Transforming Education Through Play-Based Learning: A Conversation with Tiffany Caoutte Transformative Principal 591

In this podcast conversation, Tiffany Caouette discusses the role and importance of play-based learning in education. Tiffany Caouette, currently working with the Connecticut Association of Schools, shares her insights on Connecticut being one of the first US states to acknowledge the significance of play-based learning through legislation. She talks about her experiences as an administrator, and her push for the inclusion of play-based learning in schools. She emphasizes the benefits of this learning approach, which not only includes improved executive functioning skills and critical thinking abilities among children, but also incorporates real-world applications into their learning process. The conversation delves into issues such as teacher autonomy, utilizing current resources, and balancing the use of electronics in classrooms. The podcast concludes with a discussion on the role of professional development for teachers and administrators in the successful implementation of play-based learning.

We all struggle with executive functioning skills, and play based learning is a way to help instill those at the youngest ages. 

• Play-based Learning - Second state in the country
• Legislation about play-based learning
• Brought all kinds of organizations to the table to bring legislation to law. 
• PreK and Kindergarten based classrooms should be using Play based learning, can’t be penalized for using play-based learning
• What does it look like to have play-based learning?
• How do you prevent play from being academized and boring? 
• When kids are learning, it’s messy. 
• How electronic devices play into it. 
• What PD looks like. Play! 
• Fiscal implementations, scheduling, etc. 
• Organizing cohorts around the work. 
• Grouping people together. 
• Theme-based cohorting. 
• How to help people get out of their own way and try some different things. 
• If we want kids to change, we need to change as adults as well. 
• Start small and expand your network. 
• How to be a transformative principal? Focus on the 1 or 2 things that will make a change. 

About Tiffany Caoutte

Tiffany Caoutte was an administrator for 18 years, urban and suburban, elementary and high school. Been at CAS for a year and a half 

Tiffany Caoutte is a highly experienced administrator with over 18 years of experience in both urban and suburban school districts. She has served as an administrator at both the elementary and high school levels, and has a proven track record of success in leading and improving schools.

Tiffany is currently the Assistant executive director at Connecticut Association for Schools, where she has been for a year and a half. CAS represents about a thousand schools.

Tiffany is a strong advocate for equity and access in education. She believes that all students, regardless of their background, deserve a chance to succeed. She is committed to creating a school environment where all students feel safe, supported, and challenged.

Tiffany is a passionate educator who is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students.

Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL, and Renaissance Learning:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. 

These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.

We’re also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.