Good morning all! Corey, second-year Latin teacher from PA here. First time on #sunchat, and just getting started on forming my PLN. Excited to learn from you all!
Looking for some new ways to teach concluding paragraphs in essays to 6th graders which doesn't include repeating the three things they just talked about! lol #sunchat
Morning everyone. Me before coffee. We just booked our trip to Denver Comic Con and I am preparing for my presentations on comics in education. We fly out the evening of the last day of school! #sunchat
#sunchat incidentally, if anyone will be in Delaware in two weeks, I’m giving a free workshop on comics in education - preregistration is required to the email on the flyer. I can’t wait!
So true, Meredith! We can't let the problem "win"! And talking through with those who might be able to help is key - fostering a problem by not sharing and seeking advice only fuels to grow it into something like a mountain... lol #sunchat
Morning, #sunchat. I'm Brian. I teach MS students English in CO. I'm currently wrestling with implications of non-trivial schedule change in 2018-19 where I teach. #sunchathttps://t.co/RdaXDjDAKF
Exactly! Key in your response were the words, "talking through with those who might be able to help ..." Much better than simply "venting" which does little to solve the challenge unless it is honest reflection during conversation. #sunchat
So true, Meredith! We can't let the problem "win"! And talking through with those who might be able to help is key - fostering a problem by not sharing and seeking advice only fuels to grow it into something like a mountain... lol #sunchat
So funny, Brian, how humans are innately resistant to change. But what irks is when change is implemented without first investigation how the apple cart will be toppled because of it. Is it for the better? Solving a problem?#sunchat t
One challenge I have, as a "district person", is how to develop relationships in schools. As teachers, how would you want to begin getting to know your district ed tech specialist? (Goal: spend 2 days/week in schools) #sunchat
Oh, but this sounds like an exciting challenge! Such a great way to empower your Ss. I'm sure you'll get positive reactions from them when you ask them how they'd like to show their learning. #sunchat
This is really interesting! I’ve thought about this a lot. What was the rationale behind the decision? Will it offer more chances for electives? #sunchat
I had a supervisor who I called far too often when I needed a solution to a problem. Once he told me, "If I don't return your call I realize that you will find a solution on your own that will work better than what I might suggest." <-- wasn't he wise! #sunchat
Kevin, did you see the idea that @bohndrake tweeted the other day about the blank piece of paper attached to the test - just say "tell me what you want me to know that I didn't ask on the test". Let the kids tell you what is important that they learned. Cool idea! #sunchat
I have been giving my students choice on assessments and they like the idea but they are so used to the status quo of tests that most take the test instead of the alternative #sunchat
I don't speak from experience, but...I imagine that ongoing supports (beyond the initial recruiting) are important. And it always works better when you have a group of kids in that situation so they can be brave together and help each other out. #sunchat
I love this! I would have wanted this in some of my classes...you know, when you study for the test and it doesn't seem to match what you learned at all! #sunchat
In reply to
@susankotch, @TheKevinMCline, @bohndrake
Current mixed messages feel irksome: "No need to blow everything up; take small steps;" at same time as, "Be innovative; don't do what you've done before." Not necessarily mutually exclusive. Change is for 6-12. I see clear benefits for 9-12, w/tricky pieces for 6-8. #sunchat
Come in classrooms and say hi. What are you doing? How can I help with what you are doing? Did you ever think about... please don’t just send an email and say - come to this room for my office hours. #SunChat
As a prior instructional coach and building admin I think the most important thing you can do is be in classrooms. If you don’t know what’s happening daily in your classrooms first hand how can you be sure your teachers are getting what they really need to succeed? #sunchat
Thank @bohndrake for suggesting it! I'm planning on doing it as well on our next unit. Colored pencils and piece of cardstock, and have at it! Can't wait to see the results! #sunchat
I love this! I would have wanted this in some of my classes...you know, when you study for the test and it doesn't seem to match what you learned at all! #sunchat
In reply to
@susankotch, @TheKevinMCline, @bohndrake
Do you like it when people just drop in? That is my favorite way to function, but I think some people feel threatened. I'm not there to evaluate...just to say hi & take it all in. I'd so much rather see you in your zone than ask you to artificially come to mine. #sunchat
I cannot thank my PLN enough for the great ideas and resources that they share. I have found them to be there to connect, share and support one another in good and bad times. My PLN page https://t.co/SxqhUhA8IL#YouMatter#edchat#sunchat
It’s that teacher to student relationship. It means a lot when teachers say they believe in a student or see their potential. #sunchat we are all in it together - fear should not be part of the day.
