Binge PBL for Administrators by Magnify Learning

Binge PBL for Administrators This podcast is for visionary school administrators who are exploring Project Based Learning (PBL). Over 20 episodes, this podcast will explore the top PBL topics school administrators have asked about over the last decade. The host will discuss topics such as: Why PBL is the best approach for students and teachers How to engage community partners How to build a positive community perception for your school How transforming faculty meetings can change collaboration in the classroom This podcast will help you leave a legacy of doing what is best for teachers and kids and lead inspired for the rest of your career. PBL Leadership Success Stories Cynthia from Kentucky, a principal of a Title One elementary school who wants more for her students - Shannon from Florida, a principal who has every teacher PBL certified and wants her students to reach the highest level of success possible. Key takeaways: This podcast will provide administrators with a free accelerated jump start to their PBL journey with a ton of resources along the way. PBL helps students achieve the highest level of success possible. Listeners are encouraged to rate and review the show to help other inspired leaders find their why and lead inspired. Resources: Episode 1: Listeners will receive a toolkit to get started. Episode 5: Listeners will receive a free copy of Ryan Steuer’s book “PBL Simplified”. Episode 10: Listeners will receive a free YouTube series specifically for administrators. Sign up for Design Days to catapult your PBL journey forward. Design Days take place when Magnify Learning hosts you and your leadership team at one of their national PBL Model Schools to see the work and plan the work. Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

Why is PBL Best for Kids and Teachers? This podcast is for visionary school administrators who are exploring Project Based Learning (PBL). This episode focuses on how PBL is beneficial for students, teachers, and administrators. The host, Ryan Steuer, shares stories about how PBL has transformed the lives of students and teachers, and he explains how administrators can lead their schools to success with PBL. Key Takeaways: PBL helps students develop context and "handles" for learning, become empowered, and get introduced to different careers. PBL helps teachers teach the way they've always wanted to teach, become empowered problem solvers, and improve their teaching practices through transparency. PBL helps administrators lead their schools instead of just managing them, build strong schools that can thrive even without them, and create a legacy of success. Administrators can create a new future for their schools with PBL by having a clear vision, building confidence, and rolling through that vision. Resource: WhatisPBL.com Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to rate and review the show to help other inspired leaders find their why and lead inspired. Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

What is PBL? Welcome to the Binge PBL for Administrators podcast, brought to you by Magnify Learning! This episode answers the question: What is PBL? What is PBL? An engaging, real-world instructional model that is scalable. Brings together various initiatives like SEAL, personalization, engagement, and empowerment. More than just a curriculum - Magnify Learning helps teachers become curriculum creators rather than providing a pre-made curriculum. Defined as an inquiry-based approach focused on solving real-world problems, not just scenarios. Fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and student agency, helping students shift from passive to active learning. Key Mindsets and Specifics for Implementing PBL: Classroom Shifts require administrative support, as teachers need to view things differently and receive professional development to enhance their skills. Leadership Support from administrators is crucial to understand and provide teachers with the necessary support. Changes in School Structure will be needed, including adjustments to faculty meetings, professional development, and schedules. PBL vs. Traditional Teaching: Traditional teaching is teacher-centric, with the teacher controlling every minute PBL promotes student-driven learning where students are active problem-solvers. Shifting from teacher-directed to student-driven learning is vital because passive and active learning impact the brain differently PBL compares traditional assessments to authentic demonstrations of learning PBL can lead to better results for teachers, while some PBL teachers might require additional support PBL focuses on collaboration, critical thinking, performance assessments, and continuous learning and mastery of standards. Reflection and Feedback are crucial in PBL Students develop feedback and self-reflection skills. Two episodes in the Binge PBL for Teachers podcast are dedicated to feedback and reflection. Differing Goals of PBL and Traditional Teaching Traditional environments aim for content mastery, while PBL strives for content mastery, engagement, empowerment, and employability skills development. PBL as a Framework: A mindset with a six-step structure outlined in the book "PBL Simplified," which is offered free to listeners. PBL Compared to STEM and Service Learning: PBL has national models, unlike STEM and service learning It combines the rigor of content standard learning and mastery with real-world problem-solving. Resource: WhatisPBL.com Call to Action: Rate and review the show to help other inspired leaders find their why and lead inspired. Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

 Essential Elements to Authentic PBL Authentic PBL extends beyond hypothetical scenarios and delves into real-world problem-solving. Authenticity fuels student engagement and empowers them to take ownership of their learning. Projects should be driven by compelling questions or challenges that necessitate collaboration with community partners. Southport Elementary: A Case Study in Authentic PBL Ryan draws a compelling contrast between a traditional "Entrepreneur Day" (where students create products to sell to parents) and the authentic project undertaken by Southport Elementary. Southport students partnered with a local non-profit organization supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. The project involved students marketing and selling products crafted by these individuals, fostering meaningful relationships and enabling students to master academic standards through real-world application. The authenticity of the project created a palpable difference, marked by genuine emotional responses from students and parents and a shared sense of purpose and impact. Sustained Inquiry: The Heartbeat of Authentic PBL Authenticity, coupled with sustained inquiry, is the key to deep student engagement. Sustained inquiry means students are actively engaged in exploring a problem over an extended period (4-6 weeks), fostering a sense of investment and ownership. Ryan shares an anecdote of a student applying his math skills to calculate the required number of cinder blocks for building raised garden beds, highlighting how authenticity elevates the relevance and application of academic concepts. Reflection, Critique, and the Power of a Public Product: The significance of delivering a high-quality final product is emphasized, as students often present their work to community partners, showcasing the real-world impact of their efforts. In the Southport example, the culminating event was a presentation to the non-profit partner. Students are intrinsically motivated to produce exceptional work because they understand that their efforts have real-world implications. Key Takeaways for School Leaders: Authenticity is paramount in PBL. It's not just a desirable feature; it's the foundational element that sets authentic PBL apart. When implementing PBL in your school, prioritize high-quality, authentic projects that involve community partners from the outset. Authentic PBL possesses the transformative power to change classrooms, schools, and lives. It's an investment worth making. Resource: WhatisPBL.com Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

