In this episode, education expert Mike Schmoker discusses the importance of clarity, coherence in curriculum, and effective teaching practices. He emphasizes simplifying school improvement efforts and focusing on core practices that truly move learning forward.

Keywords

education, school improvement, curriculum, teaching strategies, clarity, literacy, instructional design

Key topics

Clarity in teaching and curriculum

Overcomplication of school improvement

Core practices for effective teaching

The role of literacy in education

Productive struggle and student engagement

The importance of teacher training and mastery

Sound bites

"Effective teaching includes checking for understanding."

"Learning targets double student success rates."

"Celebrating success on lessons is key to improvement."

Resources

Focus by Mike Schmoker - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Focus+Mike+Schmoker

Results Now 2.0 by Mike Schmoker - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Results+Now+2.0+Mike+Schmoker

Jim Collins on Effective Leadership - https://hbr.org/2001/11/building-your-companys vision

Tim Shanahan on Literacy Instruction - https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/what-research-says-about-literacy-instruction/2023/01

Tim Shanahan on Small Group Instruction - https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/why-small-group-instruction-may-not-be-as-effective-as-you-think/2024/01

Guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeschmoker

Twitter - https://twitter.com/mikeschmoker