I’ve been to over a hundred parent nights and my main takeaway is this: use the time to build a community and get to know your parents’ needs. And stay away from PowerPoint!
All AboutFor Leaders
Thoughts for administrators, directors, coaches, and other leaders of gifted and talented programs.
Leaders Absorb Complexity and Pass on Simplicity
As leaders we have to constantly ask ourselves this question: Is this easy for me or is it easy for the people I’m leading? Very rarely is something easy for both parties.
PD Rule: Speak from Experience
The key to a great presentation? Only talk about things you have actually, personally done. Oh, and always start with your failure!
The Many Problems With That “Rethinking Giftedness” Video
In this “Rethinking Giftedness” video the filmmakers make a claim that gifted programs cause fixed mindsets. The three questions I immediately wondered were: Where is the research? How were the students in this video selected? Did they visit any great gifted programs? Let’s dig into it. Where Is The Research? The video and its accompanying […]
Clearing Up Jargon
Clear communication is simple, succinct, and relies on words that people understand. Jargon is the opposite. Journey with me as I attempt to define some edu-jargon…
Making The Case For A Gifted Program
A common question I get is folks asking how to make the case for a gifted program. Usually someone is pitted against an administrator who doesn’t see the value in a gifted program. How do we change minds?
Three Images To Explain Giftedness
Three images I’m using to do a better job explaining giftedness to parents of gifted kids.
How Will You Know If It Worked?
Before you try that next classroom idea, pause to consider the end by asking: how will I know if it worked?
Giving Better Presentations
It’s conference season, and that means we’ll all be settling in for a few sessions. I’ve put together a free resource to try to make those sessions more enjoyable for both presenter and attendee.
Why Label Kids As “Gifted”?
When speaking about giftedness, I am often told that “labels are harmful.” Here’s why I think labels have a powerful (but limited) purpose.