Articles by Erin Werra | Advancing K12

The Pros and Cons of Live Gradebooks #Technology

Is it good for teachers and students to report and see grades in real time?
by Erin Werra

Appreciating Educators Builds a Strong School Culture #Culture

Although ways we show appreciation can be full of feeling, respect is the name of the game! by Erin Werra

How Much Should ChatGPT Know About Your District? #Technology

When asked, artificial intelligence made it clear: Don’t trust me.
by Erin Werra

Soft Skills Strengthen STEM Success #Achievement

Graduates who practice these 5 skills enjoy a leg-up in their post-grad pursuits. by Erin Werra

Secrets to K12 Communication, as Told by Two Pros #Leadership

Learn tips and tools of the trade from communication directors Gregg Gutschow and Sarah O’Donnell, who both serve school districts in Central... by Erin Werra

The Evolution of eLearning #Technology

The rise and fall of learning outside the four walls of a classroom.
by Erin Werra

Maximize Effort by Minimizing Measurement #Leadership

As the current year wraps up, leaders have one eye on the finish line and the other on what's coming next. A shift in perspective can help. by Erin Werra

Automate Absenteeism Letters and Keep Kids Learning #Data

Missing a few faces in the classrooms of your school? It’s time to make attendance reminders easier.
by Erin Werra

Two Words to Strengthen Your School Culture #Culture

And they are… 🥁 by Erin Werra

Evaluate Edtech Use and Save Thousands #Technology

Take back your district’s share of the billion-dollar edtech industry. by Erin Werra

Rethinking Credentials for Careers of the Future #Achievement

First comes K12, then comes college, then comes career—right? 🤔
by Erin Werra

9 Donations Schools Love but Communities Forget About #Culture

Looking for ideas to share with families? Look no further. by Erin Werra

Should School Districts Ban Apps? #Technology

It’s in the news, let’s talk about it: Should schools ban certain applications? by Erin Werra

Top 4 Midyear Tasks in the School Business Office #Business

As the new year starts, the SBO is knee-deep, smack-dab in the middle of theirs. Let's take a peek behind the scenes. by Erin Werra

Top 6 Content Literacy Skills K12 Admins Shouldn't Ignore #Achievement

Content creation is more than just kids playing on phones. Learning the components can lead to student success. Here’s how. by Erin Werra

3 Conversations to Follow in 2023 #Leadership

Let’s make it a year of sustainable progress recouping relationship losses, solidifying school culture that builds loyalty, and securing... by Erin Werra

Storing Data in the SBO #Business

How can your ERP solution support record retention compliance? by Erin Werra

What K12 Leaders Can Learn from 80s Movies #Leadership

Mentors and nemeses, time travel and teamwork—what can you learn from '80's flicks? by Erin Werra

Payroll Encumbrances Made Easier #Business

Does your ERP forecast your payroll encumbrances? If not, it should. by Erin Werra

The Ups and Downs of Girls in STEM #Achievement

Statistically it’s a slog, but how do girls really feel about their prospects in science? One high schooler has her sights set on pre-med and... by Erin Werra

One-Page Pitch: Why Try a Tardy Kiosk? #Technology

The Advancing K12 One-Page Pitch Series aims to help team members lead from within. This month's topic: tardy kiosks. by Erin Werra

Financial Literacy Equals Freedom: Your School Business Office Can Help #Business

How school business offices can lead the way to students’ achieving financial literacy. by Erin Werra

6 Creativity Blockers and Their Antidotes #Leadership

Good news: a few leadership tweaks and the spark of creativity burns brighter than ever. by Erin Werra

The Points Are Made Up and the Grades Don't Matter #Achievement

Three reasons traditional letter grades are flawed 🤝 a handful of alternative strategies to measure progress by Erin Werra

Progress is Not Linear #Leadership

A lesson that most definitely translates to the professional world. by Erin Werra

Reading Automaticity is the Hidden STEM Superpower Kids Need #Achievement

It’s not mathletes vs. bookworms: STEM and reading are not mutually exclusive. by Erin Werra

Your District Needs an Advisory Panel (Here's Why) #Leadership

Looking to better engage with your community while boosting school culture? Try setting up an advisory panel. by Erin Werra

How to Increase Engagement at All Corners of Your School Culture #Culture

Parents, families, and the broader community are all part of school culture, and making sure they’re engaged and invested can lead to great... by Erin Werra

Silence is Not Stagnant—It's Power #Leadership

Harness the power of silence in a loud world. by Erin Werra

Making Data Work for People #Data

Data is only as good as the insight it leads to and the headaches it prevents. by Erin Werra

