What a great way to start my Saturday. So excited to jump into the arena with #EduGladiators this morning. Before we get started with questions... Roll call - who's here?
Welcome warriors!
🤔Should schools be run like a business? Let's start discussing w/@rrwilliams512 moderating us!
But first, roll call!
Who's here?
Share your name & how/where you 'gladiate' 4 Ss!
#EduGladiators
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A1 definitely taboo...but with the economic climate we are in I think it is also necessary. But we cannot mix the business of school with the mission & visions of school #edugladiators
A1 I don't know about running a school like a business (eager to learn from you) but I think there is a LOT that educators can learn from business! For example, customer service ;) #edugladiators
A1) I don’t, a lot of great companies have excellent leadership and organizational structures school could implement to improve the student experience #EduGladiators
A1) In terns of managerial structures or how we teach students, no. In terms of measuring outputs and results, yes. Our “market” and “product” are too unpredictable. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @rrwilliams512, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @PaulONeill1972, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @cskiles80, @RyanBJackson1
A1. Education has a lot to learn from the business sector. That said, we need to reframe any best practices we glean from other sectors through the lens of love and service to students and families- not endeavors to solely achieve selfish motives and gains. #EduGladiators
A1 No. Schools exist to serve the needs of the students. The proof of this is primarily in the student achievement data. Schools are in the business of producing these results. #edugladiators
A1. Not always, there are so many "business" aspects of schools these days you almost have to view it in some aspects like a business. I would try to model the "mom and pop" stores rather than large chain stores. #edugladiators
A1: only if you consider the people in it as numbers on a spread sheet. If you take on the perspective of selling tickets to your show, would people buy them? What would the reviews sound like? Would people be willing to purchase your stock? #EduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @rrwilliams512, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @PaulONeill1972, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @cskiles80, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12
A1: I see no problem with that as long as we don't give up the humanity involved with leading and guiding individual students. The more business literature I read, the more I believe education and business can learn from each other. #edugladiators
A1 Tough question! The problem with running edu like a business is the neighbourhoods with more money would get the best teachers and resources. That would make edu for Iess affluent areas not have an equitable education ☹️☹️☹️ #edugladiators
A1 - Don’t think you can run school like a business. When your commodity is people, there has to be a difference. However, it would be shortsighted to think there is nothing to learn from great companies. #edugladiators
The problem is our customers are NOT who we service. The children at our schools, no matter how much we want it to be otherwise, aren’t our customers; the parents and (if you are a public school teacher) taxpayers are. #edugladiators
In reply to
@Maverikedu12, @EduGladiators, @rrwilliams512, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @PaulONeill1972, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @cskiles80, @RyanBJackson1
A1: I believe there are a few, select businesses concepts that we can learn from such as promoting all of the wonderful thing our Ss and Ts are doing.
#edugladiators
Totally agree Cristina! We can’t be totally about numbers (data & test scores) that we forget about the relationship aspect & caring about the people involved including kids, Ts & parents. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@CristinaDajero, @EduGladiators, @rrwilliams512, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @PaulONeill1972, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @cskiles80, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12
A1 "Schools Cannot Do It Alone" has a great story called the "Blueberry Story". Schools cannot simply send back impure raw materials like busiinesses can. Our "products" are humans, not inanimate objects #edugladiators
That is where the idea of maintaining the humanity of the organization comes into play. "Business" is not necessarily a bad word or thing, but it has to be crafted in such a way that a difference in young lives is still made. #EduGladiators
A1. I don’t know much about business but I do know a school has to- needs to have ❤️ - LOVE for OUR kids! ❤️ for what we do! This is our WHY! Do businesses know their why?#EduGladiators
Simply put? Looking at the educational experience as a business is a threat to the status quo. Anything that threatens the status quo tends to be taboo. #edugladiators
A1: at our core we are not a typical business but there are issues/processed like resource management and personnel management that are analagous #edugladiators
A1: I don't think it's taboo at all. Our schools have tons of private partnerships and initiatives already, so it's not much of a stretch. Is that a good thing? Another question entirely. #edugladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @rrwilliams512, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @PaulONeill1972, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @cskiles80, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12
A2: When I think of places I have worked I remember fondly the places that made staff feel like family. I think that would be the best quality to bring to schools in the form of a welcoming culture. #EduGladiators
A2 favorite companies are ones that constantly move forward and don't get stuck in "the way it's always been done". They take input from the customer & make improvements quickly and without question #edugladiators
A1: Not taboo, just important to realize there's no one solution for every school. Some institutions should be run like businesses- to get them back on the right path or keep them on the straight and narrow. Just depends. #edugladiators
In reality, the best businesses are crafted in a way that does consider humanity. Business is also good at identifying a niche or an underserved market. That can be helpful in education as well. #EduGladiators
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A2) Google, Apple, & other e-companies have established a work environment that fosters creates and promotes fun while also demanding results. People work harder and smarter when they are happy. Imagine what our staff & students could do when happy! #edugladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @rrwilliams512, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @PaulONeill1972, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @cskiles80, @RyanBJackson1
A1. “Businesses” = function focused. Results, profits. “Classrooms” (should be) human focused. People. Human dignity.
