In education, we are constantly tempted by the next big thing. New programs. New acronyms. New initiatives that promise to transform learning overnight. But the truth is far less flashy and far more dependable. As John Hattie reminds us, almost everything we do in education “works”… some things just work better than others. Real success is rarely about novelty. It’s about consistency. As the quote says, “Success is often found by practicing the fundamentals everyone knows they should be doing, but find too boring or basic to practice routinely.” The practices that move student achievement the most aren’t trendy. They are the daily, tried and true fundamentals done with precision and purpose. Four of the highest-impact things a teacher can do every single day: 1.Be crystal clear about the learning Post and explain the learning intention and success criteria. Students should be able to answer: What am I learning? Why am I learning it? What does success look like? When clarity goes up, achievement follows. Students hit targets they can clearly see. 2.Check for understanding constantly Use quick, ongoing formative assessment: questioning, turn-and-talk, whiteboards, exit tickets, short writes. These simple checks tell the teacher what to reteach, who needs support, and when to move on. Instruction becomes responsive instead of reactive. 3.Give specific, actionable feedback Not “good job.” Not a score with no guidance. Instead: “You explained your answer clearly, now add evidence from the text to strengthen your argument.” The best feedback tells students exactly what their next step is and gives them a chance to act on it. 4.Get every student thinking and talking Learning is not a spectator sport. Structured discussion, think-pair-share, cold call with support, and purposeful questioning ensure that every student processes the content, not just the most confident few. When students do the cognitive heavy lifting, understanding deepens. None of this is new. None of this is flashy. All of this works. The path to higher student achievement isn’t hidden in the latest trend. It’s found in mastering the fundamentals, day after day, lesson after lesson. Do the simple things. Do them well. Do them every day.

Our Staff vs. Staff Turkey Bowl was amazing !!! @vbschools #Bayside6ForLife

“Why are all the teachers wearing neon?” The kids are picking up on our #undergroundspiritweek at @bayside6campus! One more day to go!

Best part of today…getting @BBoynton28 to “dress up.” Opposites attract day at @bayside6campus!!! #undergroundspiritweek

Our @bayside6campus teachers understood the assignment! “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” #undergroundspiritweek #anythingbutacup @BBoynton28

Congratulations, Lyndsy!!! This is SO deserved!! ❤️❤️

It was twin day today and our @bayside6campus staff CRUSHED it! #bestside

Thank you to BayPort CU for supporting Raider Rewards through our Community in Schools partner.

Just a few of the awesome doors that welcome our @bayside6campus scholars to class every day!

It was so fun watching our @bayside6campus and @BaysideMSVBCPS students on the field last night! Congrats to our players and cheerleaders on a huge win!

Mr. Neal, our @bayside6campus @AVID4College elective teacher, has spent all week building relational capacity and you can FEEL it in his classroom! Students were excited, participating, engaged, and smiling! Great way to end the first week!

Celebrated @TechMomVB yesterday! Congratulations on your RETIREMENT! We miss you already at @BaysideMSVBCPS!

This is a special note from a special family. I cried when I read it. I love that I could support and advocate for this student these last two years. I will truly miss him. #alwaysaspecialeducator #mywhy

I finished early. Now what? | Brain Blast #edu #students #classroom #teachers

This.

Making smoothies for our staff was so much fun!!! #TeacherAppreciationWeek2024

Loving all the @BaysideMSVBCPS Raiders wearing their purple to support our military kids! #militarykidsappreciation @CHarmon913

Passion.