This conversation explores the evolution and implications of standardized testing in education, highlighting concerns about its effectiveness in measuring 21st century skills and the impact of government policies on educational standards. The speakers discuss the need for reform in assessment methods and the importance of preparing students for future challenges through collaborative learning and digital literacy Follow on Twitter: @HarveyAlvy1 @tomwhitby @ShiftParadigm @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd @markwestonphd.bsky.social @lincoln1809.bsky.social Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com Harvey Alvy served as a practicing principal for 14 years in both elementary and secondary schools. Harvey’s international school leadership experiences ranged from New Delhi to Israel and Singapore. He was selected as an NAESP National Distinguished Principal and is a founding member of the Principals’ Training Center for International Schools. Harvey is Professor Emeritus at Eastern Washington University, where he received the Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching Excellence and held the William C. Shreeve Endowed Professorship in School Leadership. His most recent book is Fighting for Change in Your School: How to Avoid Fads and Focus on Substance (ASCD, 2017). He has co-authored, with Pam Robbins, Learning From Lincoln: Leadership Practices for School Success, The Principal’s Companion, The New Principal’s Fieldbook, and If I Only Knew: Success Strategies for Navigating the Principalship. With Jane Liu, Harvey co-authored a Mandarin book for Chinese school principals, The Principal Management Handbook: The American Principal’s Approach to Successful Administration.

The conversation discusses the increase in student absenteeism during the pandemic and its impact on teachers and teaching. It explores the reasons behind the absenteeism, such as the optional nature of school, emotional issues, and anxiety. The conversation also highlights the inability of the education system to address big issues and the fractured relationships among stakeholders. Possible solutions mentioned include improving communication with parents, offering tutoring and SEL support, and reestablishing connections with the community. The conversation concludes with the need for leadership and a change in perception about the value of education. Follow on Twitter: @AggieAshley @tomwhitby @ShiftParadigm @HarveyAlvy1 @danacoledares @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Ashley Eberhart is in her 11th year of teaching as a Spanish Teacher at Round Rock High School in Round Rock, Texas. She serves as the Vice President for the Texas Foreign Language Association and the Austin Area Chairperson for the Texas A&M Hispanic Network. Ashley has presented from the campus level all the way to the national level on various topics such as SEL classroom strategies, building relationships in the virtual space, and implementing authentic resources for World Languages to advance interpretive proficiency. When she’s not in teacher mode, she spends time with her husband and her teenage son and enjoys cooking, baking, traveling, blogging, and helping out in the Texas BBQ Community. Harvey Alvy served as a practicing principal for 14 years in both elementary and secondary schools. Harvey’s international school leadership experiences ranged from New Delhi, to Israel, and Singapore. He was selected as an NAESP National Distinguished Principal and is a founding member of the Principals’ Training Center for International Schools. Harvey is Professor Emeritus at Eastern Washington University, where he received the Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching Excellence and held the William C. Shreeve Endowed Professorship in School Leadership. His most recent book is Fighting for Change in Your School: How to Avoid Fads and Focus on Substance (ASCD, 2017). He has co-authored, with Pam Robbins, Learning From Lincoln: Leadership Practices for School Success, The Principal’s Companion, The New Principal’s Fieldbook, and If I Only Knew: Success Strategies for Navigating the Principalship. With Jane Liu, Harvey co-authored a Mandarin book for Chinese school principals, The Principal Management Handbook: The American Principal’s Approach to Successful Administration. Mark Weston, Ph.D. has worked at all levels of the educational system classroom, school, congress, US Department of Education, technology companies and universities. He’s currently an Associate Dean at Georgia Tech.