In a business economy, results earn you autonomy. In a personal economy, affinities earn you exceptions.
But SCHOOLS must still be professional. #edugladiators
A2 Things to learn from great businesses
*Positivity
*Going the extra mile to help
*Creating inviting environments
*Knowing "your stuff"
*FUN factor!
#edugladiators
Many successful businesses such as @Apple start with their WHY. As a result, they have a personal connection with their customers. The WHY determines every action. I think many schools will see improvement if they follow this method. #edugladiators
Right, if it means being able to run the school in a productive fashion there is nothing wrong with modeling a business. The students needs should always come first, just like the customer. Isn't that why were are here to begin with- the learning needs of student? #EduGladiators
A1 Is it a taboo (something we don't want to talk about)- yes. Is it wrong- no. We are servicing a group of consumers and our service can only grow if our shareholders/stakeholders are happy. #edugladiators
this is the challenge. Like marketing, when you tell a client not to use comic sans, & they demand comic sans, what do you do? Our customers don’t always know what is best for the classroom as a whole. What might work better for their child may not work for all #EduGladiators
A2 I love the companies that think of the whole person 💚💚 health, happiness, inclusive, supportive like a big happy family. Work Life balance #edugladiators
A2. I am a huge Amazon customer! I like that you can filter and search for specific items and we can model that with our students. Figure out their exact needs and filter their educational tool to match those needs. #edugladiators
Love the Chick-Fil-A value of "second mile service" in that respect. All schools should embrace that. Not just doing the expected, but more than expected. #EduGladiators
A1 I wonder about this as some places do operate as a business. Thinking of a ‘hospital’ model where the focus is on people and engaging families to support the ‘patient’ and provide what’s needed. Maybe something like that...?? #edugladiators
A2. Innovation. Freedom to fail. Unified vision.
“Business” gets a bad rap, but everyone knows what they’re getting with @Apple or @Disney.
Lacking a cohesive structure, schools become a checkerboard of independent contractors w/ wildly divergent standards. #edugladiators
A2: I think companies like @Google and @facebook , that focus on people, morale, and social issues are good models. I think of SEL, morale, and development of culture could take some pointers from them. #EduGladiators
A2: I visit my fav coffee spot once a week and they are remembering my name and that I like to try differnt drinks. My dentist replaced two fillings, the called me to check on me later that day! Get to know your people, do little things to show u care. #EduGladiators
A2 Apple. I appreciate the attention to detail and innovation. We can argue many great educators apply these qualities to their own practice. Innovative teaching drives toward high level of acquisition and attention to detail fosters authentic relationships. #EduGladiators
A1: I agree with other #edugladiators that school & business can learn from each other. I think it is critical to remember the primary goal of business is money, whereas the primary goal of school is the education of young minds. Education must always remain the highest priority.
A1: I believe that business can learn from schools and schools can learn from strong businesses...best way to maintain the distinction but support each other! #EduGladiators
A2 They are always thinking about ways to improve their services before the consumer even knows they needed the improvement. They are receptive to feedback and communicate with their clients in a clear and personal way. #edugladiators
I will say asking educators how to make education run more like a business is a bit like asking someone outside of education to fix it! We need each other to really improve and we need to be visiting companies to get good ideas. #edugladiators
A1 schools are in competition with one another in today’s times.. public & charters r fighting 4 the same kids. Business structure is mandatory for schools to stay in business. #EduGladiators
A2: Well, @Flipgrid is a cmpny/ biz, although its focus is education. What I 💚 about it is their quick response time to clients, automatic buy-in of their product, & the overall positive attitudes from ALL parties involved. No 2nd guessing commaraderie. #EduGladiators
RT acooktweet : A1 schools are in competition with one another in today’s times.. public & charters r fighting 4 the same kids. Business structure is mandatory for schools to stay in business. #EduGladiatorshttps://t.co/TRn6Xo4kQm
I feel like we are headed back to more one room schoolhouses maybe even digitally online. Grouping Ss by customer focus instead of by age. Not sure what to think about that #EduGladiators
A3: The best customer service means differentiation. What do YOU need? is more personalized than "Here's what I think everyone will need."
