This is the official Twitter account for #OklaEd, thehashtag that brings OK educators together. #OklaEd is not political & promotes constructive dialogue.
If the struggle in Oklahoma is not to be defeated, teachers must elect rank-and-file committees in every school and community, not to “lobby” the politicians, but to mobilize the broadest support in the working class https://t.co/8VUzrt5cKF
I am going to say that I have taught students working through an ACE. But probably wasn’t aware of every single instance with every single student. #oklaed
A1) Given I work w/a very diverse population, I probably have a lot of experience. I just don’t know how you define Adverse Childhood Experiences. Can you help me out? #Oklaed
I know you get this alot and I told you again when you came to my school to give me the best award ever! Just wanted you to know I so appreciate your dedication to #Oklaed
A1 - Never heard the term before this question, but I have students every single day that are working through traumatic experiences on a daily basis #oklaed
A1. As PD...very little training. BUT working with students who have a high ACE score is reality...such a need for understanding and compassion #oklaed
Deborah joining from Tulsa. #OklaEd Hi all! What an amazing time to be an educator in Oklahoma. I'm filled with optimism and awed by your leadership and strength!
A1 - I have worked with Ss who have experienced ACEs for sure. I’ve never received any special PD. I simply try to make my classroom a safe space and build relationships w/Ss that are consistent, safe, and encouraging. #OklaEd
A1: As a former school counselor and principal, lots of experiences with students who experienced ACES. Biggest blessing were great community partnerships to wrap around students. #OklaEd
A2: They don't trust easily, which kind of makes sense if the people who are supposed to care for them do not. They often miss school a lot and don't want to talk about it. #oklaed
A2: I hadn't thought about this until our convo. I was simply thinking Maslow's and assumed our mountain was just going to be higher than other student's mountains. #oklaed
A1: In Mid-Del we know our challenges, but working to become Trauma Informed Schools is changing our conversations. It fits with the work we have done in establishing an effective RTI system. It's our next step to serving our students well. #oklaed
Almost time for my first day back to school since #OklahomaTeachersWalkout. 😬 While I am still disappointed that more was not accomplished, I saw so many Ss begin to advocate for themselves, their Ts, and #oklaed. And I will be happy to see them again in the halls tomorrow. 🍎✊
A1: I'm sure at some point I've had some PD but mostly I make my room a place where my kids are protected and expected to excel, I take care of my babies... #oklaed
Maslow's is an important point when talking about trauma... if Ss don't have basic needs met they will never move up the pyramid to sections like self-esteem and actualization #oklaed
Q2: Is What do you see from children who have high ACE scores? How can you tell a student is in “fight, flight or freeze” and is unable to process new concepts/learn? #Oklaed
A2 - They have walls up and have a hard time trusting adults. A lot of time there is anger and behavior issues. I learned early on when a student acts out, it is almost never about me. #OklaEd
A2 They often can't focus, are easily distracted, and sometimes give up easily. Some teachers think they're lazy, but if you'll encourage them, and don't give up, they'll live up to what they are capable of. #oklaed
A2: S’s Typically withdrawn from the educational environment either by dress or by response to communication. Something has made them feel unsafe, and engagement is a no go, let alone, processing new content. #OklaEd 😢
I am having a hard time answering them. Didn’t even know this stuff could be scored. I feel so out of the loop and I rarely feel out of the loop. I LIKE IT! #Oklaed
A2) It all starts with knowledge of your students. When you know their background, their obstacles, and them as more than a face in the room - deciphering problems becomes much easier - solutions take longer #oklaed
A3 I ask them what I can do to help them, I talk to them privately in the hallway, and I try to avoid pulling in administration as much as possible. I tell them I don't want them to be in trouble. I want to help them succeed in my class, and in life. #oklaed
A2: Even some of our students whom you wouldn't expect to have challenges, I have seen vacant stares instead of engagement. I've seen times of checking out and not caring about being awesome. #oklaed
I am having a hard time answering them. Didn’t even know this stuff could be scored. I feel so out of the loop and I rarely feel out of the loop. I LIKE IT! #Oklaed
A3 I ask them what I can do to help them, I talk to them privately in the hallway, and I try to avoid pulling in administration as much as possible. I tell them I don't want them to be in trouble. I want to help them succeed in my class, and in life. #oklaed
It is @KristinAtchley and @thestephhinton. One is posting the questions while the other is giving information. They have a mountain in the background image. They are going DEEP #oklaed
In reply to
@andredaughty, @KristinAtchley, @thestephhinton
A2b: I also have a few strict rules that I do not allow Ss to break, which helps them understand the impulses they must control and where the lines are that they cannot cross. #oklaed
A2: I think by building relationships with your kids, it's easier to be in tune with them when they are feeling stressed or unable to function. #oklaed
A2: I think a student is in fight if their face is angry and nothing occurred. Flight does’t come to school. Freeze is a mix of being a comedian or complete quiet. I could be wrong. New to this :) #Oklaed
It is @KristinAtchley and @thestephhinton. One is posting the questions while the other is giving information. They have a mountain in the background image. They are going DEEP #oklaed
In reply to
@andredaughty, @KristinAtchley, @thestephhinton
It's so important for #oklaed to make an appearance at the Capitol tomorrow. I can't wait to be there and show that we are not finished. Just because the Walkout has ended, we are still here. We are not going away as long as you are in session. Make us want to vote 4 U!