Our school just did away with requiring the AP exam for students. We'll see how it impacts student enrollment in the fall. When I took AP courses in HS, students had the choice to take the exam or not and it made it far less intimidating. #sunchat
I 100% agree! Some buildings have a culture of this, but some don't. I think I have more anxiety about this in buildings where there's not necessarily a precedent of leadership/coaches being in classrooms. #sunchat
Start by being present and making observations. 80% in classrooms 20% in office then you can adjust as you learn your people and their processes. Most important Never lose touch with the students and their needs.#sunchat
Across grades 6-12 where change will apply, impetus came from HS. Should be enhanced options for flexibility & additional electives at my MS level, though ID'ing staffing/space limitations (as well as course-registration timeline) have created confused seas to navigate #sunchat
Ask Ts what they need to be successful. If it’s a material item, find a way to acquire it. Also, personalized, handwritten notes about something the T did well or a way to encourage others mean a great deal. Everyone does something good - celebrate it. #sunchat
I LOVE when people pop in. As a high school teacher, I may not speak to another adult in an entire day. Isolating. We need to get over the feeling threatened - people are welcome in my room anytime! Not just to evaluate me. You’d help change that culture. #sunchat
Saw something on Twitter where a T asked Ss to write down everything they knew on the test that the teacher didn’t ask them about. Loved this idea! #sunchat
Funny enough, I felt totally free to step into classrooms as a principal this summer. I feel less confident about coming into "someone else's building" as a coach, but I want to do things similarly to how I did as an admin. #sunchat
I would love it if teachers were all like this. I think most would be - What do you want? If I just rocked up. Maybe a little warning would be good then just turn up... #sunchat
Maybe send out a survey asking about the areas they'd like help in or what they'd like to know more about. You could also give a menu of ideas #sunchat
You have to build time in your schedule for honors/AP students to receive help, intervention & extra support. H and AP Ss should have productive struggle if we are doing our job right. When Ss know they will get support & targeted help, they are more likely to try! #sunchat
It needs to be a conversation at a faculty meeting on the first day back. Just like we set the classroom culture on the first day. It’s why I never hand out textbooks or the “why you must fear me rules” on the first day. #sunchat
This, 100%. I do this for all my students (whether or not they take me up on my offer is another issue...), but it boosts their confidence immensely. #sunchat
Another thing is to make your presence and vision known. Allow teachers and students to know who you are, your goals, and that you empathize with their wants/needs. #sunchat
Amazing what you can learn on Twitter in just five minutes. Like what @susankotch shared about @bohndrake 's tweet "the blank piece of paper attached to the test - just say "tell me what you want me to know that I didn't ask on the test". " Yup, just five minutes! #sunchat
The more I reflect (and we talk), I think my "problem" hits on the bigger issue of the culture of isolationism that plagues some schools/teachers. #sunchat
Sometimes the mindset when teaching AP Ss is that they don’t need scaffolding. Ss are seemingly scared to think they will struggle more than the class is worth. Productive struggle is a struggle! Suggestions on how to better market AP programs??? To parents & Ss. #sunchat
Meetings are great and PD is valuable but there is nothing more valuable than seeing and engaging in what’s real & being authentic in your approach. When you are an instructional leader & the teachers/students don’t know who you are or what you do there’s a disconnect. #sunchat
Saw something on Twitter where a T asked Ss to write down everything they knew on the test that the teacher didn’t ask them about. Loved this idea! #sunchat
This also reminds me of my favorite "last question" in an interview - "What question should we have asked you, and what would your answer be?" #sunchat
In reply to
@TheKevinMCline, @bohndrake, @susankotch
Yes! Awesomeness! I would so love it! I am required to be in my room for stretches of time - no freedom to move about. Would love to have a few days where, as a teacher, I was able to sit in different classrooms. Would love to learn from others. #sunchat
I have learned SO MUCH this year, the first year I am not a classroom teacher, through having the time to see other teachers. I wish I could go back and apply all of it in the classroom! But it's made me realize we need more of this for teachers! #sunchat
Ts will work hard with you once they figure out you are there to support and grow their ed practices. Get to know them as individuals. Adults are equally, if not more, fragile than the students we teach. All of us want to belong! #sunchat
In reply to
@MsVandeborne, @carlameyrink, @Ms_A_Yeh
