The rigor checklist is a game changer!

"We have been fortunate to work with Barbara to strengthen our district's rigor. The rigor checklist is a game-changer! Dr. Blackburn provided the most engaging, relevant, and focused professional development that our district has ever received. She provided practical examples for our staff that were easy to understand and that provided ideas that they were able to take right back into the classroom.

She utilized a gradual release approach where our staff worked through her examples and then transitioned to using the powerful resource on their assignments and assessments. Barbara is flexible, accessible, and easy to work with. We look forward to our continued collaboration". 

I walked away with strategies on how to have students activate higher-order thinking skills

"Dr. Blackburn is a phenomenal author, presenter, and true expert on everything pertaining to

educational rigor

and leadership! Being transparent, I usually do not enjoy professional development, especially during the summers. However, each day I was wowed by her ability to engage and educate us with practical ideas to increase the rigor for our students.

She is so down-to-earth and her presentation style is so interactive, informative, and relevant.

My colleagues and I walked away with strategies on how to have students activate higher-order thinking skills and enmesh with content in more meaningful and challenging ways. In addition, she provided so many resources that we were able to walk away with and implement immediately. Dr. Blackburn truly cleared up my misconceptions about rigor. Consequently, I am much more intentional and strategic in my instructional planning and delivery.

I look forward to attending future PDs! ".

Dr Blackburn's combination of theoretical knowledge, engaging delivery, and sustained support

has produced lasting impact on our instructional practices

"Dr. Barbara Blackburn delivered an exceptionally well-designed professional development program for our PS35X staff this school year. Her virtual series sessions on classroom rigor demonstrated deep expertise and thoughtful progression, moving from student motivation and foundational concepts to practical assignment development and scaffolding strategies. Despite the virtual format, she maintained high engagement through interactive activities and meaningful discussions, including a valuable leadership session for administrators.

The program's strength lay in its practical application focus. Dr. Blackburn had teachers assess real tasks for rigor levels, develop improvement strategies, and create scaffolding for their own classroom assignments. Her ongoing commitment has been equally impressive—regular check-ins and follow-up articles have sustained momentum and provided continued learning opportunities well beyond the initial sessions.

Dr. Blackburn's combination of theoretical knowledge, engaging delivery, and sustained support has produced lasting impact on our instructional practices. Her expertise in classroom rigor, paired with practical tools teachers can immediately implement, makes this professional development highly valuable. I would strongly recommend Dr. Blackburn's services to any school seeking to enhance instructional rigor with meaningful, long-term results".

Our staff left feeling supported and equipped with new strategies to

enhance student learning

"Dr. Blackburn delivered an engaging and impactful PLC session that rejuvenated our staff. Her approach was both inspiring and practical, offering authentic, differentiated lessons that teachers could immediately apply in their classrooms. Her ability to connect with educators and address diverse instructional needs was evident throughout the session. Our staff left feeling supported and equipped with new strategies to enhance student learning".

it's the continuous support she provides our teachers, supervisors and administrators

"It's not just the professional development that Dr. Blackburn delivers; it's the continuous support

she provides our teachers, supervisors, and administrators to make sure we are all speaking

the same language-Rigor.

Dr. Blackburn is always available to our team for whatever support we need at a moment's notice."

It was PHENOMENAL!

"No true words can really express these last few days as I took part in the training It's the RIGOR for ME!  through Clayton County, Georgia. They really work hard to bring us the best.

Therefore, it was PHENOMENAL!

It was relevant, energetic but concise yet thorough, filled with rational, the materials were on point and are great additions to my go-to resources toolbox, the information can be used across all content areas including specials (much needed when collaborating), and it is not only useful for the general education teacher but also to all the other professionals that come into our classrooms to provide services to our students.

This truly helps with ensuring that we meet the needs of ALL of our students regardless the level they are at; leaving no one out! A complete training such as this one is hard to find! Thank you for working with the Clayton County Public Schools teachers!"

our staff participated in impactful professional learning that inspired fresh strategies to boost student motivation

"On the first day of pre-planning, our elementary staff participated in impactful professional learning that

inspired fresh strategies to boost student motivation, deepen engagement, and strengthen instructional

practices, setting a positive tone for a successful school year. 

All teachers spoke highly of the practical and inspiring strategies Dr. Blackburn shared with us,

noting how they could be applied immediately in their classrooms".

An excellent resource and consultant

"Dr. Blackburn is an excellent resource and consultant. I was most pleased when district and school leaders conducted walkthroughs in our building and noticed the rigor and differentiation in the classrooms.

That tells it all!"

"Dr Barbara Blackburn is an incredibly engaging speaker who has supported our staff in increasing

the rigor in what we felt were already challenging lessons!

With an adjustment regarding our understanding of the components of rigor, we are much better equipped to provide even more meaningful and thought-provoking assignments and tasks for our students!! We are excited and inspired about the work we are doing collaboratively with Barbara and with one another!"