Author name: Sheri Smith

Participate in the Modernization of the National Career Clusters Framework!

Leave a Comment / Featured, Indigo News /

We are thrilled to announce that Indigo Education Company and WestEd, in partnership with Advance CTE, are teaming up to lead the initiative in modernizing the National Career Clusters Framework. This framework serves as a blueprint for states nationwide, guiding Career Technical Education (CTE) programs for high school students and adult reskilling initiatives. Over 11 million students participate in CTE programs each year!

As we embark on this transformative journey, we invite you to share this opportunity to be an integral part of the process with industry partners in your network. Diverse insights and perspectives from people in the field are vital in ensuring that every sector is fully represented.

Together, let’s forge a path toward modernization and excellence in career development!

Nominate key industry players to participate in sector-specific Industry Advisory Groups by filling out this form. Give others the opportunity to shape the direction of the National Career Clusters Framework and contribute to the future of career pathways by sharing the nomination form, open until Friday, June 9th, with your networks.

Nominate Here

Participate in the Modernization of the National Career Clusters Framework! Read More »

Classroom Management Tips for High Dominance Students

High Dominance Classroom Management Tips

Leave a Comment / DISC, Indigo Assessment Info /
Personalized classroom management strategies help meet individual student needs, fostering a positive learning environment, increasing motivation, and leading to better student performance. Understanding a student’s core DISC style provides a great framework helping each student thrive! In this blog, we’ll explore techniques for managing high dominance students, creating a structured and results-focused environment for optimal performance.
High Dominance Graph on DISC
Someone who scores above 50 in the DISC Dominance behavioral style (red bar on the DISC graph) is considered “high” in that style. The higher the score, the more these classroom strategies typically apply. A high dominance student may have characteristics such as being assertive, and self-assured, taking charge in group situations, and having a strong desire to be in control. They also tend to be very competitive. Additionally, they may not be afraid to speak their mind and express their opinions.
Here are some classroom management strategies to keep in mind for your students who have a high dominance behavioral style:

Encourage participation and leadership.

High dominance students tend to be confident and assertive, so provide opportunities for them to take a leadership role in class discussions and group activities.

Use positive reinforcement.

High dominance students often respond well to positive reinforcement, such as praise or rewards for good behavior.

Provide opportunities for competition.

High dominance students may enjoy a competitive environment, so incorporate opportunities for competition into class activities and assignments.

Be firm and consistent with consequences.

High dominance students may test boundaries, so be sure to be firm and consistent with consequences for misbehavior.

Avoid confrontations and show respect.

High dominance students may be more likely to react strongly to criticism or challenges to their authority, so avoid confrontations and show respect for their opinions and ideas.

Allow them to express their ideas, opinions and suggestions.

High dominance students may be opinionated, and they may want to express their ideas and suggestions. Encourage them to do so, but establish clear boundaries on appropriate ways to express themselves.

Give them a challenge that requires them to use their leadership skills in a positive way.

High dominance students may enjoy challenges that allow them to take a leadership role and use their assertiveness in a positive way.

These strategies aim to provide an engaging and open learning environment that takes into account the individual needs of high dominance students and encourages them to take responsibility for their learning and behavior. It also provides opportunities for positive reinforcement and recognition and in time, know how to better advocate for themselves.

Note: It’s important to note that the DISC assessment is just one tool used to understand and describe behavior, and it should not be used to label or judge individuals. Each person is unique and may exhibit a combination of different behavioral traits. Additionally, behavior can change depending on the situation and context. Therefore, it is essential to use the information from the DISC assessment as a starting point for understanding and communication, not as a means of making judgments or assumptions about a person’s character or abilities.

Know your DISC Style! Take the Quiz Here

High Dominance Classroom Management Tips Read More »

Indigo Holiday Gratitude Blog

Leave a Comment / Motivators /

As the holiday season approaches, we wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support. At Indigo, we are constantly inspired by the amazing work that our customers do, and we are incredibly thankful to be a part of your journey.