4 Ways to Enrich Your School Business Office #Business

Make a few tweaks and watch your team thrive like never before. by Erin Werra

Make Your Data Work for You #Data

A wealth of data becomes actionable in 4 steps. by Erin Werra

Red Flags or Gold Stars: Flipping the Script on Behavior Tracking #Achievement

Your SIS can shift behavior tracking from disciplinary action to the entire spectrum of student behavior, social-emotional learning, and whole... by Erin Werra

Not New in 2022: Ransomware Threats #Technology

Schools face plenty of dangers and threats, from pandemics to budget cuts, but ransomware may be one of the most pernicious, transcendent, and... by Erin Werra

Pandemic-Era Attendance #Technology

Can we see the impact of COVID on student attendance right now? by Erin Werra

Is Automation Right for K12 Schools? #Technology

Does automation have a role to play in education, and the enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform? by Erin Werra

One-Page Pitch: How Attendance Letters Improve Absenteeism #Leadership

Chronic absenteesim continues to challenge schools and families. This pitch outlines why automated attendance letters work to turn the tides. by Erin Werra

DIY K12 PD with Badge List #Culture

It’s a whole new world in K12 schools. Have you changed your PD plan yet? by Erin Werra

Record Health Data Using Your SIS #Data

Looking for a way to keep health data records? Your solution may already be at your fingertips. by Erin Werra

Use Task-Based Permission to Tighten Edtech Security #Data

How system admins assign permissions makes a big difference in keeping data secure. by Erin Werra

How Stock Responses Can Improve Parent Communications #Culture

Won't stock responses limit participation? Not exactly. Be strategic to encourage productive conversations. by Erin Werra

Playing Catch-Up with Student Behavior #Achievement

Small acts add up for healthier students—and better behavior. by Erin Werra

The Hidden Costs of Poor Edtech Support #Technology

Take a deeper look at what your SIS offers. Is everything you need included? by Erin Werra

Maximize Classroom Space for Maximum Comfort #Leadership

Space has always been at a premium, but with a little design thinking leaders can break out of the box. by Erin Werra

Midyear Check-In: 2021 Conversations #Leadership

How's the year going so far? Let's check in on our three important conversation topics for 2021. by Erin Werra

How Edtech Can Help Recruit and Retain Substitutes #Culture

Learn three ways good edtech can help your district become a destination for substitute teachers and staff. by Erin Werra

Kids' Digital Citizenship Skills are Non-Negotiable #Technology

How do schools prepare digital natives for the world wide web? These inalienable rights can help guide the conversation. by Erin Werra

Future-Ready Students Seek Credentials #Achievement

As students work toward a brighter future, which credentials can help? And how can schools support them? by Erin Werra

5 Good Things the Pandemic Revealed in Schools #Leadership

Celebrate the wins. by Erin Werra

Does Your Pre-Hire Process Shine? #Business

Are applicants following a well-marked, automated path to hiring success? Analyze your application process to see where improvement is needed. by Erin Werra

Making Plans for Virtual School? You're Not Alone. #Achievement

Planning ahead can make all the difference for students, families, and equity. by Erin Werra

3 Ways Virtual Onboarding Strengthened One Team #Business

If onboarding a new employee from afar sounds like a nightmare, read on to discover the hidden benefits. by Erin Werra

6 Edtech Tools Schools Used to Navigate a Pandemic #Business

These six tools have proven useful—and the good news is, you may already have them. by Erin Werra

Get Your Board On Board #Leadership

Behind just about every public school district is an elected school board. Here are a few considerations to cultivate harmony. by Erin Werra

Could Virtual Options Double Parent Participation? #Achievement

Zoom fatigue is real, but one thing’s for sure: Virtual options are a win for parent/teacher conferences. by Erin Werra

Intervention Needs an Abundance Mindset #Achievement

Take stock of the tools we already have to make intervention a success. by Erin Werra

10 Ways to Get Cameras on During Remote Learning #Achievement

Without demanding, begging, or adding rules. by Erin Werra

The Cost of Proactive vs. Reactive Data Security #Data

Investing in K12 data security pays off. Here’s how to stretch your dollar. by Erin Werra

5 Ways Good EdTech Puts People First #Technology

If sifting through edtech specs feels a bit cold, warm up with these user-centric traits. by Erin Werra

Youth Activism in Schools #Achievement

The next generation of heroes is walking the halls of schools today, and you’re uniquely poised to help them along. by Erin Werra

