#miched Archive
The #michED chat is a grassroots effort dedicated to giving teachers, students, and parents across Michigan a bigger voice in the conversation about education in our state. We welcome all voices through a variety of projects, media, and social networking. We’re trying to address educational issues through apolitical conversation, spreading ideas and stories of success from Michigan classrooms across the state, and helping teachers and students regain the courage to connect and demonstrate that schools in Michigan are creating amazing opportunities for learning. We want the face and voice of education in Michigan to be a mural of shared experiences and positive examples of connected learning.
Wednesday January 27, 2016
I certainly am, I am a teacher for Detroit Public Schools as a 5th grade teacher.
Welcome to the Chat! This evening we'll be talking about support for Flint & Detroit schools. https://t.co/KLekbCOB5K
Join us for a great conference up in No. Michigan this summer, Boyne Tech! June 24th. Sunshine guaranteed! https://t.co/aVMW7R7Afq
Anyone that would like to participate this evening, please introduce yourself, and tell us where you're from.
My name is Kyle Boswell, I teach English and Writing Center in Mattawan.
8 PM time to discuss about how Teachers from around the state can support Flint and Detroit communities in
Erin Mastin from Boyne City. 2nd grade teacher. Giving the love tonight!
https://t.co/A6vnppvYEX
Thanks for sharing your voice! The chat tonight will focus on and to talk about the issues.
Hi Everyone, Mary-Jo joining from Boyne City tonight.
Rachelle from St. Clair. Looking forward to hearing from Flint and DPS representatives tonight
Todd Bloch checking in from Warren, MI 6th grade science teacher
Hey there - Ron from in Grand Rapids - and board - looking forward to the chat tonight!
Hi ! Elizabeth here from Detroit
Mike from Hudsonville, Mi. I am appalled at what students and teachers in Flint and Detroit must deal with.
Hey ! Checking in from GVSU.
Hey MJ hope all is well in BC
Ann from Adrian. EdTech Consultant for Jackson ISD.
Laura MCDonell, Saint Clair middle school.
YES, Mike it is shocking what some educators must deal with
Hello Tara from Zeeland. 8th math teacher. Excited to see & feel the positive energy towards supporting Flint, DPS & all Tchs!
Welcome Marvin. Glad you're joining the conversation tonight
Welcome to Thanks for joining!
Lisa from Monroe, I teach geometry
Jeremey HS Science in Grand Haven
Matt Moll. MS AP in Livonia. Former DPS teacher @ Chadsey HS. Glad to be here
Thanks for always being such a regular for Love all your ideas and resources!
Hiya Heather from Swartz Creek
Welcome to . Glad you are here!
Casey from Stevensville. 6th gradescience
Hello its Alison from Grand Valley!
Bill from Mattawan, I teach 6-12 band.
Great to see you here Matt
Glad to see represented for
Kit from Sarnia, ON - EdTech for Port Huron Schools.
Hi Alison! Thanks for joining us tonight!
Rich B. I teach MS science next door to DPS, in South Redford.
Hey, ! Kaitlin from Metro Detroit. I teach social studies & I am a PhD student :)
Thanks for being here and supporting tonight!
Hi Bill! Thanks for joining in tonight.
Thanks for stopping by tonight!
from Bloomfield. FYI, is already trending-happening right now. Add hashtag to amplify voice if applicable.
Tim from Grand Rapids Public Schools
Glad to see you are joining the chat. SHould be a good one!
Kaitlin, thank you for all the work you contributed to this evening's chat.
There's a lot to talk about this evening! Here's the questions we'll be using to guide the conversation https://t.co/KLekbCOB5K
Thanks for being here and helping organize this week's chat
Thanks for being part of tonight and every night!
Hey Tim great to have you tonight.
Seeing lots of GR representation for tonight. Yeah!
Please remember to Focus on practical solutions and questions to help support Flint and Detroit students and classrooms
meet up at GreenBush? Hmmmm...
New to chat? Here are some norms. !. Introduce yourself. Name, position, building and something fun
jeff Dahl Croslex elementary Tech
This evening's topic is serious, emotional, and important to all districts in Michigan, so let's see how we can support one another!
In AP env sci we've been working on water pollution. has been a concrete example of $ politics and regulation
Q1: How do we talk with our students about the situation in Flint and Detroit in constructive ways? What resources are you using?
Good evening, everyone! Glad to be here to discuss Flint and Detroit.
Anna Wicks, teacher at Michigan Virtual, haven't been here in a few months! Great topic tonight.
Glad to see your smiling face at Always good to have you around!
Glenn teach at Port Huron High
Glad to see you back for A good night to reconnect!
when I step back and look, I think we all do amazing things, regardless of discipline
First time joining! I own , a student support services provider in metro-Detroit
A1: I use current news reports to talk to my 6th grade students, discuss what is going on, talk about what it must be like
chat Questions will be tweeted out by using "Q" and number. respond with "A", number & answer. Don't forget hashtag!
