Welcome to #saskedchat! Tonight we're exploring The Inclusive Classroom! Thanks to @LannySaretsky for the topic suggestion and to everyone who gave suggestions for tonight's questions!
We are really happy you have decided to join #saskedchat this evening. Please take a moment to introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your teaching.
Love the inclusive school/classroom! Not always easy but always worth it. Heck, it’s how I came up with my mental wellness rules/rant: https://t.co/LWKNFjEXOP#saskedchat
Please take a moment to add your ideas for topics for upcoming #saskedchat exploration! As we prepare each week, these ideas help us to know what you would like to explore! https://t.co/llmmD3ZgNI
A1 an inclusive classroom is ready to meet students when/as they are ready (my bias is towards personalized learning journeys for all and thematic approaches) ie not everyone needs to do same work #saskedchat
A1. Inclusive meaning all Ss have an equitable opportunity. All Ss no matter their race, religion, gender, disability, or other unique difference have an opportunity to be successful. Inclusive meaning we include their strengths and capitalize on them. #saskedchat
A1: I feel confident that theoretically I could handle anything, but actually have real students that need extra support, and designing a classroom around them feels more like trial and error. #saskedchat
A1: all students being part of the classroom, not just the learning but the display, and how you represent your classroom to the rest of the world #saskedchat
It’s why I prefer discussions around classroom complexity over class size. Who is in the community is more important than how many are in it. #saskedchat
A1. Do Ss have the tools and space to express what they have learned and show mastery of their learning targets in ways that represent their strengths and suggest paths to improvement.... #saskedchat
A1. I recently heard a speaker discuss “seeing color” and it relates to recognizing all differences. It makes great sense because if we can see each other’s differences we can better value them and plan in advance to celebrate them. #saskedchat
I agree! I think so many teachers don't see its purpose because they feel overwhelmed by the thought. Start slow, gain confidence, and go from there. It's worth a chance. #saskedchat
I mean could I handle 30 textbook perfect students, probably, is it way different when you add in behavior, physical, cultural, and academic needs. Absolutely! I wish that this was considered more when talking about "class size" #saskedchat
A2: This is where technology can really work it's magic. Small groups are possible with it! Create @screencastify videos for students who seem to "get it" easier and work 1-1 or in small groups with those who need the support. #saskedchat
A2: I have found it can be challenging. The best way to do it is getting to know your Ss. Also, with access to newer technologies, it is becoming easier to find different learning aids than just a textbook. #saskedchat
Please take a moment to add your ideas for topics for upcoming #saskedchat exploration! As we prepare each week, these ideas help us to know what you would like to explore! https://t.co/llmmD3ZgNI
Absolutely - teachers have grown to think that all change needs to be done ‘this year’ because next year will bring yet more! This is about changing teaching behaviours not worksheets or programs. #saskedchat
A2. It is a daily struggle and it often means changing things up on the fly. I rely on my independent learners a lot in my classroom and try to do as much small group work as possible. #saskedchat
A2: work with the students, admit when you have no idea what you are doing, and rock failure. talk out ideas with others in the school, parents, people on twitter. #saskedchat
A2. Although I feel I have plenty of tools to help many Ss as a teacher, a strong school division approach to RTI and supports has been of greater assistance than anything I can do to include all Ss on my own... thank and respect your LAT’s and EA’s! #saskedchat
A2 different depths for different learning. Personalized learning journeys archiving learning artifacts in efolios allows each learner to focus on working on what is meaningful. Not everyone needs to know all 206 bones...but some do...! #saskedchat
Powerful learning! Yet again, this is where it’s a growth over time and not a ‘switch the program’! Teachers have become so bandwagon weary they are thinking short term - get this done so I can get to teaching for the test! #saskedchat
Dr. Jay Marks was addressing how people say that we don’t see color when we have Ss of color. You could apply this to any difference a student might have. While the original intent was good, see and celebrate the “color” or whatever difference the child has. #saskedchat
Yes it does and it is so important for students to be allowed to use play for working through many ideas and learning how to solve problems! #saskedchat
A3: No such thing as having too much money and resources. but you and colleagues get really creative and think outside the box to make changes necessary. #saskedchat
A3: Increased demands on the teacher to reach each and every one of their diverse students. This often involves a heightened workload for the teacher. Politics and policies that don't support a practical inclusive classroom. #saskedchat
A3: In the beginning, it definitely can seem rather difficult. However, as time goes on, it gets easier. (Thus inclusive "practice".) Once incorporated, it helps create a room where Ss become more inclusive, and accepting of differences. #saskedchat
A3. I often feel like there just isn't enough of me to meet all of their needs. Technology and teaching students how to effectively use it has been so helpful. #saskedchat
A3 challenges are many. In full busy classroomswith many needs students can be lost and not get deserved time and attention. A solution can be careful planning, team teaching, using student support teams. #saskedchat
A3: I think most people feel overwhelmed by the choice and how to "grade it". When we focus on the feedback and being present during discussions, experiments, etc. it really is easier than grading every single thing! #saskedchat
A3 Time, more thought put into lessons and reflection. That being said it's worth it as it helps create a great classroom atmosphere where Ss learn and grow at their pace #saskedchat
A3. I often feel like there just isn't enough of me to meet all of their needs. Technology and teaching students how to effectively use it has been so helpful. #saskedchat
A3. Greatest challenge ... has been to understand and clearly track all Ss’ needs so that RTI can be effective and applied where it helps most... so often I feel I can’t help as there are many needs that require interventions. Chat often with admin and support Ts. #saskedchat
A3. It’s important to understand the cultures of our students. We need to work to be culturally responsive. #saskedchat
“We won’t know if we have equity if we don’t look for the inequities.”
