see what you are missing, here are the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of December 4, 2011, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse.

1. School starts when the students arrive, not when the adults decide to start working.

2. You are going to have to: 1) Tell your people. 2) Show your people. 3) Monitor your people. 4) Repeat.

3. Manage the small stuff, diligently, and the big stuff never happens.

4. When you send the memo before the conversation, you are managing, not leading.

5. Shared by a high school principal, "Wow! Just finished your book. The Fundamental 5 is exactly what we need."

6. The big shift in the US over the past 20 years is not a rise in regulations & taxation but a decline in investment. (By @FareedZakaria)

7. In Texas, we're not closing schools due to educator mismanagement. We're closing them due to a Rick Perry created funding deficit.

8. Districts that are concerned about not having enough computers for on-line testing are admitting that they have ignored technology infrastructure.

9. You don't need a 1:1 environment for on-line testing. You need an adequate number of devices and a testing schedule.

10. On a new Amazon.com recommendation list for education books, The Fundamental 5, is number seven on the list.

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

A Reader Writes... Assessment vs. Benchmark - Part 2

2011-12-09T08:55:00.002-06:00

In response to the 11/17/2011 post, “Assessment vs. Benchmark – Part 1,” a reader writes:

SC,

One year on my grade level, in my content, we spent 25 instructional days (out of a total of 172) on district and state tests. It is a shame that the time for instruction is wasted. Any competent teacher is assessing all day long and can tell which student needs what. I wonder what would happen in classrooms if the district and administration would back off and let teachers teach. Especially, if the teachers would receive a significant monetary bonus for improved scores.

SC Response

I agree that we spend entirely too much time testing. And this is from the guy that advocates for the use of short-term common assessments. Every district and campus needs a testing calendar, and for a test to have a slot, the test must provide relevant and timely information that informs and improves decision making. Sadly, the aligned and integrated testing calendar is about as common as unicorn sightings. Outside of a handful of LYS campuses, I have not come across one.

As for bonuses for improved scores, that’s a whole other discussion. One that I will tackle in an upcoming blog post. As with most every simple idea, the execution is anything but...

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

A Reader Asks... How Long for an Observation

2011-12-08T06:29:00.005-06:00

In response to the 11/3/11 post, “ A Reader Asks... PowerWalks and Fundamental 5 Support,” a reader asks:

SC,

How long should a person conducting a PowerWalk stay in the classroom to get an adequate idea of the instruction?

SC Response

This is a great question. But before I answer, I’m have to lay out some initial understandings.

There are different types of classroom observations, used for different purposes.

A. There are observations used for summative evaluation. These observations require the observer to spend a significant amount of time in the classroom (at least 25 minutes, if not longer) so the teacher has the opportunity to demonstrate the depth of his or her instructional delivery skill. For the record, there is no circumstance where I would condone the use of a short-time observation for the purpose of summative evaluation.

B. Longer formative observations. These are used for the purpose of looking for specific skills that the teacher has been trained on, and the observer wants to see. For example, the teacher has been trained on a specific behavior management protocol and the observer wants to see the teacher use the protocol. That will often require the observer to remain in the classroom for an extended period so the teacher has the opportunity to use the practice. Then the teacher and observer meet to discuss what was observed, what it means and what should be continued and/or adjusted.

C. Short-term formative observations. These are used for the purpose of identifying trends and for providing teachers with a “game-film” of typical instructional practices. PowerWalks is simply the best of these types of observations (there are many lesser and/or bootleg versions). What must be understood (though no one does) is that a single 3-5 minute observation means nothing. It is a random wisp of time. However, with 15 to 20 of these observations (if the right system is used, a very big “if”) it is possible to provide teachers with a fairly accurate picture of typical practice. It is with this information that teachers are able to make meaningful, incremental adjustments to their craft that can pay big dividends in student performance. Now here is the kicker, there are only a handful of districts and campuses that use this type of walk-thru information correctly. Sad, but true.

