#UrbanEd chat is a twitter chat for educators. Topics relevant to the subject of urban education will be discussed, but all educators are encouraged to join the conversation. The chats will be moderated by Ben and Neil, founders of Engaging Educators and elementary school teachers in Detroit, MI.
Thanks to the @Urbanedchat and @theignitEDteach for allowing me to moderate this evening! I'm James Varlack and I work in Instructional Technology in South Texas. Thanks for joining us! Let's talk about conformity in the classroom. #UrbanEdChat
Q1: Conformity defined is "Behavior in accordance with socially accepted conventions or standards". What do you think conformity means in education? #UrbanEdChat
A1: Conformity in education is drill and kill and treating students like test scores. We must aim for intellectual growth and real relationships with kids and families. #urbanedchat
A1: It means that the dominant group setting the standards of conformity, will insure the success of their young people at the expense of those not in that group. #urbanedchat
A1: “conformity” in education can sometimes mean Ts trying to make Ss fit into a pre-determined “role” that can on occasion do more harm than good #UrbanEdChat
This is why we most clearly define the difference between assessment and testing. Assessment is about meeting the student where they are at and promoting learning. Testing is well...you know. #UrbanEdChat
I thought conformity had more to do with reducing variability from classroom to classroom. Everyone would be provided the best of the best education if everyone is equipped with the best. #urbanedchat
A1 (cont) “conformity” can also mean enabling teaching practices that are outdated but held on to bc they’re “traditional”. This can perpetuate mediocrity (if that) in all aspects of learning for Ts & Ss #urbanedchat
A1: One meaning can be doing what has always been done for fear of “getting it wrong” or “because things are good enough.” It is important to establish a safe culture to take risks at school. #GoodIsTheEnemyOfGreat#urbanedchat
We come together and look at what student behavior and achievement tells us. No cookie cutter solutions orbwhat we've done in the past. Find solutions that work NOT what will help people get their next promotion #UrbanEdChat
A1: I can tell you what it looks like...trying to make a “one size fits all” model work effectively for all Ss! Every Ss needs their learning personalized. Hard to do? Not really. Have to give control over to Ss & act as facilitator. #UrbanEdChat
One way to know is to check the dropout rates, the rates of achievement gaps around the country. The success or not, of students when looking at parent wealth. Successful learning is necessary for ALL students. Clearly this dream has not been realized. #UrbanEdChat
Hello everyone...I jumped in before saying hi. Cheryl from Colorado here. A2) I believe a common instructional planning framework provides the stability and helps promote a predictable risk-taking environment for students. #urbanedchat#urbanedchat
A3) The low level of questioning that takes place from teacher to student and student to student. Hands still raised to answer the lowest level of questions. #urbanedchat
I wish teachers understood this. You don't get respect from students in 2018 because you're the adult in the room. I wish it was that easy. #UrbanEdChat
Totally agree. The one size fits all model has never been successful yet we cling dearly to it. High stakes testing has promoted it, maybe not intentionally, but the results have been the same. #UrbanEdChat
A2: Accepting differences and valuing others’ opinions-allowing for healthy discourse so that kids feel they have a voice in the classroom... #urbanedchat
A3: Hair guidelines in handbooks. May seem like a small norm but has massive impact in further marginalizing Ss culture/race. Just went they this w/my boys’ school. Standard of beauty/professional grooming rooted in white beliefs. Twists/dreads/braids are beautiful. #UrbanEdChat
I am not a fan of “conformity” or trying to oppress the strengths our students bring into school built from their innate strengths, cultures and families. We should bolster this foundation through student voice, choice and engaging learning experiences. #UrbanEdChat
Let's try to squeeze every Ss into this box and make them abide in it...They will conform...Some standards are unjust in essence and need to be addressed #UrbanEdChat
Agree - we’ve had Ss transfer or turn down offers at other schools because they wanted them to “contain” their natural hair.. the implicit bias and micro-aggression around hair by many PWIs is appalling #UrbanEdChat
In reply to
@mgrosstaylor, @jamesvarlack, @UrbanEdChat
A4: I often worry that "overwhelm" and even just sheer "busy-ness" get in the way of standing up for what is right. Trying to get better at saying no. Focus. #urbanedchat
A4: it’s easier to “fit in” and do what others are doing then go down the path less-traveled. Takes brave Ts these days to step out to go against the grain of education - but they’re out there! #UrbanEdChat
#UrbanEdChat I won’t “go with the flow” when it means oppression or upholding efforts to marginalize..I’ll fight for my Ss - even when it’s hard, scary or makes me uncomfortable because that’s what an UrbanEd leader does!
