This is the official Twitter account for #OklaEd, thehashtag that brings OK educators together. #OklaEd is not political & promotes constructive dialogue.
Welcome to the #oklaed chat. Topic tonight is Re:Imagining school. Let's start with introductions. I teach 4th grade for Norman Public Schools. I have my dream job! I work with the best people on earth.
Welcome to the #oklaed chat. Topic tonight is Re:Imagining school. Let's start with introductions. I teach 4th grade for Norman Public Schools. I have my dream job! I work with the best people on earth.
From @DouglasReeves "know the difference between a skeptic & a cynic; skeptics need evidence before they move forward, which means they want to move they just want the reason to be valid". Cynics just want to sit back and belittle those who recognize the need for change #oklaed
Welcome to the #oklaed chat. Topic tonight is Re:Imagining school. Let's start with introductions. I teach 4th grade for Norman Public Schools. I have my dream job! I work with the best people on earth.
Welcome to the #oklaed chat. Topic tonight is Re:Imagining school. Let's start with introductions. I teach 4th grade for Norman Public Schools. I have my dream job! I work with the best people on earth.
Jason James Supt of #AlexPS - vocal advocate of #oklaed ~ my year end self reflection indicates I need to increase my expectations as a leader if I want our school to take the next step toward greatness
A1 - I think of a school filled with student centered classrooms where Ss have choices as they explore through inquiry and projects with a healthy amount of smartly integrated technology #oklaed
A1) IMO, a "re-imagined" school is one where learning is a collaborative process between Ts & Ss ~ where Ss have access to the very best in educational practices, culture, and where all needs are met. #oklaed
A1 I think of schools examining what they CAN do internally to make a difference for every student. These are the only factors you can control. #oklaed
A1) The first thought would be to imagine a school where the curiosity of our students isn't suffocated by meaningless busywork and power trips. #oklaed
Amanda James reporting. I think this topic is timely. We need 2 keep the solid Ting strategies that have worked 4 years, but our Ss are not like those in the past- not like we were -so we MUST change the way we do “school” 2 engage all r Ss in #oklaed deep lrning opportunities.
#OklaEd A1: Reimagining Schools to me means emphasizing the skills and their use for Effective Learning rather than the teaching / learning (memorizing???) of facts.
A1 I think of a comprehensive review of just about everything that is being done with a disregard for the status quo and a willingness to consider things some would say are impossible. #oklaed
IMO, a "re-imagined" school is one in which deep understanding of academic content is the goal; a school in which we care less about the test and more about what students can do with what they've learned #oklaed
A1. I think of the prefix RE- and how it means “again” or “backward.” We can’t keep doing the same things we have been doing AGAIN because we will not be moving forward. IMAGINE seems endless with possibilities which allows for creative opportunities to happen. #OKLAED
A1: I think of Ts and Ss allowing imagination to take hold. Ss learn in a way that is meaningful to them, and are not limited by Ts who won't give them the chance to think outside the box. #oklaed
#oklaed A1: I think about the book, What School Could Be, by @dintersmith. The format and structure have not changed since I was in school, just the technology. It's time to flip education and take it into a different direction.
A1 We need to reimagine school as a place where student's talents and gifts are nurtured into careers, esp. for those whose families cannot do that work. #oklaed
A1 - It means engaging Ss by allowing for S voice and choice, active learning opportunities, collaboration, and high expectations. It looks different in each district as they work within their community needs and structures. No “should”s just “let’s try”.
A2- The school I want to attend is full on PBL that works across content areas. I don’t go to 7 separate classes a day, but I work to solve real world problems creatively encompassing multiple areas. Ts are consultants and partners in learning. #OklaEd
A1 I think of giving Teachers more say on curriculum design, more opportunities for personalized #PD, and for students to be more accountable for their learning. Finally to place less emphasis on standardized testing #oklaed
A1: thinking that “re” means again..... I think it’d be amazing to imagine what Schools COULD look like again if we got to completely “start over” the education system! #dreambig#Oklaed
A2) #oklaed I'm a child of the 70's and my Junior High had open classrooms and tons of student choice. I loved it! We had a block for core and then got to explore our passions.
