FOCUS Walkthroughs

We all know that it is critical that we are training our teachers in the latest research based strategies to give them an opportunity to be great for our students. Pouring into a teacher the knowledge required to be successful helps ignite their passion, purpose, and pursuit of excellence. It is a fact that professional development is an important factor in student achievement. They also help improve a teacher's performance levels. Professional development opportunities should be ongoing and aligned with the district's and school's goals. It is important that we invest in our teachers. The investment have a return called student achievement.

So how would you know when your teachers need training? That's easy...visit classrooms and then provide feedback. Daily walkthroughs should be informal and are essential in being able to identify what teachers need to be their best in the classroom. Spend as much time in the classrooms as possible. Start your week with a list of at least 5 classrooms you will visit each day. Walkthroughs should be no longer than 5 minutes. Pick one or two focus areas and only focus on that during your walkthroughs. Your goal is to FOCUS on specific things that teachers can work on each week to become a better version of them.

In one of my PLN groups, I decided to participate in the 500 walkthrough challenge. That's right, complete 500 walkthroughs this year...in 180 days!  I decided to call these FOCUS Walks -nonjudgmental and non-evaluative opportunities for growth. 

Find a few things to focus your walkthrough on.
Observe your focus area of the walkthrough.
Create a list of strengths and weaknesses.
Utilize the students to share what they are learning.
Send the teacher specific feedback on the walkthrough

You can create a Google Form and use Autocrat to create a feedback form, leave a post-note, or leave feedback using your Rocketbook Everlast. Your feedback should be specific and over ways for teachers to grow professionally.

I decided to take our observations and break them down to use for the FOCUS Walks. Each week I will focus on a standard and integrate our district's CCRP to help grow teachers. Using the Google Form, I am able to use Autocrat to create an automatic feedback form to share with teachers.

#500walkthroughs

I am an aspiring educational leader. Please view my Educational Portfolio if you are interested in an innovative instructional leader to lead and inspire, feel free to contact me.

Copyright 2017 Felecia Young
All Rights Reserved

Note-taking of the Future

I have spent the summer reading and listening to many webinars on my quest to growing professionally. As I read and listened, it ignited a burning fire inside me. My passion for my WHY grew even more.

As a 21st century instructional leader, I intentionally tried to find ways to take notes that allows me to model instructional strategies I can share with teachers in the classroom. My motto this year is Leading with Intentionality. I want everything that I do to be for a purpose.


My first few books I read was reading and note taking traditionally. Then I discovered Book Snaps by Tara M. Martin. I loved doing the Book Snaps and think students will find it enjoyable.

I also did he traditional, writing what I learned in a notebook...I created tabs and everything. That was not exciting....

I am a part of some wonderful PLNs and it was there that I heard of the RocketBook. OMG! Let me tell you that I was intrigued. I googled it and then went to Amazon to purchase. I was sold. In 2 days I got my treasure and I was in love.


There are different kinds and sizes. I decided to get the Everlast. The Everlast notebook provides a classic pen and paper experience. I chose The Everlast because it is  endlessly reusable and connected to all of my favorite cloud services. 

One pen came with it, but I purchase the colorful pens for about $10. When you write using any pen from the Pilot Frixion line, the writing sticks to Everlast pages like regular paper. But add a drop of water… and the notebook erases like magic.

The Everlast notebook is compatible with the Rocketbook app. That means before my notes go off the page they go online to destinations like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Evernote — perfectly organized. You know me, I send it to Google Drive!

I always wanted to do Sketch Notes, so I found myself listening to a few webinars and sketch noting all weekend. I was able to listen and doodle at the same time! #winning I scanned each page into the RocketBook app, it was sent to my Google Drive, and I wiped the marks away to begin again.




The Rocketbook for me is a great way to take notes, share them quickly, and you don't have to worry about looking for a notebook to find your notes. Just go to Google and you have them all the time. The app also files your pages, so you have them there and can share them to Facebook, Twitter, Messenger, and via email! Administrators, teachers, and students can benefit from the notebook from the future! I think I am going to order my daughter one. She will be in 9th grade and this would definitely help her organize her notes and prevent the clutter of multiple notebooks.

We are back with One Word - LIMITLESS

Took a little break to rejuvenate...my Vitamin Sea was the best.