Connecting PBL to Your Personal Values This episode uses a metaphor of crawling, walking, and running to describe the stages of PBL implementation: Crawl: Gather information, understand vocabulary and the importance of PBL, and identify trusted resources. The book "PBL Simplified" is recommended, with specific chapters for administrators. Walk: Visit schools successfully implementing PBL, bringing your leadership team and evaluation tools to observe classrooms and gain insights from teachers and students. Engage with students who may appear disengaged to understand their perspectives on PBL. Ryan shares a story of a seemingly disengaged student named Skyler who was deeply involved in his PBL unit. Once you're implementing PBL in your own school, school visits become crucial to showcase the work and foster a culture of pride. Run: Align PBL with personal values, leadership values, and school goals. Define these values and compare them to the values inherent in PBL. A values activity from James Clear's book "Atomic Habits" is recommended for identifying your top five values. Encourage transparency and involve your leadership team in this activity. Empower your staff by giving them voice and choice in decision-making. Consider the PBL Master Class for administrators for a comprehensive overview of launching your PBL vision. Ensure that PBL aligns with district initiatives. Key Takeaways for Administrators: PBL implementation is a journey, and it's okay to start slowly and progress at your own pace. Observing PBL in action at other schools provides invaluable insights and helps you envision PBL in your own context. Connecting PBL to your personal and school values is essential for authentic and sustainable implementation. Empowering your staff and fostering a culture of transparency are crucial for successful PBL integration. Resources: Masterclass for Administrators Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

Connecting Authentic PBL and District Initiatives The episode opens with an example of a large district partner that successfully integrated PBL to increase student engagement levels. This district secured grant funding for a three-year PBL training program, aligning perfectly with their district initiative. The success of the program, measured by training, coaching, and student outcomes, led to the widespread adoption of PBL throughout the district. Key Strategies for Alignment: Ryan outlines key strategies for connecting PBL with district goals and initiatives: Identify District, Community, and Other Supports: Analyze the existing support systems within your community and school landscape. Determine areas where support is strong and where additional resources or partnerships may be needed. Secure support from key stakeholders, such as assistant superintendents, who can champion and protect your PBL efforts. Intertwine PBL with Existing Initiatives: Leverage district initiatives such as Social Emotional Learning (SEL) to enhance PBL implementation. PBL provides a natural framework for developing SEL competencies through its collaborative and student-centered approach. Make PBL the "Dinner Plate": Instead of viewing PBL as an additional burden on teachers, position it as the foundation upon which other initiatives can be seamlessly integrated. Utilize the "Dinner Plate Protocol" to visually demonstrate how PBL can encompass various district mandates, including curriculum goals, personalized learning, differentiated instruction, real-world learning, employability skills, and the Profile of a Graduate. Articulate Your "Why PBL" and "Why Now": Clearly define the rationale behind implementing PBL in your school and its connection to district goals. Draw upon research and resources to support your argument. Emphasize the importance of preparing students for future-ready skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and agency, in an era of rapid technological advancements and evolving job markets. Communicating the Value of PBL: To ensure the long-term success of PBL, effective communication is key: Present PBL to the School Board: Showcase successful PBL projects to the school board, involving students in the presentations. This not only highlights the impact of PBL but also educates the board about its principles and benefits. Engage in Dialogue with District Leadership: Proactively communicate with district leaders to ensure that PBL implementation aligns with their vision and priorities. Advocate for flexibility within district mandates to allow for the innovative approaches inherent in PBL. Key Takeaways for Administrators: Aligning PBL with district goals and initiatives is crucial for securing support, resources, and long-term sustainability. Positioning PBL as the foundation for other initiatives, rather than an add-on, helps to streamline efforts and reduce teacher workload. Clearly articulating the "Why PBL" and "Why Now" message, supported by research and real-world examples, helps to build buy-in from stakeholders. Proactive communication with district leaders and the school board is essential for ensuring alignment and advocating for the flexibility needed to implement high-quality PBL. The episode concludes with a reminder to consider joining a book study for "PBL Simplified" to gain momentum for your PBL work and build a shared understanding within your leadership team. Resources PBL Simplified Book Study and Resources Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

