The Making Schools Work Podcast

SREB

Join us each week as we talk to different SREB team members and educators across the country to find out the latest in school innovations. From classroom instruction to school leadership, we are going to examine what it is that makes schools work!

  1. How Westside Teachers Turned PD Into Classroom Impact

    2 天前

    How Westside Teachers Turned PD Into Classroom Impact

    Send us a text At Westside High School in Anderson, South Carolina, teaching looks different now — and students can feel it. Last week, we talked to leadership at Westside to see how this process worked. In this episode of the Making Schools Work podcast, SREB’s Daniel Rock and Donn Kirkwood talk with Claire Armstrong and Chelita Greenley, two classroom teachers at Westside who helped turn professional development into a teacher-led movement that’s changing how students learn, think and even celebrate tests. Hear how Westside’s teachers: Shifted from admin-led PD to teacher-driven learningBuilt a Visible Learning Leadership Team to lead book studies and train peersCreated the Westside Six, a set of shared, research-based strategies used schoolwideUsed core beliefs to align instruction and expectationsHelped students take ownership of their learning — and replaced fear with confidenceFrom “four corners” discussions in history to “one-pagers” in math, teachers at Westside are making visible learning more than a theory — they’re making it a culture. 🏫 Featured Educators Claire Armstrong, Social Studies Teacher, Westside High SchoolChelita Greenlee, Math Teacher, Westside High School The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

    47 分鐘
  2. How Westside High Empowered Teachers to Lead Professional Learning

    10月7日

    How Westside High Empowered Teachers to Lead Professional Learning

    Send us a text At Westside High School in Anderson, South Carolina, teachers aren’t just attending professional development — they’re designing it. In this episode of the Making Schools Work podcast, SREB’s Daniel Rock and Donn Kirkwood talk with Principal Kory Roberts and MTSS Specialist Taria McIntosh about how the school’s Visible Learning Leadership Team transformed Westside’s approach to growth and instruction. Through book studies, teacher-led PD and a collaborative process to define the school’s core beliefs, Westside created a culture where educators learn from one another, model strategies and build trust across the building. Listen to hear how they: Built a foundation of teacher leadership and confidenceCreated time and space for real collaboration — with admin support and substitute coverageModeled adult learning and professional respectDeveloped a shared set of core beliefs and the “Westside Six” strategies to guide teachingCelebrated growth and built a schoolwide culture of trustWestside’s story shows what happens when teachers lead — and how a school’s belief in continuous learning can transform instruction and culture. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

    44 分鐘
  3. From Data Walls to Student Success: How Floyd D. Johnson Tech Center Transformed Learning

    9月16日

    From Data Walls to Student Success: How Floyd D. Johnson Tech Center Transformed Learning

    Send us a text Floyd D. Johnson Technology Center in York, South Carolina, is proof that small communities can make big changes for students. By embracing honest data, personalized improvement goals and strong community partnerships, the school has transformed student outcomes — and earned recognition as an SREB Pacesetter School. In this episode, Daniel Rock and Marsha Moseley talk with Director Lee Green and teacher Angie Covington about how Floyd D. Johnson: Partnered with Duke Power to create South Carolina’s only line worker program.Built a powerful data wall that turned numbers into faces and helped more students complete pathways.Increased industry certifications by 51% and tripled student participation in CTSOs.Shifted teacher practice using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and individualized student learning objectives.Strengthened school culture so every student feels known, cared for and prepared for life after graduation.Whether you’re a teacher, administrator or policymaker, you’ll find practical ideas for using data to drive action — and inspiration for how perseverance and teamwork can reshape a school. Resources You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode on our website:  https://www.sreb.org/post/floyd-d-johnson The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

    47 分鐘
  4. Beginnings and Endings: How to Hook Students and Make Learning Stick

    9月9日

    Beginnings and Endings: How to Hook Students and Make Learning Stick

    Send us a text Welcome to Season 2 of the Making Schools Work podcast! In this episode, Daniel Rock, Jason Adair and Ashley Shaw kick off the season by exploring one of teaching’s most powerful truths: beginnings and endings matter. From first-day activities to closing strategies, the hosts dive into research and classroom-tested ideas that help teachers capture students’ attention, build curiosity and leave lasting memories. Along the way, they share personal stories, classroom examples and practical tips that educators can use tomorrow. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why first impressions shape students’ view of your class — and how to flip expectations on Day 1.The “peak-end rule” and what it means for lesson planning and memory.Easy ways to hook students at the start of a lesson or unit.Strategies for ending lessons, units and school years so learning sticks.How teachers can create emotional “peak moments” that build connection and curiosity.Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach or school leader, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how you open and close learning experiences — and why those moments matter more than you might think. Listen to this episode if you’ve ever wondered: How do I make my lessons more memorable?What should I do on the first day of school besides go over rules?How can I end a lesson or unit in a way that really sticks? The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

