In this episode, we're focusing on a key element of successful schools: understanding and supporting positive student behaviour. Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Brandi Simonsen, a professor of special education at the University of Connecticut and co-director of the National Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

Brandi shares her practical insights into PBIS, exploring the crucial links between behaviour, attendance, and academic success. We delve into the ABCs of behavior and uncover effective, evidence-based strategies for creating positive classroom environments, from setting clear expectations to the power of specific praise.

Whether you're new to teaching or looking to enhance your practice, this episode offers valuable knowledge and actionable takeaways on implementing Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports.

Resources mentioned:

• Brandi Simonsen and Diane Myers: Classwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: A Guide to Proactive Classroom Management
• Diane Myers, Brandi Simonsen and Jennifer Freeman: Implementing Classwide PBIS: A Guide to Supporting Teachers, which I highly recommend.
• National Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Linkedin

Twitter: @learnwithmrlee

Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

Website: learnwithlee.net

https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode, get ready to dive deep into the world of assessments with Dr. Matthew Burns, as we explore the different categories of assessments, their intended purposes, and how they can be used to inform instruction. Dr. Burns, a researcher with extensive experience in the effective use of assessment data and interventions, shares his expertise on bridging the gap in understanding assessments.

The conversation highlights the significance of the instructional hierarchy in understanding student learning phases, as well as the differences between curriculum-based measurements (CBM) and curriculum-based assessments (CBA). Dr. Burns stresses the necessity of aligning data with educational goals and ensuring teachers are equipped with appropriate frameworks to use assessments effectively. He offers practical advice on reducing unnecessary screening, using data to drive instructional decisions, and implementing effective interventions in reading and maths.

Resources mentioned:

• UFLI Foundations
• Spring Math
• PALS (Peer Assisted Learning Strategies)
• Science of Math: including both the Facebook group and website (thescienceofmath.com).
• National Center on Intensive Intervention:(intensiveintervention.org).
• Evidence Advocacy Center (evidenceadvocacycenter.org).
• Hasbrook and Tyndall fluency norms

You can connect with Matthew:

Twitter: @burnsmk1

Email: burnsm1@coe.ufl.edu

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ad1ei6p_HOHHhc-T-JnZg

You can connect with Brendan:

Twitter: @learnwithmrlee

Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

Website: learnwithlee.net

https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, Brendan Lee speaks with Liana McCurry, a passionate advocate for primary school maths education. Fresh from her Churchill Fellowship, Liana shares findings from her research into mathematical practices across six countries.

Listeners will gain insights into the systemic issues contributing to Australia's declining maths performance and discover how to bridge the research-to-practice gap. Liana delves into key topics, including:

• Mathematical modelling and its surprisingly misunderstood place in the curriculum.
• The power of multisensory approaches to unlock conceptual understanding.
• Why fluency in maths is a foundational skill that needs renewed focus.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that equips educators with practical knowledge and strategies to transform maths education in their classrooms.

Resources mentioned:

• Books:

• • • Explicit Direct Instruction by Hollingsworth and Ybarra.
    • Explicit Instruction by Anita Archer and Charles Hughes
    • Harnessing the Science of Learning by Nathaniel Swain.
    • Direct Instruction Mathematics by Stein et al
  • Websites:
    • Ochre
    • Science of Math website.
    • Thinking Forward Educators,
    • Brian Poncy's MIND
    • Steve Wyborney's Esti Mysteries
  • Podcasts:
    • Knowledge for Teachers.
    • Dyscastia, hosted by Bill Hansberry and Michael Shanahan.
    • Craig Barton podcast.
    • Progressively Incorrect, hosted by Zach Groshell
    • Chalk and Talk, hosted by Anna Stokke

• Training and Conferences:

• • Sharing Best Practice conferences.
  • What Works series in Geelong.
  • Orton Gillingham Math, Multisensory Maths training

You can connect with Liana:

Linkedin

Email: liana@sol-education.net

Website: sol-education.net

You can connect with Brendan:

Twitter: @learnwithmrlee

Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

Website: learnwithlee.net

https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

This episode features a compelling conversation with Murat Dizdar, the head of the New South Wales Department of Education. Murat shares his inspiring journey from being the son of Turkish immigrants to leading Australia’s largest education system. He discusses the experiences that shaped his vision for public education, his deep passion for the teaching profession, and the key initiatives he’s championing to drive meaningful change. This episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for anyone interested in education and leadership.

Resources mentioned:

• NSW Department of Education Resource Hub
• Explicit Teaching Statement
• High Potential and Gifted Education Policy
• AERO (Australian Education Research Organisation)
• Grattan Institute: Ending the lesson lottery

You can connect with Murat:

Twitter/X: @dizdarm

You can connect with Brendan:

Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee

Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

Website: learnwithlee.net

https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Nick Hart takes us on an inspiring journey from his beginnings in sports science to becoming a school leader in Dubai. A respected voice in educational leadership, Nick shares insights from his blog and books, delving into the evolution of his leadership style. He discusses the critical role of context in decision-making, introduces the concept of the school year’s rhythm for structured improvement and highlights the importance of trust in fostering strong school communities. Tune in for practical advice and thought-provoking ideas on navigating the complexities of educational leadership.

