Erin Werra
Blogger, Researcher, and Edvocate
 |
 |
 |
|
| Join Our Newsletter Join our monthly conversation on what's happening in edTech! |
Recent Articles by Erin Werra
Measuring edtech ROI is easier than you think—it just requires patience and strategy to capture the data you need. Let’s dive in!
by Erin Werra
|
The 80/20 rule with roots in Italian land ownership proves useful when prioritizing tasks in a high-energy, high-demand role like K12 educators have.
by Erin Werra
|
The skills at work in your school business office are in short supply outside it. How can the SBO help?
by Erin Werra
|
Each year we predict the top newsmakers in K12 schools. The 2024 conversations: behavior crises, cybersecurity roles, and of course our friend AI.
by Erin Werra
|
What do you do with all the data you’re gathering on your new edtech solution? Use data visualizations to tell your story to any audience.
by Erin Werra
|
Automating your applicant tracking eases the effects of covert biases and provides an attractive applicant experience.
by Erin Werra
|
All Articles by Erin Werra|
Measuring edtech ROI is easier than you think—it just requires patience and strategy to capture the data you need. Let’s dive in!
by Erin Werra
|
|
The 80/20 rule with roots in Italian land ownership proves useful when prioritizing tasks in a high-energy, high-demand role like K12 educators have.
by Erin Werra
|
|
The skills at work in your school business office are in short supply outside it. How can the SBO help?
by Erin Werra
|
|
Each year we predict the top newsmakers in K12 schools. The 2024 conversations: behavior crises, cybersecurity roles, and of course our friend AI.
by Erin Werra
|
|
What do you do with all the data you’re gathering on your new edtech solution? Use data visualizations to tell your story to any audience.
by Erin Werra
|
|
Automating your applicant tracking eases the effects of covert biases and provides an attractive applicant experience.
by Erin Werra
|
Look for these four non-negotiables when purchasing your next school data solution.
by Erin Werra
|
How do we prepare students for future jobs that don't exist yet?
by Erin Werra
|
Take your ROI measurement to the next level with the combined power of data and user feedback.
by Erin Werra
|
How can educators help kids navigate a new normal with AI? Thinking about thinking can help.
by Erin Werra
|
Schools are passing over a population of potential STEM workers. There must be a better way.
by Erin Werra
|
This is how easy it could be to import your budget into your ERP system.
by Erin Werra
|
Signs your solution is worth its salt: Great data for goal-setting and progress monitoring.
by Erin Werra
|
Empathy is the secret to UX success and can be taught and practiced! Bonus: Behavior improvement and soft skills galore
by Erin Werra
|
AI can’t be avoided—and the good news is, it’s not all that novel. Let’s explore the pros and cons of embracing AI in schools.
by Erin Werra
|
What kind of data can you use to make a solid decision about your next edtech purchase?Let's explore five types of data.
by Erin Werra
|
How do we shift student attitudes toward their education from obligation to privilege?
by Erin Werra
|
Set the stage to measure the return on investment for pricey edtech. Learn how in this video.
by Erin Werra
|
Rebranding always feels like an uphill battle. A few strategies can help the process along.
by Erin Werra
|
Let this glossary help you make sense of the edtech alphabet soup.
by Erin Werra
|
The best time to do better is when you're already doing well. PD is no different!
by Erin Werra
|
Your communication strategy can help them capture the school spirit you have in mind.
by Erin Werra
|
What does the data say about four days in school instead of five?
by Erin Werra
|
Use pattern recognition to identify and stop phishing attacks in your district.
by Erin Werra
|
|
It’s not only what we teach, it’s how we teach it.
by Erin Werra
|
And with built-in tools, it's as easy as pie.
by Erin Werra
|
Folks in education have a superhuman demand for relationship-building. Here are 10 ways to stay strong and healthy.
by Erin Werra
|
Use a clever mix of tools and talent to retain great educators.
by Erin Werra
|
Data standards make life easier in many ways—one of the most valuable is protecting school networks and data.
