#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.
A1 As a start, maybe a CR mgmnt plan wld reflect rituals/values co-constructed by the learners/teacher in the room, instead of starting from the teacher's priorities/viewpoints/values (as center) and moving from there. May also be subject 2 change as S needs change. #UrbanEdChat
A1 As a start, maybe a CR mgmnt plan wld reflect rituals/values co-constructed by the learners/teacher in the room, instead of starting from the teacher's priorities/viewpoints/values (as center) and moving from there. May also be subject 2 change as S needs change. #UrbanEdChat
A: Allowing students to have a voice in how a cohesive classroom works is important. They will eventually set out the same rules you want them to have. #UrbanEdChat
A1 Understanding the cultures (i.e. ways of communicating, traditions, power structures, etc) of our students (&families) and creating an environment that embraces such. Our personal culture may differ but shouldn't be domineering #urbanedchat
A1. It is plan takes into account the cultural norms of the Ss in class. ie don’t penalize students for not making eye contact, speaking loud when making a point, when it is a part of the Ss culture. #urbanEdChat
I agree. We have classroom/school rules with the assumption that all students regularly follow them at home. We’ve all said/heard, “Would you put your feet on the table at home?” Well, sometimes, yes! #UrbanEdChat
Bc at the core of any culturally responsive classroom management system should be the values, perspectives,& choices of the diverse students in that classroom. Is classroom isn't diverse, it's the T's responsibility to guide students to consider others' perspectives. #urbanEdChat
A2: Creates a space where Ss *want* to be, where they feel they belong. I'd push back against a system where I don't feel wanted and am forced to be there, too. So I get it. #urbanedchat
A2: There's a different understanding with that, it leads to kids being more comfortable... which leads to a better classroom community... especially because you're not criminalyzing them for being themselves... #UrbanEdChat
That’s the difference. Being in a class that feels like a lecture hall or being in a community environment where you feel loved and cared for. #UrbanEdChat
A3: We have to look for ways to change behavior in a positive way. In the classroom and schoolhouse we have to incorporate strategies that focus on the whole child. #UrbanEdChat
A3, With Black students, in particular, disproportionately experiencing exclusionary discipline and with many "infractions" being very subjectively interpreted, it is absolutely necessary that Ts understand that not everything is a threat #urbanedchat
A 3 we want Ss to think/reason from various perspectives, and have agency in the world, so I think mgmnt plans have to provide them space to interact w/ peers/solve problems/develop prosocial skills in relationships rather than be based on threats or other tactics. #UrbanEdChat
A2. By respecting the cultures of all Ss in class. Middle class cultural standards are not more important than others in class. It also reduces culturally conflicting messages from home & school. #UrbanEdChat
A4, If Ts don't think that a problem exists, there'll be no move to try to correct it. Also, I think this exploration/reflection needs some sort of external impetus to get it started. Whatever/however that might look. #urbanedchat
A4 Because assumptions, attitudes, and biases shape practice and perspectives about children. Deconstructing them can help us "revise our theories" about things. #UrbanEdChat
The only way to disrupt institutionalized & systematized racism is to examine the ways it has impacted you & your role in it those systems. No matter teacher's background, as ppl w/a college degree, we have some degree of privilege. #UrbanEdChat
A4: You can’t teach a child without knowing and learning about that child. If they don’t think you care about them, they don’t care about your rules/consequences. #UrbanEdChat
A4:Many don't realize they have them.They need to reflect on their own view to recognize any bias. They think, "Oh i won't see color..I'll just treat all students 'equally'". Right there is where it starts.
