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When we are called in to support teachers in their classroom, whether with one student in particular or with universal behavioral strategies – we often hear: “It just happens randomly.” Or “I can’t figure out why they are bolting from the classroom.” “All of a sudden they are just screaming at another student.” As consultants, we have the luxury of showing up and simply watching. Watching for behavioral clues that something is brewing. Noticing a lack of attendance is linked to inability to complete independent work, and big behaviors when embarrassment or frustration sets in. As a teacher in a classroom of over 25 students, working to stay on track with a lesson, check in with and differentiate for many students, organize presentation materials, groups, and assessments… catching subtle behavioral precursor clues is just not always possible. We know the student behavior is not random, although it sometimes feels that way. Understanding the clues can help you uncover the meaning, the why, or the function of the behavior. And once we know that – we have a better chance of meeting a child’s needs so they no longer need those challenging behaviors. In this post, we share some insight on how to help understand the real needs of the class clown. The Class Clown We have all seen it time and again - there is a student who draws attention to themselves through the use of humor (whether appropriate or not). Everyone laughs, instruction is derailed - and quite often the child has the social skills to look to the teacher and apologize directly. "I am so sorry, Ms. J, I just couldn't help it... I'll stop now." It is not necessarily news that perhaps the behavior that draws attention is only partially motivated by a desire for attention. And despite the child's profuse apologies, it continues to happen. Clues to look for in understanding what might be going on for this student include: When does this 'clowning' behavior happen? During the review of the material? During the introduction of new material? After they have returned from a pull-out service and you are in the middle of teaching a lesson? Who is present? Which of the kids around them conflicts with them? Who just answered a question correctly that they got wrong? Who are they interested in or angry with? What happened just before? Did they get an answer wrong? Did they just receive a correction or redirection of some kind? Did they receive social rejection through a look or comment? Did they just transition to a non-preferred or challenging task? What did you do after the interruption? Did you ask them to leave your class? Did you focus on their behavior before moving through your instruction? Did you speak to them privately or in public? Taking some time to reflect on these elements of the situation can help you understand some of the antecedents to the behavior as well as what might be maintaining the behavior (what happens after). Keep notes for a few days, and see what pattern emerges that you may not have noticed. As a common example, that often goes overlooked: Imagine the student is struggling in reading (context), and it is time for the class to do popcorn read aloud (antecedent - transition to non-preferred task). The student engages in mockery of the book, story, character, or a classmate who is reading (challenging behavior: interruption, unkindness to classmate...). The class erupts in laughter (attention as a consequence), reading is halted, and as the teacher you recognize behaviors that are unkind and interrupting, and you send the student to the office (escape from an aversive task as a consequence). As a one-off situation, if it never happens again - nothing to change. If it continues to happen, and a pattern emerges, then we can begin to uncover that while attention is a component of the reinforcement for the behavior - escaping the reading, and avoiding the embarrassment and perhaps shame of not being a fluent reader may be more of a motivator than the attention. The antecedent strategy to support this student might be extra time to practice reading aloud before the class reading time. Or changing the reading activity in class. Or using the read-aloud time to schedule their tier 2 or 3 reading intervention. Consequent strategies might include - extra points or class reinforcement for maintaining alternative and appropriate behaviors. Or allowing escape from reading aloud, contingent on engaging in the alternative and appropriate behaviors, with a private read-aloud session with the teacher later in the day if an assessment is needed. While the above example is simplistic, it illustrates the components that might be important variables to understand before trying to change the behavior. If we only looked at the apparent 'need for attention', we might miss an opportunity to support our learner's skill deficits and reduce problem behavior at the same time. Taking a little time to examine a situation more closely, being curious about our initial impressions (is that the whole story?), and engaging with compassion can be worth the effort tenfold.

