#Edchat is a hashtag, a movement—it is a weekly organized Twitter discussion of educators and people interested in education that meet virtually from all over the world. #Edchat serves as a conversation thread on Twitter and is also used for organized weekly discussions.
Drowned in sound: how listening to music hinders learning https://t.co/cv2RxyB2wp This article supports findings only about 'studying' with music. What about while writing, or reading? I allow it during writing assignments, but not reading. #edchat
Today's #Edchat Topic: If tomorrow your superintendent issued a statement that there will be no more report cards, what could replace them? Let's discuss!
Oh, I will jump on my soapbox. They should be replaced by what most of us are already doing: clear, transparent communication to parents, digital portfolios of student work with assessment, and loads and loads of feedback #edchat
Good evening, all. Karl, 3-6th basic skills ELA teacher. At a local DnD waiting for my twins's CCD class to finish. On Tweetdeck toggling betw #edchat and #2pencil chat. Let's see how long I can go before replying to the wrong chat!
#teachchallenges
I think this would take a lot of stress off our students! I think progress reports and conversations with our students about how they feel they are doing would be great! #edchat
#Read4Games on WED at 630 pm ET we’re reading and tweeting about Sonia Fizek’s chapter in Why Fun Matters: In Search of Emergent Playful Experiences from Rethinking Gamification https://t.co/wL4tc6JH72#edchat#gbl#games
More personal communication with parents. Students creating portfolios of their learning and sharing. Google hangouts with Ps,Ts, & Ss. Students reflecting on their progress in blogs or vlogs. Showcase nights where Ss selected items to share that they were most proud. #edchat
I think that a shift away from traditional report cards would be a positive shift. Doing progress reports in its place, as some of my colleagues mentioned, would allow students to grow in a less grade-driven environment. #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @AlexDetweiler7, @sgthomas1973, @blairteach, @tomwhitby
Teacher-prompted, student developed self-assessment videos and/or written narratives. Let Ss self-grade by reflecting on their growth relative to the standards covered. #edchat
My former principal and I had a kind of running point at which I would hit a wall while writing reports. My rant: If we continue to feed parents report cards, they will not see a reason to engage with ongoing assessment conversations. #edchat
Just throwing this out here. With all of the HS testing, Ts do not have time to provide individual feedback to Ss in addition to all of the other things they already do. #Edchat
Supposedly a report card informs a parent about the academic progress of their child during the school year. If no report cards, would a phone call suffice for that purpose? Or perhaps a sample of recent schoolwork of the student? #edchat@sgthomas1973@tomwhitby @
...Okay Victoria @miss_lorig if eliminating report cards would reduce stress on students then what impact would doing so have on learning? Teaching? #edchat@nobleknits2@sgthomas1973
In reply to
@miss_lorig, @miss_lorig, @nobleknits2, @sgthomas1973
JUST had this discussion w/ my colleague today as I have started report cards. I'd LOVE to have conferences with my Ss families/parents. As a Spec Ed T, I already keep my families up to date and informed on their child's progress on a weekly (or sometimes daily) basis 1/2 #edchat
Join this virtual workshop with @edmodo and @buncee to learn why fostering creativity and choice is essential to student success. This is something I always strived to plan for in my lessons! #virtualpd
List of objectives where ss select how they want to learn. How how they want to be assessed, when they should be assessed, even allow ss to choose what they need/want to learn about a topic, including #pbl to make a positive impact. #Edchat
Part 2 of the rant: as long as we feed parents report cards (what they are used to), there is no compelling reason for them to engage with the other meaningful methods of assessment/communication we are using #edchat
2/2 Instead of sending home papers, I would like to meet with them, go over IEP goals, progress, and work together for creating any new/continue goals for next term. But I do understand how paperwork also helps the next T and keeps a record as well (helped me before) #edchat
okay...@Tgraef22@nobleknits2@sgthomas1973 inquiring minds want to know, do report cards inhibit clearer lanes of communication between teachers and parents? How so? #edchat
In reply to
@Tgraef22, @sgthomas1973, @Tgraef22, @nobleknits2, @sgthomas1973
“We actually learn in a state of positive emotion much more effectively than we can learn in a state of negative emotion. That has huge implications for what we do in schools," said LDH_ed to edutopia https://t.co/sdHEgdonhl#edchat#brainbased#teaching
Report cards should not be the only form of providing student feedback. In fact, effective feedback is one which is continuous, immediate and cyclical. I don't think it should be an issue #EdChat
More personal communication with parents. Students creating portfolios of their learning and sharing. Google hangouts with Ps,Ts, & Ss. Students reflecting on their progress in blogs or vlogs. Showcase nights where Ss selected items to share that they were most proud. #edchat