A1: My students had empathy for the situation so donate water and $ from a earned class pizza party
Brett, student intern, University of Michigan, here to learn about science!
A1: We can let them ask questions & discuss because they want to talk about it. Brainstorm what we can do to help.
I do Articles of the Week with my 9th and 10th graders, but I haven't done one on Flint/Det yet. So delicate. Want to get it right.
A1: I inform them (HS kids) on hashtags and invite them to search. Then we discuss
A1: Being HONEST and listening are keys here. Most of our kiddo's are middle schools age, they really are tuned into whats going on
Hi all! Jenna from Boyne City, 2nd grade teacher
We use NewsOMatic to learn about current events in 2 gr class.They write articles for younger readers. It had a great Flint article
great tool for differentiation also!
A1: I have been using AoWs to fuel knowledge & discussion. I teach adult women so a lot of convo centers around their children.
Glad you are joining Miss your smiling face!
A1: I'm struggling to do this constructively. It's difficult to do this in a way where I don't go to anger immediately- any tips?
only 2nd Twitter chat we've done... support would be much appreciated as we work to keep up!
What resources do you use for articles? Great opportunity to introduce critical evaluation with multiple perspectives
A1: Being honest is the most important! Students need to learn how to empathize and understand the hardships others face
This is HUGE! Helping students understand that social media isn't just about their social lives! https://t.co/W8QZICVvV2
A1: I inform them (HS kids) on hashtags and invite them to search. Then we discuss
I was just looking at NewsOMatic today! You like it?
evening friends, I'm lurking a bit tonight before chat at 9
Any advice for Kyle here? https://t.co/smMF6sogTf
A1: I'm struggling to do this constructively. It's difficult to do this in a way where I don't go to anger immediately- any tips?
I tend to use whatever I may find. I look through NYT a lot and anything else that catches my eye. I need a system!
A1: Provide media for students to explore the crisis. Ask and listen. Repeat.
I agree. I haven't figured out how to approach the topic with my students yet. Thus wanting to be part of this chat
A1: I think it's healthy to ask Ss what it would be like to be in that situation. Gets them thinking & wondering.
A1: we also join in on Twitter, like mentioned, to see what is going on and what is trending.
A1:We have been learning how to take care of the resources we have so they are clean and available for generations to come.
that is a great resource!
Anger is a proper emotion, many of my students were angry after listening to news reports asking how it could happen
Love it! U can choose dif reading levels, chat, quiz, read to me, etc. Worth every $
A1) news articles..teaching empathy and focusing on working towards a solution not just gossip & contributing to the problem.
Yes! encourage them to investigate and research on their own, Great!
A1: Teaching students how to use news articles and understanding the biases that can come along with them is also important
Oh, sorry, I'm in abbrevs mode. AoW = Articles of the Week :) students choose topics, write, and we discuss
A1: I don't have a classroom, but I talk with my 10-year old about it. Tell her what's happened and ask open ended questions.
A1: We read about it on News-O-Matic and our school collected money and donated water.
A1: is a great resource for current events in the classroom setting!
A1: My district encouraging social justice discussions n all classs. We have culture encouraging convos, problem solving
This is key-working towards a solution & not adding to the problem. Gossip is always a good one to discuss. https://t.co/obWlNoYlQm
A1) news articles..teaching empathy and focusing on working towards a solution not just gossip & contributing to the problem.
A1 often times national political events get the most attention. is a prime example of local and state gov import
Yes! This is sooo important.
Great way of looking at the situation! https://t.co/lKj9juR4qS
A1:We have been learning how to take care of the resources we have so they are clean and available for generations to come.
looking forward to hearing from everyone in the convo tonight! 👊🖇
A1: Our class focused on solutions and how to help, YES angry but need to move on to next step of solutions
Helps them become caring citizens. This is a great way to involve them
same here. If not anger then at least, how to prevent these things from happening again? may not be "constructive"answer
A1 - Teaching empathy in our students is the first step even before whether they know, have to feel for others without knowing them
Thank you! I'll be checking that out.
I'm hearing a LOT about teaching students about empathy in regards to Flint and Detroit. How do we encourage empathy?
I just want Ss to see anger do something productive. I want to avoid the sit and stew response- I want to do something
wavingcrosser: RT turtleman810: Flint, we are not alone!
ilovaussiesheps: RT turtleman810: Flint, we are not alone!
A1: like others, I'm struggling to find productive ways to discuss it.
A1: Our district and surrounding schools are collecting water at sporting events. Great talking points about giving and helping
This will help connect our colleagues who see SM as only social too! Stacy from https://t.co/4bDzagoUlL
This is HUGE! Helping students understand that social media isn't just about their social lives! https://t.co/W8QZICVvV2
A1: I inform them (HS kids) on hashtags and invite them to search. Then we discuss
Teachers have to model how to move past the first emotion to action, WHAT can we do to help and prevent?