I think it is vital to ask them to tell you about themselves immediately. This is what I do on the first day of school. One of the things I ask is what do they want me to know that might be bothering them. Gotta read and follow up for it to be complete #oklaed
A3 I think sketchnoting requires a lot of prefrontal cortex brain exercise. Don’t have the research on this, but it seems to encourage deep processing that makes learning more “durable” & “sticky” https://t.co/99QXA95G6N#oklaed#create2learn
A4: We are always looking for ways to "serve others". This is a motto...but if they are looking for ways to serve each other, then they are building relationships. #oklaed
A2b: We have to remember that we also have adults in our schools who live with the effects of adverse childhood experiences. We must be ready to meet their needs which will be understood in a different way once we begin the conversation and use the ACEs. #oklaed
As a former principal, it is also incumbent on building admin to develop similar relationships. Involving admin shouldn’t always be seen as getting the kids in trouble. #oklaed
A4 I connect with them on social media, primarily twitter. I go to their events. I talk to them if I saw them around town. I get to know their interests. I let them know some of mine. Basically a build a relationship. #oklaed
A3: trying to implement reflection about their learning more this year. Glad with my commitment to it. Need to work on its consistency and flow. #oklaed
A3 Discuss the why behind expectations and decisions. Help them plan how a task will be completed...meet them where they are and grow from there. #oklaed
A4) I often think that it is harder for teachers to help Ss build relationships btwn one another. Can be as simple as having a S be the door greeter for the class in the am #oklaed
A4 - I start my yr by refusing to ask former Ts about Ss. I want them to have a blank slate in my classroom. Next, I learn their stories (writing activity), share my story, and then I stay consistent. I own up to mistakes when necessary. #OklaEd
A4: Each class probably has a different personality, we need to be flexible enough to teach the way each class learns. Every hour shouldn’t necessarily look the same. #oklaed
"We teachers started this movement, so we will be the ones to end it" - Some teachers returned to the Capitol on Friday, despite the call from OEA to end the walkout. #oklaedhttps://t.co/ghsBvY66E2
A4: As a principal and counselor, I enjoyed attending Ss extracurricular activities. Helped build relationships around what they were passionate about. #oklaed
A4: As a principal and counselor, I enjoyed attending Ss extracurricular activities. Helped build relationships around what they were passionate about. #oklaed
A4 I have Ss complete quickwrites every day and share them with their groups & sometimes the class. We also have Socratic Seminars and class discussions. #oklaed
A4) The room: how it’s set up determines how much you can maximize connections. Are their places for conversations? Where do I spend most of my tome in the room? How easy do I make it for students to confer? #oklaed
A5: I have conferences when the parents can, versus on a scheduled day and time. I will talk to some one or twice a week to keep all looped in. #oklaed
A4) The room: how it’s set up determines how much you can maximize connections. Are their places for conversations? Where do I spend most of my tome in the room? How easy do I make it for students to confer? #oklaed
The moderators for tonight is @thestephhinton and @KristinAtchley. Maybe if you check their feeds directly you can see. I will also try and post the questions again without the image they are using. I am seeing them fine in tweetdeck. #Oklaed
In reply to
@ShelbyJr3, @vperezy, @thestephhinton, @KristinAtchley
A) getting students out if cars in the morning - looking for those that need an intervention that day, talking with students (outside of the office), conferencing with teachers about who needs the extra TLC. #oklaed
A3: We learn the parts of our brain the 2nd week of school so that they know how and why we need to activate each one (prefrontal, motor etc) For prefrontal we discuss decision making, choices, we practice right way/wrong way, and choosing to focus #WholeBrainTeaching#oklaed
A4 I love how @sfryer uses class meetings to build classroom community & supportive relationships with and among her 3rd graders. @seesaw can be used to build both too! https://t.co/ta1Op54PlN#oklaed
A4 Establish a community of respect, safety, and acceptance. Ss know that their action affect others...they also know that we are all learning and growing in our own way. #oklaed
A5: Community connections and collaboration -truly working together- were the best ways I found to help provide those services to students and families. It's not just what can a community agency do for our students but what could WE do for our Ss working together #oklaed
A4) In Middle School it’s important for teachers to attend sporting events, musicals, concerts and let the students know it was enjoyed. I believe that’s a way to build a safe relationship. #oklaed
Hello Everyone! Not sure why questions are only showing for some. Please RT any questions you see in the feed.