I spent time basking in the sun and listening to ocean while reflecting on my 2017-2018 journey. While reflecting I decided to create one word that would be my focus word the remainder of the year and for the 2017-2018 school year. I needed a word that would intentionally drive me in all areas of life. Something that would get me through no matter what I was going through. My goal was to find a word that would keep me focus on my goals. 

Over the last several weeks prior to my reflection God provided hints through posts on a social media page, readings, thoughts, or conversations what my my one word should be.

It was not until I returned home that I realized the word was LIMITLESS. A word I used a week ago to promote a Young Panache sale. Although I already seen  and used the word, I didn't know it would be my "one word".

Many of us have experience ups and downs in our lives and have gotten to the place where we want to give up. We must remember that, we are LIMITLESS and that We Can Do All Things - Philippians 4:13.

Sometimes through our walk, we may feel that God is distant from us,  Joshua 1:9 reminds us that He is right there with us no matter what (LIMITLESS). Through all of the pain and suffering you are going through, there is hope. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

Limitless - Philippians 4:13

The Midnight Wrap - Joshua 1:9

If you are interested in the I Can Do All Things bracelet and Midnight Wrap, check out Elevated Faith:

http://efaith.co/2gV61zB 

Here is a code to get 10% off! Code: FYoung15

I challenge you to reflect and create one word that will be your focus word. Write it down, post it, wear it, do whatever you can to be able to remind yourself daily of your focus word. Share your one word with others on social media (#oneword) this is a create hashtag to check to get inspired. As an administrator this can be a great Back to School activity for your staff and even students. You can create a mural that have all of your school's one word to showcase. It can also be one word that provides your school with it's vision and mission.

Young Panache

Thoughtful Thursday

When I read The Principal 50 and Lead Like a Pirate, I began to reflect on my leadership...my purpose. I questioned my purpose and my passion. I asked myself many questions to ensure that this journey was not about me, but about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and teachers.  The question that I really struggled with was: Am I making an IMPACT? It took me a while to answer that question because I was unsure. Daily posting on social media is my way of providing others with an opportunity to share my journey. And it was social media that gave me my answer. In the book Lead Like a Pirate, the authors discuss the power of your words. Rather verbally or written, your words have power. I received an message in my inbox about the power of my words. It was at that moment that I realized that I lead not just the students I serve or the staff I support, I lead in my daily walk. I encourage you to be intentional about what you do and say because even when you don't think you are leading you are...and that is true leadership. 

Talk About It Tuesday

It's Talk About It Tuesday and we are talking about the book 

The Principal 50 by Principal Kafele!

I will use the acronym FISH (c) to convey my thoughts...

First thoughts...

Impact of the reading on...
Summary of the chapters, reading, etc...
How will I use this to grow...







First Thoughts:
This was such an awesome read! I created a Book Study on Facebook of this awesome book and will share the link below under resources. The book was an easy read. The book is written for new administrators and those currently in administrator roles.

Impact of the Reading:
The book has 10 chapters that includes 50 different questions regarding the principalship. The definitely made an impact on my personal vision and the goals I would like to accomplish as an educational leader. Each question made me stop and reflect on thoughts and views.

Summary of the Reading:
I don't want to give away to much, but check out our The Principal 50 Book Study to get views from other administrators about each chapter! The Principal 50 Facebook Book Study

How will I use this book to grow?
This book has motivated me to begin preparing for the next phase in my educational journey. As an aspiring instructional leader, I need to make sure I take the content from the text to ensure I am doing whatever I can ti ensure student success.

I would strongly suggest any aspiring administrator to read this book. Reflect on these questions...

Some of my important take-aways: (In no particular order)

1. The mission of the principalship begins once you have made a decision to become a principal.
2. Your vision must inspire excellence by helping students and staff to envision it in action.
3. Despite the challenges our school will be successful because I am the leader!
4. Be guided by a set of beliefs about student learning rooted in sound research as well as genuine personal experience.
5. The mission is: Student Achievement and Improvement of Instruction
6. Helps teachers grow professionally with PD - Use staff meetings for PD!
7. You are the primary instructional leader.
8. Integral part of your day is classroom observations. Make it a priority to do it and provide feedback.
9. Feedback is what enables teachers to grow and improve.
10. Improvement is possible!
11. Establish a true collegial bond.
12. Morning messages should inform, inspire, and empower.
13. Give a "State of the School" address.
14. You must see yourself as the #1 determinant of success or failure of your students.
15. Your leadership is your mission.
16. Think and act with intentionality.
17. Create parent activities that are a powerful synergy with students achievement as the goal.
18. You must believe that every single student who walks through the doors of the school can not only succeed, but excel.
19. Everything that happens in your school is a data point.
20. Salient Data - Tardies, Attendance, Discipline, and Academic Achievement

