Welcome to #mnlead. I’m Matt from Northfield, MN. I will be your moderator tonight. Please introduce yourself where you are from. Share with us something you never leave for a trip without.
Hello, #mnlead, Mark here, elementary principal in Hopkins, MN, checking in tonight from Savannah, Georgia. I never leave for a trip without something to read.
Welcome to #mnlead. I’m Matt from Northfield, MN. I will be your moderator tonight. Please introduce yourself where you are from. Share with us something you never leave for a trip without.
Hello everyone! My name is Kelsey Schuster and I am a student at Kent State University in NE Ohio! I am majoring in Middle Childhood Education with a minor in Mild/Moderate Special Education. Also, I would have to say my cell phone! @barbersclass#barbersclass#mnlead
I'm Mark from So. St. Paul. If I'm going on a trip w/out my kids, I bring one of their favorite stuffed animals so I can take pictures of them everywhere I go. So, I guess I ALWAYS have a camera with me. #mnlead
Jen from central MN joining in on this beautiful evening. I wish I could say I I had something I always bring with me on trips...I am so forgetful!😂 Usually my phone—music, books, camera, navigation and yes, social media, all bundled into one. #MNLead
A1: Winging our instruction leaves everything to chance! While there are moments everyday to improvise our Plans must be rooted in expectations! #mnlead
A1: Winging our instruction leaves everything to chance! While there are moments everyday to improvise our Plans must be rooted in expectations! #mnlead
A1: Essential can mean different things to different people. In the context of school I take the approach of providing a diverse and rich experience that will fuel a passion known or yet to be known. #mnlead
A1 #mnlead, Students, especially middle schoolers, have so many things on their plate. 7-8 different teachers w/ different expectations + activities + families. That's a lot to schedule, prioritize, & manage. Hopefully teachers are helping students understand organization, etc.
I think you will have fun with this topic, sir. Essentialism can be a number of different things. But the key is making sure we put “first things first.” #mnlead
A1: Essential can mean different things to different people. In the context of school I take the approach of providing a diverse and rich experience that will fuel a passion known or yet to be known. #mnlead
A1 It is important to prioritize because our Ss our being pulled in so many directions, both inside and outside of school. Slowing down their day, through purposeful instruction might allow them to enjoy their learning adventure. Playful exploration and academic rigor. #mnlead
A1 #mnlead, Students, especially middle schoolers, have so many things on their plate. 7-8 different teachers w/ different expectations + activities + families. That's a lot to schedule, prioritize, & manage. Hopefully teachers are helping students understand organization, etc.
A1. We need to have clarity on what Ss need to know vs. nice to know. There are 100s of outcomes (standards) that it’s impossible to go deep with them all for transfer of learning. The only way to “cover” the curriculum is to sit on it. #mnlead
Yup. I know that we would all agree that things weren't always done the greatest in schools 20+ years ago, but I do wonder if we had something right by "just teaching the 3 Rs." #MNLead
A1 #mnlead Great point. My "essentials" are often not the same as my students. When I become more aware of that, it allows me to structure activities, assessments, etc. There is no perfect answer. Hopefully awareness helps guide decision.
A1– It’s important to prioritize the essentials to avoid “wading” through the other things. It also allows students to be the drivers in learning—academically and socially. Get deep in the good stuff! #mnlead
A1. We need to have clarity on what Ss need to know vs. nice to know. There are 100s of outcomes (standards) that it’s impossible to go deep with them all for transfer of learning. The only way to “cover” the curriculum is to sit on it. #mnlead
I still wonder how anyone could think that having so many standards is a good thing. For most teachers all those standards are overwhelming. Feeling overwhelmed is never a good thing. #MNLead
A1 #mnlead agreed. Sometimes though, we forget to talk with students and let them be a part od that decision making. Hard to know what their needs are unless we take time with them to understand... vs. simply assuming.
