Why Educational Strategies and Student Outcomes are Not in Sync with Lyle Kirtman
Sep 18, 2023
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Author and consultant Lyle Kirtman discusses the importance of aligning educational strategies with student outcomes to combat burnout in schools. He provides tips on talking to data-averse teachers, making decisions based on guiding questions, and pushing back against counterproductive mandates.
Focus on student outcomes over compliance requirements to prevent burnout.
Integrate evidence-based decisions with clear goals for impactful student achievement.
Deep dives
The Importance of Aligning Educational Strategies with Student Results
Ensuring that educational strategies align with student outcomes is crucial in education. By focusing on strategies that lead to tangible student results rather than just following trends or compliance requirements, educators can make a real impact on learning. This approach involves prioritizing what truly matters for students' learning and success, rather than getting distracted by external demands.
Emphasizing the Need for Clear Outcomes and Focus
Clear outcomes and a focused approach are highlighted as key elements in educational leadership. By defining and communicating clear goals and ensuring all efforts align with these outcomes, educators can stay on course and make a meaningful impact on student achievement. This approach involves integrating various aspects of education rather than siloing issues, promoting a holistic and effective educational environment.
Differentiating Between Data and Evidence in Decision-Making
Drawing a distinction between data and evidence is essential in informed decision-making. While data points provide information, evidence is connected to achievements and outcomes. Understanding this difference helps in setting meaningful goals and measuring actual impact on student learning rather than focusing solely on data points or compliance requirements.
Promoting Integrated Approaches and Application in Professional Development
Encouraging integrated approaches and practical application in professional development enhances effectiveness. Moving beyond content delivery to facilitating learning and application in real-life situations fosters deeper understanding and lasting impact. By engaging in conversations that focus on real outcomes and application rather than isolated activities, educators can create a more impactful learning environment.
Research repeatedly shows that educators spend a lot of time doing activities that do not connect to student outcomes. Not on purpose, but in a world with so many distractions it becomes easy to lose the North Star. In this podcast, author and consultant Lyle Kirtman implores us to shed any projects or behaviors that do not align with our goals for student outcomes. In fact, he stresses that this is imperative if we want to stop the rapid rate of burnout that is impacting schools at all levels. Listeners will get tips on how to talk to data-averse teachers about data, use guiding questions to make decisions about what to do and what not to do, and how to skillfully push back against mandates that run counter to a school’s mission.