3 Conversations to Follow in 2021 #Leadership

Goodbye 2020. Let’s prepare for whatever comes next by Erin Werra

An Intro to Single Sign On Security #Technology

Ever wondered how this super convenient feature protects your district? Let’s explore SAML and SSO. by Erin Werra

A Rural Internet Glossary #Technology

There are no simple answers for rural connectivity. For families looking for options, learning some baseline lingo can help guide the way. by Erin Werra

Why Edtech Choices Matter So Much #Technology

Educators have had no choice but to lean hard on technology in 2020. What have we learned about edtech choices and their impact on a generation of... by Erin Werra

What K12 Leaders Can Learn from Movie Monsters #Leadership

It was a dark and stormy school year… by Erin Werra

One-Page Pitch: Ditch Passwords and Use Passphrases #Technology

“Passphrase? Is that the same as a password?” Not quite! Find out why you should be using passphrases in this quick, shareable pitch. by Erin Werra

Motivation vs. Determination (and How to Capture Both) #Achievement

Learn the difference between them and how to master both, then strike the right balance to see professional (and student!) growth soar. by Erin Werra

Tell Me Something Good #Culture

Just four words might turn the tide of school culture. by Erin Werra

Pandemic-Era Safety and Security in School Buildings #Leadership

COVID-19 has changed the way schools operate. Here’s how school administrators are protecting their communities. by Erin Werra

Midyear Check-In: 2020 Conversations #Leadership

A year like none other. by Erin Werra

What K12 Leaders Can Learn from Late Night TV #Leadership

Night owls appreciate long-running hosts and a solid, familiar format. What can you learn from late night shows? by Erin Werra

How Assessment Squelches the Summer Slide #Achievement

COVID-19 followed immediately by a couple months off has the potential to make the summer extra slide-y. Assessment to the rescue. by Erin Werra

Radio Check: 5 Tactics for "Loud and Clear" Communication #Leadership

What can “radio talk” protocol teach us about quality communication? Turns out, a lot! Here are 5 takeaways from this tried and true... by Erin Werra

Arena Scheduling from Home #Achievement

Even if remote learning is a contingency, it’s wise to plan ahead for remote options—including arena scheduling. by Erin Werra

Should Your School Use a Crisis Text Line? #Leadership

May is mental health month, but students struggle all year round. Here’s how technology can play a role in compassionate care. by Erin Werra

What K12 Leaders Can Learn from Saturday Morning Cartoons #Leadership

Saturday morning used to represent golden hours of freedom and indulgence for kids. What can you learn from the heyday of kid freedom? by Erin Werra

When Your Team Struggles with Working from Home #Leadership

Troubleshooting and coaching the challenges of the new normal: remote work. by Erin Werra

How eLearning Can Empower Kids #Achievement

Learning doesn’t stop. But it will be different, and that’s okay. by Erin Werra

Why Emotional IQ Skills Are Essential for Students #Achievement

One of the most impactful ways to improve job performance is to brush up on emotional intelligence. What if we gave kids a jump on it? by Erin Werra

To Educators: Thank You #Culture

We're so grateful for your service. by Erin Werra

School Librarians Make a Difference—Here's How #Achievement

Librarians provide additional opportunity to support students with positive adult relationships, share representation, and bridge tech skills. by Erin Werra

Project-Based Learning is a Perfect Developmental Match for Teens #Achievement

Adults, we’re witnessing a revolution. by Erin Werra

20 Things We'll Be Into This Decade #Culture

A mix of perennial and emerging topics we’re looking forward to witnessing as time marches on. by Erin Werra

4 Strategies to Manage Educator Empathy #Leadership

Empathetic educators focus so much on keeping their spirits up to care for others—the quick refill cycle can lead to burnout. Here's how... by Erin Werra

3 Conversations to Follow in 2020 #Leadership

As we welcome a brand-new year and decade, we'll explore the connection between technology and soft skills, ransomware, and measuring software... by Erin Werra

The State of K12 Coding #Technology

Computer science is rapidly growing—and we're making progress. Check out this recap and learn about bringing the Hour of Code to your... by Erin Werra

Leading Different Generations in a School District #Leadership

Leading multiple generations is all about striking balance between recognizing (and celebrating) differences and keeping all people focused on the... by Erin Werra

How to Prepare Students for the Jobs of Tomorrow #Technology

The workforce is changing—how do we manage the gap between today’s skills and the impossible to predict future? by Erin Werra