In reply to
@KelseySchu2, @mahillmann, @barbersclass
I think you will have fun with this topic, sir. Essentialism can be a number of different things. But the key is making sure we put “first things first.” #mnlead
A1: Essential can mean different things to different people. In the context of school I take the approach of providing a diverse and rich experience that will fuel a passion known or yet to be known. #mnlead
This is an important point, #mnlead. There is essentialism in skills and content. And to me, skills are far more important in the long run. #mnlead#giftsthatkeepongiving
I think you will have fun with this topic, sir. Essentialism can be a number of different things. But the key is making sure we put “first things first.” #mnlead
A1: Essential can mean different things to different people. In the context of school I take the approach of providing a diverse and rich experience that will fuel a passion known or yet to be known. #mnlead
A1 #mnlead. #socialstudies in Minnesota have so many standards. Many districts prioritize "power standards". Still, I want my students to understand & scaffold, so I rarely stay on a simple automatic 2-3 week unit & then "we must move on" attitude.
I still wonder how anyone could think that having so many standards is a good thing. For most teachers all those standards are overwhelming. Feeling overwhelmed is never a good thing. #MNLead
A1.2: I see standards a guide to what may be essential and developmental. What is most important is ORCHESTRATION of an experience that expects kids to learn and connects them through experience / front loading. Teacher must know where they are going and why... #mnlead
A2 In some ways I do think the 3 Rs are essential-Reading, Writing and Math Skills. As well as Communications Skills and knowing how to ask questions and discover the answers to them. #MNLead
And life skills that help students “learn how to learn” for themselves. The greatest skill we can teach is that that helps students learn on their own. #mnlead
A2 The ability to communicate clearly, think creatively and critically, collaborate with peers, demonstrate flexibility, analyze and synthesize information, and display empathy. #mnlead
Right, most districts do some version of Power Standards, but if each district chooses different ones then what's the point of having all those standards. Why not just have Power Standards for the state standards? #MNLead
A2-
1. Kindness
2. Compassion
3. Respect
4. Organization
5. Time management
6. Love of learning.
7. Lots of other things that aren’t on a test. #mnlead
Q2 #mnlead Critical thinking and analytical skills top my priorities. I want/ expect students to look at things from multiple perspectives. When they can see another's POV, it becomes easier to have a discussion that can lead to understanding &/or debate.
#openminded
A2 We have to make sure we teach students the Tier 1 Social and Emotional skills/ expectations to play the game of school! Sometime we set our students up for failure when we don’t set the foundation skills. #MNLead
A2. I believe it is essential to teach Ss how to be kind, compassionate, empathetic and to have a heart to serve others. We should be building up human beings that will positively impact the world. #MNLead
A2. Understanding/ creating a message through verbal, reading, written; problem solving, number/spatial sense. And “soft” skills like perseverance. #mnlead
This is so important, @Craig_SPPS. Schools must ensure that this baseline is covered. It’s part of the baseline of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Not much learning happens without them. #mnlead
A2: This is a tough one, but I'll start with:
Community
Empathy
Purpose
Communication
Perseverance
Creativity
Collaboration
Kindness
All in no particular order. I hire talent not for what you have done, but for what you might be able to do in the future. #mnlead
A2– essentials skills include the ability to problem solve, persevere, communicate, be independent and work in a team...in addition to the academic content. #mnlead
Q2 #mnlead Critical thinking and analytical skills top my priorities. I want/ expect students to look at things from multiple perspectives. When they can see another's POV, it becomes easier to have a discussion that can lead to understanding &/or debate.
#openminded
OK, I have to be honest here, seeing what most people are sharing as essentials for Ss to learn. If you child went to school and didn't learn how to read and write or do math, how would you feel about that? Because many of you don't have that on your lists. #MNLead
Yup. It's the slippery slope.
Context, especially in #socialstudies, is critical. We often get bogged down by a standard, stand or benchmark in order to check off a box. How do events relate to other events and influence society? That should be the main concept. #mnlead
Kory, participants tonight are more from secondary school positions. The foundation for those high-level thinking skills is rooted in literacy, numeracy, curiosity, and SEL. #mnlead
OK, I have to be honest here, seeing what most people are sharing as essentials for Ss to learn. If you child went to school and didn't learn how to read and write or do math, how would you feel about that? Because many of you don't have that on your lists. #MNLead
A2. We can arm our kids with the ability to communicate, write, read, collaborate, innovate and to love learning...but if we don’t develop their character, you’ll just end up with really talented people who are selfish and live for themselves. #MNLead
Q3 An important part of essentialism is saying “no” more often. What things are we currently doing in public education that we should consider stopping? #mnlead
A2.1: Non-fiction writing is the most important skill for any student. If you can explain your thoughts in text you understand the concepts! Writing is ESSENTIAL!