A2 It’s the same in that there is a school community that CARES for every child. It is different in that there’s a school community that cares for EVERY child. That requires support for every teacher. #oklaed
A2) The school I would have went to were pretty much the schools I attended. I enjoyed school and took charge of my own learning. I felt we were held to higher expectations and that gave us more responsibility. #oklaed
#oklaed A2: Building connections between classes and career choices. Students need to put their learning into action, so just sitting in a classroom each day is not the answer. Think internships, job shadowing, and preparing for a gap year. More focus on innovation.
A2 - high expectations and deep learning would stay the same, but there would be more room for Ss to answer what they know through their own interests. I think that is foundational to S engagement - S interest. #OklaEd
A2 my k-12 experience was almost entirely a positive one—I learned the ways my teachers taught. But they generally all taught using the same old-school pedagogy. Most kids don’t learn best that way, yet there are still lots of teachers who rely almost exclusively on that. #oklaed
A2: If I could go to school again, I would want to see work that engaged me in my interests. I would want to be challenged more to make deep connections, not just memorize facts. #oklaed
A2 I would have liked more Ts willing to break the mold but also willing to admit their failures. I had some gr8 Ts growing up, but could have done much more #oklaed
A2: I would love a school in which Ss got to "pick" the courses within their interest; Students should be able to chase their dreams and career pathways by studying subjects relevant to what they want to do post secondary school #oklaed#whynot
A2 I would want a school that recognizes my learning style & allows me to show mastery through tasks geared towards that style. I also would have loved the maker spaces! Also would want to know that my teachers cared about my thoughts and needs. #oklaed
A2. I’ll think smaller & start with my classroom. I think many tend to teach the ways WE like to be taught. So for me it looks like a balance between my strengths & then understanding my students’ needs/strengths/interests. I must build relationships & learn w&from them. #OKLAED
A3 - We have this misconception that math is the only road to the future. Technological advancement has made us forget that arts are where Ss learn to think creatively and critically in ways they do not in math. Those skills are important to solving real world problems. #OklaEd
A2: It wouldn't require me to take Math courses past Algebra I. It would require me to create something to demonstrate I learned. And I'd be all like, "Just bring it!" because we all loved WWE The Rock back in those days... (I guess some things never change).
#Oklaed
I loved school so much I never really left. Looking back I'm not sure I'd change anything but air conditioning and heat with no boiler sounds would've been cool. Oh, and big toys. Big toys on the playground would've been sweet! #oklaed
A3: The Arts would be really boring if we taught it the same way we taught Math. The Arts are just as important as Math if not more important. The Arts are some students only reason for staying in high school. #Oklaed
A3 - Bless you for asking. Research shows S engagement increases when we engage in the arts site wide to make content more hands on and applicable. Art - in its many and wide forms - allow Ss to “see” content in a different way, and helps them learn objectives better. #OklaEd
A2 I would love for it to have minimal amount of distractions and enhanced parent-teacher engagement. Additional opportunities for students to take charge of the learning experience coached and mentored by teachers through real-world problem solving scenarios. #oklaed
A3) #oklaed I hope we never teach the arts like we teach math! We need to teach math like we do the arts..... where Ss get to practice and make mistakes and correct them and perfect their work and large crowds come to watch them perform and give standing ovations for perfection
A3) All subjects should be taught with the same level of importance and passion because to the student who is interested it is the most important subject. However, when you cannot fund education the focus changes and it harms the students. #oklaed
A3- I think with NCLB and the test and punish, schools felt they had to spend all available time on Math & Reading. The recession hit and those class were first cut. All mistakes!! #oklaed
A1) I think it all depends on who’s saying it. If certain think tanks say it then I immediately think it’s a red flag. If someone who actually has knowledge about public ed says it then I know it’s actually needed and i am eager to learn more. #oklaed
#OklaEd A2: It would be a School with no furniture / equipment fixed in location, with lots of maker supplies, and with opportunities to ‘meet’ with others through things like video chats.
Q:3 Because math is tested, ranked and standardized.