#EduGladiators
A3) Get away from just focusing on test scores. Students are soooo much more than a test they take 1-2 times a year. Focus on their experience here at school! #edugladiators
A3. Zappos also (famously) pays employees a full month’s salary to LEAVE if they’re not sold on the company’s way of doing business after the first 30 days. Powerful commitment to their vision. “If you’re in, then you’re IN.” No half measures. #edugladiators
A3 Our mission isn't necessarily the content of courses (which our titles would make it seem, i.e. History Teacher). Our goal is to provide the best experience possible for the student both in terms of content and support. The learning will come from that. #edugladiators
Yes but our mission is not terribly comparable to that of a company. Our question is “Are our Ss bridging the gap between all aspects of their performance and their potential?” Very different paradigm. #edugladiators
A3) It is not about what you are selling that brings people to you. It is not about how you sell it that brings people to you. People come to you because they believe in why you are doing it. #SimonSinek#edugladiators
A3: Customer service having nothing to do with shoes is like saying building relationships has nothing to do with teaching. They both might seem tangential but they are necessary prerequisites to excellence. #edugladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @rrwilliams512, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @PaulONeill1972, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @cskiles80, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12
A2) the top companies research and cater to their audience, have a work environment that puts the workers first, a place where happiness and comfort is encouraged as much as innovation, collaboration, and critique is seen as betterment of self and product #edugladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @rrwilliams512, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @PaulONeill1972, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @cskiles80, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12
This is why the current educational model may not be sustainable. Grouping Ss by age vs grouping Ss by parental values and desires may make more sense. #edugladiators
A2: Strong businesses have a shared leadership approach, lots of collaboration, not, necessarily hierarchical structure, rewarding hard work/dedication/commitment...much to be learned here by schools. #EduGladiators
A2. I would say companies/businesses that look at the whole person, get to know each one, value their strengths as well as their weaknesses- promote risk taking & celebrate successes and failures throughout the year! #Family#EduGladiators
Khan talks about that in "The One World Schoolhouse". I don't think it will completely shift, although in EDU we tend to think all-or-nothing with reforms. It should be a mix; everyone simply does not need the same knowledge and understanding of the same things #edugladiators
A3. I think if we look at how the students view their school experience it can impact how they learn. A negative "customer service" encounter doesn't make you want to continue to shop there. Just like a student might not want to come back to school. #edugladiators
A3 We must ground ourselves in providing the best “product” (education) for kiddos and “customer service” (attentiveness) with the community. As a leader, I found myself distracted by transactional work. It’s tough to prioritize people when stuck in the weeds. #EduGladiators
A3) First things first. You can have the best product/lessons & w/o customers/engaged learners it is meaningless. Would I want to be a student in my own class? #EduGladiators
A3 Great Question. The point is that the results will follow if you focus on treating people the right way. Constantly pumping and fretting over test scores is inefficient and is the method of a Transactional Leader. #edugladiators
That’s a far cry than parents who are used to “the customer is always right” models of service. There is a disconnect here I think. Not sure how to fix that #EduGladiators
A3: In education, this will not mean that the "customer" is always right. But it does mean that everyone in the organization needs to be all in on the core values and how to communicate and implement them. #edugladiators
A3: CS is 🔑! You cannot treat people (faculty, staff, students, teachers, community members, stakeholders) any kind of way and expect positive results. There's a synergy involved in the effectiveness of running a biz AND a school. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @rrwilliams512, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @PaulONeill1972, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @cskiles80, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12
A3 The best 'service' is not giving ppl people always want, but giving them what they need. This is where schools need to get to answering their own 'Why' much better. Schools need to live and breathe their vision = sell their product #edugladiators
A3. Zappos also (famously) pays employees a full month’s salary to LEAVE if they’re not sold on the company’s way of doing business after the first 30 days. Powerful commitment to their vision. “If you’re in, then you’re IN.” No half measures. #edugladiators
Did you notice that I mentioned...”if you see it as a business”? If you see money as important, how is it being spent in our schools? Who is it supporting? How is it supporting? #EduGladiators
A2. The best companies listen to their customers, they study and know their customers. They ensure customers feel welcome and served well. #EduGladiators
I feel like we are headed back to more one room schoolhouses maybe even digitally online. Grouping Ss by customer focus instead of by age. Not sure what to think about that #EduGladiators