It should be noted that in a professional, coaching environment all three types of observations should be used. And the purpose of each observation should be clear to the teacher, prior to the actual observation. How is this accomplished? Just make it procedure that if the purpose of the observation is for evaluation or to see a specific practice, then the teacher will receive prior notice. Otherwise, if someone walks into the classroom, the teacher knows it is for a short-term observation.

So to answer your question, if the observer is competent, with a series of 15 to 20, three-minute observations the teacher can be provided with a fairly accurate picture of his or her instructional tendencies. Do know this, if anyone gives you feedback or tries to coach you after just 1, three-minute observation, he is sharing worthless information and wasting everyone’s time.

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

A LYS Teacher Submits... Jeanette Nelson, Our LYS Coach

2011-12-07T06:21:00.002-06:00

A new LYS Teacher submits the following:

I just want the LYS Nation to know what a wonderful job our LYS Coach, Jeanette Nelson, has done on our campus. I cannot tell you how wonderful our training sessions have been with Jeanette. She's informative, practical, makes the training exciting and worth our time. It is obvious that she really cares about making sure that all of us understand the what’s, why’s and how’s of LYS practices and strategies. The changes on the campus have been palpable and I can’t wait until she comes back later in the year. :-)

JN Response

Thank you so much for the kind words. I have appreciated all of the hard work that you and your teammates have put in to improving your school.

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

The Big Easy Writes... Teacher Nests - Part 8

2011-12-06T06:07:00.004-06:00

In response to the 9/30/11 post, “Teacher Nests – Part 5,” the Big Easy writes:

I consider it a "slow news day" when we have to resort to talking about teacher nests (I know I am the one that brought it up).

You are 100% right - instruction should always be the primary focus. No excuses why we can't put the kids first. Just clean it up your nest so we can move on to discussions about effective instructional strategies (The Fundamental 5), how we can extend the connection between kids and instruction (bootleg technology), and how we connect with our kids (relationships).

There is plenty more to talk about than your mess. And by the way, our students know when the focus is on them and when it is not.

The Big Easy

SC Response

As you can see, The Big Easy got his name based on his demeanor, not because of a lack of focus or an unwillingness to set the record straight.

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/4ydqd4
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

Top LYS Tweets from the Week of November 27, 2011

2011-12-05T06:24:00.002-06:00

I walked into a high school social studies class room last week and what I saw was all the confirmation that anyone would need if they were considering letting students use bootleg technology in the classroom. There were four desktop computers in the room, but they were essentially useless because the district Internet access has ground to a halt. To many computers, not enough bandwidth coupled with draconian filters. But no matter, every student had their cell phone out and was using it to search for current facts about their assigned country in order to complete their assignments.

As I wandered through this mixed-ability classroom, not only was each student using his or her phone appropriately, they were also helping each other for the purpose of optimizing their searches. The class had 100% student engagement and the pace of work was incredible, because the speed in which students were able to access information was almost instantaneous. Bootleg technology, the cheap solution to your classroom computing problem.

A number of you in the LYS Nation are now using your own bootleg technology devices to follow Twitter. If you haven’t done so yet, we want you to join us. To let you see what you are missing, here are the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of November 27, 2011, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse.

1. Announcement: This is tweet number 2,000 from the LYS Nation. You may now continue with your previously scheduled success!

2. Correction and Update: McFee ES (CFISD) is also a #PowerWalks Hero School for the month of November. Congratulations!

3. When the going gets tough, are you selfless or selfish? That's the true test of character.

4. #Hypocricy: The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform; pretense. (By @tlognanecker)

5. "...gives teachers time 2 teach & students the opportunity 2 focus on mastering a manageable course load" (By @tlognanecker)

6. Want to spur innovation? Own the failure.

7. A good teacher is a master of simplification and an enemy of simplism - Louis A. Berman (By @NMHS_Principal)

8. Principals that oppose the use of student performance as a factor in their evaluation have confused managing with leadership. Results matter.

9. Just watched a class where students were researching topics on their phones. 100% engagement. Twice the district download speed.

