"Welcome to EdTechAfterDark! Our community was born out of discussions for a rich EdChat type gathering for those of us who are thinking about the digital edu-landscape long after the sun has gone down. For us night owls, when the clock strikes 10PM EST, you’ll find us on Twitter over at #edtechafterdark. All are welcome! Our discussions range from our philosophies about EdTech, digital best practices, and simply sharing our stories." --www.edtechafterdark.com
Welcome to #EdTechAfterDark, I'll be your host tonight, as we discuss a topic that is of paramount importance, School Safety. Jump in by introducing yourself, and sharing the best things that happened today!
Hi, as I said I'm Zac, admin at @AcademyEs, and I'm thrilled because we could share with the school that we took 2nd and 3rd place in the Spoonbill Bowl, a regional competition for my students connected to NOSB #edtechafterdark
Hello #EdTechAfterDark! I’m Kelly from Virginia. The best thing that happened today was my 7th graders actively engaged with our novel through @TodaysMeet
Alex here from Citrus County FL where I’m an AP at Lecanto High... as far as the best thing that happened today... laughter. Genuine, heartfelt laughter shared with fellow educators is what keeps me sane through the craziness that is our current landscape... #edtechafterdark
Hey everyone. School Resource Officer John from KS. Best thing that happened today?? Release of my 2nd rap video produced with and by students from @RV337! #EdTechAfterDarkhttps://t.co/ktMDzDlhs4
#EdTechAfterdark - Hello...Helen Teague... today best things was renewed health for my Dad, age 90 years--- and a new Twitter presence for @HSUOnlineEd where I am interim instructional designer. Glad to be here!
Welcome to #EdTechAfterDark, I'll be your host tonight, as we discuss a topic that is of paramount importance, School Safety. Jump in by introducing yourself, and sharing the best things that happened today!
Dan here from FL - 1/3 of the #edtechafterdark team, EdTech Coach. Best thing that happened today? aside from quality time with my daughter, the camaraderie I continue to be grateful for with my #crazyones PLF.
A1: Being a part of the community. I do not think it is different for the kids. Being a part of something makes people feel safer. Knowing there are people watching out for them. #EdTechAfterDark
A1 My HS is the smallest with only 1700 sts & we have the most fights each year ... I feel safe b/c I choose to live by faith not in fear ... up until last week, my door was always opened ... a locked door makes my sts feel safe #EdTechAfterDark
I’m Emily and I’m a newly minted Community Connected Experiential Learning Coordinator in Northern Ontario - best thing was getting a tour of @AshleyMcrae6 ‘s revitalized #DramaEd program. #edtechafterdark
A1. How do I feel safe?? Most people would think it’s bc I’m the “hired gun.” It’s really bc I have worked on relationships w Ts and Ss so that when something is going on, people feel comfortable coming to talk to me about it! Head off probs b4 it happens! #EdTechAfterDark
A1: Genuine community. Culture is cultivated by those around you. Everyone plays a part. It really does take a village for a school to run smoothly. #EdTechAfterdark
A report following the Sandy Hook tragedy stated that locked doors provided an additional barrier between your students and an active threat... #edtechafterdark
A1: Feeling safe at school demands options and resources (ie the ability to be creative and purposeful in my approach to meet the needs of our most troubled kiddos)... for kids it means knowing these options exist and are effective #edtechafterdark
So important ... our district is promoting “see something? Say something.” It’s taking a lot of heat, but simple works — relationships help! Our SRO is awesome at building relationships #EdTechAfterDark
When tragedy strikes, the hardest thing is to toe the line between preparedness and fear. We don't want to project fear onto the children in our buildings, but rather let them know they are in good hands should anything arise. #EdTechAfterdark
