This week’s update addresses one of the most important skills every teacher must have: effective classroom management. A frequent complaint from school leaders is that they spend more time dealing with disruptive students whose teachers cannot deal with them. Thus, the school administrator has less time for their most important role – instructional leadership. The evidence comes from Edutopia, July 7, 2025, with the title “8 Small But Impactful Classroom Management Shifts.”
Classroom management is closely related to student engagement. Engagement is strongly related to the student-teacher relationship and the use of timely and specific feedback from teachers so that students know that they are making progress not the next day but every few minutes. Disengagement is strongly related to students’ feelings that they are not respected.
Effective classroom management by expert teachers includes non-verbal cues such as moving around the classroom and getting close to students who may be out of line. When teachers speak, a moderate tone of voice rather than a raised voice can minimize oppositional and defiant behavior by students. Some of the studies reviewed in this article suggest that unclear instructions spark student confusion, frustration, and misbehavior.
Greeting students at the door and a morning meeting is linked to improved behavior. These strategies are often used in elementary school, but rarely seen in secondary schools. Move electronic devices to backpacks or to charging station at the back of the room. Clear norms, particularly about transitions. Emotionally safe cold calls – inviting and respectful manner – I’d like to hear some ideas – “Jose, what do you think?” Students can also phone a friend, answer a question with a question, or provide a partial answer. The “warm calls” increased classroom participation to over 90%.
Brain breaks – especially after a longer lesson – just 4-6 minutes is all it takes to reduce off-task behavior.
Cool and calm – think of scenarios and the best response rather than impulsive and potentially angry responses.
Here is the link to the full article:
https://www.edutopia.org/article/small-but-impactful-classroom-management-shifts/
Our latest book, Fearless Instruction, has been released! It features a dynamic collection of voices united by a common purpose: to carry forward and evolve the foundational work of the 90/90/90 schools.
Grounded in research and rich with practical strategies, this book is for educators who are ready to lead with clarity, collaborate with purpose, and teach with courage. Each chapter highlights a critical component of building fearless schools, beginning with strong instructional leadership and culminating in a renewed commitment to engaging every learner. From shaping fearless learning environments to developing high-functioning collaborative learning teams and from transforming feedback to empowering student voice through writing, this book delivers a comprehensive toolkit for school teams dedicated to real, sustainable change.
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The latest episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast has been released. The team talks to the authors of section 1 (“Laying the Foundation: Fostering a Culture of Collaboration”) of the Creative Leadership Solutions book, Fearless Instruction, to learn about the critical information behind the book. In addition to examining the inspiration of Dr. Reeves’ 90/90/90 research, they discuss how teachers and leaders can utilize the book to help all students achieve, help all teachers collaborate effectively, and help all school leaders move their schools forward. You can find the latest episodes and follow the Fearless Schools Podcast wherever you listen.
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