- Dr. J. Marks
I think that any change in mindset will involve work - sometimes very hard and emotional work that can challenge us to our core and we need to be truthful with that and okay with working through the process for the betterment of everyone involved. #saskedchat
A4: Something I have never truly pondered. If I had to field a guess, I would say it has something to do with the fact that there are currently so few Ts of colour. Ss of colour don't see themselves represented, and think that education is not for them. #saskedchat
So true but that also involves a change in mindset about assessment and the place of grades vs feedback. These types of changes often require Ts to really make changes in many of their behaviours which can affect their efficacy about teaching #saskedchat
A4 much of schooling has traditionally skewed to a “caucasian” slant, so many of “us” found education comfortable (some of us didn’t whichbis why we are rabble-rousers”) why would marginalized learners want to be part of a system they didn’t connect with (change it!) #saskedchat
I definitely agree with that. Schools are seen as conveyors of knowledge. However, for so many years, the only knowledge being passed on was Euro-centric. #saskedchat
A4: More equal opportunities for students of color and visible minorities. Ex. Standardized testing often offers unfair advantages to Eurocentric students because of their cultural knowledge. #saskedchat
A4: I think that Canada is starting to diversify educators. It will be a process but the more diverse educators are the more change we will see in how education is viewed by society. #saskedchat
Q5. If we can’t get more people of colour to be teachers, how can we ensure that white teachers understand the needs of their students of colour? #saskedchat
A4: (Part 2) As for how to change that? Diversify knowledge. Incorporate more than just the "white" way of knowing, and have it so more students can connect to the lessons, and education. #saskedchat
A4. Most interesting aspect of this Q is that I hadn’t thought about it until asked... I can’t help but wonder how much my Ss notice ... so many Ss from all over the globe. I think that there are many great educators of colour among us. Encourage more... #saskedchat
A5 I’m proud that within my family, my principal-dad was named an honourary chief for his relationship building in our community and I am often discluded from some vents (not you Landy, you’re not really _____ <— usually an incorrect assumption anyway) #saskedchat
A5. Training provided to teachers to understand the value and need for cultural competency. The need for a new Mindset. An inclusive school is not for one month or one day. It’s who we become and who we are every day. #saskedchat
Very true. Some people are coming to terms with our part of colonizing and the effect it has had and the need to change what is happening. Definitely need to change it! #saskedchat
I defintely grew up eyerolling (gr6-12) when teachers said innocent ignorant statements like, “when our ancestors came here” or “they had polytheistic gods unlike us” #microaggression#saskedchat
A5: Encourage PDs related to diverse classrooms. Ensure that literature in the classroom is diverse. Ts need to not only see the need to accommodate their Ss of colour, but also to constantly try and improve their accommodations. #saskedchat
Please take a moment to add your ideas for topics for upcoming #saskedchat exploration! As we prepare each week, these ideas help us to know what you would like to explore! https://t.co/llmmD3ZgNI
Sorry everyone. Came late, now leaving early. Thursday nights are rough for me. Have to go fix my sons coveralls for work tomorrow. Have a great weekend! #saskedchat
I grew up integrated and would be pretty offended if a teacher thought i didn’t get the cultural references of my community. Colour=/=culture. #saskedchat
A6: I have a speech impediment, it took me a long time to learn to embrace it rather than be ashamed of it, and it took a while for people to get used to it. Also grew up in a small town so people just had to deal with it cause I am way too headstrong to be left out #saskedchat
A6 Teaching overseas and being the only 'foreign' T in a school. In general my co-workers were great to me by sometimes in the staffroom I couldn't keep up with the lang, cultural jokes, etc. It was a great lesson for me living here now #saskedchat
A6 I was raised “future focused” (being mindful of history but more focused on what things will be like 7 generations from now) and have been able to focus on character and mindset. My humour often lets me connect or escape as needed... #saskedchat
A6: There are time where, due to a chronic illness, I was not able to keep up with my peers or participate. I grew fearful of Phys. Ed. for that reason. It has made me see the importance of creating an inclusive environment, especially in the gym. #saskedchat
True enough - but still.....even though I grew up in a community impacted by residential schools, I didn’t know/learn about that till university. Still embarrassed by that... #saskedchat