At our district, we use arts/athletic involvement as an indicator of the health of our student population. #oklaed
A3) #oklaed Good question! As an ELA teacher I ask myself all the time why is STEM being pushed into my classroom and novels being pushed out? Then I teach Fahrenheit 451 and it gives me chills.
A3 I always hoped schools would focus on using arts to teach mathematics and English and science and social studies. It just makes sense but the mandate-culture caused educators to limit the arts in favor of time on task. Big mistake. #oklaed
A3 Sigh. I hesitate to say it, but what gets tested is what gets taught/valued. And I presume that people see a clearer connection between success in math and future economic prosperity than between the arts and adult salaries. #oklaed
A3 Because neither of these two subjects is more important than the other. In my opinion they both require a different approach to meaningfully engage the learners. #oklaed
A2. A school that empowers the learning of each student to aid them in finding their strengths and weaknesses and put them on a path to college or a hands on school early in their high school career #oklaed
A1. A little time spent learning and educating about illness students have within individual schools. Promoting a safety net and peer acceptance. #OklaEd
#oklaed A3: I think about building connections between math and art. If there is a S who likes art, then how can I bring art into the math class? If art is not offered, then we are only focusing on the subjects and not the students. Ss need to connect math to the real-world.
This is what my HS experience (at least in English) was like. There was a list of Comp electives and a list of Litelectives. Every semester you paired them together based on your interests. So I took classes like Bible As Lit, Poetry, Search for Identity, Etc. LOVED!❤️#OKLAED
#oklaed As a curriculum guy it drives me insane that we place a higher value on some subjects than we do others~ We should place a higher value on skills (such as critical thinking over a jump shot) but not subjects. Art is just as important to some students as Geometry to others
A4 - I would be excited for the challenge. I would welcome the chance to first: get to build a relationship with the student and let him know that he valued and has worth, then focus on the skills and content. #oklaed
My thoughts are I need to get my butt in gear and figure out where I messed up. As a GT and ELA teacher, my classes should be engaging across the curriculum and across interest areas #oklaed
A4: short answer=whole child. Make her/him my special interest project. Make sure they knew they were loved. I have THIS kids right now. So pleased he will be with my hubs next yr. #oklaed
A2. Mustang Valley Elementary by far. The amount of effort each student and faculty puts into each student is phenomenal. Had a few teachers that were great growing up like this, but not an entire school. #OklaEd
A4: Not sure I completely understand the Q but I’ll go with that’s NOT OK and not accepted here. Come to Engage the summer we have several sessions on the Whole Child. Bam! PLUG! #Oklaed
A4 well, after i stopped being sad/angry, I’d work on ways to showcase what this kid IS good at. Chances are, s/he isn’t the only one with those skills or unique skills—reaching out like that is going to impact that kid plus more. #oklaed
A4: At an alternative high school we deal with this everyday because we get the students who have been labeled the “bad students” by the school system. It takes a lot of consistency, High expectations and encouragement to build back their self esteem. #Oklaed
A3: As much we don't want to "teach to the test", those several steps above us, who hold our jobs in their hands, expect us to do so. Assessments put math and reading (at the levels I have taught) in the driver's seat. Art is the 8yo asking "Are we there yet?" #oklaed
A4 - I can’t educate a child effectively if I don’t value their uniqueness. A S’s voice should ALWAYS be considered in their education and in how they demonstrate learning. #OklaEd
A4) I would say at my school we must be able to reach the student and help he or she find the root causes for feeling this way. My staff spends time building the relationships so that real learning is individualized and begins for the student. #oklaed
A2) If i could change anything, I would change the psychological bullying that can often make kids hate school and feel like they don’t belong. #oklaed
A4 I would say there is a need to continually stress the value of foundational academics to our Ss. Meaning students might not be excited about Science but they need to understand the Science that makes Art come alive. I know it is difficult, but not impossible. #oklaed
A4) Since I believe in meeting my kids where they are at, then hopefully I will reach that child. Hopefully I will learn something and my school might learn something too. #oklaed
a4) I think anytime you are trying to connect a child to learning (academics) interest plays a role... knowing what students value will make learning more meaningful #OklaEd
A3. Society doesn’t view it as a life skill. It’s a misunderstanding of the engagement both communal in the appreciation of art and the individualism involved. #OklaEd
#oklaed A4: And that's the problem. That's why we have Ss who hate school and people who say that schools are failing. It's all about the test scores and not about the Ss. It's time to focus on the career choices, interests, and talents of Ss. They need to have a purpose.