#mnlead
Could not agree more, Craig. This creates the foundation for the higher-level thinking skills that @MarkJWestpfahl and others are prioritizing. #mnlead
A2.1: Non-fiction writing is the most important skill for any student. If you can explain your thoughts in text you understand the concepts! Writing is ESSENTIAL!
#mnlead
A3 #mnlead
Standardized testing simply for $$$ from state & federal govt. We are dependent on it. We are intimidated by it. There is a point to testing, but it needs to have a clear objective & easy way to use it for growth. Not always the case in most instances. @EducationMN
A1: in order to prioritize, w have to know our students and their needs. If we don’t know ~ then why are we doing what we’re doing? #mnlead#LoveLiteracyLearning
A3: We are rethinking how we go about student recognition. So much of the current system recognizes the "royal family". So long to things like honor roll, perfect attendance, no late work, etc. We will still honor and recognize, but in a different way that is personal. #mnlead
So then what becomes the priority the standards or the essentials? If a part of essentialism is "putting first what's first" Then which one comes first? How to we have less on our plate then? #MNLead
A2: This is a tough one, but I'll start with:
Community
Empathy
Purpose
Communication
Perseverance
Creativity
Collaboration
Kindness
All in no particular order. I hire talent not for what you have done, but for what you might be able to do in the future. #mnlead
A2: This is a tough one, but I'll start with:
Community
Empathy
Purpose
Communication
Perseverance
Creativity
Collaboration
Kindness
All in no particular order. I hire talent not for what you have done, but for what you might be able to do in the future. #mnlead
I agree, but a think part of tonight's chat is about helping us all not have such full plates, it kind of feels like our plate is now even more full with having to teach both the academics as well as all these other skills people have mentioned. #MNLead
A3: STOP anything you don't believe will make a difference for students. In my world we don't use extrinsic rewards (Carrots), the buddy room (kid jail), or punishment / consequence that is not 100% logical. #mnlead
We use non-fiction writing a LOT in my #CHCougars class! Journalists from the 1933 #DustBowlDiaries perspective, letters to and from Lincoln, letters from Eleanor Roosevelt, newspaper reporters during #CivilWar, letters to President Truman, etc. #mnlead
A2: Literacy instruction unlocks so many possibilities in all other content areas. It’s also important to learn how to be a good human being. #mnlead#LoveLiteracyLearning
A3: We are rethinking how we go about student recognition. So much of the current system recognizes the "royal family". So long to things like honor roll, perfect attendance, no late work, etc. We will still honor and recognize, but in a different way that is personal. #mnlead
Kory…I see these fitting together. Looking at both academics and pedagogy/skills. Removing things from both sides of the table moves us in the right direction. #mnlead
I agree, but a think part of tonight's chat is about helping us all not have such full plates, it kind of feels like our plate is now even more full with having to teach both the academics as well as all these other skills people have mentioned. #MNLead
A3–the fear of no. We know that “no” should be easily said when it’s not in the best interests of students...education as a whole. No requires creativity for alternatives. No requires vulnerability & passion to see things through (because then you can say yes!) #mnlead
Q3 An important part of essentialism is saying “no” more often. What things are we currently doing in public education that we should consider stopping? #mnlead
This is where we run into a bit of trouble. We have some great thoughts, but few that are talking about eliminating something specific from what we do each day. It’s tougher to lessen the load than we think! #mnlead
Yes, of course! I guess in my mind the building relationships/character pieces are the automatic piece, that for me, those don't really fill my plate, but for others they might feel like all of the character stuff has to be added on top of the content stuff. #MNLead
We created a system where tenured teachers on the eval cycle could shift away from 3 formal observations to a cafe menu of options that included student surveys, personalized learning look fors, blogging, and more. #mnlead
This is where we run into a bit of trouble. We have some great thoughts, but few that are talking about eliminating something specific from what we do each day. It’s tougher to lessen the load than we think! #mnlead
A3 I think we need to have less standards. No more than 10 per content area. I'm speaking as an elementary teacher, so not sure how others would feel about that. #MNLead