10. The critical variable in campus discipline is adult practice.

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

The Marine Writes... Teacher Nests - Part 7

2011-12-02T06:06:00.003-06:00

In response to the 9/30/11 post, “Teacher Nests – Part 5,” the Marine writes:

SC,

I remember someone teaching me that as long as student performance was accelerating that teacher location was secondary. However, in my experience as a school leader, rarely have I observed a teacher raising student achievement with his or her butt glued to a chair at the desk.

SC Response

I too remember that and I also remember you learning how to teach with no teacher furniture in your classroom. The sacrifices of the Great are rarely understood or attempted by the Good.

Sadly, I do have to concur with your observation. And I will add an observation. The teachers that argue the loudest that this is not the case seem to be the ones that spend the least amount of time in what LYS describes as the Power Zone.

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

PowerWalks Hero Schools (November 2011)

2011-12-01T06:39:00.003-06:00

Big Schools – 400 PowerWalks Observations
Medium Sized Schools – 250 PowerWalks Observations
Small Schools – 125 PowerWalks Observations
Very Small Schools – 75 PowerWalks Observations.

So without further adieu, here are your thirty-eight PowerWalks Hero Schools for the Month of November. Congratulations!!!

* = Two Months in a Row

Elementary Schools	Junior High and Middle Schools	Alternative Schools	Combined Campuses	High Schools
Cottonwood Creek ES (HISD)*	Farley MS (HISD)*	Afton Oaks (JWJPCS)*	Louise Schools (LISD)*	Hutto HS (HISD)*
Hutto ES (HISD)	Hutto MS (HISD)	Grandbury (JWJPCS)*	Poth Schools (PISD)*	Luling HS (LISD)*
Johnson ES (HISD)	Luling JH (LISD)*	Hayes (JWJPCS)*		Marlin HS (MISD)*
Ray ES (HISD)*	Lake Air IS (WISD)*	Waco Alternative School (WISD)*		University HS (WISD)
Luling ES (LISD)*	Tennyson MS (WISD)*			Waco HS (WISD)*
Blake Manor ES (MISD)
Decker MS (MISD)
Oak Meadows ES (MISD)*
Presidential Meadows ES (MISD)
Alta Vista ES (WISD)*
Bell’s Hill ES (WISD)*
Brook Avenue ES (WISD)*
Crestview ES (WISD)*
Dean Highland ES (WISD)
Hillcrest ES (WISD)
JH Hines ES (WISD)*
Kendrick ES (WISD)*
Lake Waco ES (WISD)*
Mountainview ES (WISD)
North Waco ES (WISD)*
Provident Heights ES (WISD)
South Waco Es (WISD)

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

A Reader Asks... How About a Video

2011-11-30T06:05:00.001-06:00

A LYS Principal asks:

SC,

Any chance of seeing your presentations on video? In Seattle, we're mighty far away!

SC Response

Not yet. But mostly due to the fact that we have been so busy we haven't had time to work out the logistics of the endeavor.

You can try to catch us at one of the national conferences. In the Spring of 2012, I'll be presenting at the NASSP Conference and the NASB Conference. Also, in early Spring I’ll be the keynote speaker at the Region 16 (Texas) Principals’ Leadership Academy and Conference. Unfortunately, none of these speaking engagements will be on the West Coast, which makes it a little tough for you and your team. But, there is always the book study route...

We also train in states all across the country. We would love to get out to Seattle and work with you and your team, just give us a call and tell us when.

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

A Principal Asks... So What is Your Scheduling Alternative

2011-11-29T06:24:00.003-06:00

A LYS Principal asks the following:

SC,

So if eight and nine period days are so awful, what does a good schedule look like?

Seven periods?

I am loaded with electives, what do I do with those folks?

My E/LA department believes and have shown through scores that if they are not blocked that they cannot cover state mandated material in just 46 minutes a day. This forces other classes to be larger and just creates more issues to deal with on a daily basis?