Connecting PBL and Your Team Key Takeaways: This episode explores how school administrators can effectively lead their teams towards embracing project-based learning (PBL). By understanding the innovation curve, identifying early adopters and resistors, and providing targeted training and resources, you can foster a successful PBL implementation. Main Topics Covered: The Innovation Curve: Just like with technology adoption, educators adopt new practices at different paces. Understanding where your staff falls on the curve (Innovators, Early Adopters, Late Majority, Laggards) can help you tailor support. Examples are provided for how the innovation curve applies to curriculum adoption and PBL implementation. Identifying and Supporting Early Adopters and Resistors: Identify teachers already using PBL elements (e.g., bringing in community partners, using workshops/stations). Engage early adopters in leadership roles and professional development. Provide resistors with smaller steps, such as incorporating a PBL entry event or observing PBL classrooms. Training and Resources: A blend of summer training, ongoing coaching, and resource sharing is recommended. Coaching allows for Q&A, tailored support, and sharing of successful strategies. Featured Resource: Book Recommendation: "Life's a Project: The Six A's of Project-Based Learning" by Andrew Larson. Written by a PBL certified facilitator with 25 years of experience. Explores deep PBL concepts through practical classroom stories. A valuable resource for understanding PBL assessment strategies. Available through Magnify Learning with an accompanying book study guide. Life's a Project Book Study and Resources Call to Action: Rate and review the podcast! Share your insights and what you found helpful. Stay tuned for the next episode, which will focus on engaging students and families in the PBL shift. Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

Connect Authentic PBL to Students and Families This episode focuses on how administrators can effectively connect authentic PBL to students and families to build understanding and excitement for PBL implementation. The episode highlights the power of parent testimonials in promoting PBL and offers three key questions for administrators to consider. Key Takeaways: Engage families early and authentically in the PBL process. Address parent concerns and highlight PBL benefits clearly. Marketing and communication are key to building momentum for PBL. Main Topics Covered: Sandra's Story: The episode begins with a story about a parent, Sandra, who became a strong advocate for PBL after seeing its positive impact on her son. Sandra's son was an average student in a traditional school but thrived in a PBL environment, becoming more engaged and motivated. This story highlights the transformative potential of PBL and the importance of parent testimonials. Three Key Questions for Administrators: What do students and families need to understand about the PBL framework to feel excited about the changes? Acknowledge the difficulty of change, even when necessary. Focus on PBL outcomes and address common parent concerns, such as college preparation, participation in extracurricular activities, and program tracks. Explain the rationale for PBL and its relevance to the current workplace, emphasizing skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. Convey the need for school to adapt to changes in the workplace. Collect and share parent testimonials to create excitement and momentum. How will you include student and parent voices in the decisions as you move towards PBL? Increase family engagement by involving them in decisions about PBL implementation. Involve parents and community partners in "profile of a graduate" work to define essential skills and knowledge for students. Bring parents and community partners on school visits and identify "bright spots" in PBL implementation. Use parents as an authentic audience for student presentations, providing valuable feedback and showcasing student growth. How will you message and market the shift to PBL? Transparent communication and marketing are essential to building support for PBL. Share the success story of Rise Elementary in Neosho, Missouri, which successfully launched PBL through community meetings, parent-teacher-student panels, and proactive communication. Contrast this with a school where PBL failed due to negative perceptions and lack of support. Marketing is crucial to communicate the vision and benefits of PBL, gaining buy-in from stakeholders. Call to Action: Administrators have a responsibility to explain PBL to families, build understanding, and generate excitement. Answer the three key questions with your leadership team to build momentum for a successful PBL launch. Resources: Facebook or IG https://www.facebook.com/magnifylearning/  https://www.instagram.com/magnifylearning/ Next Episode: Getting your staff fully ready for PBL Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

Get Your Staff Ready for PBL This episode focuses on how administrators can effectively prepare their staff for the shift to Project Based Learning (PBL). Host Ryan Steuer emphasizes the importance of gaining staff buy-in and creating a grassroots movement for successful PBL implementation. Key Takeaways: Address teacher concerns and build excitement for PBL. Empower teachers by involving them in decision-making processes. Market and communicate the benefits of PBL consistently. Main Topics Covered: The Importance of Staff Buy-In: Ryan highlights the need for staff to be on board with PBL and the potential challenges posed by resistant staff members. He suggests that gaining teacher support starts with showcasing the effectiveness of PBL in their specific classrooms and with their students. Three Key Questions for Engaging Staff: What do teachers need to understand about the PBL framework in order to feel excited about the changes? Acknowledge that PBL allows teachers to still teach their content, but in deeper ways, while still utilizing best practices. Utilize the "PBL versus a project" graphic to visually demonstrate the differences between traditional projects and PBL units, showing how existing teaching practices can be incorporated. Emphasize that PBL is an instructional model with a defined process, which can provide structure and boundaries while fostering creativity and engagement. How will you include teacher voices in the decisions as you move towards PBL? Create a "Learning Team" of teachers who will learn about PBL, experiment with it in their classrooms, and share their experiences. Establish a "Leadership Team" consisting of administrators, coaches, and lead teachers who will visit a model PBL school, develop a three-year plan, and implement PBL in their classrooms. Determine how teachers prefer to learn about PBL and offer diverse learning opportunities, such as book studies, training, and school visits. Provide a "need-to-know" board where teachers can ask questions and receive answers in a transparent and collaborative manner. How will you message and market the shift to PBL? Communicate the benefits of PBL for both students and teachers, emphasizing its positive impact on student outcomes, employability skills, and teacher satisfaction. Share real-world examples and stories, like the success of Rise Elementary, to illustrate how PBL can be implemented effectively. Host community and teacher meetings to provide information, answer questions, and address concerns. Form a leadership team through an interview process to identify passionate advocates who can drive PBL implementation. Continuously talk about PBL, using elevator speeches, one-pagers, and regular communication to keep the momentum going. View questions as opportunities to provide further information and talking points, fostering open dialogue and transparency. Resources and Tools: PBL vs Project Resource PBL vs Project Video Call to Action: Ryan encourages administrators to create a grassroots movement by empowering their staff, addressing their concerns, and generating excitement for PBL. He emphasizes the importance of consistent communication, collaboration, and a focus on student and teacher success. Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