Mobile Education Tug of War #Achievement

Technology has evolved the modern workplaces for maximum flexibility. But is blurring the boundaries of classroom learning healthy for... by Erin Werra

3 Ways to Keep Your Credit Cards Out of The News #Business

How can administrators stay vigilant against all types of fraud? By being good stewards of reimbursement approvals. Here's how. by Erin Werra

One-Page Pitch: Data Security #Leadership

The Advancing K12 One-Page Pitch Series aims to help team members lead from within. This month's topic: data security. by Erin Werra

How Ed-Fi Standards Simplify Student Data Management #Data

How do school leaders keep track of minute student data points in their district—then turn those numbers into action to improve instruction? by Erin Werra

Midyear Check-in: Conversations to Follow in 2019 #Leadership

How's the year going so far? Let's check in on our three important conversation topics for 2019. by Erin Werra

5 Great Education Debates #Culture

Let's explore both sides of a handful of education's perennial debates. by Erin Werra

Rethinking the Traditional School Schedule #Culture

As we gaze into the future of K12 education, what scheduling changes do we see budding? How do these changes affect kids? by Erin Werra

The 5-Step EdTech Integration Checklist #Leadership

Here's a customizable template of the five main tasks leaders can follow to start an interoperability journey. by Erin Werra

What Do We Really Know About Screen Time? #Technology

What used to be a matter of parenting opinion has moved into the realm of vocational requirement. We know kids are going to be using screens in and... by Erin Werra

3 Contradictions Between Research and Practice #Leadership

Schools (and vendors) love to tout research-based solutions, processes, and practices. But is “research-based” really all it’s... by Erin Werra

Talking to Parents About Digital Citizenship #Leadership

Parents may have various qualms about technology. Most of them boil down to one thing: protecting kids. Digital citizenship skills can help. by Erin Werra

One-Page Pitch: Digital Badging #Leadership

The Advancing K12 One-Page Pitch Series is designed to help you lead from within. Our inaugural pitch: Digital badging for professional development! by Erin Werra

High-Tech HR: One-Way Video Interviews #Business

Imagine interviewing every single applicant while speeding up the first-round process. Unbelievable? Believe it! Here's how. by Erin Werra

6 Surefire Cures for Initiative Fatigue #Leadership

Or, how to keep your eyes on the prize and refrain from chasing the latest, shiniest trend. by Erin Werra

3 Steps for Building an Awesome Brand #Culture

Ace school branding, with bonus advice from the superintendent who (literally) wrote the book on it. by Erin Werra

6 Roles Technology Can Play in the Hiring Process #Technology

These six tools, from emerging tech to tried-and-true strategies, can save time and effort in the recruiting process. by Erin Werra

7 News Literacy Strategies for All Ages #Achievement

How do we build a healthy skepticism to navigate the Internet’s endless content offerings? Most importantly, how do we share our strategies... by Erin Werra

Meritorious: The Gold Standard for School Budgets #Business

Budgets: A necessary task, or an art form? by Erin Werra

The Perils and Promise of K12 Crowdfunding #Business

What if you could skip the sales and go directly to donations for classroom supplies, edtech, or other initiatives? by Erin Werra

10 New Year's Resolutions for School Leaders #Leadership

A collection of initiatives (and supporting materials) to consider after the clock strikes midnight. by Erin Werra

3 Conversations to Follow in 2019 #Leadership

What’s on the horizon for the New Year? We’re keeping a weather eye on boosting computer science for early learners, digital badging... by Erin Werra

What is Arena Scheduling? #Achievement

If you're looking to increase student engagement, accountability, time management, and much more, why not give arena scheduling a try? by Erin Werra

The 6-Step Fraud Test #Business

Few things can be more devastating to a school district than a major fraud scandal. In this article, we explore six areas worthy of the occasional... by Erin Werra

3 Ways for Students to Steal Your Password #Technology

Kids are craftier than ever these days, but with a little awareness you can stay one step ahead. Featured: Three 1-Minute Security Drill videos. by Erin Werra

What School Choice Means for Edubranding #Leadership

In the age of choice, what can educational leaders do to turn their schools and districts into desirable destinations for families and job candidates? by Erin Werra

What is Whole-Child Education? #Achievement

Schools are nurturing multiple facets of child development. But how does whole-child education work? by Erin Werra

10 Districts with Awesome Brands #Culture

These 10 school districts identified why their district is awesome, then structured everything they do around it to produce a noteworthy brand. by Erin Werra

The Attendance Nudge #Achievement

By analyzing studies conducted in school districts using attendance letters, we can learn the best ways to nudge parents into becoming attendance... by Erin Werra