We discuss the implications of cell phone usage in schools, exploring the evolution of technology in education, the debate surrounding cell phone bans, and the importance of engagement and responsibility in learning. We emphasize the need for teacher professionalism and trust and the necessity of addressing real-world issues rather than resorting to bans. The conversation highlights the importance of preparing students for a future where they must navigate technology responsibly. Follow on Twitter: @tomwhitby @ShiftParadigm @HarveyAlvy1 @danacoledares @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Harvey Alvy served as a practicing principal for 14 years in both elementary and secondary schools. Harvey’s international school leadership experiences ranged from New Delhi to Israel and Singapore. He was selected as an NAESP National Distinguished Principal and is a founding member of the Principals’ Training Center for International Schools. Harvey is Professor Emeritus at Eastern Washington University, where he received the Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching Excellence and held the William C. Shreeve Endowed Professorship in School Leadership. His most recent book is (ASCD, 2017). He has co-authored, with Pam Robbins, Learning From Lincoln: Leadership Practices for School Success, The Principal’s Companion, The New Principal’s Fieldbook, and If I Only Knew: Success Strategies for Navigating the Principalship. With Jane Liu, Harvey co-authored a Mandarin book for Chinese school principals, The Principal Management Handbook: The American Principal’s Approach to Successful Administration. Mark Weston Ph.D. has worked at all levels of the educational system — classroom, school, congress, US Department of Education, technology companies and universities. He’s currently an Associate Dean at Georgia Tech.

This week, we search for a better professional development model in education. We begin by examining the outdated approaches and underscore the importance of respecting self-directed and active learning. The conversation emphasizes the need to capture the wisdom of teachers and provide them with choices in their professional development. It also highlights the challenges of implementing change and the role of coaches in supporting teachers. The use of technology, such as video recordings and asynchronous dialogue, is seen as a valuable tool for professional development. The conversation concludes with the idea that better-educating educators is essential for better educating students. Follow on Twitter: @HarveyAlvy1 @danacoledares @tomwhitby @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd @DRescigno Don Rescigno has been a leader in the education industry for 25 years. He has led marketing, sales, product, and technology teams and has spent roughly the last decade focused on using video-based technology to improve educators’ professional learning. Don is currently the Managing Director of Teaching Channel. Harvey Alvy served as a practicing principal for 14 years in both elementary and secondary schools. Harvey’s international school leadership experiences ranged from New Delhi to Israel, and Singapore. He was selected as a NAESP National Distinguished Principal and is a founding member of the Principals’ Training Center for International Schools. Harvey is Professor Emeritus at Eastern Washington University, where he received the Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching Excellence and held the William C. Shreeve Endowed Professorship in School Leadership. His most recent book is Fighting for Change in Your School: How to Avoid Fads and Focus on Substance (ASCD, 2017). He has co-authored, with Pam Robbins, Learning From Lincoln: Leadership Practices for School Success, The Principal’s Companion, The New Principal’s Fieldbook, and If I Only Knew: Success Strategies for Navigating the Principalship. With Jane Liu, Harvey co-authored a Mandarin book for Chinese school principals, The Principal Management Handbook: The American Principal’s Approach to Successful Administration.

Instructional coaches can play a crucial role in supporting teachers, particularly in implementing new strategies or technologies in the classroom. This episode highlights the importance of coaches being dedicated staff members who work solely with teachers, not students. The discussion acknowledged that while this model may require significant investment, it could lead to more effective professional development than traditional methods. It is emphasized that the success of instructional coaches can’t be measured solely by test scores, but also by improvements in teacher confidence and skills. Follow on Twitter: @tomwhitby @curriculumblog @HarveyAlvy1 @danacoledares @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com Dr. Steven Weber is an Assistant Principal at Rogers Heritage High School (AR). He has spent over twenty-five years in education, serving as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. His leadership experience includes serving as Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning with Fayetteville Public Schools (AR), Executive Director for Curriculum and Instruction with Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (NC), and Director of Secondary Instruction for Orange County Schools (NC). Weber was a social studies curriculum specialist with the Arkansas Department of Education and North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. In 2019, Weber was named the AACIA (Arkansas Association of Curriculum & Instruction Administrators) Administrator of the Year. Weber is the past president of the Arkansas Association of Curriculum & Instruction Administrators, vice president of Arkansas ASCD, and has served on multiple state and national boards.