Even if our goal was content the best way to teach content in my opinion is by building good relationships first! Either way they are essential. #edugladiators
A3: If our focus is the customer (students) then we stop focusing on the noise and focus on what is important. There is a lot we as teachers are not in control of but if we focus our bests efforts on what we can control our students will benefit. #EduGladiators
A2. The best companies ensure their customers want to come back. We should do whatever it takes to ensure kids are running back into our schools. We just ended our year and there were so many student sobbing b/c they were sad to end the year. #EduGladiators
A3 We have to be focussed on giving students the best possible learning. Engage, Empower, Explore School should be an exciting place to be, not something they endure to holidays #edugladiators
This does not specifically answer a question, but I do think there is a lot we all can learn from business. I have grown as an educator by regularly reading publications like Inc and Fast Company. #edugladiators
No, but often that forces them to choose to come back or leave... schools need to learn how to manage that balance and give teachers the tools to make that experience a positive one for students. #EduGladiators
I saw such partnership between ed & business when obtaining my MSEd in School Leadership at @PennGSE. Professors from the business school gave guest lectures and we often read literature pulled from business. Provided a comprehensive interpretation to leadership. #edugladiators
A4I believe that if we took a long look at customer experience in our buildings it would lead to positive changes. That means looking at every key touch point of parents and students and staff members. Then mapping out a plan for improvement. #edugladiators
A4: Probably what we are already seeing. More data. Value-added metrics for teachers, the increased skill-i-fication of subjects so that products can be sold tailored to those specific skills. Not very good things, in my opinion! #edugladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @rrwilliams512, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @PaulONeill1972, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @cskiles80, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12
A4 Teachers- More motivation and passion because the business promotes it and expects it, Students- More personal support, Parents and Students- More comfort speaking up about the issues they are experiencing with the the system. #EduGladiators
I think we can learn so much from from businesses & vice versa. My biggest takeaway from corporate before becoming an educator is the customer experience. Important we rethink the Ss experience & keep our approach fresh instructing & caring for Ss. #edugladiators
A4: If you become focused on “customer” service then you are open to suggestions, comments, feedback. You reflect on responses made & hopefully make necessary adjustments based on recommendations received. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @rrwilliams512, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @PaulONeill1972, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @cskiles80, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12
And helping those parents, students and/or teachers to get to the place where they recognize their "need" in a safe, supportive way without forcing it on them. Relationship building and trust formations #EduGladiators
A2. The best companies ensure their customers want to come back. We should do whatever it takes to ensure kids are running back into our schools. We just ended our year and there were so many student sobbing b/c they were sad to end the year. #EduGladiators
The problem is various views “positive experiences” for students. A parent’s definition of what that looks like is diametrically opposed sometimes from what the politicians view. #edugladiators
A2 Businesses that simply provide a useful and applicable product but are conscious of their impact- globally. Clean companies that work for a cause and care about humanity. #edugladiators
A4. For my personally I feel as though our schools are already running like a business in that sense. We are servicing our teachers who service our students, but maybe we can "advertise" to the parents/community more to get them more involved. #edugladiators
Exactly! If people don’t feel valued they leave. Most people leave jobs including schools because of this. Have to rethink not only Sa engagement but Ts engagement as well. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@ladylanguage411, @EduGladiators, @rrwilliams512, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @PaulONeill1972, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @cskiles80, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12
A4: If you become focused on “customer” service then you are open to suggestions, comments, feedback. You reflect on responses made & hopefully make necessary adjustments based on recommendations received. #EduGladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @rrwilliams512, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @PaulONeill1972, @Rdene915, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek, @cskiles80, @RyanBJackson1, @Maverikedu12
A4 parents need to know that they have the power to affect change in schools and know that there are alternative methods to address public education. #edugladiators
A4) Always rethinking how what we do goes back to our why. Are we doing things that align to our vision? Are these actions driving results? How can we change to get results? These questions can help us reflect on our practices I think #edugladiators
I want this for my high schoolers! Somewhere down the line we lose the excitement at the higher levels with all the standardized testing, evaluations and extra. Somewhere our Ss lose their zest for learning! We've got to bring it back. Bring THEM back!