Exactly! Having a variety helps everyone. It creates more accepting Ss, and helps those who are from marginalized groups to feel safe/welcome in the classroom. #saskedchat
A6 - As someone who grew up in an unconventional family situation being different has helped me to deal with many instances of being on the outside and look to find ways to be inclusive of others. #saskedchat
A7 I am still polite when asked Qs about what we should do about the “one disturbing the learning for others” but...they’re the ones who need the learning community most! #saskedchat
A7: Inclusive classrooms are necessary. There is so much to learn from each person, and creating an atmosphere where they can showcase their unique abilities is the best way to do so. The main cons: More time to plan, not enough supports in some cases. #saskedchat
A7 - when I began teaching I was resentful of the need to be ‘inclusive’ because I saw it as just more work. Luckily I had Ss who showed the error of my thinking and helped me change my mindset! #saskedchat
A7 120 entered grade 8 with me. 60 walked the graduation stage. School didn’t work for many....this is why we need to be more inclusive minded - especially for those looking/expecting to be excluded #saskedchat
Definitely seems overwhelming going through my internship right now. I am constantly worried about my future Ss, and not being able to accommodate for their needs. #saskedchat
I know. I have those conversations all the time with different people - some from my family. Sometimes I wonder if they really hear what they are saying… then they say something to demonstrate - yes they do! #saskedchat
A7: I don't think that our current school systems allow for true inclusiveness. We have lots of growth still ahead of us. Is it possible, yes. But not there yet. #saskedchat
A6: Hm. Many PD events. The small group stuff that ppl like to with a huge group translates into a huge amount of noise in a room. The staff at my school is great b/c the group I’m in goes to a sep room so I can hear better and I don’t have to lipread so much #saskedchat
Some people would say something like that - that inclusive classrooms are not good for all students…. it’s the same argument that has been given for many of the changes in education #saskedchat
I’m a couple decades in and still have those wonders/worries! The better I know my students, the greater the chance I will know how to work with them. Relationships always matter! #saskedchat
It would be nice if, in the future, we could drop the word "inclusive" and just say classroom with the understanding that all of them are inherently inclusive. #saskedchat
A6. Been very fortunate ... never have felt excluded in any educational context but have felt excluded in previous career paths while in the workplace... mostly by virtue of accomplishment among fellow workers.. I just worked harder. Hope my Ss get that part of me. #saskedchat
But how do we get it so that the "disruption" isn't viewed as a problem. So that students and others just understand it, and so the student who is "disruptive" is worked with and not against. #saskedchat
A7. If we do not acknowledge our differences we are not acknowledging what makes us so unique. If we do not teach our students to be inclusive and to have character, we are not preparing them to be the people our world needs them to be. #saskedchat@otherpeoplematter
Yes! There are so many people who did not have a great experience at school, who were excluded and who did not see a place for themselves. We need to remember that as we try to change and ask them what could be done to overcome that exclusion. #saskedchat
Please take a moment to add your ideas for topics for upcoming #saskedchat exploration! As we prepare each week, these ideas help us to know what you would like to explore! https://t.co/llmmD3ZgNI
Thank you for joining tonight's #saskedchat. A big thank you to @LannySaretsky for suggesting tonight's topic and to all those who made question suggestions - you really help make this more inclusive! It was Edu-Awesome!
I can totally relate. I struggled with math yet, once I became a teacher and had to find different ways to help Ss, I realized it wasn’t me or the math but the method! #saskedchat
Patience and time. And explanations. My staff trust me (at least they say they do) when I’m working with kiddos who are disregulated and are ready for a “return to the day” when we feel ready to be in the classroom #saskedchat not a problem, but maybe an interruption...
1. Relationships-Build them
2. Capitalize on your Ss strengths. Their diversities are strengths. Highlight them so they feel a sense of pride and others can learn from their greatness.
3.Listen to them. Listen to their experiences and try to see through their lens. #saskedchat
It would be but I think we need to continue to use remind people that a classroom is to be inclusive of all students. Some people continue to struggle with the concept. #saskedchat
A7. I think being clear about what we mean by inclusive is important. We wouldn’t exclude what is “obvious” among us if we are teachers but we may miss a student who doesn’t talk much but needs math help.. or just an ear to listen. We need many ears and big hearts... #saskedchat
