hi #bmoreedchat! I'm Sara, a huge fan of @justincholbrook and a kindergarten teacher in Lake Tahoe, NV. 1 1/ 2 more days then I'm going to sleep, eat, socialize and hopefully go skiing!
hi #bmoreedchat! I'm Sara, a huge fan of @justincholbrook and a kindergarten teacher in Lake Tahoe, NV. 1 1/ 2 more days then I'm going to sleep, eat, socialize and hopefully go skiing!
Hi all! Jessica, Ed Specialist at ESC. Region 12 in Waco, TX...no real winter plans other than maybe a couple of day trips to try some new restaurants #BmoreEdchat
A1: I think it depends on how much Ss have been included in the past...can’t just drop them into decision making...need to start small and then increase to help meet the needs of the campus. #BmoreEdchat
A1: I think it depends on how much Ss have been included in the past...can’t just drop them into decision making...need to start small and then increase to help meet the needs of the campus. #BmoreEdchat
A1) I think it depends on the age of the students. Older students can be included in discussions about topics of study and ways to improve school culture. #bmoreedchat
In my school, there is a student council with representatives from 5-8 grade. They affect lower school students by deciding on i.e. spirit days, contests, non profit giving. In my K class, students get voice and choice during class meetings. #bmoreedchat
A1: In a highly functioning school, most topics and decisions would be student informed and decided upon. Democratic education schools in the 80s and 90s showed that this works as long as “adults” are ready relinquish their power over everything. #BmoreEdchat
Q2: Share a structure or process that allows students to give feedback to teachers, administrators, & district leaders. What questions should we be asking? #BmoreEdchat
I think young Ss can too. My kindergarteners notice a lot about how they perceive the school works and how older Ss act. They have a lot to say and are willing to speak up and offer suggestions. #bmoreedchat
A1: Anything involving school climate/feel. Do they feel loved? Do they think their teachers believe in them? What happens when peer conflicts arise? Are these concerns heard and addressed? I think they bring so much insight re: the pulse of our schools. #BmoreEdChat
#BmoreEdchat Q1: Things that involve them directly and teaches them to advocate for themselves and their school “house”From classroom rules to school traditions
We have 2 class mtngs/day via Morning Meeting and Closing Circle. Some are longer than others but sharing is a big part of each. We share highs/lows during CC often. It's wide open & they share about what they want to be better about our/their days week at school. #bmoreedchat
Structured discussion on the foundation of respect and high expectations. Worded as “guidelines” not “rules.” Not too many...maybe five...students “policed” each other. #BmoreEdchat
I actually just gifted a problem/solution box to a 5th grade teacher this week. It’s powerful to let students know we can’t just complain - we have to work towards finding solutions. #BmoreEdchat
A2: I think about opportunities for student leadership here too: Student advisory, class councils, student government, student member of the board #bmoreedchat
Q2: Share a structure or process that allows students to give feedback to teachers, administrators, & district leaders. What questions should we be asking? #BmoreEdchat
#BmoreEdChat Morning Meetings have always been a favorite of mine for students & adults. 😊 I think we can ask their opinions on almost anything if we develop the right culture & space. What are they enjoying about their classroom/school experience?Do they feel encouraged?
Q2: Share a structure or process that allows students to give feedback to teachers, administrators, & district leaders. What questions should we be asking? #BmoreEdchat
A2: Advisory groups, Chat-n-Chews, etc. work. Informal settings where students are encouraged to speak freely and the adults don’t take offense. #BmoreEdchat
Q2: Share a structure or process that allows students to give feedback to teachers, administrators, & district leaders. What questions should we be asking? #BmoreEdchat
#BmoreEdchat A3: Depending on Ss readiness, I say yes. It trains them to be responsible for their own learning. I allow Ss to create their own assessment based on the standard we are focusing on. We do this for 2-3 assignments in a MP.