A1 I think it’s the relationships that help us all to feel safe, students and teachers. Helps to live in a place with robust #GunControl too, let’s be frank. #EdTechAfterdark
A1: for me? Consistent communication, strong positive relationships w/coworkers & scholars, proper planning for emergency situations
For my scholars: teachers/staff standing up for them, positive community, checking on their well being, consistency #EdTechAfterDark
A1 I feel safe because we have a community of peeps focused on the same goals...I try not to be isolated but rather connect...We can then help each other out #edtechafterdark
A1: in Israel we have a security guard but legally he can't do anything, just call the police. All Ts have recess duty and spread around the Ss to watch over them. It's a great opportunity to talk to them and strengthen personal connections #EdTechAfterDark
#edtechafterdark A1: Feeling safe at school is linked to responsive and actively engaged with both faculty, students, staff, and their families... like a neighborhood community
A1b: Safety in school’s prerequisite is safety out of school. It’s difficult to feel safe when our kids are subjected to so much brokenness beyond our four walls. I don’t mean to sound like a pessimist, but... #edtechafterdark
"Fifty years ago, relationships were the most important thing in our schools, and fifty years from now, it will be no different." - @gcouros#EdTechAfterdark
That’s why safety on site is so important- I notice that at church our homeless pop will often sleep - it may be the only place they feel safe enough to #EdTechAfterDark
A1: Being prepared and being able to trust those around me... Ts, Ss, Admin. I believe my students feel safe because of the same trust they have in us. #EdTechAfterDark
A1 I've always felt safe in the schools I attended and worked. I think it's different for everyone, especially for Ss. Tons of factors today make it tough. Caring adults who recognize every student are vital. It takes a village, not just Ts #EdTechAfterDark
Funny, in Israel we're not allowed to lock door FOR safety reasons incase of a fire / missile / earthquake evacuation. Each place with it's own problem I guess... #EdTechAfterDark
A2 it’s close to home (but beware of media bias - 20 shootings this year is exaggerated with too broad a def of the phrase) ... while 1 is too many, this one was practically in our back yard #EdTechAfterDark
A2 I think the age of the students helps, also the political climate is already so charged. Plus, there’s the #DramaEd factor... they know how to talk, to command attention, to get their point across. I’m biased but I think that helps! #EdTechAfterDark
A1. How do I feel safe?? Most people would think it’s bc I’m the “hired gun.” It’s really bc I have worked on relationships w Ts and Ss so that when something is going on, people feel comfortable coming to talk to me about it! Head off probs b4 it happens! #EdTechAfterDark
A2: I think it is a culmination of people not being heard in other places as well, as an outside observer (Canada) I see the conflict in the US. I hear of the "culture clashes" growing bigger. Ss are tired of all the darkness. This was perhaps the breaking point. #EdTechAfterDark
A2. Why has it had an impact? Bc of all the coverage. Like streaking at sporting events in the 80’s and early 90’s. Stop covering it and up the penalties, it will help (not stop). No pleas to get rid of death pen. And no coverage = no fame! #edtechafterdark
A2: COMMUNITY!!! The message is only as effective as its level of solidarity and that community has one voice and one battlecry: #NeverAgain! #edtechafterdark
A1 I've always felt safe in the schools I attended and worked. I think it's different for everyone, especially for Ss. Tons of factors today make it tough. Caring adults who recognize every student are vital. It takes a village, not just Ts #EdTechAfterDark
A1 If I have a positive attitude and ensure my Kinders they are safe, then they will believe me. In convincing them, I convince myself. I pray alot too.