by Erin Werra
|
Refine your strategies for identifying and nurturing the future leaders in your district.
by Erin Werra
|
Is your school climate feeling a little stifled? Practicing authenticity can help.
by Erin Werra
|
What kind of progress are we seeing in recouping learning losses, stemming staff burnout, and keeping school networks secure? Let’s find out.
by Erin Werra
|
Anticipating a wave of legislation designed to keep humanity safe from AI, let’s take a look back on years of K12 data legislation.
by Erin Werra
|
Keep your school business office safe from bad actors within and outside the district.
by Erin Werra
|
A high-level look at the multi-step process SBOs use to end the year—and how a great ERP can help.
by Erin Werra
|
Although ways we show appreciation can be full of feeling, respect is the name of the game!
by Erin Werra
|
Graduates who practice these 5 skills enjoy a leg-up in their post-grad pursuits.
by Erin Werra
|
When asked, artificial intelligence made it clear: Don’t trust me.
by Erin Werra
|
Is it good for teachers and students to report and see grades in real time?
by Erin Werra
|
Learn tips and tools of the trade from communication directors Gregg Gutschow and Sarah O’Donnell, who both serve school districts in Central Wisconsin.
by Erin Werra
|
As the current year wraps up, leaders have one eye on the finish line and the other on what's coming next. A shift in perspective can help.
by Erin Werra
|
The rise and fall of learning outside the four walls of a classroom.
by Erin Werra
|
|
Missing a few faces in the classrooms of your school? It’s time to make attendance reminders easier.
by Erin Werra
|
Looking for ideas to share with families? Look no further.
by Erin Werra
|
First comes K12, then comes college, then comes career—right? 🤔
by Erin Werra
|
Take back your district’s share of the billion-dollar edtech industry.
by Erin Werra
|
As the new year starts, the SBO is knee-deep, smack-dab in the middle of theirs. Let's take a peek behind the scenes.
by Erin Werra
|
It’s in the news, let’s talk about it: Should schools ban certain applications?
by Erin Werra
|
Let’s make it a year of sustainable progress recouping relationship losses, solidifying school culture that builds loyalty, and securing schools.
by Erin Werra
|
Content creation is more than just kids playing on phones. Learning the components can lead to student success. Here’s how.
by Erin Werra
|
Mentors and nemeses, time travel and teamwork—what can you learn from '80's flicks?
by Erin Werra
|
How can your ERP solution support record retention compliance?
by Erin Werra
|
Statistically it’s a slog, but how do girls really feel about their prospects in science? One high schooler has her sights set on pre-med and explains her view in contrast to trends.
by Erin Werra
|
Does your ERP forecast your payroll encumbrances? If not, it should.
by Erin Werra
|
How school business offices can lead the way to students’ achieving financial literacy.
by Erin Werra
|
The Advancing K12 One-Page Pitch Series aims to help team members lead from within. This month's topic: tardy kiosks.
by Erin Werra
|
Three reasons traditional letter grades are flawed 🤝 a handful of alternative strategies to measure progress
by Erin Werra
|
Good news: a few leadership tweaks and the spark of creativity burns brighter than ever.
by Erin Werra
|
It’s not mathletes vs. bookworms: STEM and reading are not mutually exclusive.
by Erin Werra
|
A lesson that most definitely translates to the professional world.
by Erin Werra
|
Looking to better engage with your community while boosting school culture? Try setting up an advisory panel.
by Erin Werra
|
Parents, families, and the broader community are all part of school culture, and making sure they’re engaged and invested can lead to great outcomes for students. Check out these tips for small yet impactful ways to increase community and parent engagement.
by Erin Werra
|
Harness the power of silence in a loud world.
by Erin Werra
|
Data is only as good as the insight it leads to and the headaches it prevents.
by Erin Werra
|
|
Make a few tweaks and watch your team thrive like never before.
by Erin Werra
|
Your SIS can shift behavior tracking from disciplinary action to the entire spectrum of student behavior, social-emotional learning, and whole-child wellness.
