#atplc Archive
For over a year, educators have used the #atplc Twitter tag to share resources and ideas about PLCs, connect with others around the world, and inspire each other to never stop learning. Now is your chance to join the conversation! Visit http://www.allthingsplc.info/tools-resources/twitter-chat for more info.
Thursday November 2, 2017
Good evening. Thanks for joining us to chat about competency education/competency-based learning. Please introduce yourself.
The chat is now live! Click or search the hashtag and sort by Latest to reply or interact with other replies any time between 9-10pm.
My name is Brian Stack, author and principal at . Co-facilitator for tonight's chat!
My name is Jon Vander Els and I am a Author and Associate. Former elementary school principal of model PLC/CBL school.
MIchelle science teacher at Old Quarry Middle School in Lemont, IL
Q1: With all the school reforms out there today, what interests you most about the CBL philosophy?
Hi Michelle. Thanks for joining us tonight.
Thanks for joining
MIchelle science teacher at Old Quarry Middle School in Lemont, IL
A1: It’s about learning. Meeting kids where they are, and helping all move forward with support/extension.
A1: We first established a vision of “Learning for All” and made sense. We didn’t start out to become a CBL school.
A1: My school was looking for a learner-driven student-centered instructional approach.
A1: The premise of CBL goes well with working with kids in science...focus on observable performance
I've seen some great science instruction and assessment in my school as a result!
A1: The premise of CBL goes well with working with kids in science...focus on observable performance
And they are engaged in engaging hands-on tasks. Requires demonstration of understanding.
A1: CBE promotes a systemic structure 4 engaging, student-centered learning at deep levels for all students. https://t.co/5eliEslm9Q
Q2: How can PLCs support the shift to CBL in your school?
A2: PLCs are the backbone of the work. They provide the system for teachers to lead.
We tried to put things into a real-world perspective. Our world is changing. Skills required are different. Most understand this.
A2: Ts need to be comfortable looking at student work in a system. Schools operating as a PLC are adept at this.
A2: We started with PLC’s 2 years prior to implementing . Made a great foundation.
A2: Structures for intervention/support and extension are embedded within a PLC. It is a natural part of what we do.
A2: When members of PLCs stay together for a while, trust builds & ts are willing to learn & work together for common goals
Trust is such a key component to make it work, for sure!
A2: When members of PLCs stay together for a while, trust builds & ts are willing to learn & work together for common goals
Q3: How does/will CBL change assessment, and how do you assess for mastery?
A3: We need to shift to quality performance assessments tuned to depth of knowledge. works this:
https://t.co/H01VOguHdV
A3: Competency is the “transfer of learning”. Performance assessments require learners to DEMONSTRATE learning.
A3: Teachers’ assessment literacy became a game-changer. Success w/ rigorous assessment is only possible w/ rigorous instruction.
A3: At Boston Day & Evening Academy, CBL led to small group projects, group-based learning, and development of interpersonal skills.
Q4: How do/will grading practices change at the classroom and school level with CBL?
A3:we break down NGSS perform. tasks & monitor ss-mastery is demonstrated via summative performance tasks assessed by rubric
A4: We need grades to represent what students learn, not what they earn!
CBE could be the answer to close those equity gaps I hope
While test scores and graduation rates are improving every year, civic engagement declines and the wealth gap increases. Community > Truth
A4: Some ts want to move forward with this “grading” but such a “touchy” subject often ignored unless admin makes systemic decision
And, everyone builds a shared understanding about the purpose for grading.
"touchy" subject -- great point, often a roadblock until it is adopted school wide for sure, great point!
A4: Some ts want to move forward with this “grading” but such a “touchy” subject often ignored unless admin makes systemic decision
A4: Student reflection should be a part of assessment practices. Metacognition is integral to agency and learning.
We do this as adults all the time, why not in schools, right?
A4: Student reflection should be a part of assessment practices. Metacognition is integral to agency and learning.
Q5: How do/will you assess work study practices (academic behaviors) and make these grades meaningful for students?
A5: Next Generation Learning Challenges (NGLC) and have a tool called MyWays to help schools: https://t.co/11hCAcdSFL
A5: In a traditional system, it is really difficult to understand what a grade means.
A5: By separating academics and success skills, we help all students move forward by recognizing areas of strength and for growth.
Amazing what this tool did for students when integrated into curriculum, instruction, and self-assessment.
A5: Next Generation Learning Challenges (NGLC) and have a tool called MyWays to help schools: https://t.co/11hCAcdSFL
A5: We are preparing learners for jobs that don’t currently exist. Employers have identified 3 Cs and self-direction as integral.
A5: At my school we value both academic & behavior grades but report them separately. Read more here: https://t.co/dDRkTTGAmG
Q6: (Last Question) How do/will you inform parents and other stakeholders to gain buy-in for CBL in your school?
Absolutely, -so critical.
Make sure to share successes and failures with parents. Be honest and transparent in the process
A6: Build shared understanding and a vision for learning that all stakeholders can relate to and support.
A6: It’s hard to argue against wanting to prepare learners for the world they will enter.
A6: Use every means possible - coffee nights, newsletters, social media, even videos on CBE, like this one: https://t.co/XBzO1cIyTO
Thanks for joining, everyone. Let's keep the conversation going-feel free to reach out w/ any questions. Good luck in your journey.
Thank you for a great chat! Happy trails on the journey, until we connect next!
Thank you for making me feel welcome!
