Blog
A collection of articles and insights by Thomas O'Brien exploring education leadership, math instruction, data-driven improvement, and the evolving role of technology in schools.
Teaching, Mindset, & Motivation
The Balance & Benefits of Rigorous Coursework on Students' Transcripts – Part I (NCAN)
Exploring how challenging courses impact college admissions and student preparedness.
Read Article →The Balance & Benefits of Rigorous Coursework on Students' Transcripts – Part II (NCAN)
Strategies for helping students succeed in advanced coursework while maintaining balance.
Read Article →The Coach in the Classroom: Harnessing the Power of Praise
How strategic praise and positive reinforcement drive student motivation and achievement.
Read Article →Crafting SMART Goals: Goals for Academic, Athletic, and Life Achievements
A framework for setting specific, measurable goals that lead to real results.
Read Article →Mastering Time and Task Management in High School: Seven Strategies to Build Your Roadmap to Success
Practical techniques to help students organize their workload and maximize productivity.
Read Article →Incentivizing and Encouraging Good Habits
Creating systems that motivate students to develop lasting positive behaviors.
Read Article →Celebrating Like They Won the World Series
Why celebrating small wins builds momentum and creates a culture of achievement.
Read Article →Teaching Content and Coaching on Strategy
Balancing subject mastery with teaching students how to learn and problem-solve.
Read Article →College & Career Readiness
Five Reasons Why College and Career Planning is an Equity Strategy in US Schools
How intentional planning levels the playing field for all students.
Read Article →10 Strategies for Building a Culture of ACT and SAT Success
School-wide approaches to improve standardized test performance and college readiness.
Read Article →Empower All Teachers to Be ACT/SAT Teachers
Integrating test prep skills across all subjects to maximize student preparation.
Read Article →How to Decide Whether to Apply Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision
Navigating college application timelines and choosing the right strategy for your goals.
Read Article →Leadership, Data, & Continuous Improvement
A Data-Driven Approach to Counseling
Using metrics and analytics to guide student support and intervention strategies.
Read Article →Creating a Strategic Plan and a Playbook
Building actionable roadmaps that turn vision into measurable school improvement.
Read Article →Cultivating Key Leaders
Developing teacher leaders who drive change and elevate school culture.
Read Article →Using a Multi-Year Approach to Goal Setting
Long-term planning strategies that create sustainable growth and improvement.
Read Article →2024 National Report Card Paints a Grim Picture of Student Achievement
Analyzing recent education data and what it means for schools moving forward.
Read Article →Innovation, Technology, & AI
Proactive Integration of AI in the Classroom
Practical strategies for leveraging AI tools to enhance teaching and learning.
Read Article →Preparing for the Future Workforce: Durable Skills
Teaching the timeless competencies students need to thrive in any career.
Read Article →Ways to Ensure Productivity with Technology Time in the Classroom (EdTechReview)
Maximizing the educational value of classroom technology while minimizing distractions.
Read Article →Family & Student Engagement
Communicating with Families
Building strong school-home partnerships through effective communication strategies.
Read Article →Ensuring That Every Student Knows His or Her Numbers
Empowering students with data literacy about their own academic progress.
Read Article →Never Miss a Post
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