Posts by Compass PD, LLC
Creating a Learning Ecosystem: The Role of Effective Systems
By Dr. Carrie Hepburn In the dynamic world of education, establishing well-structured systems is essential for creating environments where all stakeholders—students, educators, administrators, and the community—can thrive. These systems define our operations, setting clear expectations and procedures that foster consistency, safety, and a shared sense of purpose. Schools can become chaotic without them, leading to…
Read MoreWhat You Do Matters: A Message for Educators in Times of Transition
By Dr. Carrie Hepburn Navigating Change with Strength and Purpose Let’s be honest—this time of year can feel like controlled chaos. Testing season is here. Schedules shift daily. There’s a rush to squeeze every last bit of knowledge into our students’ minds. Add to that the changes swirling around our districts: retirements, new hires, shifting…
Read MorePlanning and Expanding Summer Programs Part 2- Scaling Up Summer Learning: Strategies for Organization, Growth & Long-Term Success
By Dr. Sherri Lorton With students selected and families notified, transforming your vision into a well-structured, high-impact program is the next challenge. A summer learning initiative’s success hinges on thoughtful planning, smooth execution, and a strategic approach to future expansion. Beyond logistics, administrators must coordinate with key departments, manage resources efficiently, and explore growth opportunities…
Read MorePlanning and Expanding Summer Programs Part 1- Don’t Let Students Fall Behind: How to Select and Invite Families to Summer Programs
By Dr. Sherri Lorton For school administrators, summer programs offer a vital opportunity to support students who need additional academic help, enrichment opportunities, or credit recovery. Whether launching a new program or expanding an existing one, careful planning and coordination across multiple departments are essential for success. This guide provides key strategies for selecting students,…
Read MoreWhy Self-Selected Reading Matters: Building Lifelong Readers in Secondary Schools
By Nicole Leachman One of the greatest problems that secondary English teachers face is how to help students have purposeful and meaningful interactions with literature. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by incorporating self-selected, independent reading into the classroom culture. What are a few of the benefits of self-selected reading? It’s important…
Read MoreEveryone is a Math Person: Yes, Even You!
By Dr. Sherri Lorton and Constance Hallemeier How many times have you heard someone say, “I’m just not a math person “ or “I’m not good at math”? Maybe you’ve even said it yourself. But what if we told you that’s a myth? Research shows that mathematical ability isn’t innate–it’s developed. Mathematics isn’t about being…
Read MoreCoaching with Heart (and a Side of Chocolate)
By Dr. Stephanie Brenner If you have spent time as an instructional coach, you have probably found yourself in moments that go far beyond lesson plans, data analysis, or pedagogy. One minute, you were discussing a lesson, and the next, you were comforting a teacher whose eyes welled up with tears. In those moments, you…
Read MoreMid-Year Momentum: Reenergizing School Leaders for Success
By Dr. Bridgett Niedringhaus So, it’s that time of year when we are coming off a high… Christmas break and New Year’s celebrations, and for some of us, especially in the Midwest, we got an extra week of vacation due to snow. As an administrator, you reflect on what was accomplished during the first semester…
Read MoreUnderstanding, Celebrating, Fostering: Commemorating Black History Month with Purpose and Impact
By Dr. Matt VanHorn “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” – Booker T. Washington, author and politician Having served in the classroom for over the past twenty years, this quote reminds me…
Read MoreFrom Overwhelmed to Aligned: Building a Data-Driven Curriculum Cycle
By Dr. Carrie Hepburn and Dr. Sherri Lorton Introduction: Why Data Matters in Curriculum Decisions Educational leaders face a myriad of challenges when trying to ensure high-quality learning for every student. Yet, a common thread in successful districts is the intentional use of data to guide decisions. From state assessments and federal requirements to classroom…
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