A4: I disagree w ur either/or concept. I don’t think nourishing the whole child is separate frm academics. I think it’s included in academics. I think we should allow Ss 2 write abt their interests 2 learn how 2 write well. 1of2 #OklaEd
A:4 We call it casting a net. We evaluate who has not been "captured" yet and work to find a way to involve every child.Our Career Connect program is a direct result of that kind of thinking #Oklaed
A4I try to find what my Ss love, what they enjoy beyond the classroom...then I try to find ways to bring it into the classroom. Also, I try to give them different experiences, so they can find new interests #oklaed
#OklaEd A3: Good question. Big mistake ... We need what AAUP calls Liberation Education (NOT Liberal Arts & Sciences) for higher education - in K-12. LE is a big part of the ‘professions’ careers (I’ve never seen a definition of Engineering that didn’t include the arts).
Yes! That’s why it’s important for every S to use the various arts to learn the basics. I’ve been surprised at how few people realize the clear and researched connection between music and math. #oklaed
A5 - I implement a lot of student choice and PBL. As an ELA T, do I really need students to read the same book all the time? They also get say in how they show mastery. There is not one way to show you “get it” #OklaEd
I’m fortunate that the standards I work with don’t necessarily require a strict curriculum and can be altered to fit the needs of my Ss. I’d probably get in trouble for opening my mouth is admin tried to demand I follow a curriculum that wasn’t in my Ss best interest #oklaed
A5) The art of teaching includes the ability to take the curriculum and make it "non-linear" for our students. The skill comes with cross-curricular transferance of skills so that the mastery of how to learn becomes more important than the what to lear. #oklaed
A5 - Honestly I do not think I have done this well in the past. I am pushing myself to learn new things and to implement new strategies of choice and standard mastery to get better at this. #oklaed
A5) #oklaed Before I can differentiate and customize my lessons, I need to know my kids. I don't begin curriculum for at least two weeks. Once I know them, I know where to meet them.
I didn't realize math was beautiful until my junior year of high school. Prior to that, it was just the only part of the day when I felt academically lost. Not challenged, lost at sea. #oklaed.
A5b: Meaning, sometimes we have to get through a phonics lesson. But then we use those skills to read about how we can become better gardeners, engineers, YouTubers, etc. #oklaed
A5) A hundred years ago (it seems) Marcellus Fields told me to teach kids using all their senses. Taste it, touch it, smell it, see it and hear it and they'll learn it. I know he didn't package it and sell it as the father of differentiated learning but... #oklaed
A4: I had this S this year. I hope that by the time she left me, she felt differently. She did tell me that I was the first teacher who didn't think she was weird, so I hope that means something. #oklaed
A5 sometimes you fudge on the curriculum to meet the kid where s/he is...but it’s always possible to incorporate student interests/needs/abilities into what you do. Takes time and creativity, though. #oklaed
#oklaed A5: My Ss have autonomy over what they write about, talk about, and read about. They choose topics that focus on their career choices, interests, and talents. I use Understanding by Design to help me create me units.