I can see having fewer periods, more time on task, and moving from 46 minutes to more than 50 minutes a period. Is this what you are getting at?

I am at a loss and want to assist my campus in being at the top by doing whatever is required. As they say "everything is on the table".

SC Response

Excellent questions that warrant expertise beyond my pay grade. So I referred your post to the best scheduling person I have every met, former “Principal of the World,” E. Don Brown.

EDB Response

You mentioned “block” in your question. Most have a single view of "extended time learning" and many administrators see the "block" as an increase in staffing cost so it is rarely used any more.

In Texas, where I understand your campus is located, due to state course requirements (4X4 and the distinguished diploma) and testing requirements (was TAKS, now STAAR) most principals see either the block, eight period, or nine period schedule as their only options. There are other options and my favorite is the "Trimester". Some may remember it from your college experience.

The Trimester is just as one would predict. Students are scheduled into three, twelve-week sessions, each session consisting of five courses. This allows students to earn 2½ credits each trimester, 7½ credits each year, and 30 credits for the four years of high school. But most importantly, the Trimester gives teachers time to teach and students the opportunity to focus on mastering a manageable course load.

The kicker is that STAAR does not fit perfectly into the Trimester system. But TAKS didn’t fit perfectly into the traditional semester system, as is still the case with the STAAR. This requires individualized accommodations that can and should be made for students, regardless of the schedule you are running. But sadly most school leaders are not willing to do this extra work for two semesters, so doing it three times a year is out of question. Yet another example of adult convenience trumping student benefit.

Here are some basic facts about the TRIMESTER.

Students are enrolled in 5 classes each trimester (3 trimesters x 5 classes = 15 classes or 7½ credits per year.
Teachers teach 4 classes each trimester (3 trimesters x 4 classes = 12 classes or six sections per year.
Classes are 70 – 80 minutes long (extended learning time periods).

As with any good foundation, there are also several hybrid schedules that can be created from this basic format.

E. Don Brown

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/4ydqd4
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference

Top LYS Tweets from the Week of November 13th, 2011

2011-11-28T06:34:00.004-06:00

And we’re back.... I hope everyone had a restful holiday.

While we were gone, an LYS Teacher asked:

SC,

Do you have an electronic version of the Fundamental 5 lesson plan template? I would love to have it to type up and save versus copying and writing.

SC Response

Completely in line our advocacy of use of bootleg technology in schools, The Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan Template is now available at the Apple App Store. The tool even maps the rigor and relevance of your planned lesson. Yes, it’s that cool.

Just go to the app store and search for ‘Fun 5 Plans’. If you don’t have an I-Pad or an I-phone, a desktop version and an android app version are in the works.

A number of you in the LYS Nation are now using your own bootleg technology devices to follow Twitter. If you haven’t done so yet, we want you to join us. To let you see what you are missing, here are the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of November 13th, 2011, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse.

1. All things being equal, A System will invariably win out over No System.

2. Rigor has little to do with your lecture and everything to do with student response and product.

3. (The Fundamental 5) Great read full of sound advice. (By @kimbarker25)

4. I advocate a merit-based system for parking spaces. Those who get to work first merit the best spots.

5. When it comes to doling out parking spaces, why does the office staff always outrank the teaching staff?

6. Awesome "Frame the Lesson" teacher quote: I am their mental filter.

7. Technology is just a tool. Assessment is just a tool. Pedagogy is the vehicle for understanding. Content lines the road. (By @doctorjeff)

8. Dear State Leader: School funding is broken yet you continue to pit good Texans against one another by framing it as "rich" v. "poor." (By @tlonganecker)

9. Is this not contradictory? "There is no screening." And, "We require all students to submit application for consideration." (By @tlonganecker)

10. If you come to a training session late, without something to write on and/or write with, can you really get upset with students who do the same?

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/4ydqd4t
Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
Get the Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan App at the App Store – Fun 5 Plans
Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Region 16 ESC Leadership Academy (Keynote Address); NASSP Conference; NASB Conference