“Everything is so linear, but this makes me think diagonally!” ~ a student describing Byrdseed

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For Leaders

Thoughts for administrators, directors, coaches, and other leaders of gifted and talented programs.

Define Yourself By What You DON’T Do

OF COURSE they don’t have cheap carnival rides at Disneyland! What would be equally unacceptable in your gifted program?

100%s Are A Red Flag

Endless 100%s tell us one thing: we are aiming too low.

Red Flag Phrases

If you’re hearing these phrases around the school, you are certainly alienating the parents of your most advanced students.

PD Should Either Prepare or Debrief

Any whole-group talk should either lead into a classroom demonstration or debrief a classroom demonstration.

My #1 Rule For Professional Development

Does your PD solve a problem? Or does it just give more information?

The Best Critique of My PD

I was a very popular speaker, but then someone pointed out my big flaw.

Leading By Spreadsheet

You cannot make decisions by looking at a spreadsheet.

What Teachers Told Me What They Want

The message from teachers is pretty darn clear! They don’t need yet another differentiation framework.

The Keynote That Changed My Mind

A keynote presenter once told me, “Everyone should code!” But that person did not know how to code. Nor had they ever taught anyone to code.

Grade Level Standards Are A Requirement, Not A Goal

Imagine a restaurant with one goal: “Pass The Health Inspection!”
Imagine a school with one goal: “Meet Grade Level Standards!”