#IHMarchMadness#EdTechAfterdark
A2: The hive mind of the internet has provided a microscope to view these horrific events through. Voices are louder and more far reaching than ever before. The revolving door of horror that keeps encircling us has reached critical mass. #EdTechAfterdark
A2: Parkland has made such an impact because "There have been far too many school shootings in the last 20 years" and these students and teachers finally have the tools to have a voice loud enough to make people listen. #EdTechAfterDark
Funny, in Israel we're not allowed to lock door FOR safety reasons incase of a fire / missile / earthquake evacuation. Each place with it's own problem I guess... #EdTechAfterDark
A2 I think people are now fed up with the current system. It's like the #metoo movement. For so long people have gotten away with it and no justice has been served and there has been zero accountability. But with these watershed moments, it's time to rethink #edtechafterdark
A2: I think we have an articulate group of students that are using media tools to get their message out. Additionally, everybody did what they were supposed to and 17 people still died. #EdTechAfterDark
A2 no clue why this one seems to have struck a different chord, but I believe people are SICK AND TIRED of watching it. OUR KIDS DESERVE BETTER! Enough is enough, THINGS must change NOW. I wish I had the answers but change is a must #EdTechAfterDark
A2 I think the Parkland event was "the last straw" so to speak. I know in our community since that event we have had more students arrested, brought in for questioning and guns found in vehicles.
#IHMarchMadness#EdTechAfterdark
A2: As an Israeli I would love to hear your answers. People outside the US don't understand all the 2nd amendment deep meaning for you guys. They just think Americans are loco for guns cause you can buy an M-16 at the supermarket. #EdTechAfterDark
The troubling thing is that when I was in HS, the Columbine shooting was shocking and unexpected. Children have told me that this is just normal to them now. #edtechafterdark
I heard someone say that kids were smiling ... but not in joy, almost as if “the video games are correct” ... did anyone else hear that? And wonder if video games had any part? #EdTechAfterDark
A2: We dont have to agree on answers to acknowledge a problem. We teach our kids how to discuss and argue and compromise... we’ve got to stop teaching and start modeling. Fixing this begins with all parties being able to call a problem what it is—a PROBLEM! #edtechafterdark
A2 I think people are now fed up with the current system. It's like the #metoo movement. For so long people have gotten away with it and no justice has been served and there has been zero accountability. But with these watershed moments, it's time to rethink #edtechafterdark
A2: As an Israeli I would love to hear your answers. People outside the US don't understand all the 2nd amendment deep meaning for you guys. They just think Americans are loco for guns cause you can buy an M-16 at the supermarket. #EdTechAfterDark
A2: I’m not sure I know the answer...but I’m so thankful for the passion, conviction, & dedication of the youth leading this movement. They are inspiring beyond measure. #EdTechAfterDark
I would argue that is hyperbole ... taking away a person’s right to be armed for defensive purposes opens the door to oppression by governments that become corrupt IMO #EdTechAfterDark
A3 Encourage and teach current events. Have those difficult discussions in your classroom depending on the age of your Ss. Allow your room to be a safe haven for sharing by building relationships with the Ss.
#IHMarchMadness#EdTechAfterdark
A3: Look at your Facebook feed and the vitriol in the comments since (even before) this occurred. It's toxic. And children see is effects. They see adults dealing with opposing viewpoints with hatred. We need to model empathy, understanding, and love. Not hate. 😞#edtechafterdark
A3 in the Philippines there is this big debate that Martial Law and the People Power Revolution never happened and it's all fake news. As teachers, we have to continue going against revisionist history and "popular opinion". We have to keep on asking the hard Qs #edtechafterdark
A3 I would hope for non-political, bias-free media coverage ... I long for the day when news happened 3 times a day not 24 hours/day & when serving as legislator was a service not a career to protect #EdTechAfterDark
A3. Biggest thing is to be able have conversations with people no matter who they are or what they believe. MUTUAL RESPECT. We are so DIVIDED! One of my closest friends is a black female Muslim! Don’t let others tell you who you are or who you can talk to! #EdTechAfterDark
A3 (cont.) Having a dialogue with everyone in class and telling them that in order for these things to not happen, we have to talk about it, commemorate it, study it and really look at both the good and the bad sides. #edtechafterdark
This is why learning about empathy is so important. Learn to listen to the other side even if you don’t agree. #edtechafterdark I read @CNN & @FoxNews every day to try to listen to both perspectives.
