The Principal's Handbook

Are your school's collaborative efforts truly making a difference for every student? Join us as we sit down with Kurtis Hewson, an education veteran with 30 years of experience, to explore the transformative Collaborative Response framework. Kurtis shares how this systematic approach helps schools move beyond isolated teaching practices to create intentional, layered support systems for all students. Learn about the four essential team layers, the importance of tiered supports versus tiering students, and practical strategies for implementing effective collaboration in schools of any size. Whether you're leading a school of 25 or 2,500 students, this episode offers valuable insights on leveraging collective expertise to ensure no student slips through the cracks.

Get the Overview of Collaborative Response article

Download the Collaborative Response Book Introductory Chapter

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Check out Barb's Instagram @BarbFlowersCoaching HERE for more tips and strategies!

Sign up HERE for a FREE Consultation and learn more about how I can help you with one-on-one coaching.

Tired of second-guessing your decisions as a principal? Download my free course! Access it here.

Click HERE to get a Free Guide for Setting Boundaries

We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. 

These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.