In this video, I discuss the creation of our school Social Media Team.

Michael Kelly

Creating a Social Media Team

One of many attempts to "fix" the flaws of traditional grading practices, has been the implementation of grading floors. In this video, I provide alternative ways to balance the flaws of the 100 point scale, and improve traditional grading practices.

Alternatives to Using Grading Floors

Want to promote student voice? Make them the principal. In this video I share a role play idea to promote a collaborative culture, providing opportunity for student voice.

Student Voice

Every district has a mission statement. But how many districts actually live it in action? This video challenges us to do just that.

Live Your Mission!

This video focuses on practical ways to plan and implement effective formative assessment.

Formative Assessment Done Right

In this video/podcast, I discuss 5 Simple Rules for Teacher Questioning. It is important for educators to develop quality skills when it comes to key instructional strategies. In this video, I share five practical ways teachers can improve questioning in their classroom.

5 Simple Rules for Teacher Questioning

Schools are being innovative with technology, but is the same innovation occurring in our course and curriculum design? When will we scrap the content area course silos and create interdisciplinary courses that promote problem and project-based learning, which provide authentic, real-world applicable skill development? Allowing more flexibility to combine interdisciplinary content, outside of the restrictions of grade level standards can help. But we also need to get more creative to make this happen. I explore all of these topics in this video.

Innovating Courses and Curriculum

In this video I discuss how the placement of students reflect our high expectations for their learning. I talk about the importance of shifting from traditional ability groups, to effective, inclusive classrooms that support all students in achieving academic success. This includes approaches and strategies for implementation.

Do Your Placements Reflect High Expectations for your Students?

In this video, I discuss ideas related to hiring and interviewing. This includes the factors we consider important, when hiring a candidate, and how to find the right fit for a team.

That Person Must Work in Our School! - Hiring and Interviewing Tips

Is the amount of time we spend on different communication skills balanced? Do we spend too much time on writing, as compared to speaking, voice, video, and graphic design? Does the amount of time we spend on forms of communication (other than writing) reflect the current reality of relevant skills. This video challenges leaders and educators to rethink "Communication Skills" and our approach to prioritizing different skills.

Rethinking Our Balance and Focus on Communication Skills?

In this video, I discuss the need (or lack thereof) for marking periods. I share our school's purpose for, and experience transitioning to a year long grading period.

Do We Need Marking Periods? - Grading Series - Part 4

In this video, Mike discusses grading and assessment practices of make ups, retests and redos. He explains the justification for each, and how they can be implemented into the classroom.

Make Ups, Retesting, and Redos - Grading Series Part 3

In this video, Mike discusses what should be included in a grade. In addition, Mike shares thoughts and ideas on setting up a grade book. He discusses flaws in the total points method, and weighted category approach, to calculating a grade. Mike challenges traditional practices and provides suggestions for improvement.

Flaws in Traditional Grading Practices: What's in a Grade? - Grading Series - Part 2

Grading practices are one of the most controversial topics in education. In Part 1 on this series of grading, Mike discusses the importance of developing an understanding of the purpose of grading.

Grading Series (Part 1) - PrincipalMKelly Vlog Episode 15

In this episode, Mike discusses a Secret Valentine idea that is being done at his school. This has grown a lot of fun and excitement among the staff throughout the month of February. It's a great turn-key idea you can use in your school.

Staff Secret Valentine PrincipalMKelly Vlog Episode 14

Thank you for coming to this channel and checking out the videos and content I have prepared. I hope you enjoy and follow my journey to document my work as a middle school principal and educational leader. I hope you follow, subscribe and share the content you find valuable with others. Mike Kelly is the Principal of Eyer Middle School, located in Macungie, PA which is part of the East Penn School District. Mike has a strong focus on school culture, empowering teachers to become leaders, and improving grading and assessment practices. He has facilitated conference and professional development sessions on topics such as “Getting Connected”, School Culture, Grading, Formative Assessment, and Questioning. Mike is active user of Twitter, Voxer and other social media for professional growth. He is the co-founder of #CultureEd chat, and is one of the facilitators of the #leadupchat Voxer group. Mike is currently working on his doctorate in educational leadership at Widener University.

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Creating a Social Media Team

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