A3: By getting out of the way. What makes us think we have the answers when we’ve fumbled our chances so badly?! Let’s, for this moment, not feel like we have to be the teachers and instead admit as a group of adults that the kids got a thing or two to teach us. #EdTechAfterDark
A3: BY providing chances for free thought, being a guide to healthy discussion, show all sides, try to keep your bias out of class.. Also show kids it is not to late to make things better. The adults in leadership have given up. We can not. #EdTechAfterDark
A3: 1. We have to be honest and take responsibility for "OUR" mistakes and do better! 2. Support these students, this generation, our students/children in and through all of this! #EdTechAfterDark
#edtechafterdark: "where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came" is not just a sit-com sentiment- works in schools too (and neighborhoods)
A3.2) Just bc you don’t agree doesn’t mean you have to hate! Been w my wife, @heathercalvert for 10 years, and sometimes we don’t agree!! A country where we all believe and act the same is not the goal! Must have different views and ideas to move forward! #EdTechAfterDark
@marcorubio I encourage you and your staff to read through the tweets from our chat tonight, great ideas to help make what you shared at Parkland a reality! #edtechafterdark
A3: we need to teach the importance of diversity (in opinions, backgrounds, experiences, learning, etc.), especially by introducing our scholars to various perspectives and view points in our subjects and units. We also have to model that appreciation & respect. #EdTechAfterDark
I disagree. I believe that none of the revolutions against oppressive governments were done by armed citizens. Maybe I'm not historically accurate, just my general knowledge. #EdTechAfterDark
A3) It’s hard not to be cynical about this statement in the context of his inaction with gun violence. I’d say the students are already demonstrating they’re not making the same mistakes as Rubio’s generation by not getting distracted from the central issue. #EdTechAfterDark
A3 Stop being so hateful to people who don't agree with us. Model how to have a civilized conversation. Stop electing leaders who play off fear and pit people against each other intentionally. Stop letting the media depict only negative, celebrate great examples #EdTechAfterDark
I agree ... let’s get curious instead of judgmental ... I love questions and remind my sts daily that I want to learn about and from them #EdTechAfterDark
How is this happening??? What is wrong with people?? 🤦♂️🤬😱🤯 Florida school shooting survivors are receiving death threats over their efforts to tighten gun control https://t.co/ffQaFYzic4#EdTechAfterdark
A3 Stop being so hateful to people who don't agree with us. Model how to have a civilized conversation. Stop electing leaders who play off fear and pit people against each other intentionally. Stop letting the media depict only negative, celebrate great examples #EdTechAfterDark
A3: Look at your Facebook feed and the vitriol in the comments since (even before) this occurred. It's toxic. And children see is effects. They see adults dealing with opposing viewpoints with hatred. We need to model empathy, understanding, and love. Not hate. 😞#edtechafterdark
Reverse ... unarmed citizens (for self-defense & protection) can be ruled by armed governments ... limited characters may have made my tweet confusing (sorry ☺️) #EdTechAfterDark
I disagree. I believe that none of the revolutions against oppressive governments were done by armed citizens. Maybe I'm not historically accurate, just my general knowledge. #EdTechAfterDark
A4 take to social media ... use it for positive messages ... there are so many options for sts ... us American Government classes to contact legislators #EdTechAfterDark
A4 Encourage the community to get involved with programs the school could have like Watch Dogs. Push for more mental health support in schools.
These things could be done without disrrupting instruction.
#IHMarchMadness#EdTechAfterdark
A4: I think at this point, American students need to make the point. They are not safe in schools like kids in other countries are. I don't think anything will have as large an impact. Plus their parents need to support them and vote out those refusing to help. #EdTechAfterDark
A4) I’m no educator, but this is an important time. Class time is important, but best way to learn is hands on!! If done safetly and for the RIGHT reason (beliefs over free day) then i day let the Ss learn about the system 1st hand! #edtechafterdark
A3: Teaching Ss to communicate, keep an open-mind and critical think will help IMO. We have to do that first. Easy to day, tough to do. #EdTechAfterDark
That’s key. Our worst divisions are over not even agreeing that there’s a problem—or replacing others’ concerns with a different problem. The most vile have been dismissing tragedies as conspiracies. #EdTechAfterDark
A2: We dont have to agree on answers to acknowledge a problem. We teach our kids how to discuss and argue and compromise... we’ve got to stop teaching and start modeling. Fixing this begins with all parties being able to call a problem what it is—a PROBLEM! #edtechafterdark
I was in a walkout during Rodney King beating. It was a powerful moment in becoming a citizen of a democratic nation. I think the few things that are missed don’t compare to the reality that every voice counts and non-violent protest can move the world. #EdTechAfterDark
A4: Come up with proactive plans to allow them to demonstrate in a peaceful manner. Blotting out an issue with "you'll get in trouble" is to degrade the children you're supposed to serve--and treat their pain as a nuisance. It's not about you. It's about them. #edtechafterdark
A4: for our students planning to protest, sharing safety measures is important (see pic)
At an elem. school, I think going outside for a citizenship lesson during that time is educational, safe, and still respects the cause & our students’ to be involved. #EdTechAfterDark
I was in a walkout during Rodney King beating. It was a powerful moment in becoming a citizen of a democratic nation. I think the few things that are missed don’t compare to the reality that every voice counts and non-violent protest can move the world. #EdTechAfterDark
We have 50 minute lunch periods ... we could use some of that time ... create panels of community members to join classes & talk safety #EdTechAfterDark
A4 I'd almost go the way of saying as long as it's peaceful that I support their walkouts. Show the world that the time has come for REAL change. As an educator I'd steer them toward other times and public displays. I applaud their passion and voice though #EdTechAfterDark
A4: Given the stakes, I really don’t know what could possibly be a better use of their time. #EdTechAfterDark I was proud that my alma mater issued this statement. @AtBennington
A4: Ultimately, prescribing a “solution” that will be palatable to the powers that be undermines the very act of kids being heard on their terms. However, if safety is a concern, any way that grants students a chance to be heard is a viable alternative #edtechafterdark
When sts know why they are “walking out” & can articulate the purpose, then valuable! We had 100 walk out, and about 50 simply “got out of class” with no understanding or reason #EdTechAfterDark
A4: I'm really on the fence with this... yes there is a loss of precious learning time, but how many students are actively engaged in lessons with all of this on their minds. Walking out and peacefully standing up for something they believe in is therapy... #EdTechAfterDark
A5 AGREE!!! I would love to see more mental health support in schools. I also firmly believe it's all about building relationships with Ss. Calling them by name, even when they aren't in your class. Show all Ss that you care!
#IHMarchMadness#EdTechAfterdark
Which teachers get guns?
Where will the guns be stored?
Who decides when guns can be brandished?
What penalties will apply if teachers mishandle a weapon?
Will teachers volunteer for gun duty?
Can teachers refuse it?
Who will audit their adherence to regulations?
