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Stop Playing it Safe

Stop Playing it Safe

Transform Your School with the RISE Method

Dan Watt & Danny Bauer
January 06, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

You are not going to want to miss this edition! This week we unveil the transformative RISE method, designed to empower and inspire your leadership.

To kick off your week on a high note, we’ve included a little spark of joy and a weekly challenge to push you towards new insights.

Let’s make this week extraordinary! 🚀

First time reading? Sign up here and join 5,705 learning to Do School Different 🎉

INSPIRATION STATION

🦺 Playing it safe is the riskiest move a school leader can make. Instead, reimagine possibilities, utilize a proven framework, and create lasting transformation with The RISE Method.
⚠ What you pay attention to expands…Attention is the foundation upon which everything else depends—the ultimate resource. How are you planning to safeguard your attention in the year ahead? Brandon Stanton, the creator of Humans of New York, shares a powerful reflection (repost from Tim Ferris).
💡 The Art of Possibility: Shoutout to Jesse this week for sharing a lovely video of Benjamin Zander, co-author of “The Art of Possibility”. Experience Zander’s passion for possibilities, experiences, and connections.

It’s okay to steal — Feel free to share any of these links and how we write about them and drop ‘em right into your staff newsletter this week.

A MESSAGE FROM IXL

20 Minutes to Transform Your School

What if you could identify struggling students and create personalized intervention plans in less time than it takes to grab coffee?

IXL's universal screener does exactly that. Plus, you'll get a dashboard packed with actionable insights about student growth, customizable reports, and research-backed predictions for standardized test performance.

Join the data-driven revolution at IXL.com/leaders

THE RUCKUS MAKER MONTHLY THEME: DECISION MAKING

Stop Playing It Safe: Transform Your School with the RISE Method

In today’s fast-paced world, playing it safe is the riskiest move a school leader can make. Incremental improvements might feel comforting, but they won’t equip your school to thrive in 2025 and beyond. That’s where the RISE Method comes in—a bold framework designed to drive meaningful transformation without overwhelming your team or risking your reputation.

The RISE Method: A Blueprint for Bold Change

R – Reimagine the Possible
Stop solving yesterday’s problems. Ask, “What if we started from scratch?” to spark innovation for today’s challenges.
I – Identify Current Reality
Honesty matters. Understand your starting point with clear, data-informed insights and a willingness to face hard truths.
S – Select Strategic Strikes
Focus on what matters most. Use the 80/20 principle to pinpoint high-impact areas for transformation.
E – Execute with Energy
Momentum is key. Build confidence with quick wins in the first 30 days, paving the way for bigger, lasting changes.

Join Us for a Free Workshop

When: January 13th at 6 PM ET
In this 90-minute session, you’ll learn:

Why traditional planning methods hold schools back
How to identify your highest-leverage change opportunities
A practical roadmap to implement the RISE Method

This is for leaders ready to challenge the status quo and make a real difference. Space is limited, so don’t wait—reserve your spot now!

❝

Your school deserves bold leadership. The RISE Method will help you deliver it.

Danny Bauer

SWAG CENTRAL

Start your New Year’s Revolution in style – grab the cozy Ruckus Makers Hoodie and stay warm while you shake up the status quo!

MONDAY VIBES

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

Do School Different - Lead with Loyalty

This Week’s Challenge: Do School Different – Lead with Loyalty
In the spirit of Doing School Different, break the old leadership playbook that says trust must be earned. Instead, extend trust and loyalty first.

This week treat a team member, colleague, or student as if they’ve already proven trustworthy. Notice how this shifts the dynamic and fosters a culture of mutual respect and reliability.

Embody the spirit of Doing School Different—lead boldly, create a culture where only win-win relationships thrive, and inspire others to rise to the occasion.