6 Strategies for Success in the Virtual Classroom

Like an uninvited guest, the COVID-19 pandemic swept into town, upending the school year and our very way of life. As we reinforce the need…

KIPP Schools’ Response to COVID-19 Went Way Beyond Academics

You often hear that a crisis usually brings out the best in people, and it was certainly the case at KIPP Schools around the country. I…

COVID-19 Has Been a Masterclass in Family and Student Partnerships

Like many of our charter public school peers, our school deeply values and relies heavily on feedback from our school community. At Match Charter Public…

5 Ways School Leaders Can Begin to Better Equip Themselves to Deal With the Challenge We’re Facing

One of my mentors begins each interrogative problem-solving conversation with the same question, “Who knew what, when, and what did you do about it?” The…

I Know What My Parents and Students Need Because I Asked Them

When Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced that schools and non-emergency childcare programs in the state would remain closed through May 4, I held on to…

Every Parent-Teacher Conference Should Look Like This

I have a confession to make. I am an educator who doesn’t enjoy participating in parent-teacher conferences as a parent. Our son is a junior…

4 Tips for Parents to Get the Most out of Parent-Teacher Conferences

Many schools are preparing for their first conferences with parents. Unlike Back-to-School Night where parents receive general information about the school, a conference with your…

These Parent-Teacher Conferences Are Harder to Get Into Than a Jimmy Buffett Concert

First, a 30-minute student-led parent-teacher conference with one child’s homeroom teacher. Then, six five-minute conferences with another son’s individual subject teachers. And lastly, a 10-minute…

The First Weeks of School Matter for Your Child. Here’s How to Get It Right.

The back to school season is now in full swing. This time of year often causes a jumble of excitement and nerves for both students…

Here’s Why Awards Over Rewards Is a Better Approach to Student Motivation

Student motivation can be an elusive goal for teachers. We try to think of “out of the box” strategies to get our kids to feel…