A4. In the #WatchDOG Program we encounter these situations often. Some of us take notes and the next time we around the student, we bring up their point of interest to give value to it and self worth to the student. #OklaEd
A5: My school was built on this to the Nth degree. It only took 6 yrs to get comfortable with it, but every single is has a say. #itshard#itsbeautiful#oklaed
A4) this is a huge issue. I rarely see kids who work hard/respectful of others but aren’t the best at sports or the smartest in their class be recognized. That should change. I’d like to see kids who are kind be the superstars. That would be a game changer. #oklaed
A5) #oklaed recent research shows that learning styles theory is bunk, Ss do not learn in multiple ways, they learn in exactly 1 way; by being engaged in a hands on manner on something they find relevant and worth their time
A6 - 11th and 12th grade would consist of a full year of a research based PBL experience. Students would choose a real world problem, research extensively, and develop creative solutions. They would use math, science, ELA, history, art, etc. to accomplish. #OklaEd
A6: I offer 2 hours of unconstructed play time (mostly outdoors) for 3rd-8th grades. They love it. Even the 8th graders get in on games of tag. #itsbeautiful#oklaed
A6 a more flexible school schedule would be amazing—kids who want to start early and get out early can, or we can accommodate the kid who isn’t a morning person. At least part of the issue is transportation—you’d be running buses constantly... #oklaed
A5) #oklaed recent research shows that learning styles theory is bunk, Ss do not learn in multiple ways, they learn in exactly 1 way; by being engaged in a hands on manner on something they find relevant and worth their time
Q7: #Oklaed This is so much fun!!! Like I seriously love this! I love researching the topics because I learn so much, then I love your feedback. It's therapy for me.
A6 Teachers all have certifications in two subject areas. To be fair, I can't take credit for this idea. I heard it from @_levi_ and/or @tiffanyneill and thought it was awesome. For the record, I'd choose ELA and Science certifications. #Oklaed
A5 There are thousands of ways to get from point A through B when navigating the curriculum. However, they all require understanding your Ss needs and building relationships to help them get there together. #oklaed
A5 I present curriculum in a variety of ways and I check in for understanding. Takes patience and work but it’s important. Requires me to continue my own learning. #oklaed
A6) I am changing the schedule to have more options for our students, including a period dedicated in the day for enrichment/remediation, and exploring certificate programs to give opportunities to our students. They need it and deserve it. #oklaed
A6: Love this.I want r #OklaWE elem 2 have more recess time. Research shows this is best 4 Ss.I want no homework going home as research shows no academic value of hmwk in elem. Personally, I would love 2 start school later since I’m not an am person,but many r, so I deal.#OklaEd
A6c. I would also love to see more community partnerships/ field trips/ experiences in early ed. Some of my kids have never seen beyond their neighborhood. Life is happening now, not just after high school! #oklaed
Q7: #Oklaed This is so much fun!!! Like I seriously love this! I love researching the topics because I learn so much, then I love your feedback. It's therapy for me.
#OklaEd A4: That most especially points out the problem with teacher-controlled / mandate-dominated schools & classrooms. The schools must be student-centered with lots of multidisciplinary opportunities open to student favorites - which will in turn build student engagement.
A6. Non traditional classroom settings. Outdoors, cafeteria, gymnasium, open areas, etc. Watched a student I thought was zoning out, but because of not being confined to a desk in a classroom, spoke a brilliant thought. Open spaces encourage free thought. #OklaEd
Q7: #Oklaed This is so much fun!!! Like I seriously love this! I love researching the topics because I learn so much, then I love your feedback. It's therapy for me.
A6: I’m going to take the part the most applies to high school. I have heard this said, “If we start later the students will still be late. We have to teach them to be on time early in the morning just like a job.” <~~~ that mindset is why school doesn’t start later. #oklaed
A7 sitting for 6+ hours a day is exhausting, so this makes total sense...not sure exactly how to translate this for my high schoolers, but I would like to give it a try! #oklaed
A6 Less homework, more hands-on learning and realistic scenarios supported by community leaders to engage our learners minds and spark interest in their future vocations. #oklaed
Q7: #Oklaed This is so much fun!!! Like I seriously love this! I love researching the topics because I learn so much, then I love your feedback. It's therapy for me.
#oklaed A6: College classes offered in high schools, on the job training, project-based learning, and across the curriculum classes. I would like to have a STEM English class at my school. We are too used to the status quo to make the changes that should be made.