A1 - Giving money and sending bottles of water is but a band aid
Howdy ! Got a great mobile learning story to share? Would love some Michigan educators this year at https://t.co/FRv8Xt9MiD
checking in late tonight from Lansing
We did a water drive and my class gave up a pizza party, donated the money instead. YES need to move forward
Glad you are joining Welcome!
Join in to the chat https://t.co/49VcWxmhkO
Q1: How do we talk with our students about the situation in Flint and Detroit in constructive ways? What resources are you using?
open ended questions are crucial to all of this & forms a dialogue rather than, "I'm going to tell you ..."
Kyle also important to teach this generation. Expect Nothing, DO SOMETHING!
Q2: How can we support students and teachers going through something as hectic as the situation in Flint and Detroit?
has a great article about how we should *really* help Flint
A1: Talk with Ss about importance of resources to a community (i.e. locally, globally). Their Qs will stem and discussion flows
I think it's important to use this as an example of the importance of staying informed at local level and paying attention
A1: As teachers we have to avoid the anger blame game and focus on HOW to move forward and choices of next actions
I hear that. We're fighting against a lot of the negativity overwhelming the media right now
not to suggest that gossip is good, tho not seeing how expressing self contributes to problem, per se.
Hi all. Lurking and interested in ways to lead, support for Flibt. Stephanie, principal
A2: Helping to give those students and teacher a voice is hugely important.
A1: I found that WRITING was the first way to get out emotions. THEN, discussed actions. For many Ss, it's being vocal in community.
A2: Amplify their voices, share their stories, give assistance when able
Bringing your community together to help others! Teaches practical life skills to your Ss AND supports those in need
A2: I would love to hear how the Flint teachers would like us to support them.
I'm hoping that I can ride the coattails of ur Michigan Teacher of the Year and visit Flint. My hometown spent time in several elems
A2: Asking them how we can help beyond sending water. What now?
We talked about “what do we do for others?”on MLK Day. The Ss took that message and put it into Flint crisis. What can we do for D?
A1. local topics are more important. We ALL need to look at our local govts and how they are upgrading infrastructure and schools
A1: Great discussion about equity and relation to Brown v Board of education re: conditons.
Empathy is key. Teaching others to understand the World expands beyond their own personal borders helps.
A2: impt to let Ts & Ss know we stand with them. Be proactive in voicing concerns. Honestly, Kinda hard 2 feel optimistic tho
A2: We show our support for teachers and students by raising awareness on the issues! I'm happy to see this as a topic!
A2: A huge part of our job is to educate people on our job & it's realities in order for them to understand the difficulties
Are there any Flint or Detroit teachers in the chat that can give us ways we can support your students & schools?
W/ that said, we need to help student understand the history of what brought us here.
Good to have discussions w/ MS Ss about difference btwn the two (gossip & opinion)
A2: My students have heard the stories and now want to write Lansing to voice their ideas/ concerns for future
also have to preserve democracy by overseeing government and speaking out against injustice in that arena.
A2: I would love to hear from DPS and Flint Ts, Ss & Ps what would make them feel supported
Next actions can't take place w/out understanding history
Glad you are watching Feel free to join in!
Hi all. Stephanie, principal . Lurking and learning. We have been talking w Ss re: Flint.
A2: Ask those directly affected what they need immediately. And then look at the wider systemic causes.
A2: Amplify their voices, concerns on social media, letters, petitions, convos with others...
A2 - We can start by listen, people haven't been heard & they r upset about that, then help through education support, we r experts!
Support our schools by supporingt democracy, resisting emergency management
Yes! Let your students read about what's happening, and have them send questions directly to Lansing. https://t.co/DxuZcEnuiF
A2: My students have heard the stories and now want to write Lansing to voice their ideas/ concerns for future
.. through & is a great resource for teens.
Absolutely. These are the voices we need to honor. https://t.co/RzqDtjO3h8
A2: I would love to hear how the Flint teachers would like us to support them.
We are working on that right now in class, History is important to understand
Very true! Great point. https://t.co/0TauHgKXw9
A1. local topics are more important. We ALL need to look at our local govts and how they are upgrading infrastructure and schools
A2: By that I mean, many don't understand education and how these issues would effect teachers, students, and surrounding community
A2: I don’t know???!!! Please Flint and Detroit Ts tell us what we can do?
A2: we cannot live in our own silos. being an educator must mean you connect everywhere to better situations for all Ts & Ss.
A2: Contact folks and find out about needs-- what needs are being overlooked?
I'd love to believe this but we did through voting shoot things down and they went right around the system
support schools in Flint through social media . donate water to a school. Donate $ through an organization
I think it's important for Michigan Ss to learn about the student protests happening in high schools lately
A2: Time to move past water bottles and supplies that are band-aides and work toward real solutions
Everywhere https://t.co/4g18CJ9Q9I
Empathy is key. Teaching others to understand the World expands beyond their own personal borders helps.
