I.E.L. Podcast Episode 221Hosted by: I. D. III for Isaiah Drone III| Buddy Thornton |How Effective Communication Strengthens RelationshipsIn every successful relationship—whether romantic, familial, platonic, or professional—onefoundational element makes or breaks the bond: communication. Yet, despite its importance,communication is often misunderstood or neglected. We may assume that because we arespeaking, we are connecting. But truly effective communication goes beyond talking; it involveslistening, understanding, and responding with care. Let's explore the principles and practices ofeffective communication and how they can transform our relationships for the better.Buddy Thornton: Why is finding and understanding the goal of one-on-one messages often sodifficult in relationships?Buddy Thornton: What type of training is lacking for teachers, students, and parents when it comes to providing effective communication?Buddy Thornton: How can public school leaders effectively deliver messages to stakeholders to create a more cohesive, focused, and supportive environment for their staff, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness of their school community?

I.E.L. Podcast Episode 220Hosted by: I. D. III for Dr. Isaiah Drone IIIAnika Jones | Jamilah F. Bashir |Tanjarae Porter |Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it's estimated that around 50,000 students are still missing fromany kind of U.S. school, as of Fall 2022. This is a significant decrease from Fall 2021 when over 230,000 students were unaccounted for in an analysis conducted by the Associated Press, Big Local News, and Stanford University. An estimated 6.5 million additional students became chronically absent, according to the data compiled by Stanford University in partnership with The Associated Press. Which makes the jobs of high expectation and high-quality instruction teaching more difficult. For instance, early elementary students may be working with basic ideas but should be hands-on and active in the classroom. For this purpose, MTSS (a variety ofstrategies and practices that address all students' learning styles, learning levels, and interests) must be utilized to support student learning. But, often some of these strategies are used without cultural responsiveness. Disregarding cultural, linguistic, and community backgrounds can leadto misidentification or inappropriate interventions. MTSS is not a solo effort—it fails when only one person (e.g., the school psychologist or interventionist) is responsible.Anika Jones: Why are some teachers giving students the same intervention regardless of theirneed, and how can we identify the failure and solutions of high-quality instruction in publicschools?Jamilah F. Bashir: What training type of training is lacking for teachers, students, and parentswhen it comes to providing high-quality instruction?Tanjarae Porter: How can public school leaders radically transform experiences of schoollife—from curriculum to instruction to culture?

Impact of Educational Leadership Episode 218

Hosted by: I. D. III for Dr. Isaiah Drone III

|Dr. Isaiah Drone III |

In the world of education, few things are as emotionallycharged—and critically important—as teacher evaluation. At its best, evaluation can be a tool for professional growth, reflection, and instructional improvement. But when trust in the process is eroded, it can become a source of anxiety, resentment, and division.

So, how do we ensure that teacher evaluations areaccurate and trusted?

Impact of Educational Leadership Episode217

Hosted by: I. D. III for Dr. IsaiahDrone III

|John Mirrione|

Building Respect and Resilience

Bullying is a universal crisis—crossing borders, cultures, and generations—and yet, far too many people still suffer in silence. Whether it's in schools, workplaces, online spaces, or even within families, bullying leaves invisible scars no onesees that can stunt growth and last a lifetime. I've seen how it crushes confidence and isolates its victims, often when they most need connection. It's time we stop treating bullying as "just part of growing up" or "someone else’s problem." Every voice matters, and silence provides cover for the bully to hide. Change doesn't require a title or a campaign budget—just the courage to care and the strength to act. Together, acrossterritories and cultures, we can create a world where Harmony is sustained longer than cruelty.

John Mirrione: What does bullying mean to you?

John Mirrione:What are some strategies we can use to foster resilience, empower youth, and create a brighter future for these individuals and their communities?

John Mirrione:What is your greatest challenge when it comes to reducing instances of bullying in schools and communities whilepromoting a culture of respect, empathy, and kindness?