I'd love to see school open 7am to 7pm and open 24/7 for personalized learning. Who wouldn't? All we have to do is find a way to pay teachers and fund it.There are associated costs with infinite learning platforms.We won't master this in my career but we will in my life. #oklaed
A6 a more flexible school schedule would be amazing—kids who want to start early and get out early can, or we can accommodate the kid who isn’t a morning person. At least part of the issue is transportation—you’d be running buses constantly... #oklaed
A7: I like this, but have a bit of concern. I'm all for movement, but is it student directed? Are we giving kids autonomy and independence in their movement? Not saying it all has to be, but do kids get a chance to just be kids? #oklaed
A7: I agree that it is beneficial for students to have periodical “Brain Breaks” at least every hour; that could be PE, Go Noodle, recess to name a few #oklaed
That mindset gets a physical shake of my head. As if there aren't jobs that aren't 9-5? Or as if many of our HS kids aren't already learning that at their actual jobs? #oklaed
A7) I would love to just have some PE included at my school. Rethinking how I could get it in with a dedicated yoga class, or dance, fitness, all could be done in my auditorium, but I do not have the teachers, budget, or facilities to do it right now. #oklaed
Q7: #Oklaed This is so much fun!!! Like I seriously love this! I love researching the topics because I learn so much, then I love your feedback. It's therapy for me.
A5: Weave the subjects together as much as possible, allow choice, make time to meet with students individually to conference on their work, mistakes are okay, give time to go back and review and try again if S isn't ready for assessment the first time. #oklaed
Q7: #Oklaed This is so much fun!!! Like I seriously love this! I love researching the topics because I learn so much, then I love your feedback. It's therapy for me.
a6) more flexibility for student learning and their styles... the older models of how we do school are butting up against a completely different way of doing things in our world, if we are going to prepare Ss for their futures we need to be having conversations about this #oklaed
A7 I agree with the Principal. There is nothing wrong with keeping kids active and engaged. Especially at a time when they have so many outside distractions and activities that take time away from physical activity. #oklaed
A8: I think there is a group of kids that would choose this route, but there is def a group that want their hardcore academics. Maybe a CORE/ACE type of choice?? #oklaed
A7: sounds great to me! Oh wait my school doesn’t even have sports or PE class... These are the student who probably need the most physical activity #OklaEd
Q7: #Oklaed This is so much fun!!! Like I seriously love this! I love researching the topics because I learn so much, then I love your feedback. It's therapy for me.
A8- Our Ss need this!!! They need new experiences, new perspectives, hands-on learning! I LOVE this idea and could see it allowing Ss to find relevance in their learning. #OklaEd
A6: Recess *before* lunch. We are a PK-12 school that shares one cafeteria. Between the difficulty of scheduling and the status quo, that's not something that has changed. #oklaed
a7) I agree, this is great. I remember having 3 recess and PE every other day in elementary school. ABL labs are also an amazing way to get students moving and learning #oklaed
#oklaed A7: This summer, I am working on making my curriculum digital so that I have a flipped classroom. Therefore, my Ss will come into my class ready to do the activities. They will be up and moving around stations, and we may even go outside.
A6) Lets have character come into play when deciding who gets picked for sports teams or who gets academic honors. It’s a great life lesson. Without good character and only talent, you won’t go far in the real world. #oklaEd
@mrsburnsMED -a 4th grade T @ #OklaWE -brought in a community group 2 do yoga w her Ss throughout the year. It takes initiative & creativity, but it can be done.The Ss loved it. I want 2 encourage you 2 keep after it. f it’s best for Ss, then it’s worth our time to try. #OklaEd
A7) I would love to just have some PE included at my school. Rethinking how I could get it in with a dedicated yoga class, or dance, fitness, all could be done in my auditorium, but I do not have the teachers, budget, or facilities to do it right now. #oklaed
Q7: #Oklaed This is so much fun!!! Like I seriously love this! I love researching the topics because I learn so much, then I love your feedback. It's therapy for me.
Maybe the "interning" day for this group is spend doing deeper level academic research/exploration I am a giant nerd and would have chosen that group. #oklaed
#OklaEd A5: That’s why formal education must be student-centered recognizing the skills developed are equally important but that the standards material will be truly learned better when done using this approach.
A7. Yes. The only issue would be finding a suitable alternative to engage students who are not physically able to interact in this. Physical activity releases endorphins making the children feel at ease, more comfortable, and engage more. #OklaEd
Q7: #Oklaed This is so much fun!!! Like I seriously love this! I love researching the topics because I learn so much, then I love your feedback. It's therapy for me.