All accounts are public so... 👩🏻💻🤷🏻♀️ #oklaed
A4: Student 2 Student for military kids who are affected by frequent moves. One school had teachers look at rosters of kids' names and list what activities those kids were involved with. If a student had 0, the teachers knew who to connect with for helping them plug in. #Oklaed
For those of you who can’t see :). Q5 is What strategies are you using that involve the whole family? Does your school provide any wrap-around services to families? #oklaed
#oklaed A4 If we don’t know our kids, we don’t notice changes in behaviors, attitude, or personal care. Takes everyone...cooks, custodians, Ts, and Admin.
A5: I agree with @TeachFromHere again. We have some partnerships but could use a lot more. However, I often think we forget that extracurricular activities is a way to wrap-around a child. Just need more than the traditional ones #oklaed
A5- I send out emails to parents letting them know what is going on, but parent engagement in my school has been hard. We have plenty of parents who work 2 & 3 jobs just to make ends meet. We are working on ideas to engage parents more next year! #OklaEd
A3:We learn the parts of our brain the 2nd wk of school so that they know how and why we need to activate each one(prefrontal, motor etc)For prefrontal we discuss decision making, choices, we practice right way/wrong way, &choosing to focus #WholeBrainTeaching#oklaed#pdbearchat
A4. I do my best to make students use each other’s names when they address one another. It seems like a simple thing, but it makes a big difference in the tone of class conversation. #oklaed
A5 We are offering evening “Parent University” sessions that focus on digital citizenship #DigCit conversations, with parents as well as students. These have been well received & are ongoing. Details on: https://t.co/ApzAC1hzB0#OklaEd
I know that and you know that. But a student who has been a frequent flier in the office often does not see that. If they know I am not going to send them up at the tiniest infraction, that can be one of the building blocks of trust. #oklaed
That feeling you get when you quickly check your feed and realize that it's time for #oklaed chat, and you don't have the spare time to participate. #Illbebackoneday
1) Added 3 counselors specific to addressing mental health issues. They travel between the HS and JHs. 2) monitoring student cloud documents providing analytics to monitor potential issues/concerns. #oklaed
When you were trying to educate the whole child, this includes bringing the family and it’s dynamic into the conversation. School should be seen as a safe harbor for both students and families, as well as a place for assistance and help when needed! #oklaed
@thestephhinton shared a great message: Sponsor a “family pictures” event either at one of your parent events or within the first few days of school. Post the pictures of students and their families in the classroom. Discuss appreciation of diversity #Oklaed
#oklaed A5 When a P enrolls a student and relates a concern we try to connect them with available resources immediately. Counseling, systems of care, etc. Builds trust and a sense that the school really cares.
A4. I do my best to make students use each other’s names when they address one another. It seems like a simple thing, but it makes a big difference in the tone of class conversation. #oklaed
A6 The work is never done. What we would then do is shift to resolving lower level ACEs because there will always be Ss struggling with them to some degree #oklaed
I agree with that. I am also saying is it’s part of our role to being them together so they can see each other beyond discipline. Too many of our students can’t see it on their own due to previous experience. #oklaed
This isn’t an answer to a question because I’m not sure what’s going on. I’ve decided to try to reply to what I can figure out. To better serve our community, we have a food pantry for families of our students. #oklaed
Teachers returning to work tomorrow might I suggest you make a BIG DEAL out of your parents at drop off. Hold signs, welcome your car rider children, greet bus riders, etc. Make it a HUGE DEAL that your Ss are there!!! #Oklaed Just a suggestion.