Thoughtful Thursday

Remember, that it is not about the final destination, it's about the journey. What happens when you have reached a goal you have set for yourself? You celebrate, rejoice, and then that's it. You move on to set another goal to work on. The destination is just one moment in time. The amazing part is the journey. The journey is when you learn life lessons. When people speak about their success, they first tell you about their journey it took to get there. Many success stories include a journey filled with  struggles, mistakes, heartbreaks, disappointments, and trials. It is in those moments that creates  strength and resilience. In my journey in education, the struggle was...(and still) real. I don't let those moments of disappointments and struggles stop me. I realized long time ago, that I experience certain things for His purpose. This journey is not about me...and that is why it is not about the final destination. I live to inspire, motivate, and empower others through my journey. Through your journey walk tall and hold your head high. Even in the darkness...don't get discouraged...your journey is so much more!


Don't forget to #GETINSPIRED4EDU with the  THE INSP!RE BOX:
Check us out: THE INSP!RE BOX

Talk About It Tuesday - Book Review

Last summer, my principal challenge the staff to do 10 minutes of reading a day (#10MORD). I am challenging myself to committing to do 10MORD everyday again this summer. I have started this summer with a few books on discipline, math, and leadership! Every Tuesday, I will do a blog titled: Talk About It Tuesday and share what I have been reading.

I will use the acronym FISH (c) to convey my thoughts of the reading. 

First thoughts...

Impact of the reading on...
Summary of the chapters, reading, etc...
                           How will I use this to grow...






This week we will discus the book
Lost At School by Dr. Ross W. Greene.











F: My first thoughts of the book was, "Oh my these are my students!"

I: In the first three chapters it made an immediate impact on how I view challenging students...providing me with a lot of AHA! moments.

S: In these first three chapters, Dr. Greene states that many of our challenging students have difficulties because they lack the skills required for adaptive, social, emotional, and behavioral functions. He suggests that "Challenging behavior occurs when the demands and expectations being placed upon a child outstrip the skills he has to respond adaptively." p. 27 Without giving away too much (so you can grab the book and read it for yourself 😉), he explains how identify lagging skills and unsolved problems. Lagging skills are the why of challenging behavior. Unsolved problems tell us when the behavior is occurring. Understanding this, he then talks about Plans to use to be proactive. I liked how he tells the story about Joey, in his approach to provide a framework for understanding challenging behavior.

H: In the first three chapters I am using what I have learned about lagging skills and unsolved problems to help to assess and help some of our challenging students. In a conversation I had a few weeks ago, I talked about this being our first step in our discipline plan...teaching students how to behave because so many of them just don't have the skills. I can't wait to continue reading this book and put a plan in place that will help our students.

Going Goo Goo for Google!

I became a new Assistant Principal last at an elementary school. I was very excited to begin my new role with the opportunity to bring my passion for technology to help transform our procedures for discipline, walk-throughs, data analysis,  calendars and more.

I love Google and all that is has to offer to help school leaders become digital and efficient.

First let me begin by saying I am not a Google Certified Trainer. My passion and drive gave me the opportunity to learn how to use Google to become a 21st century educator...now leader.

Paperless Discipline Referral - 
I created a Google Form that will be shared with our staff to use for our discipline referrals. Your form can be created specifically for your school's need. The administration team will be collaborators on the form and the results. Be sure to include all of your administrator team as collaborators for both the form and results. When teachers complete the form, we will get an email to notify us that the form was completed. Notification settings is found in the results spreadsheet. Once we have met with the student and assigned the consequences, a letter is generated using the Add on Autocrat that summarizes the discipline form and includes the administration actions. This letter will be emailed to both the teacher and parent(s).  A copy of the letter will be kept on file using Google Drive Folders.

Data will be generated that can be used to help decrease discipline. Pivot tables can be use to organize data for specific needs.

With Google, you can also create a mobile app for your devices using the Add on, AppSheet.

