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Interventions and Detentions

bradtarggart

Interventions and Detentions is where education meets real talk. Hosted by principal Brad Targgart, the podcast dives into the challenges, celebrations, and realities of life in schools today.

From why good teachers leave, to the power of collaboration, to building stronger interventions and leadership practices, Brad brings honesty, reflection, and humor to every episode. Along the way, he unpacks stories from the frontlines of education, reflects on lessons learned, and offers both practical insights and lighthearted moments that remind us why the work matters.

Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or someone passionate about the future of education, Interventions and Detentions will leave you with ideas to carry back into your own practice—plus a few laughs along the way.

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Avg 41 min
English

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S3 · E3
Yesterday · 40 min
Episode 3:3 | School Safety: What It Really Means (Part One of a Two-Part Series)
What does school safety really mean? Is it locked doors, security cameras, emergency drills, and knowing what to do when something goes wrong? Or is there a much bigger picture we need to consider? In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, I take a deeper look at school safety, using the 2018 shooting at Noblesville West Middle School as a starting point. We examine the three minutes that changed everything and explore the work that happens both before and after a crisis. From threat assessment and prevention to school climate, student mental health, relationships, emergency planning, and the role of school resource officers, this conversation looks beyond the equipment and procedures to the people and systems that help keep our schools safe. As I continue my learning through Cohort 28 of the Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy, I’m reminded that school safety isn’t simply about preparing for the worst. It’s about recognizing concerns early, building trust, training our people, and creating an environment where students and staff can learn and work safely. This is Part One of a two-part series. We’ll wrap up Part One with a closer look at why attendance matters, then continue the conversation in Part Two with recovery, reunification, coordination, and the responsibilities that continue after the immediate threat is over.
S3 · E2
October 2 · 1 hr 15 min
Episode 3:2 They’re Not Their IEP
Episode 3:2: They’re Not Their IEP What happens when we start seeing the IEP before we see the child? In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, Brad takes a deeper look at special education, inclusion, accommodations, behavior, expectations, and the responsibility we have as educators to see the whole child. An IEP is an important tool. It tells us about goals, supports, accommodations, services, and areas where a student needs help. But an IEP doesn’t tell us everything about a child. It doesn’t tell us their personality. It doesn’t tell us their dreams. It doesn’t tell us what they’re capable of becoming. And sometimes, without realizing it, the labels, diagnoses, data, and support systems surrounding a student can become the lens through which we see them. This episode is about challenging that. We talk about the difference between supporting a student and doing things for them, the role of paraprofessionals, realistic versus limiting expectations, behavior and accountability, inclusion, accommodations, parent partnerships, student voice, independence, and what happens when we focus so much on what a student needs that we forget to ask what they might become. Because the goal isn’t simply to help a student get through school. The goal is to help them become as independent, confident, capable, and successful as they can possibly be. They are not their IEP. They are a whole person with strengths, challenges, interests, dreams, potential, and a future that hasn’t been written yet. Interventions and Detentions with Brad Targgart Where the Real Learning Begins. Episode 3:2 | They’re Not Their IEP
S3 · E1
September 25 · 56 min
Episode 3:1 Thirty Days and Thirty Years
Thirty days into a new school year. Thirty years into a career in education. And somehow, I’m back where it all started. In 1997, I walked into South Side Elementary as a fifth grade teacher. Nearly 30 years later, I’ve walked back through those same doors, this time as the principal. In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, I’m taking a look at what it feels like to start over when you’re not new to education, but you are new to the building. I’ll talk about leaving Central Noble after four years, returning to East Noble, becoming the new guy again, and the difference between bringing experience with you and actually earning trust. Thirty days in has taught me a few things about listening before changing, resisting the urge to prove yourself, supporting teachers, building relationships, dealing with challenges, and remembering that you don’t have to have all the answers. Most importantly, I’m reminded that experience travels with you, but trust doesn’t. A new school. A new challenge. Same principal. And after 30 years… Here we go again.