John Mirrione: How did you recognize schools and youth groups demonstrating outstanding anti-bullying efforts.?

Dr. Isaiah Drone III Closing Remarks

Host: ID3 for Dr. Isaiah Drone III

When a school or district functions as a PLC, educators within the organization embrace high levels of learning for all students as both the reason the organization exists and the fundamental responsibility of those who work within it.

Since 1998, Solution Tree has worked to transform education worldwide by empowering educators to raise student achievement.

With more than 50,000 educators attending professional learning events and over 5,500 professional development days in schools each year, Solution Tree helps teachers and administrators confront essential challenges. Solution Tree has a catalog of more than 500 titles, hundreds of videos, and online courses, and is the creator of Global PD, an online tool that facilitates the work of professional learning communities for more than 20,000 educators.

Impact of Educational Leadership Episode 215Hosted by: I. D. III for Dr. Isaiah Drone III

|Kaleigh Williams |Buddy ThorntonPositive Youth Development Framework Pt1

Positive youth development (PYD) is a holistic approach that focuses on building the strengths and competencies of young people, particularly those in disadvantaged communities. These communities often face numerous challenges,including socioeconomic barriers, limited access to resources, and social injustices. However, by leveraging the principles of PYD, we can foster resilience, empower youth, and create a brighter future for these individuals and their communities.Understanding Positive Youth Development Positive youth development is not just about preventing negative behaviors; it is a proactive approach that emphasizes the potential of young people. Youth in disadvantaged communities often wrestle with systemic issues, including poverty, violence, and limited access to quality education and healthcare. These challenges can hinder their aspirations and opportunities for growth. However, recognizing these barriers is the first step toward creating an effective PYD program.

Buddy Thornton: What are some strategies we can use to foster resilience, empower youth, and create a brighter future for these individuals and their communities?

Kaleigh Williams: How did you get started with Athena and what is your why?

Isaiah Drone III Closing Remarks

Impact of Educational Leadership Episode 214

Hosted by: I. D. III for Dr. Isaiah Drone III

|Joe McQueen | Ja’Ken Caston |Richard H Trotta |BuddyThornton

Supporting Student Growth

Schools should prioritize academicsuccess by providing high-quality teaching, challenging coursework, and a curriculum that prepares students for future careers or higher education. Students who excel academically are more likely to have opportunities for success later in life. Given the limited time in a school day, it’s more effective to focus on academic growth. While extracurriculars and emotional support are valuable, schools might not have the resources to provide both equally, and academic growth should take precedence. While academic growth is important, it cannot be separated from emotional and social growth. Students who struggle with mental health or lack confidence will not perform well academically. A school that nurtures all aspects of a student’s life creates better learners and citizens. Student growth is best supported by a balanced approach that nurtures emotional, social, and academic development. Schools should offer mental health resources, extracurricular activities, and a positive environment to ensure all-around growth for students.

Buddy Thornton: How and why is it true that student who excel academically are more likely to have opportunities for success later in life?

Joe McQueen: What are some strategies we can use to create an environment where people feel comfortable working with you and within a group?

Ja’Ken Caston: What is your greatest challenge when it comes to building strong relationships today?

Impact of Educational Leadership Episode 213Hosted by: I. D. III for Dr. Isaiah Drone IIIDallas ISD Trustee Camile White | Karl Berry | Buddy Thornton |Jerry Green |Building Lasting Community RelationshipsBuilding lasting community relationships requires time, patience, and effort, butthe benefits—such as increased social support, a sense of belonging, and collectivegrowth—are well worth it. How do you think you can start fostering relationshipsin your community? Developing strong community relationships is key to buildinga connected, supportive environment, whether in a neighborhood, workplace, orlarger society. Try to listen to what others are saying without judgment orinterruption. When people feel heard and understood, they are more likely to feelconnected and valued. Create an environment where people feel comfortablesharing their thoughts, ideas, and feedback. When people think they have a voice,they are more likely to engage and contribute positively to the community.