"He sat by himself."

One tragic element of Donald Trump’s attempted assassination is the description that’s emerged of his attempted killer, Thomas Matthew Crooks. No one seemed to know him. He seemed to have been invisible, a nobody. He didn’t even make the high school shooting team.

 “He sat by himself, didn’t talk to anyone, didn’t even try to make conversation,” said 17-year-old Liam Campbell, a classmate of Crooks. Bethel Park High School students reportedly mocked him for his clothing, which included hunting outfits, and his persistence in wearing a mask post-Covid. But other than that, Crooks went unnoticed.

Such invisibility is preventable. One of the top benefits of Flex blended learning is that each student has an adult who meets with him or her for radically frequent check-ins.

Adaptive software frees up teachers’ time for frequent, consistent, one-on-one check-ins, a game changer for personal development, friendship, mental health, and emotional security.

Yesterday, I finished recording a Module 6 lesson for my new Accelerate course. It teaches a time-tested method for teachers or guides to conduct one-on-one check-ins. I’m releasing it today in advance because I feel so strongly about the need for this instructional pivot.

No more invisible students.

Video: How to do 1-on-1 Check-ins

If you're weaving radically frequent 1-on-1 check-ins into the student experience, you're on the right track. I hope you will continue, even if legacy system members criticize your new model. Many children and youth need us adults to pivot to a new paradigm so they can thrive. You’re on the right track!