S2 · E38
June 26 · 55 min
Episode 2:38 Books Are Fun & Book Blast with Ben Kaplan | Season 2 Finale
We’re closing out Season 2 of Interventions and Detentions with a conversation that every educator, school leader, and parent should hear. In this episode, I sit down with Ben Kaplan, President of Books Are Fun, to discuss the Book Blast program and how it’s helping schools across the country build excitement around reading while putting more books into the hands of students. We explore: * What makes the Book Blast program different * How schools can implement it with minimal staff time * Why access to books at home is so important for developing lifelong readers * The role family engagement plays in student literacy * How Books Are Fun is helping schools create a culture where reading thrives Whether you’re a principal looking for meaningful literacy initiatives, a teacher passionate about getting books into students’ hands, or a parent who wants to encourage a love of reading, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration. Thank you for being part of an incredible Season 2. Your support, downloads, shares, and conversations have helped grow this podcast into a community of educators committed to making a difference. The interventions may be ending for the season… but the impact continues. Guest: Ben Kaplan, President, Books Are Fun Topic: The Book Blast Program Host: Brad Targgart Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you in Season 3!
S2 · E37
June 19 · 1 hr 4 min
Episode 2:37 Catching Up With Kylie
After more than a year apart behind the microphone, Kylie returns to Interventions and Detentions for a special reunion episode. In Episode 2:37, Brad and Kylie catch up on everything that’s happened since their last episode together. From career changes and personal growth to lessons learned along the way, this conversation is filled with laughter, reflection, and the kind of authentic dialogue that made listeners enjoy them as co-hosts in the first place. Where has life taken Kylie over the past year? What has surprised her most? What challenges has she faced, and what accomplishments is she most proud of? Brad and Kylie revisit old memories, share new experiences, and discuss what the future holds. Whether you’ve been listening since the early days of the podcast or are joining the conversation for the first time, this episode offers a genuine look at friendship, growth, and the value of reconnecting with people who have been part of your journey. Episode 2:37 — Catching Up with Kylie.
S2 · E36
June 12 · 37 min
Episode 2:36 | Staff Celebration Isn’t Fluff: It’s a Retention Strategy
What if one of the most effective staff retention strategies in your school doesn’t require a new initiative, a larger budget, or another professional development session? What if it’s appreciation? In this episode of Interventions and Detentions with Brad, we explore why staff celebration is much more than a feel-good activity. It’s a leadership practice that directly impacts morale, engagement, culture, and retention. Brad dives into the realities of educator burnout, why employees stay or leave, and the critical role administrators play in helping people feel seen, valued, and connected to the mission of their school. You’ll learn practical strategies for celebrating teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians, bus drivers, food service staff, counselors, and every member of the team who helps students succeed. In this episode, you’ll discover: * Why appreciation is a leadership responsibility, not an extra task * The difference between recognition and appreciation * How positive school culture impacts staff retention * Common mistakes leaders make when celebrating employees * Practical, low-cost ways to recognize staff throughout the year * How to build a culture where people genuinely want to stay Whether you’re a principal, assistant principal, superintendent, instructional coach, or teacher leader, this episode offers actionable ideas you can implement immediately to strengthen relationships and improve culture in your school. Because great schools aren’t built by programs. They’re built by people. And people thrive where appreciation lives. Lead. Inspire. Impact.
S2 · E35
June 5 · 38 min
Episode 2:35 Reflective Leadership and Reflective Teaching: Finishing Strong, Growing Stronger
As another school year comes to a close, educators everywhere are packing classrooms, submitting final grades, and looking ahead to a well-deserved summer break. But before we rush into the next season, what can we learn from the one we’re leaving behind? In this episode of Interventions and Detentions with Brad, we explore the power of reflective practice for both teachers and school leaders. Reflection is not about dwelling on mistakes. It is about transforming experiences into growth. Whether you are a classroom teacher, principal, instructional coach, counselor, or aspiring leader, intentional reflection can help you identify what worked, what did not, and what deserves your attention moving forward. Join Brad as he discusses why reflection is one of the most valuable professional growth tools available, the questions every educator should ask at the end of the year, and how reflective leaders build stronger school cultures. You will also hear practical strategies for turning reflection into action, celebrating successes, learning from challenges, and creating a clear path forward for the year ahead. The end of the school year is not just an ending. It is an opportunity to become an even better educator for the students who are waiting for us next fall. Interventions and Detentions with Brad. Where the real learning begins.