Thanks for the ideas, everyone - great thoughts & affirmations to keep in mind as I go through this process of developing relationships in new buildings! #sunchat
The best marketing might be focusing on the college-prep aspect of an AP course. Having taught both HS and college, AP does prepare an HS student well for the next step. #sunchat
Lots of Ts include peer observations as part of their professional goals. They focus on a specific area they want to grow in for their own learning. #sunchat
In reply to
@historycomics, @Elizabethutch, @Ms_A_Yeh
During #NationalPoetryMonth, we may not always know we are looking for mentor texts for approaches and forms we are sharing in the classroom. Rosenberg and Chalabi's book is this model for short form and presentation of subject in words and pictures. #sunchat@ncte@wc_schools
Hmmmm, in our school dropping in is the norm, but I can see how this could be a problem if it's not the culture. You might want to test the waters first... maybe on a survey include "are you comfortable with me dropping in to see your class?" #sunchat
In reply to
@Ms_A_Yeh, @MissWinegar, @DaysMrs, @historycomics
So glad you hopped on! @DeborahScarlet9 is an English and leadership guru! This is her first evah Twitter chat. Let’s ease her into the waters. #sunchat
Ts will work hard with you once they figure out you are there to support and grow their ed practices. Get to know them as individuals. Adults are equally, if not more, fragile than the students we teach. All of us want to belong! #sunchat
In reply to
@MsVandeborne, @carlameyrink, @Ms_A_Yeh
My principals always say to invite them in - some don’t, I often do. It can just come from the top -we all need to be more open. My school culture has shifted. Also admin can’t just come in and sit &judge. Sit w/ students. Talk w/them. Be a part of the room as mine are. #sunchat
In reply to
@carlameyrink, @Ms_A_Yeh, @MissWinegar, @DaysMrs
Have to? I'm curious to understand better that mandate...
Plus, I see a chance to drop in a Shel SIlverstein gem during National Poetry Month. #sunchat
Isn't this the truth! I learn something every time I observe a teacher. We're offering to sub for Ts now so that they can take the time to observe others too. #sunchat
In reply to
@Ms_A_Yeh, @historycomics, @Elizabethutch
I asked Admin to pop in to formally observe a lesson within the first 3 weeks of being in a new school - I wanted to get good feedback on how I fit in, and wanted them to see what I do. Worked out great! (She thought I was pretty brave.... and nuts) #sunchat
Definitely not ! They want to make sure we are on the same page and teachers don't go off and do their own things - so tests should be the same for all classes #notAFan#sunChat
Do unit tests have to look a certain way? I find I keep having to remind my Ts that we can be creative with "tests" There are a wide range of ways to assess. #sunchat
Thanks for the chat guys! Bedtime here now! check out our podcast when you've got 10min, we've love some reviews and feedback! https://t.co/UptvtdAS8y#sunchat
They're supposed to. I admit I've rebelled and changed mine a bit, but I show how it aligns to standards and how it's authentic. I have no problem rebelling for the best interests of my students #sunchat
I'm with Kevin. My wonderings:
What problems are solved by requiring unit tests?
How prescribed are the unit-test formats? Because an assessment by any other name could smells as sweet, or even sweeter :) #sunchat
Honestly , I think it was a measure to deal with a teacher who often went " off script," so instead of directly dealing with him, they saw this as a method to keep us all in line. ( but the concern should be the students, right ?) #sunchat
“Differences between instruction in a traditional system and a #competency-based system across whole-class instruction, small-group #instruction, individual instruction, and peer-to-peer instruction” via @robertjmarzano#sunchat
Differences between instruction in a traditional system and a competency-based system across whole-class instruction, small-group instruction, individual instruction, and peer-to-peer instruction. #NASOT
Guaranteed and viable curriculum? Could this action thwart one teacher’s tests from being easier/tougher than the other? Could it help Ss have a similar experience in the grade level despite the T? #DevilsAdvocate#DontShootMe#Sunchat
In reply to
@bohndrake, @brianrozinsky, @TheKevinMCline
The biggest risk today is not taking a risk at all. In a world that changes overnight, we must teach students the only strategy guaranteed to fail is not trying something new. #CodeBreaker
I appreciate the advocacy & see your point, Noelle. The ineffectiveness of 1-size-fits-all for so many means educators should look at alternatives to cookie-cutter tests to guarantee viable curriculum. For instance, team-based planning & collaboration to align efforts. #sunchat
In reply to
@writenoelle, @bohndrake, @TheKevinMCline
I like this, Brian. A history professor of mine did this and it made Ss more invested in the exam. I try to implement this in my Latin classes by asking Ss what they would like to see on an assessment. #sunchat
In reply to
@brianrozinsky, @bohndrake, @TheKevinMCline
