R&R is a monthly digest curating a selection of the latest research findings, innovative practices, and valuable resources. Filtered through your unique mission and vision, explore and grow in navigating the ever-evolving educational landscape. Take some needed R&R. | | |
The Hardest Conversation Every Leader Must Have
Leaders often delay difficult performance conversations, but avoidance breaks trust. Teams evolve from Frozen (disengaged) to Comfortable (harmony-focused) to Driven (results-focused) to High-Performing (balancing results and relationships). Denise Musselwhite shares this four-step framework: prepare with clarity, lead with honesty not hope, stay anchored in empathy, and offer a path forward to transform difficult conversations into developmental opportunities.
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When AI Feels Human: The Promise and Peril of Digital Empathy
AI empathy represents both significant opportunities and challenges. The ability of machines to simulate compassion can provide access to learning, care, and connection, but without careful design, accountability, and policy, those capabilities could deepen isolation, dependency, and harm. American Enterprise Institute recommends developing well-being metrics and implementing strong safeguards, especially for children, to ensure AI empathy strengthens rather than erodes humanity.
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How is a Competency-Based Curriculum Organized
The Competency-Based Education Network demonstrates how curricula is organized around four levels: program outcomes (broad credential-level statements), domains (thematic categories), competencies (specific mastery targets), and performance indicators (behavioral criteria demonstrating mastery). The structure focuses on competencies rather than courses, removes electives, emphasizes performance over content, and naturally creates an interdisciplinary approach.
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Communicate with Greater Clarity Using the Execution Triangle
Huron Consulting offers the Execution Triangle as a communication framework designed to help K-12 leaders communicate with greater clarity and drive alignment, especially during crisis situations. The triangle consists of three core principles: reliability, consistency, and accountability. When all three components are present, communication execution is most effective.
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TransformEd: Teaching & Learning Conference
February 10-11, 2026 | Chattanooga, TN
Explore cutting-edge pedagogical ideas, innovative instructional strategies, and game-changing educational tools designed to drive meaningful impact in the classroom. Through TransformEd, you’ll gain the tools and insights to create transformative learning experiences that inspire student success and a passion for lifelong learning.
Choose from 24 breakout sessions from four distinct learning journeys:
- Agency & Engagement
- Assessment & Feedback
- Design & Mapping
- Instructional Strategies
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