S2 · E34
May 22 · 41 min
Episode 2:34 The 10 Minute Fix
In this episode of Interventions and Detentions with Brad, we dive into “The 10-Minute Fix: Small Moves That Change Classrooms.” Education doesn’t always need massive overhauls to create meaningful change. Sometimes the biggest impact comes from the smallest strategies.\n\nBrad shares practical, research-based ideas educators can implement immediately to improve behavior, increase engagement, strengthen relationships, and create calmer, more connected classrooms. From quick behavior resets and engagement tricks to relationship builders and leadership takeaways, this episode is packed with realistic strategies that work in real schools.\n\nWhether you’re a teacher, administrator, interventionist, or support staff member, this episode will leave you with simple tools you can use tomorrow to make a lasting impact.\n\nSmall moves. Big difference.
S2 · E33
May 15 · 32 min
Episode 2:33 What Should Actually Come to The Office?
Episode 2:33 – What Should Actually Come to the Office? Office referrals can be one of the most inconsistent systems in a school. What one teacher handles in the classroom, another sends to the office. What feels like a classroom-managed behavior one day suddenly becomes an office referral the next. Over time, that inconsistency impacts teachers, administrators, students, and overall school culture. In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, we take a practical, honest look at: • What behaviors should actually be office-managed • What should remain classroom-managed • Why the “gray area” creates so much frustration • How inconsistent responses affect students and staff • And what schools can do to build more clarity and trust across the building This conversation is not about blame or rigid systems. It is about creating consistency, supporting teachers, helping students, and building behavior systems that actually work. Whether you are a teacher, administrator, counselor, or support staff member, this episode will likely sound very familiar.
S2 · E32
May 1 · 32 min
Episode 2:32 What Actually Works in May
If things feel a little harder right now in your classroom or school… you’re not imagining it. Late April and May bring a shift. Energy changes, routines get disrupted, and even strong systems can start to feel less effective. It’s not about losing control—it’s about navigating a different phase of the school year. In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, we break down: • Why behavior tends to shift at the end of the year • What’s really driving the change (it’s more than just “kids checking out”) • The most common mistakes schools make during this stretch • And practical, realistic strategies that actually work right now This isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about simplifying, staying consistent, and finishing the year strong. If you’re in the middle of the end-of-year push, this episode will give you tools you can use immediately.
S2 · E31
April 24 · 37 min
Episode2:31 Support vs Reality — A Principal’s Take on Education Influencers
Social media has changed education—and not just for students, but for teachers and administrators too. There are more voices than ever sharing what leadership should look like. Some of it is helpful. Some of it is inspiring. But some of it… might be oversimplifying a job that’s anything but simple. In this episode, I take an honest, balanced look at the rise of education influencers and how leadership messaging online is shaping expectations inside real schools. From the contrast between creators like Jared Lamb and Gerry Brooks to the broader impact of viral content, we explore the gap between what we see online and what actually works in a school building. This isn’t about calling anyone out. It’s about having a real conversation about leadership—the kind that doesn’t fit into a 60-second video. ⸻ 🎯 In this episode, we discuss: * The rise of education influencers * Why leadership content goes viral * The difference between supporting teachers and balancing all stakeholders * How social media can unintentionally shape school culture * What real leadership looks like beyond the highlight reel ⸻ 🎧 New episodes of Interventions and Detentions with Brad drop every Friday at 8:00 AM. ⸻ 💬 Join the conversation: What are your thoughts on education influencers and leadership on social media? Let me know after you listen.