Have you tried @seesaw? We continue to see more parent engagement and involvement with posts our teachers share there than on any other digital platform I’ve seen. All our Pre-K through 4th grade teachers are using it with students #oklaed
This isn’t an answer to a question because I’m not sure what’s going on. I’ve decided to try to reply to what I can figure out. To better serve our community, we have a food pantry for families of our students. #oklaed
I use it for behavior mgmt and communication but I’m at elem level. However it might be good just for parent contact and parents can translate the information #oklaed
A4: #oklaed We chime in with “you’re still cool” if someone messes up (shows we all make mistakes)kids can call out “help meeeee” if they need to when called upon and kids rush over to help🤓, we cheer success w/kids standing on our little class stage*respect is key! #pdbearchat
Walk laps with your students so you have time to visit w/them, or else have a morning meeting. Do something to allow time to catch up and take an interest in their last 2 weeks. #oklaed
A6- I bet if we invested more in social services and education we could dramatically reduce ACEs. We would see more students w/the ability to dream and hope for the future. That would help completely shift the culture in some buildings. #OklaEd
I agree with that. I do see it as my role when a student is complaining about an office visit, or if I have to send one, that our admins care about them, too. It's about tough love at that point. #oklaed
On the #oklaed chat - (8-9pm) Talking about our students with high ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and how to best meet their needs in Oklahoma classrooms/schools. Led by @KristinAtchley on our team at @oksde
In reply to
@Mr_joshuaD, @OklaEd, @ToddWhitaker, @KristinAtchley, @oksde
A6: I like this thought! Fewer Ss stuck in flight, fight or freeze. Like Maslow...basic needs have to be met first before learning can occur. Same with ACES. Less trauma, more ability to use full brain for learning. #oklaed
#oklaed A5 Ts are key to making Admin aware of concerns. So proud of staff for building a culture that watches for students with ACEs and addresses needs.
Admin has to take time to get to know these kids more deeply. Its tough and time consuming, but its makes a difference. part steps for frequent flyers should be to talk to counselors. #oklaed
A7 What some call resilient my wife calls stubborn. I have a tendency to not give up and bounce back from setbacks. I realize that I can't please everyone, just need to keep growing and improving. #oklaed
Whatever you do don't be 100% focused on preparing for the TEST! Be 100% focused on your STUDENT and what they have been doing the last 2 weeks! Listen...and engage.... Test Smest... who cares?! #Oklaed
A7: I recently finished treatment for Breast Cancer, and I shared the experience with my Ss, we connected and I told them it's not what life deals you but how you respond to it, I'm not a survivor, I'm a fighter and I'm modeling that for my kids #oklaed#positivevibes#blessed
A5: #oklaed We have a class Facebook acct & show class activities, pictures &videos (get consent forms at open house) have class Instagram acct too. Parents love seeing what’s going on in class, &way more involved bc they see it! &letters home to celebrate kids often #pdbearchat
A7: I just try to be better today than I was yesterday. Model expectations, this includes apologizing when needed....even adults make mistakes. Show up everyday with a servant attitude ready to learn. #oklaed
A3:We learn the parts of our brain the 2nd wk of school so that they know how and why we need to activate each one(prefrontal, motor etc)For prefrontal we discuss decision making, choices, we practice right way/wrong way, &choosing to focus #WholeBrainTeaching#oklaed#pdbearchat
A7: I am resilient as a combination of my past and my current reality. Foundation of faith, prayer, networks of family, co-workers, church, relationships in the community. I believe that resilience is difficult when one tries everything solo. Build connections for kids. #Oklaed
A7- I think the adversity I’ve faced in my life has made me resilient. Plus, I’m stubborn as all get out and refuse to quit. I think my Ss see that. Unfortunately (or not)for them, I will not give up on them and will not stop fighting for them. There is too much at stake. #OklaEd
Oh, so true!
“Everyone who remembers his own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the heart of the educational system.”
#oklaed@oksde@pastors4OKkids
A8: I have very high expectations, and let's face it AP Bio is HARD. But when WE fail, we try again, we redo what we can and we face it together. Failer leads to strength #oklaed
A7) (guessing at what the question was) The number one thing that you must have been dealing with kids is authenticity. You have to be real, your caring and interest has to be real, and your desire to help them as to be real. #oklaed
A8: You listen to their story, and look for opportunities to make something positive happen for them. Big or small it doesn’t matter, help them believe in themselves. #oklaed
A7: It’s about having grit and”stickwithitness” Understanding that perseverance is long-suffering for the desired outcome. With students helping them relate their world and experiences to those that have come before us.
There really is nothing new under the sun.