Revision is what leads to growth and true understanding. We don't learn how to ride a bike from someone telling us to ride a bike, we ride, fall, ride , fall again and then coast. #edchat#growthmindset#notyet
It would also reduce stress on teachers (and their families). We normalize the amount of time we take from our own kids to report on other peoples'. #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @miss_lorig, @sgthomas1973
MindShiftKQED: “We actually learn in a state of positive emotion much more effectively than we can learn in a state of negative emotion. That has huge implications for what we do in schools," said LDH_ed to edutopia https://t.co/iMYifsuNx1#edchat#brainbased#teaching
It can be done in #elemed. WHy not? No, you aren't going to have the depth of reflection, but you'll have age-appropriate reflection. Ss would just need time to review materials. The process would be longer. But doable. And worthy, if Ss are reflecting on their learning #edchat
@MrU_ishere The self- assessment videos are a wonderful idea. So much will depend on students gaining confidence and learning the skills to self assess. #edchat
Teacher-prompted, student developed self-assessment videos and/or written narratives. Let Ss self-grade by reflecting on their growth relative to the standards covered. #edchat
Report cards may be easy to fill out and simple to send home and easy to point to when asked how a kid is doing, but those factors don't make it effective or even a good thing. #Edchat
I think report cards are too little, too late. If a S is struggling, finding out at the end of the semester doesn't allow Ps to work with them. #Edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @Tgraef22, @nobleknits2
Here is a harsh reality ... without the thought of report cards coming home how would the parent know when to care about student academics? Seems to me the most parent interaction comes at report card time ... #edchat
What happens when the report card is read by parents and students, is it filed, kept, discarded? Report cards are more often than not, not conducive of dialogue that engages in constructive and impactful feedback, feedback that allows for goal setting and future learning #EdChat
We have become obsessed with testing ,test results and report cards.We are in danger of teaching to the test.Lets teach from the heart and not from the book or to the test #edchat
(Can you hear me shouting from Ontario?) YES!!! At the Grade 7 and 8 level, all many of my parents want to know is what the mark on the report card will be.....not whether the learning skills are growing. #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @Tgraef22, @sgthomas1973
Are we 'obsessed' or too scared to attempt something different? too scared to answer the Q's from those that challenge us? Or do we not have leadership in place at the highest levels to support the move? #edchat
My principal allowed me to do away with testing except for the EOC and the kids nailed it with 100% proficiency and an average near 90. More impressive were their presentations to professionals of the business plan. #EdChat
I would make a lot of changes: more support staff (counselors, ESOL, Spec. Ed). More emphasis on character/teamwork. More time for play in younger grades. More time for physical activity.... #Edchat
Developing the skills 2 carry out the “post-report card” era innovations will take teacher & student “skill" development. Also, we’ll have a major PR challenge 2 explain 2 parents how important it is 2 change traditions. All critical implementation steps needed 4 success. #edchat
We moved to #SBG this year. I just had this conversation today, Lisa, with my super, a couple of teachers, and a couple of parents - all separately. They are hung on a quantitative vs qualitative divide. #edchat
In reply to
@nobleknits2, @ShiftParadigm, @Tgraef22, @sgthomas1973
Whatever tool you use to replace report cards, it is doomed to the dustbin unless community can see it as a part of a larger vision/strategy to make school different, not better. #edchat
I'm not saying it can't be done, it just may not be deep enough for Ps to feel like they know how their child is progressing. We do student-led conferences, K-5. Most Ps still want to hear from the T. #Edchat
Really interesting piece by @effortfuleduktr. Calls it as he sees it. We should welcome debate on twitter not avoid it. I'd love to see more structured debates on twitter about teaching and learning #edchat
It sounds as though there is a pre-conceived idea that report cards are about what students don’t know or haven’t achieved, what about also using them to celebrate learning, growth and progress? We need to remove the negative label on report cards, I think #EdChat
@KristenSevinsky Wow, having students choose what they want to learn on a topic is bold, but so important for growth. On the other hand, what about what they “need” to learn? #EdChat
List of objectives where ss select how they want to learn. How how they want to be assessed, when they should be assessed, even allow ss to choose what they need/want to learn about a topic, including #pbl to make a positive impact. #Edchat
you mean the test centered form of education? Let's start by pulling back on the testing because it has become more important than grades ... get an A, but fail the test ... which takes precedence? #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @dr_roselle, @BerniMoreno, @nobleknits2, @sgthomas1973
First, NAMING it. If they don't recognize what the impasse is, they can't get past it. Second, - I'll let you know when I figure that out! For now, it's enough to send them away chewing on the paradigm shift
#edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @nobleknits2, @Tgraef22, @sgthomas1973
They do. I didn't mean to suggest it should be 100% student-driven. At any level ever. There has to be balance and direction and partnership. What that looks like across levels changes, not the concept. #edchat
Well Dennis @DennisDill ...a funny but true story. Many years ago, when i was in charge of testing...one year the test was not given. Not a single person asked why not... #edchat@sgthomas1973@HarveyAlvy1
In reply to
@DennisDill, @dr_roselle, @BerniMoreno, @nobleknits2, @sgthomas1973, @DennisDill, @sgthomas1973, @HarveyAlvy1
I've done it with Pre Preps before. They designed a car wash & built it out of cardboard. I video recorded them talking about how & why they did it. I videoed a session where they presented it to the class & got feedback & we shared that with the Ps. #edchat
OR fail the class but ace the test! Both examples of how grades and testing aren't really sharing information on learning like they are supposed to do. #Edchat
you mean the test centered form of education? Let's start by pulling back on the testing because it has become more important than grades ... get an A, but fail the test ... which takes precedence? #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @dr_roselle, @BerniMoreno, @nobleknits2, @sgthomas1973
Yep we need the paper work @amber_grohs . But it’s a double-edged sword. Helps the next teacher, but may also cause bias which can be negative or positive. What do you think? #EdChat
2/2 Instead of sending home papers, I would like to meet with them, go over IEP goals, progress, and work together for creating any new/continue goals for next term. But I do understand how paperwork also helps the next T and keeps a record as well (helped me before) #edchat
#edchat Resign report cards and constant summative #assessment to the dustbin of time. Awful lot of them aren't read, or they're too repetitive to make an impact - it feels like so much time wasted - switch to conferencing or a portfolio work sent home to be reviewed by parents
(2/2) I also think that - given the stresses of the world - more Ps are likely to throw their hands up and say "Is she failing" and be happy with yes/no than to invest precious time in trying to understand #sbg. It's taken months to BEGIN to get it. #edchat
In reply to
@Tylertheteachr, @ShiftParadigm, @nobleknits2, @Tgraef22, @sgthomas1973
My tweet was about balancing their positives and their difficulties. Also, saying tutoring is the solution for a failing student is too simplistic for me and that student #edchat
Another study showing that #inquiry-based instruction isn't positively associated with performance in science examinations. How many strikes does this approach need before people stop believing in it? Thnx @thebandbhttps://t.co/CN1aMXkJFn
Yes! This is a huge problem, rote learning or cramming where concepts are never understood or internalised but the student looks ok on paper, then goes on to struggle when more than a learnt answer is required! #edchat
Understand their perspective. Is it because they are afraid of change, it's "easier" or better, or because they don't understand what qualitative truly is
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @MrU_ishere, @nobleknits2, @Tgraef22, @sgthomas1973
We invite you to share with fellow educators your successful school and classroom strategies. Take this opportunity to contribute to the growing body of knowledge about middle level education. https://t.co/h3cEj7ITHL#AMLE19#middleschool#edchat#mschat
Are states dropping the tests b/c of the lack of information they provide Ts and Ps or b/c of the amount of $$$? My district is SO TEST HEAVY. I cannot begin to explain the amount. Kinders now take a mid-year test online. #Edchat
Reading what folks are thinking, it occurred to me…(I’m probably the last one) that the alternatives to report cards up the "emotional intelligence" needed to do the assessments. Qualitative assessments are just less objective, teacher emotions become critical. Yes? No? #EdChat
Being a Special Education teacher, we send home IEP progress reports each quarter. These are time consuming but are informative to each skill targeted. I’d like to see something similar for my own kids. #EdChat
The mind is powerful! Don’t create problems that don’t exists. It’s tempting to give in to worry and anxiety, but try to focus on what is in front of you in the moment, without anticipating problems that may or may not arise in the future. #edchat#mindfulness
agree ... a report card is like the parent getting a "tweet" about their kid's progress ... and the vast majority of the parents are happy with this. #edchat
Yes, that’s the 1st thing, accepting that it won’t change overnight. For culture to shift, you need all stakeholders on board, and a concerted shared understanding of what it should look like. this is where school leadership is pivotal in steering in the right direction. #EdChat
How are report cards objective when 3 teachers teaching the same subject in the same grade and each has a different view of grades? Would kids get the same grade with each of those teachers? #Edchat
Time to return to my alternate role of Taxi-Dad and pick up my boys. #2pencilchat & #edchat, it's been a mind-spinning ride this last 45 minutes. Thank you! You've given me much to think about and be grateful for. G'night, all!
