JUST THINKING…Talking CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT with Lesli Laughter

 

Innovative planning and continuous improvement in education stands at the forefront of school improvement, a strategic linchpin that propels institutions toward a future of achievement and excellence. At the heart of this transformation is adopting a continuous improvement mindset, where educators and administrators constantly seek better strategies and outcomes for their students. Just Thinking offers a deep dive into the power and potential of innovative planning within the educational sector, underscoring its role in driving schools toward sustained progress and success.

Host Kevin Dougherty sits with Lesli Laughter, an Author and the Chief Academic Officer at 806 Technologies. Together, they unravel the layers of innovative planning, debating its impact and dissecting common misconceptions. Through their dialogue, the essence of continuous improvement in educational settings is brought to light, offering valuable insights for educators nationwide.

Laughter emphasizes that continuous improvement is more than a buzzword; it’s about a commitment to be better tomorrow than today. It’s about understanding the needs of students and integrating improvement into the school culture. They also tackle the concept of “strategic abandonment,” which is essential for schools to adapt and grow without becoming overburdened. Laughter’s approach to leadership and innovation in education stands out for its simplicity and clarity, striving to prevent the overcomplication of systems within schools.

The conversation extends beyond methodologies to the psychological and cultural aspects of implementing change, including the inevitable “implementation dip” and maintaining a positive outlook. They discuss the value of recognizing and building upon the strengths and assets within schools to bring joy back into the educational process for educators and students.

Laughter’s passionate belief in the power of continuous improvement as a means to reduce stress and enhance educational experiences resonates throughout the discussion. The forthcoming book, “Continuous Improvement without Continuous Stress,” promises to be a valuable resource for educators seeking to navigate the complexities of educational reform with grace and efficacy.

Recent Episodes

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies. In this special episode of School Safety Today, host Dr. Amy Grosso interviews several education and safety leaders live from the Raptor 2025 SchoolSAFE Conference. Rachael Freeman (Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD), Jason Overbay (Sarasota County Schools), Marti Neahring (West Aurora School District), Dr. Penny Schultz (Chesapeake City…

The debate around the return on investment (ROI) of a four-year degree has reached a fever pitch. As tuition costs rise and employers question the value of traditional credentials, higher education leaders are rethinking how to make college more career-relevant. Experiential learning—work-based and project-based education embedded within curricula—is emerging as one of the most promising…

The mental health crisis has reached alarming levels across the globe. Rates of anxiety and depression continue to climb, with the World Health Organization is estimating that one in eight people worldwide now live with a mental health disorder. At the same time, access to care remains limited — especially for young people and…