by Erin Werra
|
Schools face plenty of dangers and threats, from pandemics to budget cuts, but ransomware may be one of the most pernicious, transcendent, and frightening—and it’s not going away.
by Erin Werra
|
Does automation have a role to play in education, and the enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform?
by Erin Werra
|
Can we see the impact of COVID on student attendance right now?
by Erin Werra
|
Chronic absenteesim continues to challenge schools and families. This pitch outlines why automated attendance letters work to turn the tides.
by Erin Werra
|
It’s a whole new world in K12 schools. Have you changed your PD plan yet?
by Erin Werra
|
How system admins assign permissions makes a big difference in keeping data secure.
by Erin Werra
|
Looking for a way to keep health data records? Your solution may already be at your fingertips.
by Erin Werra
|
Won't stock responses limit participation? Not exactly. Be strategic to encourage productive conversations.
by Erin Werra
|
Space has always been at a premium, but with a little design thinking leaders can break out of the box.
by Erin Werra
|
Take a deeper look at what your SIS offers. Is everything you need included?
by Erin Werra
|
Small acts add up for healthier students—and better behavior.
by Erin Werra
|
Learn three ways good edtech can help your district become a destination for substitute teachers and staff.
by Erin Werra
|
How's the year going so far? Let's check in on our three important conversation topics for 2021.
by Erin Werra
|
As students work toward a brighter future, which credentials can help? And how can schools support them?
by Erin Werra
|
How do schools prepare digital natives for the world wide web? These inalienable rights can help guide the conversation.
by Erin Werra
|
|
Are applicants following a well-marked, automated path to hiring success? Analyze your application process to see where improvement is needed.
by Erin Werra
|
Planning ahead can make all the difference for students, families, and equity.
by Erin Werra
|
These six tools have proven useful—and the good news is, you may already have them.
by Erin Werra
|
If onboarding a new employee from afar sounds like a nightmare, read on to discover the hidden benefits.
by Erin Werra
|
Behind just about every public school district is an elected school board. Here are a few considerations to cultivate harmony.
by Erin Werra
|
Zoom fatigue is real, but one thing’s for sure: Virtual options are a win for parent/teacher conferences.
by Erin Werra
|
Without demanding, begging, or adding rules.
by Erin Werra
|
Take stock of the tools we already have to make intervention a success.
by Erin Werra
|
If sifting through edtech specs feels a bit cold, warm up with these user-centric traits.
by Erin Werra
|
Investing in K12 data security pays off. Here’s how to stretch your dollar.
by Erin Werra
|
The next generation of heroes is walking the halls of schools today, and you’re uniquely poised to help them along.
by Erin Werra
|
Ever wondered how this super convenient feature protects your district? Let’s explore SAML and SSO.
by Erin Werra
|
Goodbye 2020. Let’s prepare for whatever comes next
by Erin Werra
|
Educators have had no choice but to lean hard on technology in 2020. What have we learned about edtech choices and their impact on a generation of students?
by Erin Werra
|
There are no simple answers for rural connectivity. For families looking for options, learning some baseline lingo can help guide the way.
by Erin Werra
|
“Passphrase? Is that the same as a password?” Not quite! Find out why you should be using passphrases in this quick, shareable pitch.
by Erin Werra
|
.png)
It was a dark and stormy school year…
by Erin Werra
|
Learn the difference between them and how to master both, then strike the right balance to see professional (and student!) growth soar.
by Erin Werra
|
COVID-19 has changed the way schools operate. Here’s how school administrators are protecting their communities.
by Erin Werra
|
Just four words might turn the tide of school culture.
by Erin Werra
|
|
Night owls appreciate long-running hosts and a solid, familiar format. What can you learn from late night shows?
by Erin Werra
|
What can “radio talk” protocol teach us about quality communication? Turns out, a lot! Here are 5 takeaways from this tried and true method.
by Erin Werra
|
COVID-19 followed immediately by a couple months off has the potential to make the summer extra slide-y. Assessment to the rescue.