We created a system where tenured teachers on the eval cycle could shift away from 3 formal observations to a cafe menu of options that included student surveys, personalized learning look fors, blogging, and more. #mnlead
This is where we run into a bit of trouble. We have some great thoughts, but few that are talking about eliminating something specific from what we do each day. It’s tougher to lessen the load than we think! #mnlead
A3 I think we need to have less standards. No more than 10 per content area. I'm speaking as an elementary teacher, so not sure how others would feel about that. #MNLead
But as @korytellers & I pointed out, ot doesn't always measure us against strategies used, especially if teachers are focused on different aspects of standards. Also doesn't usually take into consideration all the limiting factors. #mnlead
In reply to
@Craig_SPPS, @EducationMN, @korytellers
Yup, I get all that and am a firm believer in that. But, if we are talking about what are the essentials our students need to learn during the school day I would have to believe academic skills also need to be on the list. #MNLead
That's why I'm in favor of different sorts of testing that are not always high stakes. Testing that can be used in PLCs to develop strategies designed for tailored student success is much better than "we aren't as good as (fol in black school district)" #mnlead
In reply to
@Craig_SPPS, @EducationMN, @korytellers
Absolutely. They blend together. And we need to be willing to prioritize the skills and academics that lead to the best long-term results for students. #mnlead
Yup, I get all that and am a firm believer in that. But, if we are talking about what are the essentials our students need to learn during the school day I would have to believe academic skills also need to be on the list. #MNLead
Q3 We have SWIS for the behavior data and use it with staff to compare the data with last years. Teachers are using Flexible Grouping across the grade level and comparing chapter assessments during PLC time. If you have a TIER 1 problem you have to address it! #MNLead
A3: the amount of testing is beyond overwhelming- for the students and teachers. There has to be a way. Ss are b omg tested daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly. #mnlead#LoveLiteracyLearning
I like this…focusing on using data to help determine if something works and then making modifications if it does not. We do not have time for ineffective practice! #mnlead
Q3 We have SWIS for the behavior data and use it with staff to compare the data with last years. Teachers are using Flexible Grouping across the grade level and comparing chapter assessments during PLC time. If you have a TIER 1 problem you have to address it! #MNLead
Q4 Situation: Your school says it is sunsetting a program you think is important to help the organization focus on less things. How do you handle this with parents? #mnlead
A2: Literacy instruction unlocks so many possibilities in all other content areas. It’s also important to learn how to be a good human being. #mnlead#LoveLiteracyLearning
This year I have heard more stories about kids being stressed out, crying, worried for their teacher (because if the Ss don't do well on the test, that can affect the teacher's job) during MCA testing. #MNLead
A3Bonus: we analyze data during our weekly collaborative plannings and especially at the end of each quarter to determine strengths/weaknesses. Based on the analysis, we implement interventions & extension opportunities as needed. #mnlead#LoveLiteracyLearning
As much as we talk about communicating the WHY, we seem to have a hard time doing it effectively, especially with parents and the community. Sometimes our “inside baseball” in education is our greatest hurdle. #mnlead
A4– communication is huge. Be transparent and be honest. Share why it IS good. Share why there are changes planned. Ask for feedback along the way. Both sides need to be open minded and expect that there will need to be a few tweaks along the way. #mnlead
Q4 Situation: Your school says it is sunsetting a program you think is important to help the organization focus on less things. How do you handle this with parents? #mnlead
A4: Everything is a school is an opportunity and has a cost. When you eliminate an opportunity we need to let people know how we will cover the cost. Focus on the positive and the opportunity in the savings... #mnlead
And I think that truth includes that we only have so much time in the instructional day. We won’t be able to sustain high quality for long without letting some things go. #mnlead
A4: Everything is a school is an opportunity and has a cost. When you eliminate an opportunity we need to let people know how we will cover the cost. Focus on the positive and the opportunity in the savings... #mnlead
A4 #mnlead I'm also hoping to learn more too. We are just starting to grow our AVID and WEB programs and I think it would be a big loss if the programs weren't there. But, ot still doesn't stop teachers from using effective elements to build similar desired outcomes.