We become addicted to "work". That then shapes our decisions to act or not...Schools at their nature require so much of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally... #UrbanEdChat
Q5: If being part of the accepted standard or societal norm can be detrimental to the classroom, students, and other school stakeholders, why do we continue to accept it? #UrbanEdChat@UrbanEdChat
#urbanedchat After the chat...check this guy out. I visited and toured his nonconformed school. Super impressed! My son would have thrived there! The teachers are so student centered! https://t.co/YbZdbgKOYN
A4) FEAR of being vulnerable- but it takes 1 voice to ignite the voices of many; I just cannot get caught slippin... not when my Ss are depending on me #UrbanEdChat
A4: I have spent much of my career asking for forgiveness rather than permission to innovate. When I started a family it got tougher, others now depended on my income and job security. Still had to push. #urbanedchat
A4: Hey we’ve all gotta eat...but we also have to be able to sleep at night! Job security/advancement keeps many Ts from always doing what’s right. I was guilty of it too for a short time until I realized I wouldn’t want that from my kids Ts/admin😳Be the change. #UrbanEdChat
Q4: This has so much to do with leadership and the culture of innovation they set (or don’t set) in the building. When there is a culture of compliance people feel compelled to “lay low” and go along with others. #urbanedchat
A4: It can be scary to teach in ways we’re not taught to. But it’s up to us to lead the way and show other Ts through mentorship an example. Dap them up and be that source of encouragement to #DoBetter ✊🏾 #Urbanedchat
A4: Hey we’ve all gotta eat...but we also have to be able to sleep at night! Job security/advancement keeps many Ts from always doing what’s right. I was guilty of it too for a short time until I realized I wouldn’t want that from my kids Ts/admin😳Be the change. #UrbanEdChat
Thanks for sharing Cheryl!! We don't do this enough in education. We like to think we have it together most of the time, when we can learn so much from each other! #UrbanEdChat
Never! Then I would have fallen into the stereotype of “angry PoC”! Always professional, calm & classy. Plus I had to speak in a way to be heard AND listen in a way so they could speak & explain their why for this rule. #UrbanEdChat
A5 It can be challenging to break from the status quo. Community norms need be respected and change has to be effectively justified by the change agents. #UrbanEdChat
A5) If it is right for kids...It is right! I have taken risks and shown research to the school boards to do what is best for kids. That's why we are here! #urbanedchat
We accept broken society norms in EDU 4 a few reasons: fear of change in schools, lack of creative funding or at a systemic level fear of losing or sharing privilege. In a recent workshop in Finnish Ed was struck by societal core values of equity that influence EDU #UrbanEdChat
This is complicated, but I think we need to embrace the educational professional - the teacher as educational leader and get the top down focus OUT of the WAY. If there is an answer it lies with those closest to the classroom. #UrbanEdChat
A5: Being innovative in the classroom can be intimidating because when we fail it impacts kids. It is a difficult reality to accept. But it cannot get in the way of developing transformational approaches to learning that have long standing impacts on kids #UrbanEdChat
A5: Let’s face it, it’s easier to not rock the boat...to pretend you don’t see the injustice. That’s why we must surround ourselves w/#EduGladiators who will inspire us to action b/c our Ss deserve a great powerful school experience b/c of us, not in-spite of us. #UrbanEdChat
A4 When we better understand the home environments of our students, we are less apt to go “with the flow” when educating & caring for our students! #UrbanEdChat
And that's the passion and professionalism that might be lacking or is maybe told to lie low! Love that statement...If it's right, it's right!! #UrbanEdChat
A5: Many people do not accept the status quo and fight for better schooling for all children. It sometimes costs me but I have to do what I feel is right. Join my summer workshop: https://t.co/yJ4nfWkBk8#urbanedchat
#UrbanEdChat A6: if I could change 1 thing it would be an increase in revenue through tech-focused companies becoming partners in our internship program. It helps Scholarship Ss tuition, gives them access to networks and real-world rigorous learning.
