SamTastic Weekly Tip - 6/6/22: Using Sociograms to strengthen connections

June 6, 2022

Today’s Tip: Using Sociograms to strengthen connections

We are pleased to share a new series of videos featuring SAM teams today.

The first in the series is about a novel way an Illinois SAM high school principal uses sociograms to build adult teams. Based on a practice of the Navy Seals, he forms Battle Buddies and Squads using sociograms to build positive connections and improve school culture.

He uses a similar approach to determine the connections between students and staff. They use this information to identify students who are left out, do not have adults they trust or have a connection, and then work to make sure a connection is created.

SAMs on Location: Reconnecting with Students - https://bit.ly/3zjKVBy

SAMs on Location: Training Like the Navy Seals - https://bit.ly/3MlhiCW

SamTastic Weekly Tip - 5/31/22: Try a Few Exit Interviews with Students

May 31, 2022

Today’s Tip: Try a few exit interviews with students

Last week we shared how SAM leaders can conduct exit interviews with retiring teachers and support staff. This can be a great way to learn how to improve your work improving teaching practice and relationships.

Why not try exit interviews with students? Many SAM principals make a point of talking with students who are leaving the school to hear their ideas: what they liked, didn’t like and would change. These principals learn a lot and often can use the information to better support teaching and learning.

You can interview randomly selected students who are finishing their time at your school or every student. You could do this with a survey… but will likely learn more conversing with students.

Here’s a few sample questions…but most anything will work as long as it is open ended.

1. “We are going to miss you. Can you tell me what you enjoyed most about attending our school?”

2. “Are there staff members you will miss?”

3. “Which adults were most helpful?”

4. “Are there things you didn’t like about attending our school?”

5. “If you were principal, what would you change?

Exit interviews can be instructive and fun. Leaders who use end of year exit interviews report they learn a lot from hearing about school from the student’s point of view.

SamTastic Weekly Tip - 5/9/22: Do More Than Thank Your First Responders

Today’s Tip: Do More Than Thank Your First Responders

Your FirstResponders® likely decrease the times you are pulled away from events you’ve planned for the day. Great!

Many SAM teams make a point of honoring FirstResponders with a breakfast, lunch or other event. Many SAM Teams focus on how the work of the FirstResponders makes a difference by showing the leader’s gain in instructional leadership time.

Forward thinking SAM Teams revisit their FirstResponder system regularly as they see it develops capacity for management and instructional leadership in the school.

Consider scheduling time with FirstResponders and assessing their work and discussing next steps—what else can they do to improve efficiency, and efficacy, of service for your school community?

Consider if you need additional FirstResponders or if current FirstResponders need more training and support.

One New York City SAM principal honors two First Responders each May with flowers and small present. When one asked her why she had the perfect response: “Because your work makes my work better.”