Education Technology
JUST THINKING…Talking CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT with Lesli Laughter
Leaders who embed constant refinement into their institutions unlock transformative momentum that reshapes student outcomes and school culture
Key takeaways
Leaders who embed constant refinement into their institutions unlock transformative momentum that reshapes student outcomes and school culture
Innovative planning and continuous improvement in education stands at the forefront of school improvement, a strategic linchpin that propels institutions toward a future of achievement and excellence. At the heart of this transformation is adopting a continuous improvement mindset, where educators and administrators constantly seek better strategies and outcomes for their students. Just Thinking offers a deep dive into the power and potential of innovative planning within the educational sector, underscoring its role in driving schools toward sustained progress and success.
Host Kevin Dougherty sits with Lesli Laughter, an Author and the Chief Academic Officer at 806 Technologies. Together, they unravel the layers of innovative planning, debating its impact and dissecting common misconceptions. Through their dialogue, the essence of continuous improvement in educational settings is brought to light, offering valuable insights for educators nationwide.
Laughter emphasizes that continuous improvement is more than a buzzword; it's about a commitment to be better tomorrow than today. It's about understanding the needs of students and integrating improvement into the school culture. They also tackle the concept of "strategic abandonment," which is essential for schools to adapt and grow without becoming overburdened. Laughter's approach to leadership and innovation in education stands out for its simplicity and clarity, striving to prevent the overcomplication of systems within schools.
Continuous improvement is more than a buzzword; it's about a commitment to be better tomorrow than today.
The conversation extends beyond methodologies to the psychological and cultural aspects of implementing change, including the inevitable "implementation dip" and maintaining a positive outlook. They discuss the value of recognizing and building upon the strengths and assets within schools to bring joy back into the educational process for educators and students.
Laughter's passionate belief in the power of continuous improvement as a means to reduce stress and enhance educational experiences resonates throughout the discussion. The forthcoming book, "Continuous Improvement without Continuous Stress," promises to be a valuable resource for educators seeking to navigate the complexities of educational reform with grace and efficacy.
About the author
Kevin Dougherty is the Chief Strategy Officer for 806 Technologies. He has spent the past 39 years as an educator and serving educators. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts/Amherst, Kevin earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Multicultural Education. He later earned a Master of Education Degree in Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts/Lowell. Kevin was a classroom teacher for ten years in the Dallas, Boston, and Houston areas. He then served as an assistant principal/principal of Title I/Bilingual campuses in Fort Bend ISD and Irving ISD. For the past 22 years, Kevin has been serving educators throughout Texas and the nation in various roles supporting sales/marketing, professional learning, and overall company strategy. He has been married to his wife, Michelle, for 33 years. They have two grown children who both live in the DFW area.