Teaching empathy requires recognizing obstacles to empathy
A2: ask why. dig deeper. question. search. it's amazing the resources you can find (check out the link on: https://t.co/ElpcmksvCy )
The water bottles have been a great way for most to latch onto problems in Flint, but what happens next?
A2: Find a common denominator. When I saw toilet paper being collected as school supply I was horrified. Think about what that means
I hope they follow through! What a great experience for them to voice their opinions.
A2) teaching students that their voice does matter. One person can make a difference.
I'll be teaching about community in the next few weeks. I'd love to hear the solutions/ideas my second graders have for this topic!
Voting is the most superficial form of democracy. Watch teachers lead the way on making their voices heard
This is why the group is so powerful. We are all neighbors here, a real community.
A2: We use our voice to and lend our ears & resources to help in even the simplest ways. Watch that snowball!
Sad to hear some of our schools need this. https://t.co/fHGdt7DhDV
A2: Find a common denominator. When I saw toilet paper being collected as school supply I was horrified. Think about what that means
A2: We can campaign for Bernie Sanders?
Building it into my advisory class, We hope to send letters next week,
Q3: Flint schools have been deluged with water bottles & cans. How can they creatively recycle, re-use, and re-purpose empties?
great point, Bill. This digs deep into curriculum practices & education policies!
Hey ! Checking in late from DeWitt. I work for at MSU- go green! Excited to connect--
Hi ! Kelley--HS ELA & Leadership T from Rochester...checking in late. Kindergarten round-up tonight!
A3: Bottle Art Prize in Flint next year?
Support our schools by supporting democracy, resisting emergency management
Agree but we have to realize that this eroding of infrastructure and schools was not overnight and neither is fix
But it starts with voting. And for local representation/issues. Not just Governor or President.
I believe this and yet...hard to feel like it does when I examine our Rep legislature's actions. https://t.co/mhtnyKw4pf
A2) teaching students that their voice does matter. One person can make a difference.
Agreed! Would LOVE to see ELA & SS teachers collaborate to have students write letters with concerns https://t.co/9M1KpLzW7Y
it would be great if students could write to their state reps about their concerns for DPS students.
A2: Reach out to have real discussions with Flint and DPS Ts and Ss. Skype
A2: Finding/having empathy for others is one of the toughest lessons to teach. It takes constant work, field trips, planning, etc.
A4: I asked the same questions the other day. All those water bottles are not going to pollute our land. How can they be refused?
A3 - Are recycling copies stepping up and helping to teach about recycling? Maybe some appropriate bins. STEM projects.
A3: Need to focus on recycling and reusing if possible: Move past the water bottles to better supports
.. through blogging or other creative measures .
Yes- & so many of these practices are about increasing ind. status at expense of
A4: what if we contacted companies like who makes some of their products using recycled bottles. Help Flint ??
That serves the immediate need for sure. But long-term, the plastic bottles will pose other problems. No easy answers.
. There's room for anger, and also looking at root causes. Too often we're asked to paper over legitimate righteous anger.
A3: Our playground was made out of recycled milk jugs. Wonder if they could upgrade while also recycling? https://t.co/csZmEPckgQ
*A3: I asked the same questions the other day. All those water bottles are not going to pollute our land. How can they be refused?
voting good. Oversight unfortunately needs to be persistent in this case.
I would say it includes voting always, but starts w/ involvement in local community/schools
Joe from St Joe, late but here, hoping to learn and connect
A2: Anyone read the open letter RE student protests/teacher sickouts by Renn High School Student? Link here: https://t.co/AMTNt1j5PR
A3: instead of cardboard challenge - water bottle challenge? Also maybe a to solve prob of water bottles
Amen. Anger is valid in Detroit & Flint. https://t.co/ZwhcQkZkAz
. There's room for anger, and also looking at root causes. Too often we're asked to paper over legitimate righteous anger.
A3: Thinking outside the box- would companies/recycling groups consider matching empties with full ones? Not sure it's been done...
standardized testing & privatization ... :/
What do you say ? Could we do a recycled water bottle Art Prize next year to help Flint?
A3: Makerspace projects for some activities and preferably one to filter pure water I. their ecosystem
Where is culligan man? They need BIG bottles not 20oz
Schools replicate societal inequities. "Achievement" reproduces same.
A3: Seeing a lot of ArtPrize suggestions, I would really love to see that happen. What a creative way to send a message
or better yet move event to FLINT and have all work done out of the donated bottles!!
when I taught in the Farms, we went on field trips to Gleaners & much of the prep was building empathy
A3: watering bottles for plants, vertical gardens, science projects, DIY lava lamps, bird feeders, etc. Lots of ways to reuse them
A3 Political action seems long overdue for the ss and citizens of and
https://t.co/taenbSR9c4
it would be great if students could write to their state reps about their concerns for DPS students.
I am trying so hard to get my students to blog! they're adults so super apprehensive!
We need to help students think critically about these issues.