Choosing Real World Problems for Project Based Learning This episode focuses on how administrators can guide their staff in choosing real-world problems for Project Based Learning (PBL) units. Host Ryan Steuer emphasizes the importance of selecting authentic problems to foster student engagement and empower them through problem-solving. Key Takeaways: Real-world problems are crucial for student engagement and the development of essential skills. Administrators play a key role in guiding teachers to connect standards with authentic problem-solving. Collaboration with community partners can provide valuable insights and project ideas. Main Topics Covered: The Power of Real-World Problems: Ryan begins by highlighting the difference between tackling a real-world problem versus a hypothetical scenario. Real-world problems offer authentic learning experiences that engage students and equip them with employability skills. Three Big Ideas for Administrators: Connecting Projects to Relevant Challenges: Ryan emphasizes that relevance is key to student engagement and that connecting projects to local or global challenges makes a significant difference in the classroom. He encourages administrators to support teachers by: Shifting professional development to focus on connecting core standards to authentic problems. Providing resources and time for teachers to collaborate and build their capacity to see their curriculum in the context of the real world. Encouraging teachers to address the question of real-world application head-on, drawing on their content knowledge to highlight the relevance of their subjects. Collaborating with Community Partners: Recognizing that some teachers may need help with the shift to real-world problem-solving, Steuer recommends bringing community partners into the fold. He suggests: Identifying "warm and friendly" community partners who are willing to collaborate, such as nonprofit leaders, museum and zoo outreach personnel, or personal connections. Facilitating meetings between teachers and community partners during PLCs where standards are displayed and connections can be made. Organizing site visits to local industries or businesses to expose teachers to real-world applications of their subject matter. Creating Driving Questions: Ryan advocates for administrators to model the PBL process by using driving questions in faculty meetings. This allows teachers to: Experience firsthand how driving questions work and how they can lead to solving real problems within the school. Understand the characteristics of effective driving questions, such as not being easily googleable or having simple yes/no answers. Addressing Teacher Needs: Ryan acknowledges that some teachers may require more support than others in transitioning to PBL. He suggests that administrators: Provide resources, professional development, and time for teachers to develop their understanding and skills. Use power standards work to help teachers focus on the most important standards and connect them to real-world applications. Gradually introduce teachers to real-world problem-solving, allowing them to build confidence and experience over time. The Importance of Sharing: Ryan concludes by encouraging administrators to share resources and learn from each other. He suggests sharing the podcast and its resources to foster a culture of generosity and reciprocal support. Call to Action: Reflect on your current approach to problem selection in PBL units. Are the problems authentic and relevant to students' lives? Begin exploring potential community partnerships that could enrich your PBL program. Start incorporating driving questions into faculty meetings to model the PBL process for your staff. Resources:  PBL vs Project Resource PBL vs Project Video Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

Backward Design in PBL This episode focuses on how administrators can use backward design to effectively implement Project Based Learning (PBL). Host Ryan Steuer uses the analogy of "fixer-upper" shows to illustrate the concept of starting with the end in mind and working backward to achieve that vision. Key Takeaways: Backward design is essential for successful PBL implementation. Administrators must model backward design for teachers, who will then model it for their students. Transparency and metacognition are key components of effective backward design modeling. Main Topics Covered: Understanding Backwards Design: Ryan emphasizes that just like in home renovation, starting with the desired outcome and working backwards ensures a cohesive and successful project. This applies to administrators developing PBL in their schools. Three Modeling Opportunities for Administrators: Modeling Backwards Design for School Vision: Administrators should model backward design to achieve their original vision for the school. Utilize tools like a Profile of a Graduate to define the desired skills and knowledge students should have upon graduating. Determine where these skills are being developed in the current curriculum and identify areas for enhancement. Use a Model Schools Rubric to compare your school's PBL implementation to a model school and identify areas for improvement. Modeling Backwards Design for Assessment: Administrators should guide teachers in planning their assessments using backward design. Help teachers identify power standards and decide how they will be assessed. Work with teachers to map assessments to specific milestones within the PBL unit. Emphasize high and tight assessment practices to ensure student growth and rigorous content coverage. Connect assessment traits back to the desired traits identified in the Profile of a Graduate. Modeling Backwards Design Through Transparency: Administrators should be transparent with their backward design process in PLCs and staff meetings. Clearly demonstrate the connection between power standards, assessments, and classroom practices. Show how the overall school vision is reflected in faculty meetings, professional development, and PLCs. Consistently model backward design for teachers, who will then model it for their students. Benefits of Backwards Design for Students: Modeling backward design is crucial for student success, helping them develop the essential life skill of working backwards from a desired outcome to determine the steps needed to achieve it. Metacognition and Transparency: Administrators should be transparent about their thought process while modeling backward design and use metacognition to explain their reasoning. This helps teachers understand the "why" behind the process. Three Ways to Implement Backwards Design in PBL: Start with the school's vision, Profile of a Graduate, or Model Schools Rubric. Support teachers in planning their assessments by connecting them to power standards and milestones. Maintain transparency and consistently model the backward design process in meetings and PLCs. Resource: PBL Simplified YouTube Series for Administrators Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