The conversation explores how generative artificial intelligence is moving from theory to practical application in classrooms. It highlights the initial resistance to AI tools like ChatGPT in schools, including fears of academic dishonesty and challenges of policy adaptation. However, the discourse has evolved to recognize AI’s potential for enhancing personalized learning and providing opportunities for both teachers and students to learn collaboratively. The discussion also touches on the importance of flexible educational policies that can keep pace with technological advancements, ensuring AI is used ethically and effectively to prepare students for future careers. Follow on Twitter: @HarveyAlvy1 @danacoledares @bamradionetwork @TomWhitby @jonHarper70bd Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Harvey Alvy served as a practicing principal for 14 years in both elementary and secondary schools. Harvey’s international school leadership experiences ranged from New Delhi to Israel and Singapore. He was selected as an NAESP National Distinguished Principal and is a founding member of the Principals’ Training Center for International Schools. Harvey is Professor Emeritus at Eastern Washington University, where he received the Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching Excellence and held the William C. Shreeve Endowed Professorship in School Leadership. His most recent book is Fighting for Change in Your School: How to Avoid Fads and Focus on Substance. He has co-authored, with Pam Robbins, Learning From Lincoln: Leadership Practices for School Success, The Principal’s Companion, The New Principal’s Fieldbook, and If I Only Knew: Success Strategies for Navigating the Principalship. With Jane Liu, Harvey co-authored a Mandarin book for Chinese school principals, The Principal Management Handbook: The American Principal’s Approach to Successful Administration.

Today’s discussion centers on safety practices in the U.S. and New Zealand, touching on various methods like armed guards, metal detectors, and inclusive policies. We explored differences in safety perceptions, physical and psychological while highlighting the importance of feeling safe as a component of overall security. Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Lisa Harwood is an intermediate school teacher based in New Zealand. She teaches Year 8 (Grade 7) as a homeroom class, teaching all core curriculum areas.

College costs continue to rise, driving many families and students into decades of debt. Meanwhile, new career opportunities that pay well and don’t require a college degree are emerging. How can teachers help students explore future-ready careers beyond traditional college? Follow on Twitter: @TechKnowMath@danacoledares @tomwhitby @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Susan Carriker is a retired mathematics educator with 36 years of experience in secondary teaching, curriculum writing and technology training. She resides in Brantley, AL where she enjoys creating mathematics assessments and training videos for her TechKnowMath.com followers.

Public education is in a state of flux that some see as a wild, wild west moment rich with possibilities and potential peril. This week, discuss the changes educators see on the horizon and how they are preparing to respond. Follow on Twitter: @TheThinkingProj @danacoledares @tomwhitby @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd. Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Rachel Pickett strives to work with teachers, colleagues, students and herself to build classrooms where diverse perspectives are valued, learning is relevant to the lives all of us lead, and where students develop ways of thinking that support them in leading thoughtful, creative, contributing lives. Finding authentic and innovative ways to bring Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) to young people has been a living turnaround in Rachel's life since 2004. It ignited her passion for becoming a teacher and co-founding The Thinking Project.

Why does student curiosity decline as students progress through higher grade levels? How can we sustain students’ desire to learn as they grow older? We explore the range of potential reasons, from peer pressure to narrow interest and share strategies we’ve found most effective at keeping the desire to learn burning intensely. Follow on Twitter: @TechKnowMath@danacoledares @tomwhitby @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Susan Carriker is a retired mathematics educator with 36 years of experience in secondary teaching, curriculum writing and technology training. She currently resides in Brantley, AL where she enjoys creating mathematics assessments and training videos for her TechKnowMath.com followers.

