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✌️The nightmare that changed how I lead schools

Author

Danny Bauer
January 19, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

In partnership with

Want to know the real reason most school leaders are stuck in survival mode?

Here's a hint: It's not about time management, and it's definitely not about working harder.

I discovered this the hard way during my first day as an assistant principal when over half our students showed up without schedules — just as our superintendent pulled into the parking lot.

That nightmare scenario taught me something profound about school leadership that transformed how I approach everything.

Today, I'm sharing the exact framework that's helping principals worldwide stop playing it safe and start creating real change.

Let's shake things up...

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OFF CAMPUS

A MESSAGE FROM 1440

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DO SCHOOL DIFFERENT

From Survival Mode to Strategic Success: The 90-Day Plan That's Transforming Schools

Here's a shocking truth about your first 90 days: Most principals are just hoping for the best or following an outdated playbook.

Meanwhile, 640+ Ruckus Makers chose to Do School Different last year—and turned what's typically chaos into their most successful start ever.

Following Danny's 90-day entry plan template, the start of the year was the best yet... And all the beginning of the year stress was gone

John (former principal, now superintendent)

Whether you're a new principal feeling overwhelmed, a veteran who never got proper guidance, or an AP preparing for future roles—The 90-Day Accelerator transforms survival mode into strategic success.

  • No more endless firefighting.

  • No more sacrificing your vision to deal with daily chaos.

  • Just a proven framework that's already helped hundreds of school leaders launch their most impactful year yet.

Ready to stop hoping for the best and start guaranteeing your success?

The 90-Day Accelerator opens soon for a limited time.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Stop Playing It Safe: How The RISE Method Transforms Education Leadership

Picture this: It was my first day as an assistant principal. Over 50% of our students didn't have class schedules. The chief network officer (basically our superintendent) was heading up the driveway. My stomach dropped.

That nightmare scenario? It led me to develop what I now call the RISE method.

In a recent training that brought together school leaders from Denver, CO to Australia, I broke down this four-part framework that's helping principals stop playing it safe and start transforming their schools.

Here’s how the RISE method works:

Reimagine What's Possible

Most principals get stuck in administrator mode, doing what's always been done but slightly better. The RISE method starts by having leaders envision their ideal future state - what their campus could look like 12 months from now if they were "absolutely thrilled" with the progress.

Identify Current Reality 

It’s time for a sober self-assessment. Leaders have to take an honest look at where they are now. As one participant noted, "It sometimes hurts to look in the mirror." But there's no way to achieve that reimagined future without confronting today's reality.

Select Strategic Strikes 

This is where the magic happens. Using principles like the 80/20 rule (20% of your efforts drive 80% of your results) and "The One Thing" question - "What can I do today that makes everything else easier or unnecessary?" — leaders identify their highest-leverage moves.

Execute with Energy

The final piece focuses on building momentum through smart chunking: What can you accomplish in the first day? First week? First month? One principal shared how this approach helped transform their PLC meetings from obligation to innovation.

Real Leaders, Real Impact

During the training, school leaders shared how they plan to put these ideas into action immediately.

Multiple principals are taking the framework back to their admin team as "homework" before their next meeting.

One central office admin is using the RISE Method to focus her district's initiatives around Tier 1 instruction and mental health support.

Another principal revealed plans to transform staff enthusiasm and build more authentic PLCs.

This kind of transformation isn't about creating another binder full of policies — it's about making real shifts that elevate learning experiences.

As one Ruckus Maker noted, what drew them to the training was reimagining what's possible "even in traditional systems."

Ready to stop playing it safe and start making waves?

Watch the full training replay to get the complete RISE framework and start transforming your school (available until January 28th).

ALBA

CLASS DISMISSED

In 2025, create a campus experience worth showing up for.

Kids are disengaged (if they show up to school at all). Teachers (and admin) are running for the exits.

But Ruckus Makers around the world are creating campus experiences that staf, students, and parents love.

And we want to help …

Right now there are two opportunities for your consideration:

  1. Join the waitlist for our 90-Day Accelerator Program

  2. Watch the RISE Method replay (and do the exercise we teach with your team). Watch the replay here.

Keep Making a Ruckus,

PS … Did you know there is a premium edition of this newsletter? This week we gave away the Strategy Therapy Digital Course — take your 10+ page school strategy and get it onto one page. Remember: Simplicity is velocity.

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