Why Can't We Get Teacher Evals Right? #Leadership

What does the research say about teacher evaluation, and what are some of the most common takeaways from recent studies? by Erin Werra

4 Paths to Student Accountability #Culture

Explore four strategies to maximize students' opportunities to develop accountability, practice self-management, and gain essential skills they... by Erin Werra

Introducing the EdLeader Personality Test #Leadership

We've assembled the first ever personality test designed specifically for educational leaders. What's your archetype? by Erin Werra

Who is Responsible for Mental Health? #Culture

Staff responsibilities overlap, data goes unanalyzed, and students (or teachers) line up at overwhelmed counselors’ doors. How do schools... by Erin Werra

10 Do's and Don'ts for Effective Teacher Mentorship #Leadership

Looking to boost teacher retention, build a strong school culture, and contribute to new teachers' professional growth? Learn 10 tips for... by Erin Werra

Midyear Check-In: 2018 Conversation Topics #Leadership

We've been closely following 3 key education topics in 2018. See what the past six months have revealed and what to keep an eye on in the... by Erin Werra

Maslow and the Modern Learning Environment #Achievement

What can psychology tell us about creating a motivating learning environment? Explore the connections between Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs... by Erin Werra

4 Paths to Safer Schools #Culture

Without a foolproof formula for school safety, how do you tackle such a serious topic? Find action items in four areas of opportunity, including... by Erin Werra

The Right Fit: SEL and Technology #Technology

Social-emotional learning and technology: Two inescapable topics in education today. But how do the two overlap to improve outcomes for students... by Erin Werra

The 3 Leading Causes of EdTech Breakups #Technology

When you stop and look around, how many of your edtech partnerships are still fulfilling? Here are some common reasons why they fail and some ideas... by Erin Werra

5 Tech-Friendly ESSA Plans #Technology

Which states have the clearest plans to fuel innovation in teaching and learning in the years to come? These five ESSA plans stand out from the rest. by Erin Werra

Hanging Out with the Chrome Squad #Achievement

Royse City ISD’s Connected for Learning (C4L) leader Cody Holt and his student-led IT team, the Chrome Squad, share their story about the... by Erin Werra

3 Top-Tier RTI Districts #Achievement

Response to Intervention has been around for a while and is widely recognized, but not every implementation is created equal. Three districts with... by Erin Werra

4 Ways to Build a Better Schedule #Leadership

Scheduling is one of the most time-consuming yet rewarding tasks in school operations. These student-centered and flexible scheduling methods are... by Erin Werra

What is Decaying Average? #Achievement

When it comes to standards-based grading, what's the best way to measure growth and proficiency? Many districts are turning to the Decaying... by Erin Werra

5 Ways to Track SEL Efforts #Data

How do you measure the important business of social-emotional growth and wellbeing without falling back on emojis and sticker charts? Here are five... by Erin Werra

The Yin and Yang of Augmented Reality #Technology

Augmented reality: trendy or troubling? Let’s take a look at the potential for AR in education and the potential pitfalls it poses. by Erin Werra

4 Ways to Improve the Substitute Teaching Experience #Culture

How do you attract and keep good substitute teachers in your classrooms? By adjusting your processes to deliver a better experience, of course! by Erin Werra

The Road to Connected Schools #Technology

Broadband is a necessity for learning in a digital world, but remote, rural schools are being left in the dust. Read on for an examination of... by Erin Werra

3 Conversations to Follow in 2018 #Leadership

Goodbye, 2017! The new year sets the stage for fresh ideas. Here are three topics sure to make an impact in 2018.
by Erin Werra

The 5 Most Popular Articles of 2017 #Culture

This year, Advancing K12 readers were all in on school PR, data stewardship, and the ever-expanding role schools play in our children's lives... by Erin Werra

The Quest for Parent Portal Buy-In #Technology

Parent portals give teachers a central location to manage communication. But do parents really log in to continue the conversation? If not, how can... by Erin Werra

Keeping Top Teachers in the Classroom #Leadership

Are teachers left with little choice but to “outgrow” the classroom to pursue admin roles? Find out how to identify and invest in your... by Erin Werra

8 Great Data-Sharing Districts #Data

Data shapes the day-to-day operations of schools. How can you improve and clarify the conversation? Check out 8 great examples of data visibility. by Erin Werra

Is This the End of Grades? #Achievement

Classrooms, schools, and districts are abandoning the traditional method of grading with letters and percentages. Find out why and learn what's... by Erin Werra