As the practice of book banning in schools gains momentum, we discuss how we can honor parents’ concerns while ensuring students can access diverse literature. One solution offered is relying more on certified school librarians who have specialized expertise in this area. Follow on Twitter: @PreK33@danacoledares @tomwhitby @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd. Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Kris Jenkins is an early childhood educator with over 40 years of experience teaching our youngest learners. She has extensive training in trauma-responsive teaching and is a trainer. She has written a book about the importance of family engagement, Teamwork Makes the Dream Work.

This week we talk about “teachable moments” when teachers stop the usual lessons to talk about things happening in the world that matter to students. The conversation shows how important these moments are for making students feel like they’re part of their community and the bigger world. But it also looks at the tough parts, like figuring out what’s okay to talk about in class and how to deal with wrong information on social media. Follow on Twitter: @TheThinkingProj @HarveyAlvy1 @danacoledares @tomwhitby @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Rachel Pickett strives to work with teachers, colleagues, students and herself to build classrooms where diverse perspectives are valued, learning is relevant to the lives all of us lead, and where students develop ways of thinking that support them in leading thoughtful, creative, contributing lives. Finding authentic and innovative ways to bring Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) to young people has been a living turnaround in Rachel’s life since 2004. It ignited her passion for becoming a teacher and co-founding The Thinking Project. Harvey Alvy has served as a teacher, principal, and university professor, and was honored to be a National Distinguished Principal. He is the author of Fighting for Change in Your School: How to Avoid Fads and Focus on Substance, and co-author of Learning From Lincoln: Leadership Practices for School Success.

Teacher observations can be beneficial and helpful, or intimidating and counterproductive. How can we make these experiences more meaningful and effective? Follow on Twitter: @tomwhitby @ShiftParadigm @HarveyAlvy1 @danacoledares @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Harvey Alvy served as a practicing principal for 14 years in both elementary and secondary schools. Harvey’s international school leadership experiences ranged from New Delhi, to Israel, and Singapore. He was selected as a NAESP National DistinguishedPrincipal and is a founding member of the Principals’ Training Center for International Schools. Harvey is Professor Emeritus at Eastern Washington University, where he received the Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching Excellence and held the William C. Shreeve Endowed Professorship in School Leadership. His most recent book is Fighting for Change in Your School: How to Avoid Fads and Focus on Substance (ASCD, 2017). He has co-authored, with Pam Robbins, Learning From Lincoln: Leadership Practices for School Success, The Principal’s Companion, The New Principal’s Fieldbook, and If I Only Knew: Success Strategies for Navigating the Principalship. With Jane Liu, Harvey co-authored a Mandarin book for Chinese school principals, The Principal Management Handbook: The American Principal’s Approach to Successful Administration. Mark Weston Ph.D. has worked at all levels of the educational system — classroom, school, congress, US Department of Education, technology companies and universities. He’s currently an Associate Dean at Georgia Tech.

Education conference season has started. In this episode, we look at conferences and explore ways to get the most out of attending them. Follow on Twitter: @tomwhitby @HarveyAlvy1 @danacoledares @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd Ed Chat Archive: http://edchat.pbworks.com/ Harvey Alvy served as a practicing principal for 14 years in both elementary and secondary schools. Harvey’s international school leadership experiences ranged from New Delhi, to Israel, and Singapore. He was selected as a NAESP National Distinguished Principal and is a founding member of the Principals’ Training Center for International Schools. Harvey is Professor Emeritus at Eastern Washington University, where he received the Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching Excellence and held the William C. Shreeve Endowed Professorship in School Leadership. His most recent book is Fighting for Change in Your School: How to Avoid Fads and Focus on Substance (ASCD, 2017). He has co-authored, with Pam Robbins, Learning From Lincoln: Leadership Practices for School Success, The Principal’s Companion, The New Principal’s Fieldbook, and If I Only Knew: Success Strategies for Navigating the Principalship. With Jane Liu, Harvey co-authored a Mandarin book for Chinese school principals, The Principal Management Handbook: The American Principal’s Approach to Successful Administration.