The achievement gap is a persistent problem in K-12 education, where students from historically marginalized groups often lag behind their peers in academic achievement. Closing this gap requires a multi-faceted approach, but one essential element is a focus on data literacy and professional development (PD) for educators. Data literacy is the ability to read, interpret, and use data to inform decision-making. In the context of education, this means that educators need to be able to analyze student data, such as test scores and attendance records, in order to identify areas of strength and weakness and tailor instruction accordingly. Data can also be used to track progress over time and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. However, many educators lack the necessary data literacy skills. According to a survey by the Data Quality Campaign, only 36% of teachers feel very well prepared to use data to improve instruction. This lack of preparation can lead to a number of problems. For example, educators may be unable to identify struggling students early on, which can lead to these students falling further behind. Conversely, educators may not recognize high-performing students who could benefit from more advanced instruction. In addition, educators may be unsure how to use data to inform instructional decisions. They may be overwhelmed by the amount of data available, or they may not know how to analyze it effectively. Without the ability to make sense of data, educators may not be able to use it to drive improvement in their classrooms. This is where professional development comes in. By providing educators with training on data literacy, schools, and districts can help to close the achievement gap. Effective professional development should focus not only on the technical skills of data analysis but also on how to use data to inform instructional decisions. This might include strategies for using data to differentiate instruction, identifying struggling students early on, and tracking progress over time. There are a number of best practices for effective professional development in data literacy. First, it should be ongoing and embedded into regular practice. Rather than a one-time training, educators should receive regular support and coaching on data literacy skills. This might include regular meetings with data coaches or opportunities to collaborate with colleagues on data analysis. Second, professional development should be tailored to the needs of individual educators. Different teachers will have different levels of expertise and comfort with data analysis, so professional development should be differentiated to meet their needs. For example, some teachers may need more support with basic data analysis skills, while others may be ready to delve into more advanced techniques. Finally, professional development should be aligned with the broader goals of the school or district. Educators should understand how data literacy fits into the overall improvement plan, and how their work with data can help to close the achievement gap. This can help to build buy-in and ensure that educators are motivated to engage with data. Closing the achievement gap requires a focus on equity and a commitment to meeting the needs of all students. Data literacy and professional development can be powerful tools for achieving these goals. By providing educators with the skills and support they need to use data effectively, schools and districts can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. At EdPower, we understand the importance of data-driven decision-making in education. That's why we've developed EdInsights, a powerful data solution for schools. With EdInsights, educators can easily access and analyze student data, track progress over time, and make informed decisions about instruction. The difference with EdInsights is the dashboards are customized to your needs offering correlations not seen on the market today. If you're interested in learning more about how EdInsights can help your school close the achievement gap, we encourage you to contact us today. Let's work together to empower educators and improve student outcomes. References: Data Quality Campaign. (2018). Time to Act 2017: Putting Data in the Hands of Educators.

Since COVID, schools have undergone a whirlwind of change. Everyone agrees that the pandemic certainly had a devastating impact on learning. According to NAEP (The National Assessment of Educational Progress), the average decline in math for 4th and 8th graders was the largest EVER recorded, and reading scores declined to the lowest levels in over two decades. Only half of the teachers teaching 4th and 8th grade reported feeling confident in their abilities to address the learning gaps. Districts need desperate help coaching teachers on accelerating learning while simultaneously helping students bridge learning gaps. This is the exact mission and vision of The Elam Leadership Institute, led by Dr. Donna Elam. Dr. Elam brings decades of leadership and experience to educators obtaining both her master's and doctorate degrees from NYU while working to dismantle educational systems that do not provide opportunities for all students. Her leadership model is infused with hope helping educators understand the NOW WHAT questions that so many in schools ask today. In 2018, The Elam Leadership Institute (ELI) partnered with EdPower to help schools understand how to utilize and interpret the data they were collecting to indeed make sure all students were on the path to success. Unpacking academic and behavioral gaps utilizing an asset-based model helps to operationalize equitable outcomes for all groups of students. The partnership brings districts together to unpack and address common recurring themes of today such as: How can I increase data literacy in my school? How do I increase rigor for all students? How do I create a