Reimagining Time

W.I.N. (What I Need) Time is an approach that when used effectively, can greatly increase the enrichment and intervention opportunities at a school, and teach students how to make the most of their time. But how do you ensure it's effective? In this episode we talk with Assistant Principal James Wheeler about WIN Time at his high school; what has helped it stick, what the school has learned from iterations of the program, and the benefits they've seen so far.

In this episode we speak with Patricia Erbe, an educator and Solution Tree author of the book, Building Bonds with Learners. She discusses the Teacher Student Relationship model, focusing on why and how educators should make time to get to know their students.Some additional reading:Why Building Relationships with Students is Important

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Tim Powers, the Head of School at a large campus, shares innovative strategies for fostering a tight-knit community among 3,000 students. He introduces the FLEX period, which offers personalized academic support and enrichment. Dr. Powers also highlights hands-on learning experiences that engage students and enhance career education. The conversation emphasizes the importance of student accountability, the challenges of implementing new programs, and the power of collaboration in shaping effective educational practices.

Middle school students needs more than a quiet, compliant study hall to thrive. In this episode, Dr. Zachary Cohen talks about the WIN (What I Need) Time program at his Middle School, and how it balances time for academic support with student choice, and helps students develop important executive functioning skills. Read Zak's article on Edutopia.Study | Parent involvement and student academic performance: A multiple mediational analysis

Have you ever wanted to dive into the world of flex mod scheduling at your school, but just couldn't quite work out the logistics? In this podcast episode educators Dr. Scott Hand and Dr. Alexis Swineheart talk about the steps they've taken at their school to run a flex mod pilot, making shifts that have made it much more manageable. Learn what they're doing, how it's been going, and even some valuable tips for school leaders along the way.Read More: Flex Mod at Radnor Township School District

In this episode, we learn from K.C. Knudson, an experienced educator and senior consultant with Novak Education. MTSS is a popular topic, and an effective tool for meeting student needs. But what is it, really? And how much hold does it have as a 'tiered model.' Explore deeper ideas about MTSS and how it can be viewed as a broader framework for learning in this podcast episode.Check out: The Opportunity Myth

Michael B. Horn, an education expert dedicated to transforming learning and time management in schools, discusses the significance of reimagining time in education. He argues for competency-based learning, emphasizing mastery over traditional seat time. The conversation also delves into the true meaning of rigor, analyzing the origins of the school calendar and its impact on equity. Horn shares innovative strategies for creating flexible learning environments, advocating for a personalized approach that better supports diverse student needs.

In this episode we talk with Luke Clamp about a vision for a school that would prepare students with future-ready skills, and how it became a reality. He shares what sparked the idea, how it affected the school's physical construction, and made he and other education leaders reimagine time and create a successful flex mod schedule.Luke's article for NASSP: nassp.org/2019/02/28/designing-and-implementing-a-flexible-modular-high-school-schedule/Reach out to Dr. Luke Clamp via his email, lclamp@lexington1.net

In this episode, we talk with Brian Stack as he shares challenges schools are currently facing, and how competency-based education, and learning to function as a PLC, can help. With Brian's years of experience, and current work with schools, he has practical advice and tips to share for teachers and administrators. 

In Part 2 of  'The Opportunity Gap: Who are the Gifted Students?' Brian Butler explains the 5 shifts to making gifted education "the floor of every classroom". What does that really mean? How can any school make these shifts? Listen to find out!