. I return to article - provide residents with 54 gallon water tanks that get filled each day by the state
A3: Could schools in Flint use the water bottles to start classroom gardens with plastic planters? https://t.co/9JOnBlQg5e
A4: New industry in Flint- Clothing out of recycled bottles?
sometimes it's a lesson like a privilege walk to truly awaken minds to differences and to engage discussion.
Yes! And then ask, why some getting food from Gleaners? Why does Gleaners exist? How do we fit in?
A3: What about or ? Can you guys match empties with full ones for ?
No doubt. Always hard to question our identity in these contexts. And very important to do so
I teach a unit on and usually use East St. Louis to illustrate ingrained issues will replace
Bottle Biology is kinda awesome.
or furniture, playground equipment, etc. another problem we could encourage students to engage with
Time for some TANKERS ... Not water bottles
A3: I know that has his STEM students creating all sorts of ways to re-use water bottles. Has great ideas!
would like to see action 2correct crisis but not w/o critically examining how crisis evolved
A3 Does not seem fair to expect Flint to figure out what to do with bottles. Donors could provide waste management support.
A3: PBL- Have students figure out what to do with all the bottles (and old pipes)
Would we let our children? & if not, why do we let anyone's child?
A3: contact companies to see if they have recycling purposes (patagonia, nike, runnersworld)
I think we are dishonest if we do not discuss with students the root causes of problems in Flint and Detroit.
Yes. It is about compassion for "other". And..having the COURAGE to step up. https://t.co/cU6nfLOf2V
Would we let our children? & if not, why do we let anyone's child?
A3: isn't there a company that could pick them up and recycle them? There most be TONS
Let's shift to Detroit for a bit, and explore some ways to help, while sharing ways to spread word of the situation.
. about as fair as making residents pay for poisoned water.
Yes! Can't move forward positively w/out understanding history & inequities
Would you agree these convos are easier at HS level? I think the struggle is ele and MS levels.
Root cause= EM and poor political system
Amen! https://t.co/lkbmn1LqzL
I think we are dishonest if we do not discuss with students the root causes of problems in Flint and Detroit.
Q4: Detroit Public Schools has many ways to offer support https://t.co/AmhP6ujpQl How can we help spread these opportunities?
I think this is a question all parents need to ask themselves. https://t.co/K57pSXwmUc
Would we let our children? & if not, why do we let anyone's child?
Most Educators in Detroit are very tired and hopeless.
yes! I'm sure some could be used for creative projects but the most earth friendly solution is to recycle
Step up w/ others, not for or on others
We talked about why Ts try to teach Ss not to lie. Little People = Little Trouble Big People = Big Trouble
The corrosive river water is from a legacy of pollution. Lets confront the whole problem. Depressed cities didn't just happen
Just lurking today.👋🏼 Glad there's discussion on RE: I💭🎥ErinBrokovitch ended those scenarios (it only happened 1X)
and institutional racism, white flight, politics, etc.
my thoughts for the convo. We can't deal with Blooms until we have delt with Maslows. Detroit and Flint are working through a lot.
. and the outsourcing of jobs from
A4: Tweet? Talk to others, give our time ... Get MEDIA to spread word
YEAH hard topics for 6th grade ... we talked but not that much detail
Poverty and corruption are root cause. These have been around a lot longer than the EM
If concerned about casting blame then at least find way to show problem did not just evolve out of thin air https://t.co/5DJGgxlF1c
I think we are dishonest if we do not discuss with students the root causes of problems in Flint and Detroit.
How can other teachers support these Detroit teachers who need uplifting?
& the inequities that have race and class at their roots
we know this to be true. Didn't want to "like this" comment because it felt wrong to click "like"
A4 - by listening and continuing this conversation past the 60 min tonight, connect and spread the needs / solutions
I think young children can understand racism, unfairness, and ethics.
A4: A lot of businesses, like participate in reading & business corps. It would help to spread the word to more
A4 Would be cool if DPS schools partnered with schools in suburbs
Ss know right from wrong (most of the time). They should know that some people did very bad things.
I wish I could remember everything Dr. Dorian told us. I want to hear from FCS and DPS teachers.
It's the HUMAN factor not the ENVIRONMENT? Recycling is a peripheral. These are Ss and Ts!
and linked to our political system that is broken
Any time community is in buildings there is accountability/greater understanding. Great idea.
By working to get the policy obstacles out of their way
A4: we need to ask ourselves why some schools do not have the same needs as the school district of Detroit understand --> solve
oh my gosh YES!! Brother/Sister schools https://t.co/YHtBSCx3N9
A4 Would be cool if DPS schools partnered with schools in suburbs
A4: Need school leaders to promote Collaboration between ALL schools in Michigan to help Detroit and Flint students
How can we help them? I’d love to even say “change” that for them.
A4: We can try and connect w/ Tchs in our subject/grade. Try and help w/ their classroom, daily needs.
great insight! We need to find solutions starting with the basics.