    46 分鐘
  5. Summer AI Series: How to Pick AI Tools for Your School

    7月18日

    Summer AI Series: How to Pick AI Tools for Your School

    Send us a text  In this final episode of our special AI series, Ashley Shaw is joined by Leslie Eaves to discuss the crucial "AI Checklist" – a practical guide for educators and leaders looking to implement artificial intelligence tools in their K-12 classrooms. This episode wraps up our deep dive into the "Guidance on AI and K-12 Instruction" report and its practical applications. In this episode, you'll learn about: The Purpose of the AI Checklist: Understand how this checklist serves as an essential guide for evaluating and selecting AI tools, ensuring they align with your school's needs and educational goals, much like you would any other new resource.Beyond the Surface: Ethical and Effective Use: Discover the importance of moving past simply picking the "first tool you see." The checklist helps you consider the ethical implications and practical effectiveness of AI in fostering student learning.The Power of Collaboration: Learn the critical first step in adopting AI: building a diverse team that must include teachers. This collaborative approach ensures buy-in, addresses real classroom needs and leads to more successful implementation.Connecting to the "Guidance on AI and K-12 Instruction" Report: This episode links back to the four pillars discussed in the earlier parts of the AI series, providing a comprehensive framework for responsible AI integration.This episode provides actionable advice for anyone ready to responsibly explore and integrate AI technology into their educational environment! 🗂️ Resources: Also available on YouTube if you prefer videoDownload the free report: https://www.sreb.org/publication/guidance-use-ai-k-12-classroom-0Get the free AI checklist: https://www.sreb.org/publication/ai-tool-procurement-implementation-and-evaluation-checklist The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

    27 分鐘
  6. Pacesetter Spotlight: Bryant Park Elementary's Art Integration Program

    7月17日

    Pacesetter Spotlight: Bryant Park Elementary's Art Integration Program

    Send us a text In this episode, Daniel Rock and Jason Adair delve into the remarkable journey of Bryant Park Elementary, an SREB Pacesetter School in Jefferson County, Alabama.  We talk to Principal Cortney Slaughter and teacher Alex Wilson about how they built a thriving school from the ground up since its opening in 2020. In this episode, you'll learn about: Embracing the "Why" and Building Ownership: Discover how Bryant Park Elementary went beyond checklists, fostering deep teacher ownership and rich conversations, allowing for productive struggle that led to a much richer experience.Arts Integration as a Core Strategy: Explore how the school successfully integrates the four art forms (theater, dance, music and visual arts) with core curriculum standards to promote student engagement, retention and confidence. Hear examples like using tap dancing for math fluency and Tableaus for reading comprehension.Recognition and Achievements: Learn about Bryant Park's impressive accolades, including being a Class School of Distinction for arts integration, an Alabama Reading Initiative Spotlight School, and a Marzano High Reliability School (level one).Creating a Culture of Shared Leadership: Understand the importance of a collaborative, shared leadership approach where the principal is not the sole decision-maker. Find out how leadership teams, including the Continuous Improvement Leadership Team and the Design Team, ensure every grade level has a voice and opportunities for growth.Intentional Professional Learning: Discover Bryant Park's robust professional development model, including a partnership with Arts Now for quarterly 3-day arts integration training. New teachers receive foundational training, and the school intentionally schedules time for learning during the school day, respecting teachers' time.Teacher-Led Instructional Rounds: Learn about their unique approach to instructional rounds, where teachers observe peers to identify strengths and areas for improvement, focusing on specific instructional practices like vocabulary and explicit instruction. This process provides purposeful feedback that is debriefed in professional learning communities.Key Advice for School Leaders: Gain insights into the most important considerations for leaders piloting new programs, emphasizing shared leadership, valuing every voice (even critical ones) and balancing shared decision-making with clear expectations and boundaries for growth.This episode offers practical strategies and inspiring examples for any educator or leader looking to transform their school through innovative practices and a strong culture of continuous learning! The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce. Follow Us on Social: Facebook Instagram X

    52 分鐘

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簡介

Join us each week as we talk to different SREB team members and educators across the country to find out the latest in school innovations. From classroom instruction to school leadership, we are going to examine what it is that makes schools work!

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