Time Management in PBL This episode focuses on how administrators can help teachers effectively manage time within the framework of Project Based Learning (PBL). Host Ryan Steuer highlights the common issue of "Godzilla Projects" - PBL units that grow uncontrollably in scope and duration. He offers three "gems" for administrators to help teachers stay on track and avoid these pitfalls. Key Takeaways: Time management is crucial for successful PBL implementation. Administrators should provide support and guidance to help teachers pace their projects effectively. Clear structures, benchmarks, and open communication are essential for keeping PBL units on track. Main Topics Covered: The "Godzilla Project" Problem: Ryan uses the analogy of the monster Godzilla to illustrate how PBL units can grow out of control. Well-meaning teachers often add more content and activities, leading to projects that exceed their intended timeframe. Three Time Management Gems for Administrators: Structure Projects with Clear Benchmarks and Timelines: Help teachers establish clear benchmarks and timelines for their PBL units. Encourage teachers to break down projects into smaller, manageable chunks with specific deadlines. Utilize planning meetings or tuning protocols to review project plans and timelines. Ask guiding questions to prompt teachers to think about pacing, assessment timing, and potential time constraints. Balance Long-Term Projects with Day-to-Day Demands: Communicate that PBL is the primary mode of teaching and learning, not an extra task. Help teachers integrate PBL into their curriculum maps and consider the overall flow of the semester. Encourage teachers to anticipate and plan for school events, conferences, and assessments that may impact project timelines. Collaborate with teachers to find creative ways to minimize the time spent on entry events and presentations while maintaining engagement. Anticipate and Manage Unexpected Challenges: Provide teachers with strategies to address unforeseen challenges such as community partner cancellations, student needs, or content adjustments. Encourage teachers to have backup plans and be flexible in their approach to maintain momentum. Offer resources like the "PBL versus a Project" overview to help teachers understand the differences in structure and time management between traditional projects and PBL units. Assessment and Time Management: Stress the importance of ongoing assessment throughout the PBL unit, rather than waiting until the end. Encourage teachers to assess content standards regularly to ensure students are mastering concepts and to identify any areas where additional support is needed. Resources: PBL vs Project Download PBL vs Project Video Next Episode: We'll focus on integrating standards into PBL units. Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

Standards and Curriculum in Project Based Learning This episode explores the crucial aspect of integrating standards and curriculum into Project Based Learning (PBL) to ensure academic rigor and successful implementation. Host Ryan Steuer emphasizes that PBL should not be perceived as "fluff" but as a robust, standards-based approach to education. Key Takeaways: Effective PBL implementation requires a deliberate focus on integrating standards and curriculum. Administrators play a vital role in guiding teachers to weave standards into project design without stifling creativity. Transparency and documentation are essential for demonstrating standards alignment to stakeholders. Main Topics Covered: Model Schools: Ryan highlights two successful examples: Dixie Elementary: A Title 1 school that significantly improved its state test scores by implementing PBL. Southport Elementary: A high-performing school that utilized PBL to enhance employability skills while maintaining its high achievement levels. Three Key Points for Integrating Standards and Curriculum: Weaving Standards into Project Design Without Stifling Creativity: Administrators should provide clear boundaries and expectations for PBL units while allowing space for teacher creativity. This balance can be achieved by: Setting clear parameters, similar to providing a painter with a canvas of specific dimensions. Engaging in open communication and collaboration with teachers to find solutions that address scheduling and curriculum mapping needs. Combining Multiple Subject Standards in Interdisciplinary Projects: Connecting subject matter to PBL units enhances the learning experience. Interdisciplinary projects foster authentic connections between subjects, deepening the PBL experience. Pairing content-based standards with skills-based standards creates strong interdisciplinary connections. Ryan offers examples such as: Humanities Projects: Combining social studies (content) and English language arts (skills). STEM Projects: Combining science (content) and math (skills). Documenting Standards Alignment for Transparency and Accountability: While PBL offers teachers creative freedom, it is crucial to maintain accountability and transparency regarding standards coverage. Administrators should guide teachers to: Clearly demonstrate how power standards are addressed within their PBL units. Adjust curriculum maps to reflect the project-based approach while clearly indicating where and how standards are taught and assessed. Regularly requesting documentation and evidence of standards alignment improves transparency and accountability. Benefits of Emphasizing Standards Alignment: Increased transparency in teaching and learning. Improved test scores due to a focused approach on power standards. Valuable professional development opportunities for teachers around curriculum mapping and standards-based instruction. Resource: PBL Simplified for Administrators Podcast Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