#UrbanEdChat
Yes! If we want them to learn to be part of setting norms in the world, they need space to practice doing that (with our guidance) in the classroom! I think we need to trust children more. #UrbanEdChat
A3:... 51% of our country's school age children are not white... Not attending to this means more than half of the nation feels out of place in school... That's not okay #UrbanEdChat
A3: culturally responsive classroom management is key bc all kids deserve education that suits their needs. #UDL practices have helped me with engagement, and engaged students don't need to be "managed". #UrbanEdChat
A3:... 51% of our country's school age children are not white... Not attending to this means more than half of the nation feels out of place in school... That's not okay #UrbanEdChat
A4: Because if you don't, you either alienate yourself by from your students in a manner that can't be undone or you teach them to reject their cultures which is tied to their friends and family (support group) #UrbanEdChat
A3: culturally responsive classroom management is key bc all kids deserve education that suits their needs. #UDL practices have helped me with engagement, and engaged students don't need to be "managed". #UrbanEdChat
A3. It facilitates teachers & admins in establishing relationships with all Ss! This requires us to research & learn about our Ss’ cultures. We learn & we also grow! It’s a win win situation. #UrbanEdChat
@UrbanEdChat We are well on our way to becoming a majority-minority country, yet most public school teachers are white women. We have a responsibility to become part of the communities in which we teach.
#UrbanEdChat
A5 I think assumptions/biases can accidentally turn into a narrow path in one's mind that is the standard for who is a "good" child, and anyone who walks outside that path is at risk for getting labeled ("behavior", "challenging", "problem student"). #UrbanEdChat
A4: If we expect our Ss to embrace their peers based on their backgrounds and learning styles, then we need to thoughtful, reflective models of this practice ourselves. #Monkeyseemonkeydo#UrbanEdChat
A5: Ts bias causes lasting effects and really dehumanizes Ss. One example was a Ss on here who said he was pulled into Principal's office because Ts said he was cheating. Ss is Native Am. Now, he'll start thinking, "why bother? Ts thinks I'm too stupid."
#UrbanEdChat
A6: It may explain why a child responds like they do, why homework isn’t done, why they wear what they wear, so much. If you will be with these Ss for 180 days, how can you not want to know about their life outside of school? #UrbanEdChat
A5: And that where we lose them.All because the Ss looked different, that Ts assumed he couldn't master a complicated subject. How humiliating that must have been for that Ss!! #UrbanEdChat
A5: Because culturally responsive classrooms are proactive rather than reactive. This is what today's youth and society needs and DESERVES! #UrbanEdChat
A6: It's imperative because Ss culture is part of them and we need to teach the whole student. Recognizing their culture also builds connections with Ss because they feel more respected. #UrbanEdChat
A5, Loaded question 😁 If all Ts know is one way of knowing/viewing/interpreting, then "different" is threatening/inferior/subpar etc. As such, b/c of the power that T has, s/he can wield that power unfavorably, thus the need for cult/resp pedagogy #urbanedchat
A4. So that they do not unconsciously give Ss the wrong messages. The vast majority of teachers want to do well but may be unconsciously displaying their biases. Some of this is due to not being exposed to diverse cultures. #UrbanEdChat
A6 Instruction should draw on children's assets/communities/interests/knowledge, but we can't do that if we start from our curriculum or standards first and never factor in our specific learners. #UrbanEdChat
A1: Understanding and appreciating the richness of students who bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to the classroom. Instruction must be relevent and address the needs of students. #UrbanEdChat
A7:I like the way Gathercoal thinks. He states that the classroom is a democracy and a place of learning. Therefore, no one has the right to infringe on that learning. By ensuring equity in classroom management, you build that respect for each other. #UrbanEdChat
A7: Let your kids pick edited songs for a class playlist... Let them choose whose biography they wish to read... Let them wear durags and brush their hair... Let them speak other languages... Stop restricting them from being... #UrbanEdChat
A7: Let your kids pick edited songs for a class playlist... Let them choose whose biography they wish to read... Let them wear durags and brush their hair... Let them speak other languages... Stop restricting them from being... #UrbanEdChat
A5: T's expectations and bias create challenges in classrooms. The soft bigotry of low expectations remains a major issue. Training is often recommended but overrated. #UrbanEdChat