A4: what we're doing helps. Continuing to raise awareness and not accepting these conditions as ok for anyone
Thank for the welcome I’m was talking to my 15 year old. But I’m back now lol
Website does not come from concerned source. Comes from Darnel Earley. EM of Detroit and former EM of Flint. https://t.co/A1N2Veqsjq
Q4: Detroit Public Schools has many ways to offer support https://t.co/AmhP6ujpQl How can we help spread these opportunities?
how? what would it look like? this always makes me nervous.
That is a great invite! Authentic learning for the adults! idea! https://t.co/li7Y1pvdPB
I put a challenge for educators across the state to use a sick or vacation day and come team teach with a DPS to help!
A4 - Empowering people in the community to come in and help fix-up schools with cheap/free labor but there are obstacles ie union
Less talking & more doing by the government…get those kids a safe place to play and learn. They deserve better.
Someone should create a 🙌🏼STEM LessonPlan for Ss 6th-12th. Ask Ss4️⃣creative solutions to the
Great connection! Good to know there are organizations that can help steer support. https://t.co/lPn8UGI03w
A4: A lot of businesses, like participate in reading & business corps. It would help to spread the word to more
A4: Would service projects from other schools be welcomed? We come help improve, clean, whatever we can? Is this possible? Helpful?
They could teach us a lot about
..I use and allow my Ss to free write then assess based on standards
A4: Being a friend to Flint and Detroit is huge. That includes all school districts standing together and taking a stand
I am totally against this website. These funds are under the EM’s control.
These are great, but they don't get to the heart of the matter: Lansing's policy shortcoming
A4: do admin really get together & talk about these issues & what to do about it? asking as a teacher/outside from that perspective
I bet I could get to partner! https://t.co/mfMLN15yNl
A4 Would be cool if DPS schools partnered with schools in suburbs
no money, few resources, lack of effective teachers?
Mom duties overrule (most of the time) :)
I feel like wee need to come up with something to do…Lets all commit to writing a letter of support for Detroit Ts to the Govt.
A4: Pick a DPS site. Pick a grade level or dept. Fill envelope with notes, chocolate, etc. and mail it. These Ts need a lift.
Important to so w/out patriciarchal, colonial missionary attitude
This is important. We try to standardize education, but we don't all have standardized needs or communities. https://t.co/N2IX5YlTRs
A4: we need to ask ourselves why some schools do not have the same needs as the school district of Detroit understand --> solve
A4: These are great, but they don't get to the heart of the matter: Lansing's policy shortcoming
A4: Then again, Detroit and Flint need more than just partners. What can we do to help them with the basics?
Little kids might have difficulty. They might only be able to feel like "something's not right."
Many ways, Partner teachers to collab on lessons> Connect students via blogs Why not work together have same goal
At Chadsey HS we had Chadsey Comm Council made up of neighborhood religious, business, and political leaders. Do these still exist?
How do teachers find a classroom in Flint/Detroit to partner with?
I like your thoughts, definitely. When I was service learning, Lansing PS swapped with Holt PS & it didn't go well :(
it's 💔 that DPS is using books from 1994 and new Bloomfield Hills HS has a grand staircase and chandeliers
I think there are different ways of interpreting "taking a stand". How do you define? What would it look like to you?
collecting school supplies is about as useful to solving the problem as it is to send a case of water. Need to think BIGGER
A4 I have students volunteering in DPS - their eyes are opened
Need to do it void of Politics, FOR LEARNING both groups of Ts and Ss would grow
Thanks for the mention! mpowers40: drroberts DreaMcCoy How can other teachers support these Detroit teachers who need uplifting?
Thanks for the mention! ErinMastin: drroberts DreaMcCoy How can we help them? I’d love to even say “change” that for them.
Thanks for the mention! BillBoyle24: mpowers40 drroberts DreaMcCoy By working to get the policy obstacles out of their way …
Thanks for the mention! tmaynard5: drroberts Mom duties overrule (most of the time) :)
you hit the nail on the head! Discussions with Ss creates, thinkers, better citizens, and great voters!
The community would be great for helping with this! If there are classrooms willing, could connect here. https://t.co/24OOxOsgbr
A4: Would service projects from other schools be welcomed? We come help improve, clean, whatever we can? Is this possible? Helpful?
Pen Pals would be a great idea to connect students across MI.
and then dig deeper from there. Why no $, few resources, lack of teachers, etc. push policy & law makers.
The tone deafness beyond the pale. https://t.co/Sl4RFKaQjo
. agree... First thought was Snyder's comment about schools from the west side "teaching" DPS schools how to act
Lots of important unpacking to do with students (& tchrs) 1st
15 minutes until chat, hope to see everyone join in. feel free to stick around and join us.
I agree. We should all commit to writing a letter to our State Rep in support of the Detroit Ts.
The could happen in dozens of cities in MI. Awareness is imp, issue is that can't spend to a solution
maybe your administrators know some DPS or Flint administrators they can reach out to?