We are looking forward to 2023 and the future of education with great anticipation. At Indigo, we are committed to supporting our customers and helping them navigate the constantly evolving landscape of preparing students for the modern workplace.

Thank you again for choosing Indigo. We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season, and we look forward to continuing to work with you in the new year.

Best regards,

The Indigo Team

Indigo Holiday Gratitude Blog Read More »

Indigo Education Company Motivators – Thanksgiving tips for a more gracious holiday!

Leave a Comment / Motivators /

Indigo Education Company appreciates all our partners! In honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, we’d like to provide some tips on how you can best show your gratitude for each motivator personality from the Indigo Assessment:

Social

Let high Socials know how much their presence in your life helps you by sharing specific instances where their presence made a positive impact. Consider spending time with them helping others like volunteering at a soup kitchen together. High Socials love to help and like to know their help matters! 

Utilitarian

Support the high Utilitarians in your life by working with them to achieve a goal or accomplish something important on their list. They will appreciate getting something done and enjoy sharing a sense of accomplishment with you! 

Theoretical

Spend some time with your high Theoretical friends and family by asking them to teach you about their area of expertise or something they are currently learning. Asking thoughtful questions will help you better understand their love of that topic. High Theoreticals love sharing their knowledge with others! 

Individualistic

Publicly acknowledge the high Individualistic person in your life over the Thanksgiving meal by recognizing what they uniquely bring into your life. Suggest having the Individualistic person in your life create a unique dish for the meal or put on a performance for the gathering of family and friends! 

Traditional

High Traditionals love when others participate in and enjoy annual holiday traditions with them. If there is something you do every year as a family or friend group, keep doing it! If you don’t have any traditions yet, let them create new ones. Honor the things that matter most to Traditionals during this time!

Aesthetic

Make sure there is space for beauty, art, or music during the Thanksgiving season. Let high Aesthetics decorate your dining room or go the extra mile to make your meal beautiful. You might also want to create a gratitude collage or a vision board together for the upcoming year. High Aesthetics also enjoy just sitting in silence and appreciating life! 

Just like the 5 Love Languages, expressing gratitude based on each person’s top motivators will make everyone feel extra special this holiday season.

From all of us at Indigo, thank you!

Indigo Education Company Motivators – Thanksgiving tips for a more gracious holiday! Read More »

ALAS Press Release Using Indigo Data

Leave a Comment / Featured, Indigo News /

Indigo is excited to share some of our data findings working with ALAS‘ (Association of Latino Administrators & Superintendents) Superintendent Leadership Academy. 

Preview: 

“This survey data shows that ALAS is training and attracting highly skilled leaders who care deeply about making sure people feel seen and valued (Empathy) and helping others (Social). They feel deeply connected to their work and create environments where others also feel they belong (Sense of Belonging),” said Sheri Smith, founder and CEO of Indigo. “This meaningful work contributes to high levels of self-confidence and the ability to bring together many pieces of information to solve complex social problems (Integrative Ability). Basically ALAS leaders are rock stars who we want leading our schools and districts!”

Click here to read more!

ALAS Press Release Using Indigo Data Read More »

Empathy icon

Skills: Empathy

Leave a Comment / Skills /

Empathy

Identifying with and caring about others.

  • Demonstrates genuine concern for others.
  • Is sensitive to the emotions people experience.
  • Tries to understand the real needs, concerns, and feelings of others.
  • Advocates for the interests, needs, and wants of others.
Skill icon

About Skills

The type of skills on the Indigo Report are soft skills, also called 21st Century Skills. Soft skills are based on experience and relate to how you interact with others and personal qualities that you bring to a team. The good news is that skills are just strengths you can learn. While some skills may come more naturally to you, it is possible to learn any skill.

Watch more skills videos here:  indigoeducationcompany.com/indigo-skills-videos/

Skills: Empathy Read More »

Scroll to Top