We take action! We DO NOT SETTLE for what’s always been. If that means forging a new path professionally so be it. It’s important I slept at night knowing I gave 110% for all my kids but can’t wait to wake up so I can give more. That’s the call of #EduGladiators 🙌🏾 #UrbanEdChat
#UrbanEdChat part of working with the tech intern partners is to bust the conformity of the primarily white-male dominated tech industry in the region. I want all of our Ss to have access to these skills/jobs but especially women and SoC.
Important to have a safe place as professionals to process, vent & plan next steps. Same is true for our Ss who can’t go to a Ts Lounge to regroup but instead shuffled to the next class harboring hurt/resentment/confusion. #UrbanEdChat
In reply to
@MrDataGuy, @jamesvarlack, @UrbanEdChat
A6: We all know students do not learn at the same pace. But we have an education system that is designed around rigid pacing. It is terribly destructive to our highest and lowest performing students #UrbanEdChat
A6) Break down the walls of "formal schooling" provide opportunities for students to use their strengths to be the best they can be. Celebrate differences instead of putting them in the corner. #urbanedchat
A5: Fear & Isolation. Fear you will loose the input of colleagues. Fear that you will be isolated. Fear it will be more work in an already stressful environment. It’s easier to stay silent. #urbanedchat
A6) I would change attitude. For everyone to have a positive over the negative. Everyone to put Students first. Not their own needs, the students needs first. #urbanedchat
A6: If I had a magic wand I would take away adults complaining/gossiping about students, take away the volume of standardized tests, have more time for teacher planning, and focus curriculum on big ideas or #conceptbasedlearning#urbanedchat
WE can only do this through a clear collaborative process and keep us from going back into the silos. WE need relationships each to grow and problem solve and to strengthen these relationships. #UrbanEdChat
A7: STUDENT VOICE -- Yes! We need to listen to them at all grade levels. Really listen. Say sorry when we make mistakes. Take their opinions and ideas seriously. #urbanedchat
A7) Ask the students! Surveys, quizzes, open yourself up to asking what is working in our classroom and what is not. Then...make the needed changes if possible. #urbanedchat
A7: the way a student feels should not be ignored. Yes some Ss can manipulate, but listening to a student and talking them through logic and consequences and then following through has power. Over just a consequence and then ignoring. #urbanedchat
A7: Student voice should drive how we prepare students for life after high school. Currently we have become obsessed with 4-year universities and it is doing a major disservice to a large percentage of our students who want to dive right into the work force. #UrbanEdChat
At its core, student voice is the antithesis of depersonalized and standardized educational experiences because it begins and ends with the thoughts, feelings, visions, and actions of the students themselves. https://t.co/CtxBD0z8nF#UrbanEdChat
And sometimes we need to help them create those spaces...Forums, expressive sharing time, and just a loudspeaker can start the conversation #UrbanEdChat
In reply to
@mgrosstaylor, @MrDataGuy, @UrbanEdChat
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A7 student voice and agency has been an overarching goal in our district this year from Day 1. With the support of our Superintendent @aubjohnson111 we have worked with Ts and Ss to provide a forum for those voices to be heard. #UrbanEdChat#NBPS
A6) Bell schedules wouldn’t exist because students would have a vision and be wise in the choices that bring that vision to reality, and be given the latitude to exercise said vision. Also, mimosas until noon in staff lounge would be part of the master agreement. #UrbanEdChat