Yes! I have a smaller, self-contained class but I do send home daily communication logs home each day with information related to their needed prompting level and achievement level. It serves as good documentation as well. #EdChat
EQ is emotional quotient or emotional intelligence. It looks at 6 to 8 areas of character. We don't talk enough about how important character is to future success! #edchat
Q2 is up next - and also focuses on T Recruitment/Retention. It's all part of our 3-day #EDGEchat#slowchat. Join us tomorrow for our Classroom focus. I'd love to invite #edchat#caedchat and #edtech groups to join us for this important discussion! @tomwhitby@AppEducationFox
We invite you to share with fellow educators your successful school and classroom strategies. Take this opportunity to contribute to the growing body of knowledge about middle level education. https://t.co/h3cEj7ITHL#AMLE19#middleschool#edchat#mschat
Our kinder curriculum (in Ontario) has shifted to documentation based assessment - they're called communication of learning, and are truly a reflection of each child's progress. #edchat
True @tomwhitby. Colleges are already adjusting…some have moved away from or are accepting portfolios/projects, in place of traditional college entrance tests. #edchat
Reading what folks are thinking, it occurred to me…(I’m probably the last one) that the alternatives to report cards up the "emotional intelligence" needed to do the assessments. Qualitative assessments are just less objective, teacher emotions become critical. Yes? No? #EdChat
Hey Missouri #teachers be sure to give state Senator Ed Emery @edemery a call at (573) 751-2108 about senate bill 80, which basically goes after teachers’ compensation and retirement. Read the bill at https://t.co/sd0rC0KLSa
Please Retweet #edchat#moleg
I agree that character seems to be ignored. BUT in my test-heavy district, I don't want any.more.tests. No matter how useful they may be. #Edchat#realtalk
#edchat
this is my first time in an edchat. I think replacing report cards with academic goals for each trimester could be useful. These goals could be created with student and parent input. Parents, teachers & students review goals at the end of the trimester. #ProfTabaldo
Tests r being dropped because of all the reasons u mentioned and because student results have not significantly improved since NCLB and RTTT; especially when comparisons are made with NAEP tests. Also, politicians are less enthusiastic about the nat. tests. @sgthomas1973#EdChat
Are states dropping the tests b/c of the lack of information they provide Ts and Ps or b/c of the amount of $$$? My district is SO TEST HEAVY. I cannot begin to explain the amount. Kinders now take a mid-year test online. #Edchat
Total overkill, it should be a dialogue not some sort of corporate quarterly report 😔 kids aren't a financial report, they're people. It's the little day to day things that make a difference.
Dane Cardiel @danecardiel: How-to Tips to Jump-start Your Educator Podcast. Dropping a bonus episode of The Dr. Will Show Podcast — check it out here: https://t.co/dTymnKjy5Q#edchat
is it an either or? ... my focus is on student learning ... I rarely talk to parents about grades ... parent involvement or lack of parent involvement has zero effect on student learning inside the walls of my classroom. #edchat
There are some EQ tests…but the concern is that EQ will become another curr. issue that will be tested, and narrowed. (e.g. do we leave out “perseverance” this quarter because of time?) #edchat
I agree! EQ wouldn't be a formal assessment. Look in your classrooms & you know the Ss that have EQ. Would I write a letter of recommendation, job reference, let the Ss stay in communication with me after graduation........if the answer is no, we don't trust their EQ #edchat
Yes, that’s the 1st thing, accepting that it won’t change overnight. For culture to shift, you need all stakeholders on board, and a concerted shared understanding of what it should look like. this is where school leadership is pivotal in steering in the right direction. #EdChat
‘We look at the outcomes that we’re about to teach for a particular term and we actually then talk to the students about “this is what we have to get to”, how would you like to do that?’ https://t.co/5MS87QHba9@gregwhitby#edchat
Students Create: Homemade ice cream, DIY markers, marshmallow catapult, invisible ink ~ your elementary students will love these #science projects
https://t.co/F4O1z64hOO#edchat#educhat