S2 · E30
April 18 · 18 min
Episode 2:30 What Does a ”B” Even Mean? A Real Talk About Report Cards
In Episode 2:30 of Interventions and Detentions, we ease back in from Spring Break with a micro episode focused on one of education’s most familiar and debated traditions… the report card. Where did report cards come from? What were they originally designed to do? Do they truly communicate student learning, or have they become more about labels than growth? In this episode, we explore the history and evolution of report cards, their intended purpose in today’s schools, and where grading and reporting may be headed in the future. Whether you’re an educator, parent, student, or simply someone who remembers the feeling of bringing one home, this conversation will have you rethinking what those letters and numbers really mean. Tune in and join the discussion: What do you really think about report cards?
S2 · E29
April 3 · 30 min
Episode 2:29 The Spring ”Slide”.
Something shifts in schools every spring—and it’s not just academic. In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, we take a real look at what educators are experiencing right now: shorter attention spans, increased behavior challenges, lower motivation, and overall fatigue from both students and staff. This isn’t about the “summer slide.” It’s about the very real spring slide in behavior, energy, and stamina—and why it happens every year. From routine fatigue and testing pressure to the “almost there” mindset, we break down what’s really driving the shift you’re seeing in classrooms right now. More importantly, we focus on what actually works. That includes resetting expectations instead of constantly correcting, shortening instructional “wins” to keep students engaged, strengthening relationships when capacity is low, and making small changes that can have a big impact. We also talk about why this is the time to double down on strong Tier 1 practices rather than just adding more interventions. The key takeaway: this isn’t a failure point—it’s a predictable point. And when we recognize it for what it is, we can respond in ways that better support both students and staff through the final stretch of the school year.
S2 · E28
March 27 · 32 min
Episode 2:28 Attendance Matters
In Episode 2:28 of Interventions and Detentions, we take a deep dive into one of the most overlooked—but most impactful—factors in student success: attendance. While it may seem like a simple daily routine, consistent attendance is directly tied to academic achievement, social development, and long-term outcomes for students. Missing just a few days each month can create gaps that are difficult to overcome. In this episode, we explore Indiana’s attendance laws and guidelines, how schools are working to support students and families, and the growing role attendance plays in school accountability. We also unpack current research on chronic absenteeism, discuss practical strategies schools are using to improve attendance, and highlight the importance of building a culture where students feel connected and motivated to show up every day. Whether you’re an educator, school leader, or parent, this episode offers insight into why attendance truly matters—and how we can all play a role in making sure every student has the opportunity to succeed. Because at the end of the day, every day counts.
S2 · E27
March 20 · 40 min
Episode 2:27 Field Trips: From Buses to Virtual Reality
Remember the excitement of field trip day? The permission slip. The yellow bus. The snacks packed in your backpack. But field trips today look a lot different than they did when most of us were in school. In the newest episode of Interventions and Detentions with Brad, we take a deep dive into the evolution of the school field trip. We talk about: • Where field trips originally came from • Why schools started tying them to academic standards • How schools actually pay for them • The rise of virtual field trips • And what the future of experiential learning might look like If you work in education, you’ll definitely relate to this one.
S2 · E26
March 13 · 30 min
Episode 2:26 Classroom Management-Why Some Classrooms Run Smoothly... and Others Don’t
Episode 2:26 – Why Some Classrooms Run Smoothly… and Others Don’t Why can two classrooms in the same school, with the same students, feel completely different? One classroom runs smoothly. Expectations are clear, students stay engaged, and learning happens. Just down the hallway, another classroom can feel like a constant struggle to keep things on track. In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, Brad takes a deep dive into the realities of classroom management. What actually works? What systems help teachers create consistent learning environments? And what are some of the common mistakes that make classroom management harder than it needs to be? This conversation explores the role of routines, relationships, schoolwide systems, teacher autonomy, and why parent support can play a critical role in how classrooms function. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or someone interested in the realities of modern education, this episode offers practical insight into one of the most important parts of effective teaching.
