How We Can Help Every Child Succeed with Ross Greene
Summary
Guy Kawasaki interviews psychologist Ross Green about his book, *The Kids Who Aren't Okay*, which critiques punitive school discipline like corporal punishment and seclusion. Green advocates for "meeting every kid where they're at," arguing that fair does not mean equal and that educators should proactively solve underlying problems rather than reacting to behavior. He highlights successful schools in Maine that prioritize collaboration and individualized expectations, urging a systemic shift away from outdated structures that fail struggling students and demoralize teachers.
Topics discussed
Sponsorship and introduction to the episode
Guest introduction: Ross Green and his book
Defining good teaching and teacher workload challenges
Observing schools that meet students where they are
Case studies: Principals Ryan Gleason and Nina DeAaron
Systemic inertia and the failure of punitive measures
Shifting focus to struggling students first
Addressing concerns about lowering standards
Equity vs. Equality in education
The impact of federal policy changes on schools
Student perception of fairness and differentiation
The mantra: Kids do well if they can
The crisis of educator burnout and retention
Actionable steps for teachers today
Managing expectations and frustration responses
The role of AI in supporting personalized learning
Navigating political uncertainty in education
Explaining Plan A, B, and C for problem-solving
Applying the model to the workplace
Future books and advice for parents
Closing remarks and credits
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