by Erin Werra
|
Even if remote learning is a contingency, it’s wise to plan ahead for remote options—including arena scheduling.
by Erin Werra
|
Saturday morning used to represent golden hours of freedom and indulgence for kids. What can you learn from the heyday of kid freedom?
by Erin Werra
|
May is mental health month, but students struggle all year round. Here’s how technology can play a role in compassionate care.
by Erin Werra
|
Troubleshooting and coaching the challenges of the new normal: remote work.
by Erin Werra
|
Learning doesn’t stop. But it will be different, and that’s okay.
by Erin Werra
|
One of the most impactful ways to improve job performance is to brush up on emotional intelligence. What if we gave kids a jump on it?
by Erin Werra
|
Adults, we’re witnessing a revolution.
by Erin Werra
|
Librarians provide additional opportunity to support students with positive adult relationships, share representation, and bridge tech skills.
by Erin Werra
|
A mix of perennial and emerging topics we’re looking forward to witnessing as time marches on.
by Erin Werra
|
As we welcome a brand-new year and decade, we'll explore the connection between technology and soft skills, ransomware, and measuring software efficacy.
by Erin Werra
|
Empathetic educators focus so much on keeping their spirits up to care for others—the quick refill cycle can lead to burnout. Here's how to stay healthy.
by Erin Werra
|
Computer science is rapidly growing—and we're making progress. Check out this recap and learn about bringing the Hour of Code to your school.
by Erin Werra
|
The workforce is changing—how do we manage the gap between today’s skills and the impossible to predict future?
by Erin Werra
|
|
Leading multiple generations is all about striking balance between recognizing (and celebrating) differences and keeping all people focused on the same goals, regardless of age or experience.
by Erin Werra
|
How can administrators stay vigilant against all types of fraud? By being good stewards of reimbursement approvals. Here's how.
by Erin Werra
|
Technology has evolved the modern workplaces for maximum flexibility. But is blurring the boundaries of classroom learning healthy for students (and teachers)?
by Erin Werra
|
How do school leaders keep track of minute student data points in their district—then turn those numbers into action to improve instruction?
by Erin Werra
|
The Advancing K12 One-Page Pitch Series aims to help team members lead from within. This month's topic: data security.
by Erin Werra
|
How's the year going so far? Let's check in on our three important conversation topics for 2019.
by Erin Werra
|
Let's explore both sides of a handful of education's perennial debates.
by Erin Werra
|
Here's a customizable template of the five main tasks leaders can follow to start an interoperability journey.
by Erin Werra
|
As we gaze into the future of K12 education, what scheduling changes do we see budding? How do these changes affect kids?
by Erin Werra
|
What used to be a matter of parenting opinion has moved into the realm of vocational requirement. We know kids are going to be using screens in and out of classrooms. So where can we draw the line between enough and too much?
by Erin Werra
|
Schools (and vendors) love to tout research-based solutions, processes, and practices. But is “research-based” really all it’s cracked up to be?
by Erin Werra
|
Parents may have various qualms about technology. Most of them boil down to one thing: protecting kids. Digital citizenship skills can help.
by Erin Werra
|
The Advancing K12 One-Page Pitch Series is designed to help you lead from within. Our inaugural pitch: Digital badging for professional development!
by Erin Werra
|
Or, how to keep your eyes on the prize and refrain from chasing the latest, shiniest trend.
by Erin Werra
|
-(1).png)
Imagine interviewing every single applicant while speeding up the first-round process. Unbelievable? Believe it! Here's how.
by Erin Werra
|
Ace school branding, with bonus advice from the superintendent who (literally) wrote the book on it.
by Erin Werra
|
These six tools, from emerging tech to tried-and-true strategies, can save time and effort in the recruiting process.
by Erin Werra
|
Budgets: A necessary task, or an art form?
by Erin Werra
|
How do we build a healthy skepticism to navigate the Internet’s endless content offerings? Most importantly, how do we share our strategies with students?
by Erin Werra
|
What if you could skip the sales and go directly to donations for classroom supplies, edtech, or other initiatives?