I’m so torn on this idea. Should school be used to prepare Ss for life? Depending on how a person defines life can radically change the position of Ss. #oklaEd
A8 School should not be defined by a physical location so long as the learners are engaged and motivated to learn throughout any given activity. There has to be a purpose and that activity needs to be tied to a learning need to be effective. #oklaed
A8) I am having three start times and bringing night school options in for our students. Along with some online options and vocational options I want to provide our students with as many opportunities to succeed as possible. #oklaed
#oklaed A8: I love this idea, especially for high school students. Ss need to see what it takes to be successful in a job, and this idea would help teachers give Ss real-world opportunities. Ss need to put their learning into action.
A9 - Next year I am getting some freedom to try different things with my world history classes. I am going to bring the world to them through Google explorations and mystery skypes. I also am going to bring outside speakers in for my Macroeconomics course. #oklaed
As you might have guessed this is where I get real concerned about school innovation. I don’t think schools should reproduce systems of labor which value Ss based on economic output. My concern is “real world” means “in prep for a job” #oklaed
A8: I MO this is a great idea. Some rural dists have a harder time getting 2 places 2 do so.Also, this is beneficial 4 all Ss, but more so MS/HS. IMO this would be great 4 elem, but less often-maybe 1/quarter? I do think the applicable real world connection is essential. #OklaEd
"nearly 70 percent of fourth graders are performing on grade level in reading, with 80 percent performing on grade level in mathematics. For 8th graders, the rates are 76 and 70 percent, respectively." FYI - #oklaedhttps://t.co/h2c8DCAtJ8
A9 - I try to develop real world problem solving within my lessons. My curriculum is easy to develop real world connections to and I am really working towards going mostly PBL to further that connection. #OklaEd
Q7: #Oklaed This is so much fun!!! Like I seriously love this! I love researching the topics because I learn so much, then I love your feedback. It's therapy for me.
A9: Every minute of the day should be devoted to real-world application... This is why is use real books in my class instead of a Literature textbook. #oklaed
A7: I want to say I agree, but I wonder how much is unstructured vs. structured? Does some of that include active learning or practice of learned concepts? #oklaed
A9 I encourage my kids to attend off-campus cultural and academic events (cultural celebrations, scholarly lectures, etc.) and occasionally bring a speaker in—but I need to do a better job with this. #oklaed
A10 - We have to educate ourselves about the candidates for office in a few weeks and than again in November. This is the only way we can get past the policy and fiduciary barriers. We have to be engaged in the process and vote. #oklaed
#oklaed A9: i agree with this idea along as the curriculum also connections to these real-world opportunities. It cannot be done in isolation; connections should be built. I have my Ss conduct interviews, give speeches in front of an audience, and use a variety of technology.
A10 - We start by recognizing that schools were never designed to be equitable. They were designed to sort students. Now we are expected to create equity in a system that was never designed that way. If we begin there then a redesign doesn’t sound so scary. #OklaEd
A10: Start with an interest survey. Tie your lessons to what interests them. Give them choice where you can. Offer as much real world as you can...IF it interests them. #oklaed#alsoVOTE
A8: How would this translate to elementary? I'm seeing 3 days of direct instruction, one day of team/individual sports and free play, and one day of Genius Hour-type collaboration across grade levels. #oklaed
A10) The twin siblings of discontent always raise their heads when these discussions begin. "We've never done it that way" and "we've always done it that way" #oklaed
Leave windows open and allow students control of the seat placement in class. Also, have a wide variety of texts available to Ss and be prepared to give recommendations based on the S #oklaed
A9) We have guest speakers come into our academy class and Alternative Education has a community service feature. I'm going to look at both next year for ways to improve for our students. #oklaed
A10
I'm a curmudgeon. And cynical. So, don't take me too seriously. Ever. But I have little hope that the answer is politics and politicians. I feel it's up to me to find answers and fix one issue after another until there's none left. I start with me. Because reasons.
#Oklaed
A10 the obvious one—$$$$
The less obvious one—opposition from Ps, Ts, and even some Ss to the changes that make school not “look” like school. Change can be hard, esp the substantive change we’ve been talking about. Your stakeholders have to understand WHY you’re changing #oklaed
#OklaEd A8: Only reason I’ve not suggested it is that politicians and policy people would likely have a field day ... I’ve often thought about “bringing home schooling into schools” and these ideas fall into my thinking.