S2 · E25
March 6 · 36 min
Episode 2:25 From the Paddle to Restorative Practices-The Evolution of Discipline and Consequences
From paddles labeled “The Board of Education” to restorative circles and progressive discipline systems, school consequences have changed dramatically over the last 100–150 years. But have we truly evolved… or simply swung the pendulum? In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, Brad takes a deep dive into the history of school discipline — from one-room schoolhouses and zero tolerance policies to PBIS frameworks and trauma-informed approaches. He breaks down what progressive discipline actually means, how consequences should develop from kindergarten through high school, and why leadership consistency matters more than ever. Drawing on research, developmental psychology, and real-world leadership experience, this episode explores: • Why exclusion alone doesn’t always change behavior • The difference between reaction and response • How brain development impacts student decision-making • The growing tension teachers feel around repeated behaviors • What it takes to build a discipline system rooted in accountability and growth This conversation isn’t about being soft. It isn’t about being harsh. It’s about being intentional. Because discipline isn’t about detentions. It’s about development.
S2 · E24
February 27 · 35 min
Episode 2:24 Rethinking Devices in Elementary Schools
rushed to put a screen in every child’s hands. It made sense in 2020. But in 2026… does it still? In this episode of Interventions and Detentions, Brad asks the uncomfortable question many educators are thinking but not saying out loud: Have we gone too far with devices in elementary classrooms? Students in some grades are spending close to two hours a day on school-issued screens. Research shows comprehension can drop when reading digitally. Attention spans are shifting. Social development looks different. And some districts across the country are quietly scaling technology back in K–5 while keeping it strong in secondary settings. So what does the research actually say? What trends are emerging? And what should a balanced K–12 approach really look like? This isn’t anti-technology. High school students absolutely need digital fluency. But are we asking kindergarteners to function like mini knowledge workers? If you’re a school leader, teacher, or parent wrestling with screen time, instructional quality, and long-term impact — this episode is an honest, data-informed conversation about where we may need to recalibrate.
S2 · E23
February 20 · 42 min
Episode 2:23 Recess Matters More Than You Think
Episode 2:23 – Recess Matters More Than You Think When was the last time we really stopped to think about recess? In this episode of Interventions & Detentions, Brad takes a deep dive into the history of recess in American schools, how it has evolved over time, and why it may be one of the most misunderstood parts of the school day. From the impact of high-stakes testing to the debate over recess before or after lunch, this conversation explores how scheduling decisions shape student behavior, regulation, and learning. Brad also unpacks the social power of recess — where leadership emerges, conflict is navigated, and resilience is built. Most importantly, this episode challenges us to reconsider play not as a break from learning, but as a foundational part of it. Unstructured play isn’t fluff. It’s developmental. It’s neurological. And it may be more protective than we realize. If you’re an educator, school leader, or parent who cares about the whole child, this episode will give you practical insights and perspective shifts you can apply immediately. Because sometimes the most important learning happens outside.
S2 · E22
February 6 · 1 hr 10 min
Episode 2:22 Grading With Fluidity, Not Finality with Dave a Nagel
Making Learning Visible — A Conversation on Visible Grading with Dave Nagel What if grading didn’t signal the end of learning, but instead helped students see where they are, where they’re going, and how to get there? In this episode, Brad is joined by Dave Nagel, educational consultant, coach, and co-author of Grading Visible Learners: Learning With Fluidity, Not Finality, for a thoughtful conversation on Visible Grading and its connection to student learning. Dave unpacks how traditional grading practices can unintentionally shut learning down—and how visible grading shifts the focus from point accumulation to clarity, feedback, and growth. Drawing from research connected to Visible Learning, Dave shares practical ways educators can make grading more transparent, meaningful, and supportive for students and teachers alike. In this episode, you’ll hear: • What “visible grading” really means in classrooms • How grading can support learning rather than finalize it • Why clarity and feedback matter more than points • What convinces skeptical educators to rethink grading practices • Practical shifts teachers and leaders can make without overhauling everything Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or school leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about grades—and how they impact learning.

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