Teacher to PBL Facilitator This episode explores the transition from a teacher-centered classroom to a student-centered, Project Based Learning (PBL) environment, emphasizing the shift in the teacher's role from "teacher" to "facilitator." Host Ryan Steuer explains that this transition involves a change in approach and mindset, not just terminology. Key Takeaway: Administrators can support teachers in embracing a facilitator role through modeling, coaching, and by setting clear expectations that encourage a student-centered learning environment. Main Topics Covered: Shifting from Teacher-Centered to Student-Centered Learning: Moving away from the traditional "sage on the stage" model, teachers in a PBL environment act as "guides on the side". While still content experts, teachers empower students to take ownership of their learning. Three Supports for Administrators to Help Teachers Transition: Guide Inquiry Through Questioning: Model asking questions instead of giving answers. Encourage teachers to use inquiry-based techniques, prompting students to think critically and generate solutions. Recommend resources like Inquiry Mindset by Trevor McKenzie. Coach Teachers to Adapt to the Facilitator Role: Recognize and highlight existing facilitation practices teachers already use. Encourage gradual incorporation of facilitation techniques. Align evaluation systems to reflect the facilitator role, focusing on aspects like the number of questions asked during observation. Set Clear Expectations and Build Trust: Acknowledge the significant shift this transition represents for teachers. Collaboratively define classroom norms and agreements that support student-led learning. Model these norms in interactions with staff. Understanding the PBL Classroom: Encourage school visits to observe PBL classrooms in action or provide video examples. Highlight differences between traditional and PBL environments. Resources: Binge PBL for Teachers Podcast Call to Action: Administrators are encouraged to utilize the suggested supports to guide teachers in successfully transitioning from a teacher to facilitator role, fostering a student-centered, PBL environment. Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

PBL and Assessments This episode dives into the crucial role of assessment in a Project Based Learning (PBL) environment. Host Ryan Steuer emphasizes that implementing PBL effectively requires a shift in assessment practices, moving beyond traditional methods to ensure students are mastering both content knowledge and essential 21st-century skills. Key Takeaway: Administrators need to lead the shift towards effective PBL assessment by facilitating discussions, addressing grading concerns, and fostering transparency with both teachers and parents. Main Topics Covered: The Need for Assessment in PBL: Great teaching doesn't always equal great learning. Assessment is vital to confirm student mastery of content and employability skills. Solid assessment practices help determine the effectiveness of PBL implementation and other school initiatives. PBL promotes transparency in assessment, allowing clear insights into student progress. Recommended Resource: "Life's a Project" by Andrew Larson offers valuable insights on assessment theory within a PBL framework. Four Leadership Moves for Effective PBL Assessment: Facilitate Discussions About Shifting Assessment Practices: Prepare teachers for the transition to PBL assessments, including formative assessments, workshops, and reteaching strategies. Utilize visuals like the "PBL versus a project" graphic to illustrate the differences. Address Grading in a PBL Context: Discuss how assessment should encompass both content mastery and 21st-century skills. Consider using separate grading "buckets" for areas like content knowledge, agency, presentation, and collaboration. Explore resources like Thomas Gusky's work and Ryan's book, PBL Simplified, for guidance on PBL grading. Navigate Group vs. Individual Grading: Address concerns regarding group work and ensure fairness in grading. Steuer recommends focusing on individual student work and suggests a system where the initial steps of the PBL process are done individually to assess content knowledge. Understand and Explain PBL Assessment to Parents: Equip yourself to articulate how and where teachers are assessing within the PBL framework. Be prepared to explain the rationale behind grading practices, particularly for collaboration and presentation. Transparency in Assessment: Transparency benefits parents, students, teachers, and the school community as a whole. It helps demonstrate student progress, ensures accountability, allows for evaluation of PBL effectiveness, and improves community perception. Call to Action: Magnify Learning's "Design Days" program helps schools launch their PBL vision effectively by providing leadership training and teacher workshops. PBL Masterclass for Administrators Looking Ahead: Episode 15 will focus on faculty collaboration in assessment, exploring how to involve teachers in the process to foster a culture of transparency and accountability. Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

PBL Collaboration within Your Faculty This episode focuses on the crucial role of faculty collaboration and strong team dynamics in successful PBL implementation. Host Ryan Steuer emphasizes that establishing a culture of continuous innovation requires intentional effort from administrators, starting with fostering a collaborative environment among staff. Key Takeaway: Administrators play a critical role in fostering a collaborative and innovative environment by establishing clear structures and processes, modeling best practices, and addressing conflicts constructively. Main Topics Covered: The Power of Protocols: Ryan recounts an anecdote about a principal who instinctively sought staff input on establishing a protocol for a discussion, highlighting the positive impact of transparent leadership and a culture of protocols. He emphasizes that high-performing schools prioritize structured processes, as they are key to achieving desired outcomes. Three Simple Moves for Creating a Culture of Continuous Innovation: Offer Strategies for Collaboration During Staff Meetings: Ryan stresses the value of using protocols during staff meetings to ensure everyone's voice is heard, gather effective feedback, and streamline discussions. He recommends the "tuning protocol" as an effective method for gathering feedback and emphasizes that introducing protocols might require persistence. Practices Need to Permeate All Aspects of Human Interaction: Ryan advocates for using protocols in all interactions, from one-on-one meetings to large group discussions, to create consistency and foster a collaborative culture. He emphasizes the importance of always having an agenda, even for brief meetings, to ensure focused and productive discussions. Modeling these practices as an administrator encourages teachers to adopt them, which can then influence student interactions. Discuss How to Address and Resolve Team Conflicts Constructively: Ryan acknowledges that conflicts are inevitable in any team environment. He urges administrators to proactively teach conflict resolution strategies, such as check-ins and the 24-hour rule. Role-playing can provide teachers with valuable practice in addressing and resolving conflicts. Creating a Culture of Continuous Innovation: Ryan reiterates that achieving a culture of continuous innovation requires deliberate action and highlights the importance of modeling desired behaviors for teachers. He emphasizes that these practices scaffold success for both teachers and students, creating a positive and productive learning environment. Call to Action: Ryan challenges administrators to rework their faculty meetings to be more collaborative, ensuring they are productive and engaging for teachers. Resource: 1-Page Page Playbook for Winning Faculty Meetings - very bottom of the page Looking Ahead: Ryan reminds listeners that the next episode will delve into scaffolding skills for success. Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