positive educational climate and environment? How do I decrease the disproportionalities I am finding with our behavior incidents? How do I incorporate collective efficacy into daily classroom routines? How can I make sure everyone is interpreting the mass amounts of data received the same way? Working with districts such as Metro Nashville Public Schools, Hoover City Schools in Alabama, or several districts in South Carolina, the goal is to unpack all of the gaps so educators understand how to move forward to accelerate achievement. ELI and EdPower make this process as easy and seamless as possible by pulling in all of a district’s data, analyzing the data on the district's behalf, and meeting with district teams to explain the root causes of disparities. So far we have learned that districts can pull data and they can analyze each report, but understanding how to move forward across all data sets can pose some problems. From there, districts personalize the professional development needed from ELI based on the reviews and walkthroughs. Districts comment on how much this partnership has: Increased capacity among leaders while breaking down silos Increased high levels of engagement Created a space for hard questions and topics to be unpacked Instilled new mindsets, beliefs, and values that facilitated shifts in behavior and practice These accomplishments are all research-based and aligned in parallel to the Elam Leadership Institute’s equity of effort framework which walks educators through how to design and implement inclusive curriculums, involve students in assessments, employ effective questioning techniques, and create positive educational environments and climate while also ensuring rigor for ALL students. A sample of additional sessions can be found here. If any of this interests you please reach out to us to have a conversation! Also, check out this video sharing Dr. Terry Lamar for Hoover City Schools' experience with this partnership! References: https://www.the74million.org/article/can-districts-rise-to-the-challenge-of-new-naep-results-outlooks-not-so-good/

Empowering Education and Business Growth with Innovative Solutions Learn More ELAM LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE Our team coordinates with you to customize the professional development, based on data, to unpack the gaps and accelerate student achievement. Learn More Discover the power of our platforms and how they can help enhance your K-12 solutions and grow your business. EdAssess Streamlined Assessment Adminstration EdFolio Manage PD and Micro Credentialing EdHub 360 Degree Student Data Hub EdInsights Powerful Analytics WELCOME TO EDPOWER Your Trusted Partner for Education and Business Solutions At EdPower, we specialize in delivering white-label analytics, data analysis, large-scale assessment delivery, and professional development solutions for school districts and businesses. With our innovative and scalable offerings, we enable our partners to grow their operations without the high costs and complexities of development. More Partners EdPower Advantage WHAT WE DO Comprehensive Solutions for Education and Business Success Experience the power of data-driven decision-making with our white label analytics solutions. Gain valuable insights into student performance, resource allocation, and organizational efficiency. White Label Analytics Leverage our expertise in data analysis to unlock the full potential of your educational or business data. Identify trends, patterns, and actionable insights to drive informed decision-making. Data Analysis Effortlessly administer and manage large-scale assessments with our secure and efficient platform. Streamline the assessment process while ensuring accurate and timely results. Large Scale Assessment Delivery Invest in the growth and success of your educators and employees through our professional development programs. Equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles. Professional Development THE EDPOWER ADVANTAGE Partner with EdPower and Achieve Unmatched Growth Cost-effective Partner Enablement Grow your business without the burden of extensive development costs. Our scalable solutions allow you to expand your offerings and reach new markets efficiently. Innovative and Scalable Solutions Stay ahead of the competition with our cutting-edge solutions. Our commitment to innovation ensures that you have access to the latest advancements in education and business technology. Trust and Expertise Count on our extensive experience and expertise in serving school districts and businesses. We have a proven track record of delivering exceptional results and building long-lasting partnerships. Partner with EdPower today and experience the benefits of our comprehensive solutions. Explore Partnership Opportunities TESTIMONIALS Hear from Our Satisfied Partners What Clients Say "Partnering with EdPower has allowed the Elam Leadership Institute to provide schools with real time equity data dashboards reflecting their exact needs and requests. It has been a real game changer for education.” Donna Elam, Elam Leadership Institute

EDPOWER PARTNERS Partner with Us! EdPower Partners With Industry Leaders To Deliver The Best In Quality At All Times! EdPower strongly values the affiliation with our partners and recognizes the benefits it provides to our clients and yours. EdPower is continually committed to seeking partnerships that align with our passion to provide high-quality products with first-class service. Let's work together to enhance student and teacher achievement! LET'S EXPLORE HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE MORE! Become a Patner STRATEGIC PARTNERS INTEGRATION & CONTENT PARTNERS INTEROPERABILITY & TECHNOLOGY We power student success! We are dedicated to helping educators and students achieve their fullest potential by connecting educational experts with intuitive solutions. Partner with Us!