by Erin Werra
|
A collection of initiatives (and supporting materials) to consider after the clock strikes midnight.
by Erin Werra
|
What’s on the horizon for the New Year? We’re keeping a weather eye on boosting computer science for early learners, digital badging for PD, and the future of hiring.
by Erin Werra
|
If you're looking to increase student engagement, accountability, time management, and much more, why not give arena scheduling a try?
by Erin Werra
|
Few things can be more devastating to a school district than a major fraud scandal. In this article, we explore six areas worthy of the occasional audit.
by Erin Werra
|
Kids are craftier than ever these days, but with a little awareness you can stay one step ahead. Featured: Three 1-Minute Security Drill videos.
by Erin Werra
|
In the age of choice, what can educational leaders do to turn their schools and districts into desirable destinations for families and job candidates?
by Erin Werra
|
Schools are nurturing multiple facets of child development. But how does whole-child education work?
by Erin Werra
|
These 10 school districts identified why their district is awesome, then structured everything they do around it to produce a noteworthy brand.
by Erin Werra
|
By analyzing studies conducted in school districts using attendance letters, we can learn the best ways to nudge parents into becoming attendance allies fighting chronic absenteesim.
by Erin Werra
|
What does the research say about teacher evaluation, and what are some of the most common takeaways from recent studies?
by Erin Werra
|
Explore four strategies to maximize students' opportunities to develop accountability, practice self-management, and gain essential skills they’ll use long after they graduate.
by Erin Werra
|
We've assembled the first ever personality test designed specifically for educational leaders. What's your archetype?
by Erin Werra
|
Staff responsibilities overlap, data goes unanalyzed, and students (or teachers) line up at overwhelmed counselors’ doors. How do schools address mental health? A school psychologist and social worker describe their team's approach.
by Erin Werra
|
Looking to boost teacher retention, build a strong school culture, and contribute to new teachers' professional growth? Learn 10 tips for improving your teacher mentorship program.
by Erin Werra
|
We've been closely following 3 key education topics in 2018. See what the past six months have revealed and what to keep an eye on in the second half of the year.
by Erin Werra
|
What can psychology tell us about creating a motivating learning environment? Explore the connections between Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs and students' needs in classrooms and schools.
by Erin Werra
|
Without a foolproof formula for school safety, how do you tackle such a serious topic? Find action items in four areas of opportunity, including advice from a lieutenant who works in a school district.
by Erin Werra
|
Social-emotional learning and technology: Two inescapable topics in education today. But how do the two overlap to improve outcomes for students?
by Erin Werra
|
When you stop and look around, how many of your edtech partnerships are still fulfilling? Here are some common reasons why they fail and some ideas to turn them around before it's too late.
by Erin Werra
|
Which states have the clearest plans to fuel innovation in teaching and learning in the years to come? These five ESSA plans stand out from the rest.
by Erin Werra
|
Royse City ISD’s Connected for Learning (C4L) leader Cody Holt and his student-led IT team, the Chrome Squad, share their story about the difference they’ve made in their district and beyond.
by Erin Werra
|
Response to Intervention has been around for a while and is widely recognized, but not every implementation is created equal. Three districts with strong RTI programs share what works, what didn’t, and how they keep the momentum going strong.
by Erin Werra
|
Scheduling is one of the most time-consuming yet rewarding tasks in school operations. These student-centered and flexible scheduling methods are trending up.
by Erin Werra
|
When it comes to standards-based grading, what's the best way to measure growth and proficiency? Many districts are turning to the Decaying Average for a more complete picture.
by Erin Werra
|
How do you measure the important business of social-emotional growth and wellbeing without falling back on emojis and sticker charts? Here are five data-driven strategies for social-emotional learning in your district.
by Erin Werra
|
Augmented reality: trendy or troubling? Let’s take a look at the potential for AR in education and the potential pitfalls it poses.
by Erin Werra
|
How do you attract and keep good substitute teachers in your classrooms? By adjusting your processes to deliver a better experience, of course!