Scaffold PBL Skills for Success Administrators must provide scaffolding for their teachers, just as teachers scaffold for their students, to successfully implement and sustain Project Based Learning (PBL) in their schools. Episode Summary: This episode emphasizes the critical role of administrators in providing support and guidance to teachers during PBL implementation. Host Ryan Steuer suggests visiting PBL model schools to observe best practices and gather valuable insights. He highlights the importance of understanding the scaffolding process that model schools underwent to achieve their success. Three Key Scaffolds for Teachers: Ryan presents three scaffolds that administrators should provide for their teachers: Recognize that teachers need scaffolding: Just like students, teachers need support and guidance when transitioning to new teaching practices like PBL. Don't just tell teachers to "go do it." Support the transition from direct instruction to small group workshops: Guide teachers to gradually move away from traditional direct instruction towards collaborative learning environments like stations or small group work. This shift can be challenging for teachers used to a teacher-centric classroom, so a gradual, scaffolded approach is crucial. Build capacity through Critical Friends Groups (CFGs): Establish regular meetings where teachers can offer feedback, share successes and challenges, and learn from each other in a safe and supportive environment. Structure CFG interactions using protocols like "likes and wonders" or the "tuning protocol" to ensure all voices are heard. Practical Tips for Implementing Scaffolds: Ryan offers specific strategies for implementing these scaffolds effectively: Model desired practices: Demonstrate reflection, group contract implementation, or other PBL elements during faculty meetings or through video resources. Provide resources and training: Offer teachers examples, YouTube videos, access to PBL online communities, and connections with experts. Partner teachers with mentors: Pair experienced PBL teachers with those who are new to the approach for guidance and support. Utilize in-building resources: Leverage existing resources like learning walks, team teaching, or release time for teachers to observe experienced colleagues in action. Facilitate CFGs: Model CFG meetings during faculty meetings or through instructional coaches, ensuring a structured and supportive environment for teacher collaboration. Creating a Culture of Transparency and Collaboration: Ryan emphasizes the importance of building a culture of transparency and collaboration for successful PBL implementation. CFGs are crucial for breaking down silos, encouraging a growth mindset, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for student success.  Resources PBL Simplified Book Study: A free program that guides teachers through PBL implementation, with specific chapters for administrators on implementation and grading. Magnify Learning's Design Days: Offers leadership training and teacher workshops for effective PBL program launch. Call to Action  Extend collaborative practices beyond staff meetings to include cross-curricular and grade-level collaboration. Rate and review the podcast to help other school leaders discover and implement PBL. Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

PBL Collaboration Across Grade Levels and Subject Areas Administrators can create a culture of collaboration by fostering connections between teachers of different subject areas and grade levels. This collaboration helps teachers embody the practices they are trying to teach students and results in interdisciplinary projects. Episode Summary: Host Ryan Steuer shares an anecdote to illustrate the power of interdisciplinary units and then focuses on how administrators can create a culture of collaboration among teachers. How to Create a Culture of Collaboration: Foster collaboration between teachers of different subject areas. This can be achieved through regular meetings of subject area experts to identify overlapping standards and develop interdisciplinary projects. Encourage grade level collaboration. Grade-level teams should use their PLC time to collaboratively plan PBL units. If some teachers on the team are already implementing PBL, they can lead this collaborative effort and even invite teachers from other grade levels to participate in workshops and interdisciplinary projects. Provide time in the schedule for collaboration. Administrators need to consider the master schedule and create dedicated time for both cross-curricular and grade level collaboration. This might mean adjusting the schedule to allow for more common planning time for teachers across subject areas. Call to Action: Look at your school's master schedule to identify opportunities to provide teachers with time for cross-curricular and grade-level collaboration. Check out the PBL Masterclass for Teachers to get a full overview of PBL in an hour. Consider participating in the PBL Master Class yourself to understand the vocabulary and processes of PBL. PBL Masterclass for Teachers  Listen to the next episode to avoid common PBL pitfalls. Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

