In recent discussions and surveys within the education community, one quote has sparked a firestorm of conversations: "If you have 800 students in tier two, you don't have an intervention problem; you have a tier one problem." The reaction to this statement highlighted the urgency of the issue and raised questions about the state of tier one instruction in our educational system. This blog post recaps my most viewed episode on YouTube and delves into the reasons behind the collapse of tier one instruction and explores how a lack of clarity might be at its core.
Defining Tiered Instruction:
Before jumping straight into the problems surrounding tier one instruction, it's important to establish a common understanding of what tiered instruction really is. Tier one instruction, often referred to as core instruction, should meet specific criteria: it should be research-based, implemented with integrity, aligned with grade-level standards, explicitly taught, differentiated, include flexible grouping, and encourage active student engagement. With this definition in mind, we can better assess the issues plaguing tier one instruction.
And the Survey Says:
To gain insight into the challenges surrounding tier one instruction, an anonymous survey was conducted among educators, primarily administrators and instructional leaders. The survey aimed to identify whether respondents believed tier one instruction was lacking or missing and what they considered the most significant contributors to this problem.
Survey Results:

• 7.6% believed tier one instruction was not lacking.
  
• 21% were unsure (maybe).
  
• 71.4% believed tier one instruction was indeed lacking.
  

The survey also revealed various factors contributing to the perceived lack of tier one instruction:

1. Lack of programs (20%)
   
2. Increase in behavioral concerns (58.1%)
   
3. Lack of parent involvement (31%)
   
4. Decrease in program quality (18%)
   
5. Insufficient teacher knowledge (82%)
   
6. Limited time for collaboration and planning (52%)
   
7. Increased student learner diversity (51%)
   
8. Decreased teacher motivation (10.4%)
   
9. Student learning gaps (14%)
   

The Clarity Problem:
While these survey results offer insights into the challenges educators face, they also underscore a more profound issue: a lack of clarity. This lack of clarity revolves around what teachers should know, what tier one instruction should encompass, and how to address the diverse needs of students effectively.
Clarity Precedes Capacity:
To address the tier one instruction crisis, we must recognize that clarity precedes capacity. Without clarity on what teachers need to know and how to provide it, efforts to improve tier one instruction will be ineffective. Building clarity requires change, not just in programs or curricula, but in people. To bring about this change, we need to establish a clear vision and focus on building capacity in educators.
A Human-Centered Approach:
As Rachel Gabriel aptly put it in her podcast episode with Jennifer Serravallo, "A human will outlast any material you buy, but only if you invest in them and build their capacity." Instead of relying on external solutions, invest in your educators' knowledge and understanding to address the tier one instruction problem effectively.
The Clarity Cycle:
To build clarity and capacity simultaneously, consider implementing a six-step Clarity Cycle:

1. Identify needs
   
2. Gain insight
   
3. Determine focus
   
4. Cast a vision
   
5. Script critical moves
   
6. Find and celebrate bright spots
   

This is a framework that will allow you to pinpoint the areas where clarity is needed, gain insight from educators, and collectively build a vision for improvement. The critical moves are then scripted to guide teachers and staff toward the desired outcomes, and successes are systematically celebrated to maintain momentum.
But this is more than just a framework. It's more than just a process. It's more than just a set of steps. The Clarity Cycle is a series of habits and mindsets that you can hone as an instructional leader that will benefit you and the people you serve for years to come. It is a cycle that can be used to address any challenge that arises.
Tier one instruction is one such challenge. The path to improvement lies in bringing clarity to educators. And the same is true for so many other challenges we may face. Remember, clarity precedes capacity, and it's the key to lasting change in our schools.

In the world of education, stress can be an ever-present companion. From educators to administrators, the pressures of the profession can sometimes take a toll on individuals and teams alike. In this blog post, I'm recapping what Naomi Hall, founder of The Recovering Educator, shared in our fascinating conversation about recognizing and managing stress in educational teams, as well as addressing negativity within the group.

Recognizing Stress in Educators
Educators are no strangers to stress, and it's essential to understand the signs that manifest when someone is experiencing it. As discussed in the conversation, here are some common indicators of stress in educators:

1. Fatigue: Extreme fatigue can set in, with individuals feeling drained and exhausted.
2. Illness: A weakened immune system can lead to frequent illnesses.
3. Emotional Dysregulation: Fluctuating emotions, including anger, apathy, and extreme mood swings, may become prevalent.
4. Apathy: Educators may start to feel indifferent or disengaged, leading to a lack of enthusiasm for their work.
5. Avoidance: Some may avoid responsibilities or tasks, which can hinder productivity.
6. Overachievement: Conversely, some educators might overcompensate by taking on too much, leading to burnout.

Listening to Your Body
One essential aspect Naomi shared is the importance of listening to one's body. When you notice early signs of stress, it's essential to address them promptly. As an educator, taking stock of your well-being and making necessary adjustments to your mindset, health, nutrition, fitness, and sleep can prevent long-term health issues.

Educators often have a tendency to push through challenges, but ignoring the whispers of your body can lead to catastrophic consequences. Remember that self-care is not selfish; it's essential for your well-being and effectiveness as an educator.

Team Dynamics and Stress
Educational teams, whether they work together on a daily basis or collaborate in periodic meetings, are not immune to stress. In fact, stress within a team can be highly contagious. Here are some signs Naomi shared of a stressed team and how to address them:

1. Negativity: A stressed team may exhibit negative behaviors like nitpicking, complaining, or constantly showing up late.
2. Tension: Team members may exhibit tension, not listening to one another, and creating a dysfunctional atmosphere.
3. Dysfunctional Communication: In stressful team situations, communication may break down, making it challenging to move forward effectively.
4. Inequity: Perceived unfair practices can lead to discontent within the team.
5. Alignment Issues: Team members who feel their role doesn't align with their values and skills can experience increased stress.

Addressing Negativity within Teams
Negativity within a team can quickly derail productivity and create a toxic environment. To combat this, Naomi suggests that team members prepare themselves with strategies for addressing negativity constructively. Here are some fantastic tips she shared:

1. Use Scripts: Utilize scripts designed for challenging conversations to address negative comments or behavior with diplomacy and understanding.
2. Perception Checking: Ask team members for permission to check your perception. This opens a dialogue for clarifying misunderstandings and resolving conflicts.
3. Recognize Positive Contributions: Focus on positive team members who contribute to a healthy team culture and support their efforts.
4. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Be mindful of your surroundings, both in person and online, and seek out positive influences.

I had a blast visiting with Naomi during this episode!  She has SO much to share with the world and I want to be sure you know exactly how to connect with her, so I've left her details below:

• IG: @the_recovering_educator
• FB: @therecoveringeducator
• Website: www.therecoveringeducator
• Email: therecoveringeducator@gmail.com
• 50 Powerful Scripts to Stop Offensive Behaviors https://www.tammydunnett.com/downloadsandresources

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