In reply to
@KelseySchu2, @mahillmann, @barbersclass
That is hard. Making organizational decisions can yield individual disagreement. And, yet, if we don’t make them we keep going further down the rabbit hole of unsustainability. #mnlead
A4 #mnlead I think the biggest element is open communication and transparency. When the things exist & are not just a one-way channel, it's easier to rebound & implement new/different opportunities that can enhance student success. Right @RyanVernosh?
A4: Everything is a school is an opportunity and has a cost. When you eliminate an opportunity we need to let people know how we will cover the cost. Focus on the positive and the opportunity in the savings... #mnlead
Q5 Essentialism is more about being intentional in saying “yes” than it is in saying “no.” What measuring stick will you use to determine embracing something new for your students? #mnlead
As much as we talk about communicating the WHY, we seem to have a hard time doing it effectively, especially with parents and the community. Sometimes our “inside baseball” in education is our greatest hurdle. #mnlead
A4.2: At the outset be prepared for the squeaky wheels. The loudest voices don't often capture serving the common good for all. In fact, rarely does it. #mnlead
A4: I think the most important thing is to maintain open communication, be honest, be transparent. When stakeholders know that you are willing to explain each step of the way, they will be more supportive of new programs/initiatives. #mnlead#LoveLiteracyLearning
A4: I think the most important thing is to maintain open communication, be honest, be transparent. When stakeholders know that you are willing to explain each step of the way, they will be more supportive of new programs/initiatives. #mnlead#LoveLiteracyLearning
A5 #mnlead Have a clear set of objectives. Document the good AND the bad. Seek input. reflect.
The measuring stick is often a moving goal post, but as long as short, mid-range & long tem goals are clear, it is easier to see if something is successful or in need of modifications.
A5: Embrace those that dare to do something different. To start I don't worry about the outcome because nothing great was every accomplished by fearing the possibility of failure. Adapting and adjusting is a normal part of innovation. #mnlead
Yes! Acknowledge concerns. Share those concerns with others too. All too often, we try to shelter the concerns that don't fit our own narrative. But those concerns can be very helpful in finding a new path towards the same goals. #mnlead
A5– I’m not sure I have an easy answer. It needs to be “good for Ss.” How is that measured? Student surveys, academic successes, growth... “If it’s something you’d do for you own child...” Focus on the goals of students, be deliberate, change your lens. #mnlead
Q5 Essentialism is more about being intentional in saying “yes” than it is in saying “no.” What measuring stick will you use to determine embracing something new for your students? #mnlead
Great chat tonight! Family calls! Have a great week, THANK YOU to TEACHERS during teacher appreciation week! Goodnight! Thanks @mahillmann for hosting #mnlead
A5: be observant- watch them, listen to them, talk to them, ask them questions. Not all learning/results are demonstrated on paper. When you have your results, reflect on what you’re going to do about it. #mnlead#LoveLiteracyLearning
A5: Embrace those that dare to do something different. To start I don't worry about the outcome because nothing great was every accomplished by fearing the possibility of failure. Adapting and adjusting is a normal part of innovation. #mnlead
A5: Take risks and be willing to make modifications in order for all students to have an opportunity at becoming successful!
@barbersclass#barbersclass#mnlead
CTA: We'll be tearing down walls and creating a flexible student learning area that doesn't yet have complete adult buy in because in the end, it supports what we are after in our strategic plan. #mnlead#getafterit
Thanks to all #mnlead’rs tonight and for @mahillmann for leading the charge. Great discussions, challenging of ideas, and a chance to reflect on our own practices. Continue to appreciate this PLN! 💙Have a great week!