This episode explores common pitfalls encountered when implementing Project Based Learning (PBL) and offers strategies for administrators to avoid them. Host Ryan Steuer emphasizes the importance of consistency in PBL, using an analogy of climbing the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado. He stresses that following the footsteps of experienced PBL practitioners can help administrators avoid common mistakes. The episode delves into four key pitfalls and provides actionable advice for navigating them. Pitfalls and Strategies: Presentations: Challenge: Inadequate or poorly executed presentations can undermine the impact of PBL. Strategies: Ensure teachers have strong connections with community partners to enrich presentations. Actively engage with community partners to foster positive relationships. Prepare front office staff to provide a welcoming environment for community partners. Fake PBL Projects: Challenge: Superficial or scenario-based projects can create a misconception of PBL. Strategies: Engage with teachers who claim to have PBL experience to assess the authenticity of their projects. Encourage teachers to incorporate community partners and real-world work into their projects. Clearly define PBL as authentic problem-solving, not simulated scenarios. Too Much Too Soon: Challenge: Overly complex projects can overwhelm students and teachers, leading to frustration and incomplete projects. Strategies: Focus on pacing and scaffolding to ensure project manageability. Start with simple projects to build confidence and achieve early wins. Celebrate successful PBL units to inspire and motivate teachers. Lack of Teacher Support: Challenge: Without teacher buy-in, PBL implementation can be challenging and unsustainable. Strategies: Include teachers on leadership and learning teams. Take teachers on school visits to observe successful PBL implementation. Provide dedicated time and structures for teacher reflection and adjustments. Involve teachers in identifying their professional development needs related to PBL. Call to Action: Reflect on these common pitfalls and develop strategies to avoid them in your school. Ramp up presentation quality and community partner involvement. Ensure initial PBL projects are authentic and set a high standard for future projects. Publicly acknowledge and celebrate successful PBL units. Analyze less successful projects to identify areas for improvement. Pace and scaffold projects appropriately to avoid overwhelming students and teachers. Foster a culture of teacher support and provide ongoing professional development opportunities. Resources PBL Simplified for Teachers podcast: Offers practical tips and strategies for implementing PBL in the classroom. Looking Ahead: The next episode will explore the concept of the "third teacher in the room" and its role in shaping the PBL environment. Listener Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to rate and review the show to help other administrators discover the podcast and benefit from its insights. Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

This episode focuses on the importance of time, space, and systems in creating a successful Project Based Learning (PBL) environment. The host, Ryan Steuer, emphasizes the concept of the "third teacher," which refers to the learning environment itself and its impact on student engagement and collaboration. Key Takeaways: Innovative and Supportive Spaces: The episode highlights the significance of creating spaces that foster collaboration and innovation. Ryan suggests using backward design to determine the types of learning activities that will occur and then designing spaces to support those activities. Examples of Collaborative Spaces: Ryan provides examples of schools with successful collaborative spaces, including Dixie Elementary School, a National Model School in Indiana, and a K12 environment in Florida. These schools feature spaces like collaborative booths, flexible furniture arrangements, and open areas that encourage interaction and teamwork. Eliminating Barriers to Collaboration: The episode stresses the need to remove systems that hinder collaboration, such as traditional single-seat desks and fixed presentation areas at the front of the classroom. Empowering Teachers and Students: Ryan advocates for empowering teachers to redesign their classrooms and for giving students a voice in shaping the learning environment. He suggests engaging students in activities like redesigning spaces, leading tours for visitors, and participating in interview committees. Maximizing Collaboration Time: Ryan encourages administrators to optimize schedules and meeting times to promote collaborative work among teachers. He specifically advises against using faculty meetings for individual tasks like grading papers, advocating instead for using this time for teacher collaboration, empowerment, and inspiration. Taking Action and Seeking Opportunities: Ryan urges listeners to start making changes immediately, even without significant financial resources. He suggests looking for opportunities like grants for flexible seating and being open to innovative ideas. Call to Action: Would it be too much to ask to have you take 2 minutes to leave a review? It helps the next inspired leader find this podcast. Thank you for the help in spreading the movement! Conclusion: The episode emphasizes that creating a successful PBL environment involves considering time, space, and systems holistically. By fostering collaboration, empowering teachers and students, and embracing innovative approaches to the learning environment, schools can create spaces that truly support and enhance student learning. Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

Welcome to the world of Project Based Learning! In this episode, learn how to grow your PBL vision with three steps: Share stories of impactful projects and their outcomes for students and communities. Highlight testimonials from teachers, students, and parents about their PBL experiences. Join the online community to connect with other PBL educators. This episode includes a call to action to join Magnify Learning's online community and schedule design days and teacher workshops. Key Takeaways: Share your PBL successes with your staff, community partners, school board, parents, and other schools. Have five success stories ready to share at any time. Collect testimonials from teachers, students, and parents about their positive PBL experiences. Use the Magnify Learning online community for resources and support. Don't be afraid to go all in on PBL! Magnify Learning can help you launch your PBL vision with Design Days and teacher workshops. Call to Action: Schedule an interview with Magnify Learning to discuss your PBL vision. Rate and review the show! Resources mentioned in this episode: Magnify Learning PBL Movement Online Community PBL Simplified book PBL Master Class for Administrators PBL Master Class for Teachers Binge PBL for Administrators Resources WhatisPBL.com PBL Masterclass for Administrators PBL Simplified Book Study and Resources Life's a Project Book Study and Resources Facebook or IG https://www.facebook.com/magnifylearning/  https://www.instagram.com/magnifylearning/ PBL vs Project Download PBL vs Project Resource & PBL vs Project Video PBL Simplified YouTube Series for Administrators PBL Simplified for Administrators Podcast Binge PBL for Teachers PBL Movement Online Community 1-Page Page Playbook for Winning Faculty Meetings - very bottom of the page PBL Simplified Book Study: A free program that guides teachers through PBL implementation, with specific chapters for administrators on implementation and grading. Magnify Learning's Design Days: Offers leadership training and teacher workshops for effective PBL program launch PBL Masterclass for Teachers PBL Simplified Podcast for Teachers Leave a Review PBL Movement Online Community 5 Reasons Your Principal Should Enroll You in the PMOC Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com