Prop A was supposed to level the financial playing field for Ss. It didn’t work and Lansing pub policy made it worse.
Exactly my question! https://t.co/jKXcsmJ2n3
A4: Would service projects from other schools be welcomed? We come help improve, clean, whatever we can? Is this possible? Helpful?
A4) What is needed is a political push & for all Educators of MI to come together & take a stand. For the children and say No MORE.
Littles can definitely understand it. Those of use experiencing it have to at a young age.
equity is a HUGE issue in needs to be addressed : Are you listening ?
Ppl in positions of power misusing the "system" 4️⃣personal gain while exploiting vulnerable😐?
I think this would need to be really clear so we don't have false pretenses. Definitely a lot of unpacking
The Detroit Public School teachers and families have shown us how to incite change. Will we follow their lead?
Can't be forced need right Ts to make it happen.
Yes!!! This. https://t.co/IS3DVEUa9X
A4) What is needed is a political push & for all Educators of MI to come together & take a stand. For the children and say No MORE.
So we know which policies haven't helped with the situations in Flint & Detroit, what would some better policies look like?
does restorative justice circles in our district addresses social justice, i discuss race/sj -talk 2 kids
Inequalities in resources have created the conditions for the extended tragedy in SS are victims...again! vote
Q5: Many students learn in challenging environments. What support could/should policy makers provide?
The causes are institutional and political. Real solutions are going to have to be institutional and political.
Agreed can't be done overnight and needs to be mindful where ALL are equals and Grow together
And they need to be comfortable w/ very difficult conversations
A5) Listen the governor has done this to all of the inner city school district & newsflash what is Detroit can happen to you NEXT!
we say no more and stand with ALL https://t.co/d74cIVNuTH
A4) What is needed is a political push & for all Educators of MI to come together & take a stand. For the children and say No MORE.
yes but this would need to be done carefully. with a lot of prep, unpacking, etc. relationship/collaboration > missionary
Would love to see this happen in more schools. https://t.co/US7WSsv7Mn
does restorative justice circles in our district addresses social justice, i discuss race/sj -talk 2 kids
Great opportunity for inquiry. Ask Ss WHY? have them research and write about it.
People in the state need to care about Flint/Detroit instead of "it's not where I live" back to teaching empathy.
A5: Equitable funding would be nice: Tech/ building standards for the state
YES! I feel like we would need real partnerships with Ts to do this. We can't be tourists to tragedy.
We have gotten national attention but what are we going to do with it. PRESS THE GOVERNOR TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. Write to everyone
A5: All schools NEED to have adequate support from counseling staff. This means more than 1 social worker per 400 Ss
A1: Teach how institutional oppression destroys people's lives. Teach them to defend themselves.
Yes! Yes, yes, yes! Creates a model and precedence. All priority schools understand this.
A5: Funding being the same for all students regardless of where in the state they are.
Sure. But they have done nothing to fix it and imho have made things worse, recession or no recession.
A5: more wraparound/community support. Job sharing, dual enrollment options w/ local community colleges, flexible/non-trad learning
A5 With recent talks of privatizing Paraprofessionals in and crumbling schools in MI cities, basic funding equity imperative
This would be great for all grade levels! https://t.co/p9pcf2eKbg
Great opportunity for inquiry. Ask Ss WHY? have them research and write about it.
Don't be afraid to connect to Flint and DPS Ts and Ss! Skype, e-pal, collaborate.
Maybe the school district can donate prof devt days for teachers to do this. Report back, share insight. https://t.co/T1owchXth0
I put a challenge for educators across the state to use a sick or vacation day and come team teach with a DPS to help!
Could facilitate a way to connect teachers from Flint/Detroit to other classrooms?
A5: repeal Proposal A & est. equitable funding for ALL schools
A5: funding needs to be equal per student no matter what school district/city they live in.
Exactly! However if there is no political pressure then is all smoke & screen This is all an effort to destroy pensions.
A5: our kids are dealing with SO much, they deserve 2 have support @ school that understands this & helps them cope/find solutions
A5: What if law makers began crafting education policy by coming into classrooms first and asking students "what do you need?"
Should be used to build a plastic prison for the Earley, Snyder and the genocidal privatizers who did this. https://t.co/zYuIPmMc75
Q3: Flint schools have been deluged with water bottles & cans. How can they creatively recycle, re-use, and re-purpose empties?
A5: Policy makers should actually be educators?
A5: Kids in desks today are our future, policy makers need to invest in them. Ss should feel like the are important to our future.
A5 - encourage visitations and authentic experiences into these learning environments
A5: It's gross that you can drive 5-10 min and receive a different education just depending on what neighborhood you're from
A5: were bias... we're a company run by school counselors... but Ss mental health is so often over looked.
I think funding should be unequal. Poor urban and rural schools should get MORE funding.