#EduGladiators
A2. The best companies ensure their customers want to come back. We should do whatever it takes to ensure kids are running back into our schools. We just ended our year and there were so many student sobbing b/c they were sad to end the year. #EduGladiators
I did notice that. Being smart with how we use our money is so important. I was just adding the view of businesses focusing on making money as the most important thing. I don’t think that’s the $ mindset we need in edu #EduGladiators
A3: Our ‘customers’ are our students (and their parents/guardians)...we’re in the wrong ‘business’ if we don’t believe in providing the best customer service possible...our vocation demands this of us! #EduGladiators
Another difficulty in making education more like a business is that you can’t just drop a business model into every sit and expect it to succeed. It takes bright and creative people to take each situation as it comes and be able to make their situation the best. #edugladiators
That is definitely a critical approach to the work we do. Not sure a lot of training goes into this component. Ts are left to figure it out by trial and error. Thank you for giving me something to chew on. #EduGladiators
Thank you all for such an interesting and FAST chat. It was fun! Have a great weekend. #EduGladiators
A few articles I read in preparation. You can read them in your spare time...LOL
https://t.co/ZNH4O3TEMw
Yaaaaassss!!!!! If we’ve done our job well as #EduGladiators our kids should be sad to leave at break! School schools be the breading ground for engagement, innovation & relationships!
A4. In a business world, *results* earn you autonomy. Not seniority or nepotism or new kid on the block appeal. If you’re delivering above standards, you’ve earned the right to keep doing it in any way you’d like.
Define the goalposts. Let the players shine. #EduGladiators
Teachers shouldn't fret over test scores because Ts have the power to change the narrative but it takes everyone to give push back but Ts won't #EduGladiators
A4 Probably not a popular view - I would like more performance reviews for all staff. Done the right way, these could be real opportunities for a more dynamic & involved process to really allow for enhanced staff capacity & school culture = student growth #edugladiators
Agreed! So let’s be sure we put the needs of our kids first when it comes to spending...some financial decisions seem far removed from meeting those needs! #EduGladiators
I agree!!! Always rethink how can we improve the student experience before their test scores. Their experience will help bring better achievement! #EduGladiators
A4. In a business world, *results* earn you autonomy. Not seniority or nepotism or new kid on the block appeal. If you’re delivering above standards, you’ve earned the right to keep doing it in any way you’d like.
Define the goalposts. Let the players shine. #EduGladiators
I don't think any teacher should be afraid of receiving constructive feedback from colleagues or admin. Afterall, we give feedback routinely and expect our students to grow from it. Model the expectation. #EduGladiators
Lol, see! I know somebody just made it to #ISTE18 but you're still here, eyes barely open to reply, championing Teacher/Student Voice like a boss! 💪 #EduGladiators
Hey Blaine! Welcome to edu Twitter! I’m over at #EduGladiators right now, but delighted to follow you and join in your learning! @StantonAlana is awesome and so happy she connected us! Peace!
I don't disagree, but the way these reviews are carried out are often used as a hammer. Trust and empathy need to be a part of this process. #EduGladiators
Research-do homework, connect, disrupt not dismantle, build momentum, gather the innovators, target & market! Feedback, reflect, make changes, merge best resources, and do it all over again! Every step keep our Ss, Ps, Ts (customers) in mind! #edugladiators#ArcadiaInnovation
I just had a conversation with a friend who works in construction. They were trying to argue that a reduced class size is like reduced business. My line: "people aren't buildings." # edugladiators
I want my Ss to do well on standardized test NOT because my job depends on it but it's the accountability measure for them NOT me. I feel like my Ss can surpass any hurdle. #EduGladiators
Ignoring can have the biggest negative impact on the Ss. Developing the trust so those going above and beyond open their rooms to model for others. #edugladiators
A1. The largest culture killer is ignoring those who fail to meet expectations and failing to acknowledge those who go above and beyond. Affirmation can help shift culture as does addressing any behaviors that are unaligned with the mission and vision. Be brave! #leadupchat
This is a far more complicated answer than Twitter characters will allow. Simply put, done well, this can help us understand whether the person has a good chance of succeeding in the particular role for which they are applying. #EduGladiators