Resources mentioned:

• Nick Hart’s books:
  • Creating a strong culture and a positive climate in schools
  • Impact: a five part framework for making a difference in schools
• Nick Hart’s blog posts discussed in this episode:
  • Leadership handbook 5.0
  • School improvement: Rhythm of the year
  • Culture setting | More than words
  • A model for school improvement
• Vivianne Robinson
• Mary Kennedy
• Dr. Neil Gilbride
• Bryk and Schneider
• Ambition Institute - The persistent problems of school leadership
• AERO

You can connect with Nick:

Twitter: @MrNickHart

Linkedin

Website: mrnickhart.wordpress.com

You can connect with Brendan:

Twitter: @learnwithmrlee

Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft

Website: learnwithlee.net

https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Zach Groshell for the third of their trilogy of conversations together. In their first episode, they unpacked the nuances of teaching effectively. In the second one, they spoke about coaching, culture and change. In today’s podcast, you will hear them discuss the complex world of school leadership! They explore the key elements that contribute to a positive and productive school culture. From going beyond superficial evaluation methods to building a diverse team that leverages everyone's strengths, they cover a range of important topics that will help school leaders create a thriving learning environment for both students and teachers.

Zach’s four points were:

1. Leaders need to start minimizing evaluations and start maximizing teacher performance
2. Leaders should view behavior as a system that involves everyone, including them
3. Leaders don’t have to be the best teachers on earth, but they do have to know something about instruction
4. Leaders should move away from one-off PD as the primary means of teacher training.

Brendan’s 4 points were:

1. Leaders need to have their fingers on the pulse
2. Clear Communication is key
3. Leaders need to build a diverse team
4. Good leaders don't care about who is right or wrong

Resources mentioned:

• Zach’s newly released book: Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching
• Viviane Robinson - Reduce change to increase improvement
• Daniel Kahnemann - Thinking, Fast and Slow
• Progressively Incorrect S4E10: Nathaniel Swain, Steven Capp, and Katie Roberts-Hull on Harnessing the Science of Learning

You can connect with Zach:

Twitter: @mrzachg

Podcast: Progressively Incorrect

Website: educationrickshaw.com

You can connect with Brendan:

Twitter: @learnwithmrlee

Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

Website: learnwithlee.net

https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Leslie Laud. She is the founding Director of ThinkSRSD, a writing program built upon Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD). The discussion covers ThinkSRSD's key strategies, including mnemonics and how to apply them across different grade levels and writing genres. Furthermore, Dr. Laud addresses implementation challenges and provides advice for teachers, emphasising a gradual release of responsibility, the significance of teacher collaboration and the need for professional development that respects teachers' unique contexts.

Resources mentioned:

• thinksrsd.com
• Facebook Group: think SRSD "Self-Regulated Strategy Development": Releasing Writers
• Facebook Group: ThinkSRSD New Zealand and Australia
• SRSD
• Charles Haynes from Talking to Writing
• Judith Hochman
• Writing Revolution
• Karen Harris
• Steve Graham
• Amy Thomas
• Pooja Patel
• Nate Hanford, Leslie Laud, and Elizabeth Rinstra: ThinkSRSD A Secondary Analysis Cohort Investigation
• Carol Sue Engler
• Linda Mason
• Linda Darling Hammond and Anne Lieberman
• Dr. Charles Haynes

• Dr. Kay Wijekumar

• Gemma Maddocks - GEM Literacy

You can connect with Leslie:

Twitter: @LeslieLaud

Bluesky: @leslielaud.bsky.social

Linkedin

You can connect with Brendan:

Twitter: @learnwithmrlee

Bluesky: @learnwithmrlee.bsky.social

Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

Website: learnwithlee.net

https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

Register for my upcoming course: A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics

Use the code: MATESRATES for a 10% discount.

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Nathaniel Swain. He returns for the third time and this time it’s to unpack his new book Harnessing the Science of Learning. However, as you will hear, they actually go beyond the book and dig into some of the critical considerations that schools and teachers need to be making. They explore how to make teaching and learning the top priority in your school, reclaiming valuable instructional time often lost to distractions. They also unpack the essential elements of effective literacy and numeracy instruction, going beyond the surface level to understand the importance of a knowledge-rich curriculum, explicit teaching techniques, and structured implementation processes.

They look at why teaching should be “Fun in the service of learning, not in spite of Learning” and some of the common barriers that school leaders face when initiating change.

Resources mentioned:

• Think Forward Educators
• Bentleigh West PS
• Riverwood PS
• Churchill PS
• Challis Community PS
• Steve Capp
• Lyn Stone
• David Morkunas
• Core Knowledge Foundation
• Toni Hattan-Roberts
• Doug Lemov
• Tom Sherrington
• Dr. Zach Groshell
• Dr. Simon Breakspear
• Katie Roberts-Hull
• Helen Hughes

You can connect with Nathaniel:

Twitter: @NathanielRSwain

Facebook

Linkedin

Order Nathaniel's book, "Harnessing the Science of Learning"

Website: www.nathanielswain.com

You can connect with Brendan:

Twitter: @learnwithmrlee

Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

Website: learnwithlee.net

https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast