Our chat will focus on the idea that we can lead and make positive change from any position in our school systems. Leadership is not about a title, it is a way of thinking and acting.
Good morning. I'm Marty, proud principal of the @JTNicholsMS in Middleborough, MA. I'm so happy to be here this Cinco de Mayo co-hosting #LeadLAP with my good friend & fellow #LeadLAP Patriot @casehighprinc
Good morning! #LeadLAP I’m on the road headed to help our daughter move out of her dorm ... she just finished her first year of college! AND it’s her birthday! Jane Avery from Idaho!
Good morning. I'm Marty, proud principal of the @JTNicholsMS in Middleborough, MA. I'm so happy to be here this Cinco de Mayo co-hosting #LeadLAP with my good friend & fellow #LeadLAP Patriot @casehighprinc
Good morning @MGeoghegan22@casehighprinc - Happy to see you steering the ship this morning. Jay from NJ here to be help with the balance and the work #LeadLAP
Good morning. I'm Marty, proud principal of the @JTNicholsMS in Middleborough, MA. I'm so happy to be here this Cinco de Mayo co-hosting #LeadLAP with my good friend & fellow #LeadLAP Patriot @casehighprinc
Ross, Principal from MA jumping in to the #LeadLAP chat before heading to the @DartmouthHS Theatre 🎭 Co. production of Beauty & the Beast with my girls!
Good Morning I’m Jove MS Principal from MO and I’m on Papa duty this morning at gymnastics and trying to get a paper written and chat all at the same time #Leadlap
Ross, Principal from MA jumping in to the #LeadLAP chat before heading to the @DartmouthHS Theatre 🎭 Co. production of Beauty & the Beast with my girls!
A1 We need to make sure HW is not just busy work. I see many Ts assigning it because they believe that is what good teachers do. We need to make sure it is robust & has our Ss taking their learning places they would like to see it go. Read @jmattmiller@alicekeeler#DTHW#LeadLAP
A1. It has no purpose so Ss are getting it done to get it done. My Ss blog and love writing and sharing with a global audience. We also are pen pals about the books they read, which builds relationships #leadlap
My Cinco de Mayo page https://t.co/kkQ6TsTkgU… Cinco de Mayo, the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. My Education Reform page https://t.co/eU08F03mrB#LeadLAP
A1 Traditinal homework is less about learning and more about a grade it’s purpose is more harm than good. Homework should be centered around student voice and choice and should be fun and exciting #Leadlap
A1. It has no purpose so Ss are getting it done to get it done. My Ss blog and love writing and sharing with a global audience. We also are pen pals about the books they read, which builds relationships #leadlap
A1: Homework or projects that can/must continue at home? I don't think elementary Ss should have HW outside of reading each night and reflecting on the day's learning. I teach in a high-poverty school. My students don't have tech at home, but they do have lots of chores. #LeadLAP
A1: Traditional homework, particularly when it was used to separate advanced math classes fro on level math classes was highly detrimental. Any homework that allows new questions or understanding is beneficial. #LeadLAP
A1: I think Homework can be a benefit to learning when it is purposeful practice. Homework for Homework sake is not going to build a joyful learner but when presented in a way that leads to success it can. I am not sold on it ever but I am open to it #leadlap Brent from Magrath
A1: I don’t use the word “homework” anymore. I use the word “preparation” because the only homework that matters is authentic work that prepares you for the next class and the world. That’s the “homework” that makes an impact. #LeadLAP
A1: I do not ❤️homework. As a child the only hw I liked was reading a self selected book. I think if I were a S now I would enjoy HW involving collaborative convos via chats, google hang outs etc #LeadLAP
A1: we got rid of traditional HW schoolwide this year - some great experiences have been projects mixing writing, art and tech - kids made ceramic dragons, animated dragon stories, and writing fantasy dragon stories. Kids kept working at home thanks to Google classroom! #LeadLAP
A1) Can’t answer the second question. Homework takes time away from other things, tells kids a school day of learning wasn’t good enough. It dictates their “learning” and is pointless whether they know how to do it (so why do it?) or not (then how are they supposed to?). #LeadLAP
A1: My own two Ss came from a HW heavy elm. school = while some positive habits came from it, there was A LOT of unnecessary stress that BOTH of my kids experienced. #LeadLAP
a1: Homework is rewarding when it is something that the student is interested in. When we are working on a play students WANT to do the homework of learning lines because they know the end result is important to them and the team is counting on them to carry their load. #LeadLAP
Karmen joining in to participate with other leaders who agree we need leaders in education to bring about needed change. Will be tagging in while waiting to watch my youngest sons baseball team play to win first round of playoffs today. #LeadLAP
A1: Traditional homework is repetitive and doesn't invite thought and the transfer of knowledge. It's all at the lowest DOK . Spice it up by getting student passions and investment #LeadLAP
A1. It has no purpose so Ss are getting it done to get it done. My Ss blog and love writing and sharing with a global audience. We also are pen pals about the books they read, which builds relationships #leadlap
A1 Traditional HW takes up family time, produces stress, affects grades unfairly esp if it is busy work. I try to assign short readings, #hyperdocs, & video clips that will flip the learning. Kids build background for class activities. #leadlap
A1 The only time homework felt like it was impactful was when I asked students to experience something that would be used in class the next day. Like the weather, or a meteor shower, or an event with family. #leadlap
A1: Traditional homework is for conventional learning. Kids learn in unconventional ways, at different levels, different methods, and different paces. A blanket assignment won’t support all learners. Not all learners have a home environment conducive to it. #leadlap#leadlap
Ross, Principal from MA jumping in to the #LeadLAP chat before heading to the @DartmouthHS Theatre 🎭 Co. production of Beauty & the Beast with my girls!
A1b: It thwarts the joy of learning when it supposed to be practice for a skill they didn't acquire but will be "punished" for not doing correctly or at all. #LeadLAP
A1b. As a kid I loved homework that asked me to create something or to visit with my grandparents about what it was like for them as kids. If it was fun and had a personal connection it was robust! #Leadlap
HW=stress. Ss may still struggle with concepts, may have little time with Ex Cur activities or fam responsibility, may be boring and repetitive...If Ss can read, that's great. If not, that's ok. HW, if given, could be reflective in nature with flexible due dates. #equity#LeadLAP
a1: Homework is rewarding when it is something that the student is interested in. When we are working on a play students WANT to do the homework of learning lines because they know the end result is important to them and the team is counting on them to carry their load. #LeadLAP
A1-I like how @MrsSchlottmann gives math homework for my daughter. It is more about seeing math in the real world than it is working on math problems. #LeadLAP
We did too! Loved that our teachers embraced the fact that research shows traditional HW has no discernible benefit on learning (especially at the elementary level...right @brandonkblom)
#LeadLAP
A1: we got rid of traditional HW schoolwide this year - some great experiences have been projects mixing writing, art and tech - kids made ceramic dragons, animated dragon stories, and writing fantasy dragon stories. Kids kept working at home thanks to Google classroom! #LeadLAP
I'd agree. For my own HS boys it is the same. They just "have to get it done." They don't like it; it makes them unlike school; and it is not really teaching them anything but they "have to do it" if they don't want to be punished in their grades. #LeadLAP
A1. We can't assume the preparation or practice we expect to happen 1) will happen and 2) will be correct. Reinforcing bad habits and incorrect skills/knowledge doesn't push students towards mastery #LeadLAP
Read, read, read! YES!!! I love this! Anything to give Ss a break from a screen, pushing them to think, dream, and connect with text is super important. #LeadLAP
A1: Traditionally, homework has been low level reading and/or math that’s tried to ensure that students are learning how to learn what’s on a standardized test. #leadlap
A1 When homework is mechanical and the same for everyone it kills joy and learning. We are all different learners. When it becomes passion work and kids want to push their learning/boundaries, it creates excitement. That is our job, our mission. Ahoy! Adventure! #LeadLAP
A1: Homework is often used as either a way to learn the concepts which frustrates learners or as a punishment for poor behavior which frustrates learners. I don’t give homework, & my students perform better & are more engaged. They know what we do really matters. #leadLAP#edchat
You hit the nail on the head Brent.
Homework must be purposeful.
I look at it thru the high school lens as a principal, but through many viewpoints as a parent.
#LeadLAP
A1: I think Homework can be a benefit to learning when it is purposeful practice. Homework for Homework sake is not going to build a joyful learner but when presented in a way that leads to success it can. I am not sold on it ever but I am open to it #leadlap Brent from Magrath
A1: I know kids who stay in a different place every night, who stay home alone, don’t get dinner, are exposed to violence, etc. Homework is an added stressor that we can prevent. #leadlap
A1: Homework should not be assigned just because. It should be meaningful, an extension of learning, and when needed. #LeadLAP@FRHSDSup this chat Q is right up your alley.
A1: Homework or projects that can/must continue at home? I don't think elementary Ss should have HW outside of reading each night and reflecting on the day's learning. I teach in a high-poverty school. My students don't have tech at home, but they do have lots of chores. #LeadLAP
A1: #LeadLAP Motivation comes from autonomy, mastery, and purpose. When HW is busywork, meant only to gauge compliance, that’s when it doesn’t work. No motivation to do it.
A1: Creativity, communication, critical analysis, collaboration, design, and entrepreneurship are competencies that enhance homework and go beyond test prep. #leadlap
A1: With how tightly kids are “scheduled” after school, I don’t where homework time fits in. I don’t think many families are even sitting around the table for supper anymore. Therefore, homework is just rushed, creates anxiety, helps kids fall behind, etc. #LeadLAP
A1: I think Homework can be a benefit to learning when it is purposeful practice. Homework for Homework sake is not going to build a joyful learner but when presented in a way that leads to success it can. I am not sold on it ever but I am open to it #leadlap Brent from Magrath
That’s cool (especially something like a meteor shower), tho if it’s a daily assignment that can sometimes put pressure on families who are pressed for time. Collecting observations over a period of time is a better accomodation. #LeadLAP
A1 The only time homework felt like it was impactful was when I asked students to experience something that would be used in class the next day. Like the weather, or a meteor shower, or an event with family. #leadlap
Check out this video to see how Wildcat Nation created our award winning Whole Child school culture using CharacterStrong @careacterhttps://t.co/CVPL39agYo
I'd say this is true for almost 100% of hw my soph does. However, there are Ts that give ample time for Ss to read/watch/listen to content in order to be ready for group disc or hands-on activities. #LeadLAP
A1) Right now we are working on passion projects in school, but for those independent projects they WANT to go home and work on it bc it incorporates their PASSION. Took a field trip to the @Apple store for video ideas. #LeadLAP
A1: My freshman son had the flu and missed a week of school. During that week his teachers shared notes and practice methods with him in Google Classroom so he could stay in the loop. That is great practice! They know him, and catered to his needs. #leadlap
If you are interested, I would highly recommend @TableTalkMath by @Jstevens009. It is a great resource for parents to bring math into their homes in fun and meaningful ways!
#LeadLap
Yes! Next is giving parents the tools to reinforce how we now teach math so they can do authentic experiences that reinforce the learning at school and home
A1: I made a crazy video to show a homework paradigm shift I would love to see...let's empty kids into the gift shop!! #LeadLAP#tlaphttps://t.co/ieIFSG27Dq
A1: Be mindful of amount of it! The Too much HW makes Ss hate schl, & can impact relationships at home. Best HW assignments were those that "ditched" traditional. We also have to understand not all families have access to materials or resources needed to complete HW. #LeadLAP
A1- thanks to technology, our students are more connected with each other outside of school more than they are in school. Let’s take advantage of that! #LeadLAP
A1: Homework sucks the joy out of learning because it's either 1. pointless because Ss already know it or 2. disheartening because it's another reminder for Ss who can't do it YET and may have no help at home. #leadlap
A1 Traditional homework: Those who do it are the ones who really don't need it. And the ones who need more practice and help - they don't do it anyway. The home/school connection I love most are our interactive reading logs with responsive prompts created by kids & Ts. #LeadLAP
We send homework to our 5th graders to prepare them for the homework they will get in middle school. We could be a lot more thoughtful about the kind of homework we send. #LeadLAP
A1 (part2) I do my personal T HW outside of my classroom because it is something I know that my students need me to know in order to be better at my job. I wonder how we can create that same sense of urgency with the work we ask students to do? And does it need to be HW? #LeadLAP
Why can’t their be guided practice as homework? Record videos of yourself, etc. if students don’t have internet, download it on the device. Less stress of you HAVE to send homework. #LeadLAP
I’d never thought of a play as homework but you’re right. The value is in the collaboration, working together toward something greater and with VERY tangible results for all to see. Not to mention the value of artistic expression! #LeadLAP
a1: Homework is rewarding when it is something that the student is interested in. When we are working on a play students WANT to do the homework of learning lines because they know the end result is important to them and the team is counting on them to carry their load. #LeadLAP
Read, read, read! YES!!! I love this! Anything to give Ss a break from a screen, pushing them to think, dream, and connect with text is super important. #LeadLAP
Agreed! Practicing my clarinet each night didn’t feel like “homework” it was purposeful and meaningful. And the results were visual...well prob more audible! #LeadLAP
A2: If you don't ASK kids about what they want to learn, you do not have personalized learning...
It starts by embracing student VOICE before leading to student CHOICE!
#leadLAP
A2: Infuses learner voice and choice, varied pace, path, and pace, concentrates on whole child and provides systems to allow for learners to drive their learning, meets learners where they're at and focuses on growth. #LeadLAP
A2- We're moving this way- giving Ss more voice & choice in how to show what they have learned, or what they WANT to learn- then they WILL do it at home too! #leadlap
A1: Homework that lacks context &/or connection to anything meaningful to students thwarts joy. Homework that allows students connect their learning to topics of interest, allows multiple ways to complete the work, connects st to others etc... is more robust & enjoyable. #leadlap
A1: I believe traditional homework is outdated and sucks the joy of learning content. Homework should be an extension of the work we learn in the classroom. It's time to reconsider how homework is given and how its monitored. #leadlap
A2 I can say we have made strides here but we still have a ways to go. We are doing a genius hour next year for some kiddos and we do have teachers that provide kids with opportunities to share their passions in their learning #Leadlap
A1: It seems Ss are more focused on getting it done and it being correct. Where is the joy in that? There is no real learning. It needs to have meaning and be engaging. #LeadLAP
A1b: The best HW my son had in HS was when he and two others boys built that boat out of cardboard and tape that he could get in and cross the natatorium pool to test the Archimedes Principle. https://t.co/mHDwxN0Tql#leadlap
A2: @LewisvilleISD has developed its own appraisal system centered around teacher goal setting. When you set goals learning and growth are personalized. #LeadLAP
A2 Personalization happens easily with my #GameDevelopment class because I give my students #Choice. They pick the software & the project. I teach them how to run a project:)
#LeadLaP
A2: Trying to embrace choice in writing, in research and in reading with LA students. I feel that is the route to personalized learning adding targeted feedback for the students needs. I think the Voice and Choice movement needs to be a school culture shift. #leadlap It is hard.
A2. In reading, #hyperdocs have been a great way for Ss to work at their own pace and do varying activities that meet their needs. #leadlap Give Ss choice the tools they use too! Ex. Explorer project built a Google Site and choice of My Maps, Tour Builder, or drawing a map.
A2: My school PL team spent ALL day yesterday talking about this! We are going to implement 20% time for our TEACHERS next year. IF teacher experience personalized learning it will impact how they can empower STUDENTS to learn. #LeadLAP
A2: We have Ts using Genius hour which promotes choice and personalization. We also have some digital platforms that allow Ss to work at their “level” #LeadLAP
A2: Personalized Learning takes time and patience. In my classroom it's about that student, individually. We use @Seesaw to build certain skills and charts to show mastery and need for the standards. Students are driven by their own data and concerns. #leadlap
A2: Seeks opportunities to engage learners around their interests and passions (seminars, genius hour) measures growth along a continuum, raises the floor an the ceiling. Requires a partnership between T and Ss. #LeadLAP
A2 I use learning menus in my class. Kids know targets, reflect on them, & choose activities based on what they already know, need to know, & how they'd like to learn & show it. #leadlap
A2: I think we still have a long way to go with this. Some things I do see are meeting kids where they are at within the workshop model (different tips & feedback during conferring & small groups). #LeadLAP
A2: Personalized learning for adult learners is soooo important. Here is a look into our book tasting for @CentralCabotpK4 staff yesterday! #leadlap#CEtribe
Sometimes Content teachers get upset with me because they see the S want to learn and work on the production. But that authentic learning based on their passions is what drives these students' learning most days. :) #LeadLAP
A2 We're diving into differentiation, giving students voice, conferencing, finding out student interest. Real life connections and relationships are leading the way. #LeadLAP
A2: It depends on the level of the learner. For less developed learners, I give a range of choices to choose from (modes of expression and topics) to address a target. Developed learners get a problem to solve and the most developed learners find their own problems. #LeadLap
A2: Trying to embrace choice in writing, in research and in reading with LA students. I feel that is the route to personalized learning adding targeted feedback for the students needs. I think the Voice and Choice movement needs to be a school culture shift. #leadlap It is hard.
A2: for interest based personalized learning focus on student directed learning - students choose focus and product that connects with them. For needs based - get to know the whole student - they may need accommodations to content, process, product and/or environment #LeadLAP
A2 (continued); I strongly believe that environment is crucial for a successful Personalized Learning school or classroom. Lastly, setting #SMART Goals is very valuable in creating the goals for the students! #leadlap
A2: open-minded teachers who introduce content topics & encourage the students to create a ? they’d like to answer. Along w/the research, kids create a model to represent their new knowledge. #LeadLAP
A2 Next year I am taking Personalized Learning to a new level. Each student will have their own course plan codesigned with me. Avoiding teaching to a herd of students, will empower each one to go where they never thought possible. The adventure awaits! #LeadLAP
A2: When students are given choice, whether it be writing assignments, reading books, or how they are going to show their knowledge and understanding of a concept or idea, this is personalized learning #LeadLAP
I def 2nd this sentiment! In science, I've used #hyperdocs for review, and extension for sure. Not every link needs to be done by all Ss, but it's available to all. #LeadLAP
A2 Next year I am taking Personalized Learning to a new level. Each student will have their own course plan codesigned with me. Avoiding teaching to a herd of students, will empower each one to go where they never thought possible. The adventure awaits! #LeadLAP
A2: Personalized learning looks different depending on who implements it. It can involve more #studentchoice in tasks for the same goal; it can involve more #studentvoice in what’s next; it can involve individualized intervention plans. #leadLAP#edchat#KidsDeserveIt
A2: When students are given choice, whether it be writing assignments, reading books, or how they are going to show their knowledge and understanding of a concept or idea, this is personalized learning #LeadLAP
A2: We implemented a system of mentoring this year that allows for 10 min meetings per student each week with an adult to discuss their academic progress and personal development. #LeadLAP
A2: Personalized learning for adult learners is soooo important. Here is a look into our book tasting for @CentralCabotpK4 staff yesterday! #leadlap#CEtribe
A2: Personalized learning for adult learners is soooo important. Here is a look into our book tasting for @CentralCabotpK4 staff yesterday! #leadlap#CEtribe
A2: Personalized Learning-allowing students to demonstrate their understanding / mastery of a learning target in a way that makes sense to them. #LeadLAP
A2 Next year I am taking Personalized Learning to a new level. Each student will have their own course plan codesigned with me. Avoiding teaching to a herd of students, will empower each one to go where they never thought possible. The adventure awaits! #LeadLAP
A2: open-minded teachers who introduce content topics & encourage the students to create a ? they’d like to answer. Along w/the research, kids create a model to represent their new knowledge. #LeadLAP
A2: Teachers set their own goals and we help to support those. We have campus, district and service center coaches that help individuals. Students get lots of small group based on needs. Still working on systems of how to always improve for staff and students. #LeadLAP
A2: We have 1:1 chromebooks, but I don't think we quite yet have the pedagogy to match. I see that improving after 2 years, but more work needs to be done. Small group instruction is increasing, which I think is a big step as well. #LeadLAP
A2: (part 2) Also, my S look forward to their own 20% time at the end of the school year. They get to take 100% ownership of what they learn and how they show they are learning. It is my favorite time :) #LeadLAP
A2: Giving Ss more voice/choice in learning. Ditching traditional. No worksheet Wednesdays. Getting to know Ss interests so we know which hooks to use. Personalizing learning for Ts too. Differentiating PD for all. Taking charge of our own learning/PD. Lifelong learners. #LeadLAP
A2: Our teachers have students connecting online in blogs or Googledocs. It promotes collaboration but allows flexibility because students can access it when it is workable for them #LeadLAP
This is interesting. I wonder what the S does who had math first hour and can't remember much of what other Ss were saying bc they were processing new material themselves? #LeadLAP
A2- conferencing with Ss, asking them to reflect; identifying strengths and areas for ongoing growth. Then listen and craft lessons and learning targets to reach each student #leadlap
A2: I had the chance to sub last week and was able to have @TaraMartinEDU help me bring #booksnaps to our 8th graders. The protocol was the same, but the student product was all by choice and personalized! Love it! #LeadLAP
A2: In AP English for Poetry Museum, our senior got to choose a lot of things: his partner, his poem, his medium for sharing it out, the music to complement it, the props they'd use, print format to share. LOTS of choice to individualize that maximized ownership. #leadlap
A2 As a SPED teacher last few years, all learning has to be personalized. I like to incorporate student interest which can make all work look different. #LeadLap
A2: Personalized Learning is about students learning different SE, where Differentiation is all students learning the same SEnin different methods. Some kids do need Personalized learning.
#LeadLAP
I made a statement the other day to our JHS English department about grading..may fall in line with personalized learning. You grade students on how they demostrated learning. Not compared to someone else. #LeadLAP
A2: Personalized Learning-allowing students to demonstrate their understanding / mastery of a learning target in a way that makes sense to them. #LeadLAP
A2 Next year I am taking Personalized Learning to a new level. Each student will have their own course plan codesigned with me. Avoiding teaching to a herd of students, will empower each one to go where they never thought possible. The adventure awaits! #LeadLAP
A3 I don't think so. We need to investigate how to move away from more traditional ideas such as the bells. It speaks to many ideas we continue for having school be for the adults & less for the Ss. Bells are more about contracts & teaching times. #LeadLAP
A2: We just overhauled our Program of Studies to begin building some pathways so that our students can personalize their path through @DartmouthHS! Also many Ts allow choice in their classroom, most recently @tri2teach has been have students choose their text in class! #LeadLAP
A1: Traditional HW is usually rote, memorization of skills and done in isolation. It lacks creativity and collaboration, application to real world and critical thinking #leadlap
A1: I made a crazy video to show a homework paradigm shift I would love to see...let's empty kids into the gift shop!! #LeadLAP#tlaphttps://t.co/ieIFSG27Dq
A3. I also wonder why we have pacing guides and a plan book and lesson plans. How can you plan when Ss have not engaged in a lesson. If a math lesson is going well why stop because it is science? #LeadLAP
A3: Wish we could say no, but we're not there yet. Same kind of idea, "Are copy machines necessary in 2018?" We have a ways to go to turn the whole ship, but it's turning! #LeadLAP
A3: The question is are they?... Probably. Should they be?... Not really. We should be moving more toward flexible scheduling and learning through discovery where all subjects and ideas are inter-related #LeadLAP
A2: In AP English for Poetry Museum, our senior got to choose a lot of things: his partner, his poem, his medium for sharing it out, the music to complement it, the props they'd use, print format to share. LOTS of choice to individualize that maximized ownership. #leadlap
A3: We have a morning start bell, lunch and end of day. I think those are good. I love not having a million bells a day like in elementary school. #leadlap But I do think a few are fine.
A2: I had the chance to sub last week and was able to have @TaraMartinEDU help me bring #booksnaps to our 8th graders. The protocol was the same, but the student product was all by choice and personalized! Love it! #LeadLAP
A2: Personalized learning for adult learners is soooo important. Here is a look into our book tasting for @CentralCabotpK4 staff yesterday! #leadlap#CEtribe
A2 Ex of personal lrng: my 1st grdrs inquiry into $. They've created a whole world: Chic-fil-a, Starbucks, grocery & plant nursery in sci museum. Ss lrng value of $, giving chng. When their wallets empty, they go to work. Donation jars for causes close to their hearts! #LeadLAP
A3- we don't have traditional 'bells' but we have a schedule- however our MS T's are flexible if one class runs over because of their lesson! We need to rethink 'traditional' and become innovative! #leadlap
A3) Thing is, they represent an outdated structure of separate subjects and set beginning and end times for learning. To drop the bells you’d have to change the structure. #LeadLAP
A3 Interesting...
If you stopped using them I believe people would adjust by using alternative means of telling time.
Would love to see open scheduling though...
#LeadLAP
A3: No! My school does not have bells. We teach punctuality and respect instead of training a mindless herd! 😃 Down 18th century factory culture! #LeadLAP
A2: Setting individual goals WITH students and having them reflect on them - conferencing with them regularly, using tech only if it enhances the lessons, small group instruction #LeadLAP
A3. At the high school, we need a common delineation of periods.
I have used music to transition Ss. Such a change in the climate on those days. Smiles and songs between classes!!
#LeadLAP
A2: Personalized learning happens when we adopt the COVA philosophy(Choice, Ownership, Voice, Authenticity). All Ss have unique goals, so Ss deserve CHOICE to achieve those goals! #LeadLAP
We got rid of them a few years back now and they're not missed. Now we're looking at schedule structure 2.0 by creating blocks of time for teachers to team and use that time more collaboratively and flexibly. #LeadLAP
If Ss use those tools to self-assess, it works out well. If they just those tools to allow more time for video games, it will show up in a classroom assessment. Goal setting & other motivators can help. #LeadLAP
A2: Choice is key. Allow students a choice of novels in English that tie a theme, authentic activities in math that allow multiple ways to demonstrate learning completed in groups, choice of projects in World Language that show knowledge of culture, & many more.
#leadlap
A3 Personally “extremely dislike” the school bell. I’d rather be responsible for ending class. The bell can be jarring and take the control of learning environments away from teacher. #LeadLap
A3 Definitely not necessary. They are a way to organize, fulfill contractual obligations and impose schedules. If we all learned/led with passion we would offer that flexibility. It would be natural to let learning occur and support it. It would encourage collaboration #LeadLAP
A3: During State testing, the bells were off and the school survived. As long as everyone follows the class time, leave them off. Besides, the teacher should dismiss the class and not everyone getting up to leave because a bell rang. #LeadLAP
A2: Personalized learning is evolving at our school. Not all Ts are comfortable taking that leap. Work in progress. Allowing cross class/cross grade level opps and genius hr is where we are beginning. #leadlap
A3: No. We had them for years at our school. (in the days before cell phones and synchronized clocks) They seem to be more of a disruption & climate spoiler. They're no longer in use and we've been just fine without them. #LeadLAP
A3: Are bells necessary in 2018 YES...will they be in 2028 I hope not! We have to remember that shifts take time and unfortunately we aren’t there, yet! #LeadLAP
A3: No. We have a traditional structure in Middle and High School designed to have an alignment to college. That structure itself is built on an archaic framework that is rapidly becoming irrelevant. #leadlap
A3 I struggle with this it has implications in a MS that involve supervision particularly in a larger MS. I would love for them to be eliminated and schedules to be more flexible but the logistics to me can be daunting #Leadlap
A1: I made a crazy video to show a homework paradigm shift I would love to see...let's empty kids into the gift shop!! #LeadLAP#tlaphttps://t.co/ieIFSG27Dq
A3: I believe we still need a way to ensure students receive equitable time with their teachers. Our school days in every other way rely on structure. To remove the bells might create chaos. However, I believe we could replace the harsh bells with something more fun. #leadLAP
A2: We just overhauled our Program of Studies to begin building some pathways so that our students can personalize their path through @DartmouthHS! Also many Ts allow choice in their classroom, most recently @tri2teach has been have students choose their text in class! #LeadLAP
Q3: I think so. We need to help Ss learn to manage time. However, a bell may/ should be used to evaluate how we are going to@use the next block if time available. The bells shouldn’t control but rather assist hope that makes sense #LeadLAP
Alright #LeadLAP crew - off for some #runLAP time with my daughter - join @CJCain7 and me Thursday for #edcochat at 7:30pm MST - we are talking books educators should read this summer! Bring your recommendations!
One day, the superintendent arrived to school with the Theme from JAWS playing over the speaker system. ==> heard all the way down the street!!
#LeadLAP
A3. At the high school, we need a common delineation of periods.
I have used music to transition Ss. Such a change in the climate on those days. Smiles and songs between classes!!
#LeadLAP
Because it distracts from their own assignments? I know there’s a lot to cover. Perhaps more collaboration and not making productions an entirely separate thing. #LeadLAP
I am not sure i 100% agree with you. I wonder what the brain research tells us about our student's developmental needs. I wonder if it would be different for HS S's if the class was more like a one room class (like Elementary) where S have the same T all day. #LeadLAP
My school has bells ... my previous school did not ...we still had classes that happened at regular intervals ... bells or no bells really is an irrelevant debate if the schedule remains. #leadlap
Q4 What about TESTS AND EXAMS? What is your favorite assessment method that provides a more profound and robust indication of student mastery? #LeadLAP
A3: Also I don’t think it’s about bells or no bells...it’s about mindset! Do we allow for innovation & collaboration in our classrooms? Do we collaborate w/colleagues from across disciplines to create authentic learning opportunities for kids? #LeadLAP
A1 Traditional homework: Those who do it are the ones who really don't need it. And the ones who need more practice and help - they don't do it anyway. The home/school connection I love most are our interactive reading logs with responsive prompts created by kids & Ts. #LeadLAP
A2: We just overhauled our Program of Studies to begin building some pathways so that our students can personalize their path through @DartmouthHS! Also many Ts allow choice in their classroom, most recently @tri2teach has been have students choose their text in class! #LeadLAP
A3: No! Bells are signal for students to turn off and shut down learning! We do not have bells in the MS.. I love saying "Ok, time to go" and hearing the "No! Not yet!" #LeadLap
A3: I think until colleges make a shift, there are certain practices in secondary education that schools feel beholden to in order for their Ss to "check off" the right boxes. Higher education may be what is holding us hostage to the past. #LeadLAP
A1: "When" is a sticky wicket when it comes to homework. It's one of those things that part of the grammar of school because it's part of the grammar of school (like early start times and walking single file). #LeadLAP
A3) We don’t use a bell bc it can be sensory stimulating for some of our kids with special needs. Every class has a visual schedule and a S is usually designated role of time-keeper weekly. #LeadLAP
A1- thanks to technology, our students are more connected with each other outside of school more than they are in school. Let’s take advantage of that! #LeadLAP
I know this is a broader question but I have to admit my first thought was “How will I get 600 Elementary students back in the building after recess without a bell?” :) #LeadLAP
A4 I love seeing our Ts giving more choice in how they are assessing our Ss. Let our Ss let their strengths shine thru showing their learning whether it's a performance presentation debate essay poem podcast video whatever. #LeadLAP
Q4 What about TESTS AND EXAMS? What is your favorite assessment method that provides a more profound and robust indication of student mastery? #LeadLAP
A3: I think until colleges make a shift, there are certain practices in secondary education that schools feel beholden to in order for their Ss to "check off" the right boxes. Higher education may be what is holding us hostage to the past. #LeadLAP
A3: Also I don’t think it’s about bells or no bells...it’s about mindset! Do we allow for innovation & collaboration in our classrooms? Do we collaborate w/colleagues from across disciplines to create authentic learning opportunities for kids? #LeadLAP
A4- Showing their learning in Authentic ways. Tests/quizzes are still rote, memorization and kudos for the test takers- but what did th Ss actually learn to apply? I want to see them USE the info! #LeadLAP
Q4 What about TESTS AND EXAMS? What is your favorite assessment method that provides a more profound and robust indication of student mastery? #LeadLAP
I made a "Good morning" playlist on Youtube that I play for my kids when they come into class at beginning of day. Also have one for end of day/Fridays. #LeadLAP
In reply to
@casehighprinc, @Thedonnajohnson, @ACKCPSPrincipal
Q4 What about TESTS AND EXAMS? What is your favorite assessment method that provides a more profound and robust indication of student mastery? #LeadLAP
A4: real world application assessments that allow students to demonstrate mastery to an authentic audience and have an actual impact is what all summative assessments should be #leadlap
A4: Tests are often for the bookkeepers and PEARSON. Teachers know what their Ss are capable of, what they've learned, and where they need to go. I get the need to have a vision, but who's vision? #LeadLAP
Q4: Definitely a fan of PBA's. Having students use knowledge and creating authentic products helps students create meaning from information and give them schools to prepare them for their futures. #leadlap
Agreed! We're looking at time as "frames" each in 15 min increments. How can we use that time with teachers teaming in the most efficient and meaningful way. #LeadLAP
A4: Tests are often for the bookkeepers and PEARSON. Teachers know what their Ss are capable of, what they've learned, and where they need to go. I get the need to have a vision, but who's vision? #LeadLAP
Tech helps me reveal student misconceptions and address them on the spot. Students miscount on a graph bc they aren't visualizing where to start, stop, what is up when a paper is flat, etc. #LeadLAP
I wonder if it is because the content teachers feel the students passion about learning something other than that teacher's content. S can smell busy work HW for sure. (PS collaboration with content areas and arts in my building is a dream of mine...maybe someday soon) #LeadLAP
Q4: Assessment can be so much more than a test or exam. It can be a discussion; a video created; an essay; a blogpost; it can be an piece of artwork. This is where choice is key. #LeadLAP
A4: There are so many tools that can give you a formative snapshot of how students are learning in process...
Like an autopsy, summative assessments may tell you why you died but they don't tell you how you could have prevented it!
#LeadLAP
Q4 What about TESTS AND EXAMS? What is your favorite assessment method that provides a more profound and robust indication of student mastery? #LeadLAP
A1: With how tightly kids are “scheduled” after school, I don’t where homework time fits in. I don’t think many families are even sitting around the table for supper anymore. Therefore, homework is just rushed, creates anxiety, helps kids fall behind, etc. #LeadLAP
Let's be honest ... the class schedule is never going to change because it is the basis of the Ed Funding structure ... number of students divided by "x" = number of units(classes) which is then used to create how many teachers are needed. Money sets the schedule. #leadlap
I get it, and not suggesting Ss can’t still travel to other classes as they should. But there are some outside the box ways to switch it up... #leadlap
A3: I do not think bells are necessary. It causes time to be stressed and relationships are lost due to this. Planning is strictly modeled and planned around the bell- and planning should be planned around the students! #leadlap
I like flexible due dates and often provide opportunities for re-dos/ re-assessments to keep them responsible for learning and aware that it's continual and cannot/ does not (always) click overnight.😉💡Just keep swimming. #equity#leadlap
A4- Showing their learning in Authentic ways. Tests/quizzes are still rote, memorization and kudos for the test takers- but what did th Ss actually learn to apply? I want to see them USE the info! #LeadLAP
A4 My favorite assessment method is observation and conversation. As a Lead Learner you really get a sense of what Ss know, understand and can apply. #LeadLAP
Q4 What about TESTS AND EXAMS? What is your favorite assessment method that provides a more profound and robust indication of student mastery? #LeadLAP
instead of debating schedule we should be talking about how to hack the system from inside the box ... collaborate with other teachers and creating integrated learning opportunities. #leadlap
A4: In Social Studies we learn the most about learners through process writing, debates, policy defenses, Socratic seminars and discussions. There are a bazillion ways to do all these things and we embed these experiences in our curriculum. They carry the most weight. #LeadLAP
Thanks Brian, there is so much more to this topic. Most importantly is student growth and developmental ability. How are we capturing their passion for learning and then making into something that can change the world #Leadlap
A4: Tests are often for the bookkeepers and PEARSON. Teachers know what their Ss are capable of, what they've learned, and where they need to go. I get the need to have a vision, but who's vision? #LeadLAP
A4: One of our most effective checks is to have kids talk about what it will look like and sound like when they have learned...whatever they're supposed to be learning. #LeadLAP
A4: Portfolios and reflection—kids are always surprised at how much they’ve done/grown/learned. Great way to apply the meta cognitive process. #LeadLAP
Q4 What about TESTS AND EXAMS? What is your favorite assessment method that provides a more profound and robust indication of student mastery? #LeadLAP
A4: Tests are often for the bookkeepers and PEARSON. Teachers know what their Ss are capable of, what they've learned, and where they need to go. I get the need to have a vision, but who's vision? #LeadLAP
A4: One of our most effective checks is to have kids talk about what it will look like and sound like when they have learned...whatever they're supposed to be learning. #LeadLAP
A4: I actually love escape rooms as one sign of content mastery. I do have some quizzes and test yet they dive in to higher thinking.
For example I have a hashtag quiz over my novel content. #LeadLap
A4: My most favorite type of assessment is project based learning/assignments. Listening to the students, hearing what they have to say- listen to THEM. Feedback should be immediate. #leadlap
A4: Teachers resist when it’s framed as an all or nothing proposition. Reality is that whether we love exams or hate them they’re part of the gateway for many professions (Medical, Law, Teaching)! What we need is balance. Authentic Projects should be part of the mix! #LeadLAP
Definitely difficult for those with sensory difficulties. I have a student who screams when bell rings, especially if she is having allergy issues. We have to think of the whole child. Bells are for the schools of the Industrial Age. In my opinion. Let’s do better. #LeadLap
A4: I prefer to see brief formative assessments that allow Ts to quickly know if students have shown mastery. An assessment doesn’t need to be pages long to know. Also, tests should show both skill and application. Any S choice involved amps it up #leadlap
A1. Often HW creates frustration because it is either a) boring busy work or b) not understood and there is no teacher available to scaffold and support. HW could be valuable if it deepened learning through real curiosity and inquiry. #LeadLAP (forgot to # earlier!)
I teach Social Studies ... the best assessment has the student explaining either by writing/project/oral presentation ... not just picking a letter. #leadlap
A4 During my last unit assessment, I added a Ss interview where I met w/ kids 1:1. They used globes, styrofoam balls, etc. to model eclipses & moon phases based on my Qs. Powerful info. #leadlap
A4 Students need to have a voice in how they show mastery. It can’t only happen once. If we believe in growth mindset, we need to be flexible. If a student can’t explain in writing but can say it masterfully...change the grade; then work on developing writing skills. #LeadLAP
Q4 What about TESTS AND EXAMS? What is your favorite assessment method that provides a more profound and robust indication of student mastery? #LeadLAP
A4b: the real question is what will be done about assessment results—Reteaching? Constant assessment and feedback loop need to happen—think design cycle but with assessment 👍 #leadlap
Bethany, so true. If we take the time to have the conversations, we know what the students know. If we pay attention to their discussions, we know #LeadLAP
Homework can be painful for students who put all their efforts into a school day & then they have more work to do at home. Have students drive homework choices. Ask your kids what they want to learn? Make them part of the process. #LeadLAP
instead of debating schedule we should be talking about how to hack the system from inside the box ... collaborate with other teachers and creating integrated learning opportunities. #leadlap
Q4 What about TESTS AND EXAMS? What is your favorite assessment method that provides a more profound and robust indication of student mastery? #LeadLAP
A4(2): Summatives aside. My team is working on better more regular formative assessments and we do schoolwide interdisciplinary digital portfolios using Google Sites. #LeadLAP
A4: along time ago I had a professor that talked about ABWA...Assessment By Walking Around. Ts can see individual Ss ability immediately and redirect and reteach as necessary. Provides for opportunities of immediate feedback and reflection. #LeadLAP
A4 My biggest success this year was getting my reluctant ELs to speak more. I just compiled @Flipgrid videos that they did each month this year and put them side by side. The growth in oral proficiency is amazing. #LeadUpChat
A3: Bells=traditional structure. We still need structure! Idea: To adopt a more unique & innovative structure we could replace with various thematic songs! School or fight song on Fridays? Happiness songs on Mondays? Look at climate & play needed songs to uplift mood! #LeadLAP
A4. A great authentic assessment can be as simple as conferring during a workshop and listening to kids. The best assessments are those where kids can create something real...not just a contrived task. #LeadLAP
Yes! Having students verbalize what they have learned validated that learning is a process that doesn’t end when a test is given or a unit is completed. #LeadLAP
In reply to
@ladylanguage411, @loliveira55, @Flipgrid
A4: Authentic performance task for authentic audience is the best assessment. My theatre S created children's theatre scripts & productions for our feeder elementary schools. Feedback from those children was better than any I could have given. S reflection next best. #LeadLAP
Q4 What about TESTS AND EXAMS? What is your favorite assessment method that provides a more profound and robust indication of student mastery? #LeadLAP
A4: Authentic and engaging assessments like those utilized in PBL are great. High-quality authentic assessments that measure skills and content knowledge can be challenging to create & are best done by teams. Ts need more time to collaborate to make this a reality. #leadlap
A4: along time ago I had a professor that talked about ABWA...Assessment By Walking Around. Ts can see individual Ss ability immediately and redirect and reteach as necessary. Provides for opportunities of immediate feedback and reflection. #LeadLAP
A5 This is the 3rd Rail of Education right now. This like HW connects to what Ts believe are good T-ing practices. Holding the line on #s & the grade being so important is ingrained in the Ed system. We need to make sure it is more about learning. But it's tough. #LeadLAP
A4: Authentic performance task for authentic audience is the best assessment. My theatre S created children's theatre scripts & productions for our feeder elementary schools. Feedback from those children was better than any I could have given. S reflection next best. #LeadLAP
Q4 What about TESTS AND EXAMS? What is your favorite assessment method that provides a more profound and robust indication of student mastery? #LeadLAP
A5:If it's really about the learning, then a grade means nothing. We need to improve the questions we ask and get our students asking questions. Then we'll be learning #LeadLAP
A4: favorite assessments = aligned to grade-level standards, differentiated, interdisciplinary, authentic, rigorous! Plus, students understand and have models of the criteria. #LeadLAP
A4: Assessments with immediate feedback- self-feedback and teacher feedback. Success breeds success, if Ss can acknowledge their growth, they're more likely to continue growing. #LeadLAP
It all starts with the kids! Listening to them, understanding their needs & interests & allowing them to help in their own design. That means relinquishing some control by the teacher. #LeadLAP
A4: One of my favorite and robust forms of assessment came in @jaimeetaborda art classroom. No tests, no grades—art projects by student choice and reflection throughout the course & student blogging documenting their growth & mastery! #LeadLAP
A4(2): Summatives aside. My team is working on better more regular formative assessments and we do schoolwide interdisciplinary digital portfolios using Google Sites. #LeadLAP
A5: Oh Lordy. Stand back for this one. I sense the PLN about to erupt. Grades stifle and misdirect learning. Makes learning ABOUT the grade. Emphasizes learning as a function of distribution not discovery. And then 10 million other things. #LeadLAP
A5) The grades themselves have become the goal. When a student gets a low grade, what message does that send to them? And when a student gets an A, where do they go from there? Benefits of gradeless is the goal is focused on continuous learning. Drawback is the pushback. #LeadLAP
A5: I think projects and performance tasks are powerful summative assessements. Formative assessments can take many forms and be quite simple. Ultimately we want to know if Ss can apply the skill we taught to a novel situation. That demonstrates mastery. #LeadLAP
A4: along time ago I had a professor that talked about ABWA...Assessment By Walking Around. Ts can see individual Ss ability immediately and redirect and reteach as necessary. Provides for opportunities of immediate feedback and reflection. #LeadLAP
A5 We need to change the grade narrative. Grades stop learning. Ss see a number then stop learning. We need information for parents but that can come with so many other forms of information. Voice is a big one. Time to challenge the status quo. Push traditions. #LeadLAP
A5: Grades make is focus on the wrong things. We focus on metrics and labels instead of the growth they are supposed to represent. It’s like staring at the road sign instead of driving to your destination. #LeadLAP
A5- Ss worry about grades and don't put effort into some lessons- getting rid of grades takes the pressure of for Ss to be themselves... excel or get support- all kids get what they need and move on when mastering content. #LeadLAP
Mine love to Google everything, esp being a world lang clsrm.🙄 I constantly explain that Google cannot teach you concept. I do that + I teach you how to think and apply your learning to use Google accordingly. #leadlap#langchat#edugladiator
A5 I use an #SBG approach to teaching & learning. Our "grades" give info about where Ss are in journey towards mastery of learning standards & targets. A LOT of reflection needed by both T & Ss. #leadlap
Oh my...in every way. Once a grade is attached the focus goes their for families, and the student. Most kids (secondary especially) work in class for grades if that’s what the teacher and the child’s family emphasize. The type of feedback we give them is HUGE. #leadlap
A5: too often grades are about compliance. They stifle creativity. Project based learning and getting away from basic book work can help on this front #leadlap
A5 grades mean nothing they doesn’t represent real learning. Grades are a destination but a gradeless classroom is a journey where solving problems and answering questions create growth and understanding #Leadlap
A5) Grades become a one-unit descriptor of a student’s work or “mastery” in class. Usually there is a learning process: understanding, development and growth. Grades should show “whole” learning to have maximum impact. #LeadLAP
Do all students need a break for the same length of time at the exact same time? We're doing that for our convenience, not for what's best for students. How might we look at "recess" differently?
A5 Grades are motivating for some but often learning stops when you get the "A". For others grades reinforce perceived weaknesses. Guiding and challenging Ss is important. Being aware of cultures of your Ss can be a game changer. #LeadLAP
A5:If it's really about the learning, then a grade means nothing. We need to improve the questions we ask and get our students asking questions. Then we'll be learning #LeadLAP
A4: Also, just a thought. Some students have shared they struggle with the number of projects they complete at the same time. We need to be thoughtful about st workload as we transition to less traditional models. These assessments tend to take more time to complete. #leadlap
the way some people define "gradeless" can be quite comical ... as long as you are "ranking" the learning you are giving a "grade" it is just semantics. "Mastered" = "A" #leadlap
A5: #LeadLAP Grades are an end result, not a reflection of the journey. Learning is like a subway ride, we all get on and off at different stops. And when the doors open we only get a snapshot of what we think we see (the grade). /1
A5: Focus on the grade eliminates the thirst for knowledge. I was that student. Tell me what I have to do for an A? I didn't learn anything until I became passionate about learning and ideas. After school was over and there are no grades. Just growth #LeadLAP
A5: traditional grading practices don't promote mastery learning & growth mindset. When we tell students they get 1 chance to prove it, lose points when they get the content at a later date, & that not turning something in is overly punished we're sending wrong message #LeadLAP
A5b= I have more Ps call me about S grades and WHY putting the issue on the Ts and not the LEARNING.. getting rid of grades would help focus on learning content! #LeadLAP
A4: My fav assessment is sharing our lrng w/ families & clsmates through student-led conferences. The build-up can be tough as kids reflect on their collaborative & personal growth; but, the results are amazing & authentic. Growth from year's beginning to end is clear. #LeadLAP
Adults don’t always live their life from bell to bell which doesn’t really prep kids for the real world. Let’s model in school what they will experience in life. #LeadLAP
A4: There is so much Ts & Ss can observe through PBL & Reflection! PBL prompts authentic discussion & offers Ss choice letting them figure things out & guiding their own learning path! Allowing reflection=retention! As a T, the observation of this=assessment! #LeadLAP
Q4 What about TESTS AND EXAMS? What is your favorite assessment method that provides a more profound and robust indication of student mastery? #LeadLAP
A4: One of my favorite and robust forms of assessment came in @jaimeetaborda art classroom. No tests, no grades—art projects by student choice and reflection throughout the course & student blogging documenting their growth & mastery! #LeadLAP
A5: #LeadLAP With standards-based or criterion based grading we can capture more than when the door opens in a moment. We can see where the journey might yet lead us and where we have come from before. We get the whole subway ride. :) /2
For my own son... he "games" his grades. Always wants an "A" in the class but monitors his grades daily to determine how much he does NOT have to do and still keep his "A" For him a 90% in the class is just as good as a 99% #LeadLAP
A5. We focus on the grade. The kids want to make good grades. What about learning and the process of learning? We dont need grade to know if the kids got it. To many kids can get great grades and never learn a thing. #LeadLAP
A5: Grades not only stifle learning but stifle teaching by alway keeping up with how to get grades which elementary students really don’t care about or understand. #LeadLAP
A5. Grades take students' focus away from learning, and more about "winning" a good grade. Traditional grading rarely represents student learning, esp. when we are grading HW and practice and averaging every assignment. #LeadLAP
A5: With grades students work towards outcomes they had no voice in. It becomes more about fulfilling a checklist as opposed to naturally learning through inquiry, creativity, choice and creativity. #LeadLap
A5- students (and parents), I think, too often focus on the grade(product) rather than focusing on the learning target(s) and their individual growth as learners (process). #leadlap
A5: What doe we know about each of these students? Who is the learner? Who has the most knowledge? Who had the most growth? Who could care less? #LeadLAP
#LeadLAP A5 i didnt learn til Sophomore year in college that grades had problems - i & friend had diff Chem sections/teachers, i knew so much more than they did and I had the C, they had the B
A5: #LeadLap This snapshot becomes a conversation starter with students about setting their own goals for learning based on personal needs. (Personalized learning anyone?) /3
learning is about the culture of the classroom ... if a kid gets an "F" and they know they need work and should be able to redo until they "Master" the standard (See how I used both graded and gradeless terminology there)#leadlap
A5: I prefer a rubric over grades. We are able to measure success of standards vs. right from wrong. There is room for growth, feedback, and Ss can "resubmit" to maximize learning! #LeadLAP
A5 I keep reading that grades shut off learning. Once you give the grade the student is done with it. Again, I like what @jcorippo suggested: give extra points for EARLY turns in only. This builds in time for student to make changes. Win-win. #EDUProtocols#LeadLAP
A5: The challenge with grades is that they are the language that our comminities and world understand about academic progress. Grade-lessness makes it difficult to communicate progress and proficiency with the world. The tide is changing though and we will get there. #LeadLAP
Exactly! The "is this good enough" mindset is one of my pet peeves. That also signals done! I respond w/ "I don't know, is it?" Ss usually continue working. #LeadLAP
We originally had standards based grading and reporting K-4, and recently returned to grades in 3-4. There is an obvious difference in the focus on the letter grade w/ families. I hate seeing a kid who tries so hard get grounded for a C, even though growth is happening. #leadlap
A5: #LeadLAP With standards-based or criterion based grading we can capture more than when the door opens in a moment. We can see where the journey might yet lead us and where we have come from before. We get the whole subway ride. :) /2
A5: For some students, the learning is forgotten as the grade is goal. They just "do school", going through the motions, but not owning their learning. For students who struggle, earning Ds and Fs after they have worked hard shuts them down and they stop trying to learn.#leadlap
Why I can't understand grading individual assignments most of all. That's not really formative assessment; there's finality to every grade. And if a bad grade on an assignment makes them work for a better grade the next time, the focus is on the grade, not the learning. #LeadLAP
Totally crazy to watch it. A big test comes up... he calculates what he needs to keep his "A". If he only needs a 70%, he doesn't study at all. #LeadLAP
Thanks, @CJCain7 I'm creating new materials on #personalizedlearning: a new chart, stages, updated continuums, & a new online course. I'll be launching all of those soon on my site, Rethinking Learning https://t.co/QkwnYddGEB along with an announcement in my newsletter. #leadlap
A5: Traditional grades don’t allow for the continuum of learning. Grades give feedback, but it’s not the type of feedback that helps kids improve or correct. #LeadLAP
We have standards based grading at elem. & then traditional the rest of the way. We have them at a point where they truly understand what they are shooting for & then absolutely rock their world. Watching the panic & lack of understanding at the transition is so painful! #LeadLap
A5: Grades don't always reflect all of the learning that's taken place or all of the SEL that needed to be in place before the academics could happen. Rather than encouraging learners to persevere/try new things, they can have opposite effect, depending on circumstance. #LeadLAP
A6 We need to model for our Ss what we would like to see from them in terms of utilizing Tech/Social Media. We can't just have them turn it off when they're in school & then head out to the real world after the last bell. #LeadLAP
Agreed. The shift in terminology is a real struggle at the HS level because of the pressure for GPA and other standard achievement scales needed to college admissions. There is a disconnect, for sure. #LeadLAP
A5: For some students, the learning is forgotten as the grade is goal. They just "do school", going through the motions, but not owning their learning. For students who struggle, earning Ds and Fs after they have worked hard shuts them down and they stop trying to learn.#leadlap
A6 Devices can be distraction....but the answer isn't banning them. it's finding ways to engae students better with (or without) them.........AND using the device to celebrate teahing and learning in your room!!
#LeadLAP
Grades teach students how to play “the school game”. It isn’t really about learning, it’s how to get that A or B... What would happen if students assigned their own grades? What would they do with that freedom? #LeadLAP
Agreed. With my own child being a high school junior now as well, it is more obvious than ever that it is the language universities understand... #LeadLAP
A5 We need to change the grade narrative. Grades stop learning. Ss see a number then stop learning. We need information for parents but that can come with so many other forms of information. Voice is a big one. Time to challenge the status quo. Push traditions. #LeadLAP
A6 It varies. Some block all tech and cell phones. We lose valuable moments to teach and show how to use tools in a powerful way. We need to educate, not block. We need to explore possibilities, not build walls. #LeadLAP
A5: Grades are for college boards. That is just our current reality in secondary ed. In elem ed, I think they stifle growth for the Ss for whom "school" is natural and for the most struggling Ss. #LeadLAP
a5 Ps are often confused by an absence of comparative assessment. "Basic" on a state can lead Ps to falsely believe their S has "the basics" when they are not proficient at grade level. #LeadLAP
A6: Our district is pretty open. If we find something that is starting to brew, we fix it but we rely on digital citizens and then case by case exceptions. I am having a No Tech, No Worksheet day at the end of the month.. Just to PIRATE it up #LeadLAP
A6 It varies. Some block all tech and cell phones. We lose valuable moments to teach and show how to use tools in a powerful way. We need to educate, not block. We need to explore possibilities, not build walls. #LeadLAP
A6- PK-8 schools... phones in office unless needed for lessons, but 1:1 Chromebooks used daily and we don't 'block' sites etc. Teach Responsibility! #LeadLAP
A6. Blocking is big at my school. And I understand why. But there have been several things blocked that I needed to use with my kids. And there are too many hoops to jump through to get things unblocked. #LeadLAP
A6: Not blocking but turning it off when it isn’t necessary is something we are working at. Getting away from the feeling that tech is always needed and is always improving instruction/assessment #LeadLAP
It is hard to get them off of it when they are all competing to get into the colleges of their choice. GPAs are so important in that process whether we like it or not. #LeadLAP
A62. We use tech one:one to open the world, and to explode into endless possibilities the ways they can work with and create with their learning. #LeadLAP
I think our district is shifting our mindset into being able to balance the need & place for tech in our schools. After all, how much tech do the staff members depend on throughout the day? It seems hypocritical to ban that same use from kids. #LeadLAP
A6: We are on the other end of the spectrum. I hear more from parents on why we won’t utilize tech less. Sometimes they see devices as a porthole to hell bc of poor #digcit practices. #LeadLAP
I think our district is shifting our mindset into being able to balance the need & place for tech in our schools. After all, how much tech do the staff members depend on throughout the day? It seems hypocritical to ban that same use from kids. #LeadLAP
Gave them plenty of time to prepare and it's our Art show day so there will be lots of disruptions to the schedule so it was a good day to do it. Some are wary #LeadLaP
a6: #LeadLAP Our district is pretty good about not turning off the tech. However there are times when HS students are frustrated by the filters that are there. Sometimes their research is stifled.
A6 I think it goes back & forth here. We are working on getting less blocked & monitoring case by case. It is frustrating to plan a great lesson, only to learn that Ss Chromebooks block necessary links!! #leadlap
A5b: I would like to see essential standards selected, and a scale of mastery for Ss to reflect on and set goals towards with their Ts as coaches. #LeadLAP
5th grade has percentages and letter grades, and families in the community were getting upset when their kids got certain grades. Different teaching methods and assessments were taking place in both settings, so it really cannot be compared. #leadlap
A5:Grades can stifle bc every T has a diff philosophy about grading making grades inconsistent for Ss.Grading can be subjective & objective. Ss & parents oftentimes hyperfocus on grades/GPA taking focus off learning!If not gradeless, then grading should be personalized! #leadlap
A6: the exception, we believe in integrating tech into the learning experience so students see it more than social/play tool but as a learning resource #leadlap
#Leadlap a6 I see it both ways in our districts what I want to see teach responsibly over restriction ...u wouldn’t take a book away! How r our ss going to learn to use tech as educational tool if we never model or allow them to use it or even make mistakes with it
Q6: I wish we could have a little bit more latitude with tech. We do need to teach digital citizenship. Issues happen outside of school w/Ss and they are then brought into school. #LeadLAP
Q6: I wish we could have a little bit more latitude with tech. We do need to teach digital citizenship. Issues happen outside of school w/Ss and they are then brought into school. #LeadLAP
A7 I think so many ideas of the past are still prevalent for today for we just need to tweak/modify them to fit the needs we have for today's ed. Take that lab & make it a #Makerspace or Design Studio or a place for some Ss to do CAD. Take advantage of what we've got. #LeadLAP
A6) Our school @Hopetechschool is heavy on tech use. But I love getting away from tech now and then. Ss & I create lots of #anchorcharts thru the yr. When Ss are working on something, instead of googling the answer I ask them to look around the room for resources! #LeadLAP
A7- we don't have labs anymore- using tech naturally with instruction not just when scheduled. easy to look up something when S asks a Q in class when they have easy access to a device. #LeadLAP
A7: Good Question. I'd say that in the secondary schools, most have tech at their fingertips all day. We have laptop carts in the elementary schools. Most labs have been turned into innovation stations or maker spaces #LeadLaP
A7: Nope. Ours are gone. Every kid has access to a 1:1 device. 6-12 take 'em home. K-5 have 'em in class. Nice way to open up an additional classroom or two. #LeadLAP
A7: Digital cit/Leadership is intentional in our school. We must make it a priority for all staff and not just the tech teacher. We walk the talk by our own school social media use by both staff and Ss of twitter/FB/Insta/Snapchat #leadlap
A6. Remember, the pencil was new tech at one point. We had to teach folks how to use it the right way. It can be for graffiti or for learning. #LeadLAP
No. Innovation labs? Yes! Plugged and unplugged activities in an area where kids can have choice and explore their interests. Can be open before school and during recess times, also for Ts to take a class in, check out materials to take back to class, etc. #leadlap
#LeadLAP A7 i could see a computer lab that has high powered, specialized software that you cannot afford for all devices.... but 99% of what we want to do can be done on handheld devices
A7: #LeadLAP This is an interesting question. We still have a "lab" in our building, but not desktop devices. The students bring their chromebooks into the lab to collaborate in a quiet (or sometimes just because it is a different) space.
A7. Our computer lab is now used only for state testing and for recess on rainy days. Oh, and by Ts who are uncomfortable with tech themselves so need support of Tech person. Elementary school. #LeadLAP
A6 We are 1:1 HS but phones are a HUGE issue for many Ts. Some allow music, some take ‘breaks’ and others ban use totally. Forced turning in of phones leads to confrontations. Mixed bag here. #LeadLAP
A6. Remember, the pencil was new tech at one point. We had to teach folks how to use it the right way. It can be for graffiti or for learning. #LeadLAP
That’s a great question! I think they could still be useful in an elementary setting but I see them used as assessment rooms only in secondary schools. Interested to see what others have to say on the subject. #LeadLAP
A7 For many Ss a lab creates a space where they are successful with tech based assessments. There are times when having a whole class on tech is appropriate. Unless you have 1:1, the lab is where you go. #LeadLAP
A7 We don't have one at @CyrusPeirceMS, we have 1:1 Chromebooks. I think like most ed stuff, there is a time & place for anything. It's all in how you use it. #LeadLAP
A7 it depends on the lab. If the devices are tools used in a particular industry and students need exposure to it to master the skills necessary to be successful after HS/college then yes. If it's going to be the same work that can be done on a Chromebook or phone - no #LeadLAP
A7 They do not unless it is a graphic design/computer class. Tech cannot be isolated but needs to be integrated all around. Learning should not be compartmentalized. Let us unlock the magic of learning at all times. #LeadLAP
A7: We are getting away from our computer lab model as i see kids on tables with their chrome books and chess boards and maker space innovations. Ours has turned into a Collaboratory! #leadlap
A6: Our district dos not block tech and has a heavy focus on teaching digital literacy and citizenship. However, it varies within classrooms how tech is used. #LeadLAP
Thank you so much for engaging in our #LeadLAP this wonderful Cinco de Mayo. @casehighprinc & I always love being a part of disruptive & inspirational educational discussions. Huge TY to @BethHouf & @burgess_shelley for inviting us. Always #LeadLAP Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
A6: It varies for us. We’ve made adjustments due to things that have arisen. Even with blocks, kids attempt to find the ways around. Now we are seeing the tech. addiction; kids can’t unplug. We’re trying to find the balance. #LeadLAP
A4 Students need to have a voice in how they show mastery. It can’t only happen once. If we believe in growth mindset, we need to be flexible. If a student can’t explain in writing but can say it masterfully...change the grade; then work on developing writing skills. #LeadLAP
Q4 What about TESTS AND EXAMS? What is your favorite assessment method that provides a more profound and robust indication of student mastery? #LeadLAP
A6: My former school was 1:1. Tech was hugely embraced after Ts had time to experiment with it & learned how to use it to enhance instruction. My current school will be 1:1 next year. Tech is a battle right now for many Ts. Learning how to harness tech's power is the key.#leadlap
A7) Personally, they have a place bc some schools don’t have the resources for 1:1 comps. It would be real cool to see Ed funding go to the develpt of some “tech labs” for schools of Ss who can’t access personal comps. #LeadLAP
It’s important to consider the reason why certain things were originally included in the educational system. Why grades? Why homework? etc. Be careful about changing just to change. Or just because people complain. #leadlap
Is our hour done???
Thanks you all for your passion this morning.
Big shout-out to @BethHouf and @burgess_shelley for trusting two Irish pirates from Massachusetts to lead the #LeadLAP ship today!!
A7: I would argue that computer labs (laptop/desktop/carts) are an equity issue for both families and students. This is about access to tools. #LeadLAP