by Erin Werra
|
Broadband is a necessity for learning in a digital world, but remote, rural schools are being left in the dust. Read on for an examination of progress made and ongoing opportunities on the horizon.
by Erin Werra
|
Goodbye, 2017! The new year sets the stage for fresh ideas. Here are three topics sure to make an impact in 2018.
by Erin Werra
|
This year, Advancing K12 readers were all in on school PR, data stewardship, and the ever-expanding role schools play in our children's lives. Here are the five most-read posts of 2017.
by Erin Werra
|
Parent portals give teachers a central location to manage communication. But do parents really log in to continue the conversation? If not, how can teachers and school leaders encourage them to do so?
by Erin Werra
|
Are teachers left with little choice but to “outgrow” the classroom to pursue admin roles? Find out how to identify and invest in your district’s future leaders.
by Erin Werra
|
Data shapes the day-to-day operations of schools. How can you improve and clarify the conversation? Check out 8 great examples of data visibility.
by Erin Werra
|
Classrooms, schools, and districts are abandoning the traditional method of grading with letters and percentages. Find out why and learn what's next for gauging student success.
by Erin Werra
|
Recent Articles by Erin Werra
Follow this three-step process to help reduce absenteeism this school year.
by Erin Werra
|
What comes to mind when you think of remote learning? Stress, exhaustion, kids falling behind? While all of these memories could not be more true, remote learning also had its share of positives. Some of them were so good, in fact, they’ll be sticking around in 2023! Can you guess which ones?
by Erin Werra
|
Are you still storing your data onsite? Make a resolution to change that this year. Let us do the heavy lifting for you and keep your data safer!
by Erin Werra
|
Are you forecasting payroll encumbrances manually? Hand it over to Skyward!
by Erin Werra
|
What if students arriving late to school could simply print a pass and head to class—no office staff intervention required?
by Erin Werra
|
Though much of life will return to normal, some changes in schools are here to stay.
by Erin Werra
|
All Articles by Erin Werra|
Follow this three-step process to help reduce absenteeism this school year.
by Erin Werra
|
|
What comes to mind when you think of remote learning? Stress, exhaustion, kids falling behind? While all of these memories could not be more true, remote learning also had its share of positives. Some of them were so good, in fact, they’ll be sticking around in 2023! Can you guess which ones?
by Erin Werra
|
|
Are you still storing your data onsite? Make a resolution to change that this year. Let us do the heavy lifting for you and keep your data safer!
by Erin Werra
|
|
Are you forecasting payroll encumbrances manually? Hand it over to Skyward!
by Erin Werra
|
|
What if students arriving late to school could simply print a pass and head to class—no office staff intervention required?
by Erin Werra
|
|
Though much of life will return to normal, some changes in schools are here to stay.
by Erin Werra
|
Finding the best new hires is getting especially tough, but you can stand out! Are you telling your district’s story the way you want people to hear it?
by Erin Werra
|
What if your district could achieve 100% participation in parent-teacher conferences? One Skyward district did and we’re explaining how.
by Erin Werra
|
Share Family Access and Employee Access Toolkits with families and staff to make their lives easier.
by Erin Werra
|
Learning doesn’t stop. But it will be different, and that’s okay.
by Erin Werra
|
Marie Kondo's Kon-Mari method gets a SIS focused makeover. Student data sparks joy with Skyward.
by Erin Werra
|
Join us at Advancing K12 for deep insight into leadership, technology, and culture.
by Erin Werra
|
Now there’s an even easier way to share the great ideas you have for software enhancements.
by Erin Werra
|
Adding a vending machine for reimbursable meals is almost like adding an additional point of sale (POS) lunch line—hold the labor costs.
by Erin Werra
|
What if your expense reimbursements became public knowledge tomorrow? Would you have anything to worry about?
by Erin Werra
|
Prepare your data now and make the shift to Qmlativ easier later!
by Erin Werra
|
Learn some tips and tricks to freshen up your dashboards and get the right data into the right place. We'll cover all four products and product lines.
by Erin Werra
|