A:10 It's important to be connected to your community, know what the needs and culture of your families don't just pick a program for the sake of doing it. #Oklaed
A11:
1. Open spaces AND quiet soundproof booths.
2. Whiteboard walls
3. Couches and large tables
4. cafes where they can eart/drink when thirsty or hungry
5. NATURAL LIGHTING
#oklaed
A12 - This year that was my classroom or my wife's office a lot of the time. It can be a good thing but it needs to be managed well to make sure students are not abusing freedoms. #oklaed
a10) rethinking how we do ed is difficult, I think we have many physical barriers and financial constraints that prevent some change... also mandates..., I'm so thankful for creative Ts and Ps pushing the envelope and moving schools/districts forward
#oklaed
A11 - As a HS T, I will be the 1st in my building to have flexible seating next year! I am also looking forward to my Stanford by Design PD in June to see the other places that leads me! #OklaEd
#oklaed A10: Stop pushing an agenda and focus what students could be, what they can accomplish, and how they can make a difference. Start listening to people who have ideas and not people who don't have solutions.
A12: I think we could, I think it would be great, but we just don't have the space. I'm hoping our new rock labyrinth will serve as an alternative #oklaed
A19 We have to shift all stakeholders paradigms! There are many people that work in our schools and many on the outside that have a hard time with different! Maybe starts with courageous effective leaders? #oklaed
A11
Imagine that all students' learning space includes the world beyond the classroom and, of couse, by this I mean start empowering yourself and students with responsible social media use. Model it and expect it to be used as a tool for learning. HASHTAGS, NOT #HOMEWORK!
#Oklaed
A12: W some of the Ss we r seeing more & more of, this type of rm is needed. Ts r being asked 2 do so much more than teach. They have 2 deal w S meltdowns & many behavior issues. A calm room would be beneficial if we could afford 2 pay a T 2 oversee it. #OklaEd
A10 The "big one" is who pays for it? Followed by a change in mindset and a supportive leadership culture willing to risk failure to affect change. #oklaed
A10: if anyone from my district reads this, I’m open tomorrow to talk. Use research-based methods, think outside the box, allocate more money to real life experiences for our students instead of using the money for administration costs. We are professionals. We got this #OklaEd
a11) I am in love with flexible seating, spaces that are welcoming and student centered. @cultofpedagogy had an awesome podcast recently about this #oklaed
A19 We have to shift all stakeholders paradigms! There are many people that work in our schools and many on the outside that have a hard time with different! Maybe starts with courageous effective leaders? #oklaed
Thanks to @KimberBlodgett for moderating. Way to go keeping a fast-paced conversation interesting and meaningful for everyone here sharing their thoughts and ideas tonight. Truly inspirational and motivational at once. Be safe and have a great summer! #oklaed
#oklaed A12: Ss need places to think, to create, and to collaborate. They need to move around and not just sit. I think how cool it would be if schools had collaboration rooms or reading rooms just like I have seen around the OU campus.
A13: We sign (ASL) our sight words. Use goldfish for math. Squishy bag spelling. I have an entire pinterest account dedicated to finding all the ways to teach the things. #oklaed
A12 - I would LOVE this, but I think it would take a totally restructured day at the HS level. Ts would freak out if a S missed part of their 50 minute class. #OklaEd
A12 This is similar to an idea promoted by Love and Logic and others. A space in the room, next door or down the hall. It has been used for SPED Ss as well. Why not use it for all that need it. #oklaed
a12) I would LOVE to see more of this in schools and classrooms. Rethinking discipline is so important. We all need a break some time, our Ss need safe spaces where they can self-regulate and return to to the learning #oklaed
A11: well I wanted to change the office in my new room into a reading/writing/alternative study... but ya know... well... -sigh- my plans have already been dashed by the need for more administration #OklaEd
A11 I have flex seating but lighting has been my concerns as of late. I don’t handle the fluorescent lights well, I wonder how it affects my Ss. #Oklaed