A5 MI is showing its worst on the front of and elsewhere. Time to press for equity reform in ed for all MI ss
This is HUGE - wholeheartedly agree!
A5: This is where Ts need 2 b more politically active! Equitable funding, end emergency managemnt... Ts need 2 GET INFORMED & ACTIVE
A5: First and foremost, let's ditch centralized control from the Governor's cronies
has bee a great resource to use to provide insights into both https://t.co/Ihzdw8IFTv
Q1: How do we talk with our students about the situation in Flint and Detroit in constructive ways? What resources are you using?
A5: avenues for quality Ts to support learning as well as be supported. Ts will work in these high-needs schools w/ a good system!
Truth here. May seem isolated. No one immune, but some have more buffer from this than others. https://t.co/FpnDFQw6oe
A5) Listen the governor has done this to all of the inner city school district & newsflash what is Detroit can happen to you NEXT!
A5: address the role declining population & increasing privatization have played in
& we need to help students understand history & power involved in these inequities as means of empowering them
SO TRUE. especially in MI... https://t.co/qnRYw8dxiJ
A5: It's gross that you can drive 5-10 min and receive a different education just depending on what neighborhood you're from
Agree. But Ss with higher needs will actually need more $$. So equal isn’t even fair. And we’re not even equal yet.
and invest in future medical needs for a generation of Flint students affected from water
need a return of the "neighborhood school" closures have decreased the effectiveness of home-school connections.
A5: .....guess it's not on the MSTEP so it's not important. 🙄
A5: Need focus how to make it equitable for all .... $$ on Education not business
Early is afraid of DPS teachers he walked out of his own meeting becuz he couldn’t handle the q’s. He wants to sell the district
A5: wrap around service, community support, pre natal care, community voice, democratic rights, civil rights, voting rights
A5: is correct in encouraging knowing history of disenfranchisement/dominant culture impact on community
I would love to see more policy makers come into classrooms & see the needs. My doors are open! https://t.co/PUlc2bYgFY
A5: What if law makers began crafting education policy by coming into classrooms first and asking students "what do you need?"
A5: Policy makers children/grandchildren should have to attend public schools.
A5: Medical staff (emotional & physical) on site/campuses!
I repeat👮🏻ppl🍎misusing the 🍎"system"🚔4️⃣personal gain is common.
I haven't the faintest idea. https://t.co/YXFywxnAE0
and for those that don't have the courage to follow, how can they support?
yes yes a million times yes
Need to stop the not in my backyard attitude and have ALL students in state be our focus
Agreed need an equity model
Organize and support across socioeconomic divide. restore democratic processes https://t.co/OrQvwcLGLR
A5: This is where Ts need 2 b more politically active! Equitable funding, end emergency managemnt... Ts need 2 GET INFORMED & ACTIVE
Organize and support across socioeconomic divide. restore democratic processes https://t.co/OrQvwcLGLR
A5: This is where Ts need 2 b more politically active! Equitable funding, end emergency managemnt... Ts need 2 GET INFORMED & ACTIVE
We are a failing district but how can we raise Ss achievement w/blk mold on the walls, mushrooms, leaky ceilings.
Reminder from @ 9. All is connected
Now...everyone tune into 's !
A5: I'd love to have any law makers, local or otherwise, come in to my classroom. Open invitation, always. Come see what we do.
A5: stop the push of running schools like businesses & sacrificing quality for saving a buck. Support Ts w/ resources
I think we are past the point to not have courage & stand up. It's time.
https://t.co/wS2AZkV1AB
I was thinking about something like this. There are MANY retired educators in the state. Could organize volunteer days
Exactly! Ss and Ts basic needs must be met first before learning can begin.
A5: wrap around services for ALL students. Students should not have to be SpecEd to receive extra help!
but will they actually do anything. They have visited schools I worked in many times…no change:( No true care
How does that old saying go…”Fair isn’t always equal” or “Equal isn’t always fair”? You get my point.
Q6: As we leave, share something you plan to do help support students in Flint & Detroit to help start building positive change.
A5: there are sooo many people that have no idea serious issues are going on. we need education across the state!
Like teaching staff, the counselors are far and few between. 1 counselor per 400, 500 students in most cases
Yes! & policies that support the funding to provide for these!
Not sure they will do anything but if they don't see, they have any idea what is happening.
I love hearing the voices from educators that want to invite law makers into their classrooms to have honest conversations!
AND AND (you've got us going now...) Social Workers are even more rare. Ss need both
& necessary if anything meaningful is going to occur
A6: I am keeping and open mind, Share stories and HELP anyone that comes a knocking
A6: My kids went and bought a case of water to donate yesterday. Its a start.
We need to be reflective as educators. How can we influence Ed policy in the state so this does not happen again?
totally agree. The local community school councils were powerful relationship piece in educating the Ss and resources
Well said Ron. The heart of the community
Q6 I plan to spread the word. I want to match DPS/FCS Ts w/outstate buddies for support.