Thanks! Yes, it takes special care and it is helpful to make and take the time to do this right because our children are negatively impacted when teachers assumptions go unchecked. #UrbanEdChat
A6: Understanding Ss backgrounds is important 4 so many reasons but 1 that sticks out for me is knowing past educational experiences & building off of positive experiences or helping to re-shape school into a place where they are comfortable & feel like they belong! #UrbanEdChat
Agreed. Listen to the clean lyrics to their favorite song and use it for a lesson on metaphors. Things like this help them build comfortable relationships. #UrbanEdChat
Yes...I think sometimes when that relevance piece is missing, perceived "poor behaviors" "pop up", and it's the Ss who take the heat rather than reflection taking place about the instruction they're being asked to sit through for hours a day. #UrbanEdChat
A6) Learning a Ss background will aide with building relationships. Once you have a strong relationship w/ Ss can lead to them being successful in your building.#UrbanEdChat
A2: it gives consideration to the students and their identities. It uses and acknowledges who they are, and when Ss feel their values are respected it creates a classroom primed for learning and engagement. More engagement = fewer “behavior concerns” #UrbanEdChat
Thanks! Yes, it takes special care and it is helpful to make and take the time to do this right because our children are negatively impacted when teachers assumptions go unchecked. #UrbanEdChat
A6, Because cultural norms differ, even within a community. What may be accepted and appropriate in one culture/community (or even household) may differ from our own belief system and different doesn't automatically mean negative or "in need of correcting" #urbanedchat
A8: @#$#&ing Tell your kids that you like and care about them... Then show them you do, by attempting to get to know them... Note: if you don't care/like them there are other professions... #UrbanEdChat
A5. This is due to stereotypes in the media & other places which portray certain groups in certain ways. If you are not familiar or have knowledge about a group, you will be influenced by your only source of knowledge; stereotypes. #UrbanEdChat
In my humble opinion. all of us are responsible for the culture of the school. That means if I see a Ts that is causing that distress, I'm going to discuss with. Have a responsibility to the Ss first. #UrbanEdChat
In reply to
@theignitEDteach, @2WardEquity, @mwholloway, @kellygrade6
A5. This is due to stereotypes in the media & other places which portray certain groups in certain ways. If you are not familiar or have knowledge about a group, you will be influenced by your only source of knowledge; stereotypes. #UrbanEdChat
A8:a solid relationship with a student is a solid foundation for respect, learning and student growth. Teachers who don't or can't relate and connect to their students miss the deeper meaning and value of teaching. #UrbanEdChat
In my humble opinion. all of us are responsible for the culture of the school. That means if I see a Ts that is causing that distress, I'm going to discuss with. Have a responsibility to the Ss first. #UrbanEdChat
In reply to
@theignitEDteach, @2WardEquity, @mwholloway, @kellygrade6
A6. This allows positive relationships to be established. It also helps to reduce any misconceptions about your Ss as well. Or behavioral misunderstandings. #UrbanEdChat
A8: Because the Ss know that they are respected by Ts and very rarely will they cause strife for those they respect.They know you "see" them and want to know them. They dig that!! #UrbanEdChat
All of us! Teacher colleagues, principals, students, parents, community members. But teachers and school leaders must take ownership and start having tough conversations. Once the blinders are lifted, teachers can’t claim they didn’t or don’t know... #UrbanEdChat
In reply to
@theignitEDteach, @mwholloway, @kellygrade6
A6: You can't teach me if you don't love me or understand me. Understanding background and building relationships with students/parents and or caregivers. #UrbanEdChat
A8: Also, if the whining sets in, "Why do we have to do this?", I always tell them it's because I care about them & their education & patiently explain how it will help them learn & grow. #UrbanEdChat
A7, Asking questions goes a long way. Ex. If a morning/classroom routine is established and Ss diverge a bit. Ask why as opppsed to jumping down throats. There may be real reasons. And if we do go rogue and are wrong, apologize publicly. #urbanedchat
A7 Experiences, privileges, resources, and freedoms that don't depend on Ss' meeting English-/dominance-centered benchmarks at school. Moving away from rewards and bribes and threats. #UrbanEdChat
Big time. It's like watching the bully in the hall and not saying anything. 'Well, it's not MY Ss so I'm not concerned." When Ts are biased, it affects everyone! #UrbanEdChat
In reply to
@2WardEquity, @theignitEDteach, @mwholloway, @kellygrade6