OUR PLATFORMS EdPower’s platforms are designed to serve as the foundation for effective instructional technology use by implementing award-winning tools that create valuable insights for teachers and leaders. Our intuitive cloud-based solutions allow educators to identify and infuse equitable practices that promote individual student achievement through actionable data. EDASSESS Streamlined Assessment Adminstration User Login EDFOLIO Manage PD and Micro Credentialing User Login EDHUB 360 Degree Student Data Hub User Login EDINSIGHTS Powerful Analytics User Login EDASSESS EdAssess provides a simple and intuitive user interface that teachers and students have come to love. Every day thousands of teachers and students use EdAssess to manage, deliver and take assessments utilizing multiple device types. Learn More Effectively measure the level of proficiency for each student. Utilizing results data, districts can use EdAssess' proprietary reporting to identify gaps and adjust targeted curriculum accordingly. Leverage recommended assessment cycle to tailor your strategy, including formative, interim and summative testing. EdAssess' suite of reports will allow educators to benchmark performance and provide support implementing targeted instruction. Utilizing standards-aligned prebuilt assessments district leaders can develop a comprehensive assessment strategy for all grade levels. EdAssess provides exceptional reporting from a district overview down to student level results. EDFOLIO Empower teachers to drive personal growth via a secure cloud-based portfolio! Easily store and share artifacts that correlate to specific aspects of any state or district's professional educator framework. Learn More Leverage district or state-mandated frameworks and forms while adding support mechanisms for coaching and mentoring, such as SEL, new teacher induction programs, and more without creating redundancies! Districts can pull in content from virtually any source to provide a customizable and easily searchable catalog of professional development resources with credit-tracking capabilities. Tagging standards is a unique advantage to EdFolio, which enables the evaluator to quickly recall and catalog evidence linking every note, artifact and/or course to the appropriate standard for all district staff. Offers detailed insights on activity and progress as well as strengths and opportunities. Leaders can then individualize plans for strategically aligned professional development and other supportive actions. EDHUB EdHub provides educators with impactful longitudinal e-files. Start the year knowing all students are on the right track! Learn More Document process workflow Plug actions directly into student learning plans Manage PBIS programs Collaborate through PLC's Maintain YOY learner profiles Synch with most any SIS Set and manage goals Testing accommodations Upload highlighted work Plans can be utilized for... College and Career Readiness Gifted Pathways ELL, SEL & Literacy SPED, 504 & IEP Address the whole child Aggregate assessment data from various sources Prescribe instruction from district approved resources Parent/Student portal EdInsights can shorten your process, seamlessly organize raw data into actionable insights, and drive data discussions to guide instruction in real-time with brilliant data visualization reporting. Learn More EDINSIGHTS Educators can now gain critical insights on how to meticulously plan achievement strategies with confidence while learning how to understand and apply the data, track progress, increase communication and more! EdInsights powerful data visualizations will give PLC’s access to incredible adaptive displays in real-time. Go beyond assessments by encompassing key performance indicators such as behavior, attendance, intervention outcomes, and more. With our regular report pulls, leaders will have access to actionable data and structured professional development. Contact Us For More Information EDASSESS EDFOLIO EDHUB EDINSIGHTS