Kareem J. Weaver

I have had a few pivotal moves throughout different stages of my career… 1) Understanding how essential management is to learning was pivotal and so was developing clear, consistent routines along with having high expectations. 2) Planning is the best behavior management. 3)…

Ameer Baraka, acclaimed actor, helped lead advocacy for screening of dyslexia upon arrival into the federal prison system. The 1st Step Act. Formerly incarcerated, the "Prison Coach" is definitely one to follow. Also, check out his book Undiagnosed: The Ugly Side of Dyslexia

Every article, study, interview shows the 1st step to improve reading results for kids: adults have to be tired of failure enough to reflect and make tough changes. But many refuse to slaughter their sacred cows. "We just have to keep doing this/that." Then you get what you get.

Effective teachers will share, but dont waste time: TchrA: You have great relationships w/ students? TchrB: I’m down the hall; visit anytime. TchrA: They listen. Their scores are good. TchrB: I’m down the hall. TchrA: How'd you build those relationships? TchrB: I gotta go.

Instead of lionizing successful teachers and districts, study them. The ExtraOrdinary Districts podcast takes us stepXstep into what they did. Yrs later and very few views. Makes me wonder if we prefer success or drama? edtrust.org/rti/extraordin…

The myths of the “Super Teacher”, “JoeClark Principal”, or “Miracle State” are problems. It’s jingoistic protection from having to study and follow their examples. Marva Collins said, “I’m not a miracle worker. I’m just a teacher.”

Teacher requested 'trauma-informed support' for a 2nd grader crying and yelling. What set her off? Tchr, "What's this word? Look at the picture" Kid, "Pony" (Word was horse) Kid: She called me stupid Tchr: She must get that racism from home Poor reading instruction is a menace

Great article on SEL, what it was, and what it became after 1985. Thanks @KarinMariaPsyD for sharing. raisingmoxie.com/post/reimagini…

I’m 54-years-young today, and my birthday wish is wild: I want every single one of you who is worried about kids’ plummeting reading scores to listen to the TikTok and share this post like it’s the last slice of cake at my party! 🎉 Let’s 'yeet' the reading crisis out of…

Teachers at work: 'Calm down.' Teachers at home: 'Don’t tell me to calm down.' Meanwhile Insta-critics balk when Dr. Hodges says focus on literacy needs, not just "calming" illiterate students. Really? 🤔 Podcast: youtu.be/EI6t2_u8na4

If 90% of the behavior issues come from 10% of the classes. Instead of making all teachers/kids spend precious time on an SEL program, how about making sure those teachers have the support they need so every classroom is well-run. Everybody knows "room 15" is wild. Address it

So many assumptions and sacred cows pushed by people who have never gotten all kids to excel. Educators can't wait for a fight or a curriculum to build a great learning environment. Focused, orderly, respectful, consistent, well-led classrooms don't come from a packaged program.

"Altruistic Gaslighting": Using Social-Emotional Learning to manage trauma from inadequate reading programs. Teaching kids to manage emotions, calm down, and avoid disruption while adults project nobility, love, and care, without addressing the daily trauma of illiteracy.

Hard, but much-needed convo. Kids first. No assumptions

To clarify. When we say safety is the #1 priority at school, this is what is meant.

If you have a "Diversity + inclusion" mantra but wait til kids get to Special Ed before giving what they need for reading... you are the beast you've been trying to slay.