#oklaed
A7: It’s about having grit and”stickwithitness” Understanding that perseverance is long-suffering for the desired outcome. With students helping them relate their world and experiences to those that have come before us.There really is nothing new under the sun. #oklaed
A7 Resiliency & wellness are both things I am working on, but it is a constant struggle. Morning quiet time, regular exercise, & professional / work boundaries are all important. This book is a helpful guide & encouragement:
https://t.co/kQa6v4AzJF
s/o @gregorymckeown#OklaEd
I think it goes deeper than that for those with trauma. It may build "character" but working through these events is tough for an adult, I can't even imagine for a kiddo. I don't know if I would tell any one that their experience will build their "character.". #oklaed
A7 It is much easier to work with Ss suffering in areas that you personally understand. Divorce and absent parent, etc may be areas I can relate to, but others take more empathy and assistance because of lack of first hand knowledge #oklaed
While we are at it.. this is the month of the #militarychild#oklaed If you see or know one, thank them. They see trauma everytime their parent/loved one deploys.
Resiliency is a characteristic that we must develop in all students. Without it, their education, their future , their everything can be at risk! #oklaed
Please do! Use any or all of the resources on #DigCit you find on https://t.co/QkAdGyER1l - I’m hopeful we may host an EdCamp focused on digital citizenship in the next year... Let me know if you have any questions or I can assist you in those efforts! #OklaEd
A8 - I do multiple activities to help Ss develop empathy for each other. I truly believe that is where resilience starts, relationships develop, and perspectives change. #OklaEd
I’ve been thinking the same all evening, @ebarnes73 One of the things #oklaed Ts know well is how to be resilient in face of poverty, drug abuse, child abuse, low birthweight, migrant and neglected, apathy, etc.
A7. I find resiliency through surviving tough experiences. It makes it easier to take the rest of life in stride. Unfortunately, our kids don’t have the breadth of experiences to compare their current crisis. #oklaed
Q7: #oklaed Itry to help them be resilient helping them find their strengths so that they can take pride in themselves. We do individual goals rather than competing against each other and celebrate each student when they meet that goal. Also, keeping a sense of humor #pdbearchat
Yes indeed, that’s why I love the concept and practice of #essentialism. I am definitely not where I want to be with this, but it is an ongoing journey...
#wellness#resiliency#digcit#oklaed
I think Ss have #resilience - especially younger Ss. Kids have that inherent within their person - it is like something genetic. Sometimes Ss need 🍎Ts to remember that when - 🍎Ts deal with problems kids have. #OklaEd
Q8: #oklaed Itry to help them be resilient helping them find their strengths so that they can take pride in themselves. We do individual goals rather than competing against each other and celebrate each student when they meet that goal. Also, keeping a sense of humor #pdbearchat
A9 - I’m not sure about a specific PD, but I know I need constant reminder to take care of myself. We take on our Ss trauma and if we don’t take care of ourselves, we will not be able to respond effectively. #OklaEd
@sfryer is a great resource on using @seesaw with students in the classroom, and specifically in building classroom community, so reach out to her if you have questions about this! #oklaed
In reply to
@Biobellrocks, @Seesaw, @sfryer, @Seesaw
A9 - I’m not sure about a specific PD, but I know I need constant reminder to take care of myself. We take on our Ss trauma and if we don’t take care of ourselves, we will not be able to respond effectively. #OklaEd
To me it is about time and numbers. I have too many students I need to see each day and there’s never enough time to talk one on one with students. A lot of my ELLs are coming from Puerto Rico and are coming with trauma related behaviors #OklaEd
Walk laps with your students so you have time to visit w/them, or else have a morning meeting. Do something to allow time to catch up and take an interest in their last 2 weeks. #oklaed
I try to offer advice to unmotivated. Its such a long hard COSTLY road if you change your mind and want an education. Prefrontal cortex isnt developed enough to make that decision. #oklaed
Q9. I want PD on everything we’ve talked about tonight! This was a completely new acronym to me. I know I’ve had students experiencing trauma, but I had no idea there was this much information out there! #oklaed
A9 When working with Ss that have experienced trauma we quickly become drained from the effort. Finding more ways to recharge after and during such occurrences is vital. #oklaed
A7: #oklaed I become more resilient every time I do something I was afraid to do, I usually find out all my worrying was really a huge waste of time! I share things I’ve been nervous to do with the kids so they can see there is hope and we can help each other! #pdbearchat
One of the key ideas of #essentialism is that we define & protect our own “boundaries” in the conversations we have with others, & the strategic ways we use the word “no” - It’s much easier said than done, but oh so important... #oklaed