The App

My principal has an amazing Discipline System that has reduced his OSS from about 90 to 20...he will have to share this!  With his system and our Google Referral Procedures, we will be digitally transformed.

The Form

The Letter

Walk Throughs will be done the same way. A Walk through Observation Form will be created using Google Forms. This form will only be shared with the Administration team and our Instructional Specialist. Autocrat will be used to provide feedback to teachers immediately! Although I didn't mention this for the Discipline Referrals, one of the best reason I love Google Forms is for the data! 

And of course, an App can be created for the Walk Throughs too!

The same resources can be used, but once you have done it once, it becomes easier.

The Digital Data Wall

To help us analyze data to drive instruction, teachers will use common assessments and a Google Form to share their results. The link for the form will be provided for each teacher. Teachers will input information such as standards assessed, number of students assessed, and number of proficient students. 

The form and results will be shared with the Administration team and the Instructional Specialist. The data from the spreadsheet will be used to generate educational conversation to help drive instruction and improve student achievement. 

Pivot tables in the result's spreadsheet can be used to help analyze the data. Check out: Alice Keeler's post on Pivot Tables, Pivot This.

To help us all stay organize we created Google Calendars for everything...After School Detention, Bus Duty, Observations, and our (the Administration team) personal calendars. All the calendars can be shown on. Google Calendar has many options...you can share calendars, set alerts and reminders, and more. I love having the Google Calendar App because I can immediately few in on phone for easy access.

Web Version

App Version

So, let me say this again... I am not a Google Certified Trainer! I learned through tutorials how to use Google as an effective tool for our administration team. 

I am grateful to be a 21st Century administrator. When I was in the classroom I used technology to help student achievement...now as an Assistant Principal I am using it for student achievement and teacher growth! 

I will continue to post how I am using technology in my role as as administrator, so be sure to subscribe to the blog  http://fitinedu.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @FITinEDU. 

Written By:

Felecia Young

Assistant Principal 

Hanford Dole Elementary School 

Salisbury NC

January 2017

The Triple Threat to Data Driven Instruction

I have to begin my saying I excited to be a part of an amazing administration team...post coming soon! "I'm way up, I feel bless." - Drake

Today's post is creating formative assessments and digital data walls for math using Google Forms, Flubaroo, and Pivot Tables.

We know that data drives instruction and it is important that our teachers are continuously assessing students to gather data to inform them on student's strengths and weaknesses.

Typically teachers uses quizzes, homework, and test to gather data on student progress. Grading 20 or more papers, can be an overwhelming task. Not to mention, sometimes teachers do not have time in the day to immediately grade these assessments and provide students with immediate feedback before they move on.

21st Century digital tools can help teachers create opportunities to assess students, grade it, and provide immediate feedback. Digital tools like Kahoot, Geddit, and Socrative are a few tools that can assess student's understanding and provide immediate feedback!

Since I am a lover of Google...I created formative assessment tools for our staff to use in math called, Daily Quality Checks (DQCs).

The Daily Quality Check strategy will be a formative assessment exit slip that will allow teachers to adapt and differentiate their planning and instruction and assign students to interventions and enrichments.

Each nine weeks, I will create a template for teachers that includes the required standards for the nine weeks. As a team, teachers will develop 3 questions that will assess student's understanding of the topic. Teachers will create 1 DQC for each lesson. 

Only one DQC will be used for the team. When teachers create their Pivot Table Reports, they are able to pull their student's data.  Pivot Tables will be used as our digital data wall and used to helped each grade level to organize grouse for interventions and enrichments.

Pivot Table

Teachers will use the add-on Flubaroo to quickly grade the assessment. Fluabroo is an add-on that will automatically grade the forms, gives a summary of the responses, and emails students their results!!!!!

Flubaroo Spreadsheet

Email Letter to Student

Administrators will have access to the spreadsheet to monitor and support instruction.

Here is an example of the Form: Sample Daily Quality Checks 

There are many video tutorials to help you trainer staff on creating Google Forms and using Flubaroo and Pivot Tables. My favorite blog is Alice Keeler. Check her out!

To Flip our PDs, I have created video tutorials for our staff.
Creating and Sharing DQCs
Grading DQCs
Emailing Students and Feedback 

Check out tools to Flip your Staff Meetings and PD!

Be sure to leave a comment, follow me on Twitter @FITinEDU,  and subscribe to my blog!