Peter DeWitt is the founder and CEO of the Instructional Leadership Collective. A former public school teacher and principal, he now facilitates professional learning in the United States and abroad based on the content of many of his best-selling educational books. Former superintendent Michael Nelson is a frequent contributor to this opinion blog. He is the co-leader of ILC and a former superintendent who has been an educator for more than 40 years.
Education
Opinion
Call To Action Or Blame Game? 3 Ways Schools Communicate With Families
During these times of accountability from our state we live in, or the social-emotional issues our students experience, family engagement is both a call to action, and a scapegoat depending on the conversation. It all comes down to how we communicate with them, and here are 3 that will help build that communication.
Education
Opinion
5 Reasons Why the Oklahoma Teacher's Walkout Needs to Be a Turning Point in Education
The recent strike in Oklahoma is about much more than just higher salaries. It's about how we need to change the narrative around public education. Here are 5 reasons why the recent strike Oklahoma needs to be a turning point in education.
Education
Opinion
7 Simple Steps to Create a Positive School Climate
Too often one leader may be blamed for creating a negative climate, when the reality is that we all contribute to a positive or negative school climate. Our attitude every day plays an important part in our school climate. Here are 7 easy steps school communities can take to improve their school climate.
Education
Opinion
4 Lessons We Can Learn From a Struggling Learner
It's important for those of us who talk about the benefits of failure to actually practice what we preach as well. Here are 4 things a struggling learner would like teachers to know.
Education
Opinion
If Collaboration Makes Us Better, Why Aren't More Leaders Doing It?
Leaders tell teachers they need to collaborate, but leaders need to be a part of the process too. It's time leaders practice what they preach.
Education
Opinion
Do Educators Really Want Parents to Be Held Accountable?
We often hear that parents need to be held accountable, which is a really interesting topic. Do we as educators want parents to be accountable only when it serves our purposes? Or do we want to work in partnership with them even when they want to hold us accountable as well?
Education
Opinion
No Place for Social-Emotional Learning in Schools? Are You Sure?
Critics of social-emotional learning say there is no place for it in schools. However, they are probably people who do not spend much time in schools and might be surprised to read the staggering statistics on trauma and mental health issues in school.
Education
Opinion
School Shootings Are Preventable. It Begins With Understanding Reputation
Mass shootings have become too commonplace in our nation's schools but they are preventable. Here are some ways to stop the violence.
Education
Opinion
What is the Biggest Barrier to Achieving Instructional Leadership?
Many assistant principals are leaders who hope to one day move into the principalship. However, when asked what the biggest barrier is for assistant principals, their answer may surprise you.
Education
Opinion
8 Critical Issues Facing Education in 2018
Education seems to lose the spotlight to presidential Tweets that aren't very presidential. However, there are eight critical issues that all educators, and those who value education, need to know about.
Education
Opinion
Time for My Blogging Exit. Finding Common Ground Enters a New Chapter.
Finding Common Ground has always been more than a blog, it has been a community of learners. After writing the Finding Common Ground blog for over 6 years, it is time for Peter DeWitt to focus on other things. This is his last official blog post for Education Week.
Education
Opinion
Mayhem, Madness and Multiple Messages. What Really Works In Our Schools?
Mayhem, Madness and Multiple Messages. What Really Works In Our Schools?
Education
Opinion
Is Social-Emotional Learning Another 'Self-Esteem Hoax'?
In Education Week, June, 2017 Chester E. Finn, Jr. writes that social-emotional learning (SEL) is the same "hoax" as the earlier flawed California self-esteem movement and is grounded in equivalent "faux psychology." We explain why his view is extremely short-sighted.
Education
Opinion
Getting Into Classrooms With a Coach Approach
The value of being in classrooms to provide feedback seems like an obvious one, and yet so many principals can find themselves trapped in their office, piled under the daily minutia preventing them from getting into classrooms to provide feedback.