A5 I do believe that relationships are key to minimizing all violence on our campuses — fights, bullying, and tragedy ... when someone feels they belong, there is no need for violence #EdTechAfterDark
This is a valuable point. Not sure I could sit and learn if I was still processing a very horrific event and saw others walking out of class. If half your class walks out, what is the teacher going to do? Act like nothing happened? #edtechafterdark
A4: I'm really on the fence with this... yes there is a loss of precious learning time, but how many students are actively engaged in lessons with all of this on their minds. Walking out and peacefully standing up for something they believe in is therapy... #EdTechAfterDark
A5 I’m split on this. While the only thing that stops a bad guy w gun is a good guy w gun. I hate doing lockdown drills bc Ts didn’t get into teaching for lockdowns. Ts have different mindset and relationship w Ss than Police. If not Ts we need more SROs! #EdTechAfterDark
A5: My opinion: If we are tasked with teaching children to become good citizens, it's completely antithetical to do it while modeling the way to deal with problems is to be armed with a weapon. #EdTechAfterdark
If you are thinking of taking part in any demonstrations, I strongly encourage you to speak with your Principal before hand to review the policies and her/his opinions before going through with it #edtechafterdark
A4.2 Walking out, peaceful protest, etc. Are also things we have taught them about as an example of how change has happened throughout history. I was teaching about Rosa Parks today... her action sparked a 300+ day bus boycott... and things began to change...#EdTechAfterDark
As a student, I was part of a teacher walk-out in a CA school... it did not teach problem-solving and there was an absence of dialogue. he walk-out actually polarized both sides. There are better ways to solve problems, I think. Technology can help. #EdTechAfterDark
A5) Agree because that’s always been a way to keep students safer. But if we’re talking about protecting OTHER students, focus on easy access to guns. #EdTechAfterDark
This is where I live too, we need more SROs and we need them in the classroom. IMO SROs best serve the community when they are amongst the kids not a security guard #EdTechAfterDark
When talking of arming tchrs with tasers.... I joke that I would be too tempted to use it 😮 ... but, too much paperwork stops me at every thought 😵🤭 #EdTechAfterDark
Do yourself the favor of watching this documentary from @Tolerance_org on the Children’s March in Birmingham, AL... never underestimate the power of an idea in the hands of a child.
https://t.co/JkgDUEDBmm#edtechafterdark
A5 I have no clue. I think it's both, but not arming teachers. Trained and dedicated law enforcement is a huge help. They build relationships and become very valuable on a campus. Preventing porblems is a huge benefit of that. But help for MH issues is vital too #EdTechAfterDark
A4 (con’t):
I believe protesting is a better use of my class time than the testing we’re required to do every 2-3 weeks.
Just sayin’.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
#EdTechAfterDark
I was in a walkout during Rodney King beating. It was a powerful moment in becoming a citizen of a democratic nation. I think the few things that are missed don’t compare to the reality that every voice counts and non-violent protest can move the world. #EdTechAfterDark
A5: I would say most teachers agree the guns in hand stuff is CRAZY. Kids need to be taught connection. How to be connected, how to be in the shoes of others, to see how their actions cause ripples for others. To be more than kind to be good humans #EdTechAfterDark
A6 I wish there was an answer ... throughout history there has been tragedy ... in learning from the past, we need to teach all people how to care & forgive ... empathy & the golden rule #EdTechAfterDark
A6 The problem is that we can’t agree on the “problem”. Is it guns, knives, mental health, single parent homes, bullying, outcasts?? We agree that VIOLENCE shouldn’t happen, but beyond that, we are divided. #edtechafterdark
A6 If we did what the airlines did, increased security, limits on what is brought in.Will it work for us?More security in buildings instead of an SRO for the district.More mental health support & smaller class sizes to build relationships too.
#IHMarchMadness#EdTechAfterdark
A6: Take away the guns, just take them away. Look at the rest of the world. This doesn't happen. If we can't blame the guns Are Americans just more violent? I don't think so. But you can't walk into a gun show and buy an AR-15 anywhere else. #EdTechAfterDark
A6(contd) - Also, always always always let children know they matter. And their opinions do, too. Check out this TED talk from 15-year-old Zoe Rosenberg: https://t.co/XEDqTjg2sF#edtechafterdark
A5: Guns are not only unsafe to have in school, but also prevent scholars from feeling safe—especially our students of color.
Curriculum needs to include SEL & respect for diversity. Students need to learn how to grow socially & emotionally. #EdTechAfterDark
Reminds me of the classic scene where two parents are arguing about what their child should do, and the child just gets up and does what they want #EdTechAfterDark
A6:We can thwart some attempts via mental health resources; we can lessen the impact of a shooting via stricter gun laws. But assuring #NeverAgain means raising a generation to love in a way never before seen by the human race. Love is the answer. It always is. #edtechafterdark
A4 take to social media ... use it for positive messages ... there are so many options for sts ... us American Government classes to contact legislators #EdTechAfterDark