A3) ABSOLUTELY! Students should be have an opportunity to express their learning in different ways. Just had my team watch a video where Ss showed their understanding of plot and character development by coding spheros. We have to broaden our idea of assessment. #bmoreedchat
A3: I see student choice in the assessment process in two ways. One...students should choose what best work should go into their portfolio. Two.....students should present this growth and work in student led conferences. #BmoreEdchat
That's a great article. Really reinforces that the @toolboxproject is the right SEL curriculum for my school this year. The Words and Please & Thank you tools help set our Ss up for life success. #bmoreedchat
In reply to
@justincholbrook, @ShannaW77, @ToolboxProject
A2: Questions we can ask students...How did this lesson go for you today? Do you think there was enough time to do the work? Did I provide a good example? Do you think the information was presented clearly? #BmoreEdchat
A3 I think student choice needs to be embedded in formative assessments, where there is greater flexibility of choosing a product that would allow students to show their understanding of content. #BmoreEdchat
#BmoreEdChat What’s up, J! As an example, if I’ve taught them the 5 types of POV, once they demonstrate a measure of success, I allow them to create something that demonstrates that understanding: writing in 2nd person to give instructions, find examples of the diff types, etc
A3: ideally we provide multiple ways for Ss to demonstrate their abilities and to identify areas they want to improve on. Content is not as important as habits of mind. #BmoreEdchat
#BmoreEdChat Absolutely! Choices on how I get assessed really amps up the level of student voice in classrooms, reflect and understand who they are as students and how they learn best🤗🤗🤗 Plus who wants to do poorly for an assessment of their own choosing?!
A4: Our Morning meetings and closing circles allow space for ALL types of students. We use a talking piece, practice strategies for Ss who are not ready, may need help, etc. We literally model inclusivity during these times. #BmoreEdchat
A3: ideally we provide multiple ways for Ss to demonstrate their abilities and to identify areas they want to improve on. Content is not as important as habits of mind. #BmoreEdchat
A4: I know that it's hard with curriculum time constraints, but allowing time so all students can process and refine should promote equity of voice (a variety of ways to share can also help). #BmoreEdchat
Yes! And there is metacognition involved in choosing a product that will best allow them to show what they know. Student have to think about what they want to express first, and then think about how they can best demonstrate that knowledge or idea. #bmoreedchat
I think the tenets of PBL as taught by the @biepbl really exemplify giving Ss voice and choice in how they (Ss) present their learning. ie the final project for a 4th grade alternative energy project could've been a paper, demonstration, video, annotated diorama etc #bmoreedchat
Start out with a survey for student expectations, middle of semester conduct again and then a whole semester assessment completed by the students. This is a way to check in on your effectiveness as an educator #BMoreEdChat
A4: It might sound simple but equity of voice starts with teacher talk vs. student talk. We must step to the side and facilitate. Otherwise, we cannot dig into student equity of voice. #BmoreEdchat
For sure! We use @seesaw to share what they're proud of on a daily basis and in January I'm going to start a formal goal setting/growth mindset sort of ongoing unit with my kinders. #bmoreedchat
It can be anything that is easily passed from one person to another. Things from nature, stuffed animals, a class mascot, really anything! It just sets the expectation that we all get a fair chance to speak and share. #BmoreEdchat :)
A4 - Equity of voice, also means planning questions intentionally, with specific students in mind (scaffolded and extensions). Then calling on those students at the right time, rather than randomly or the first hand up. #bmoreedchat
I think that they need a choice for some projects. Having that decision making ability is important, but they also need to learn how to handle less-preferred dynamics with your support. #BMoreEdChat
#BmoreEdChat A4: This is the beauty of education since it sets us apart from all other professions; we aim to be equitable for ALL Ss, as difficult as it may be. Something as simple as acknowledging that it needs to exist benefits everyone because it opens the 🚪to equity.
A5: This one's making me think.. I can't think of a part of our day when students don't have some type of choice.. from peace time to Reader's Workshop to Math workshop to self-select play centers.. there's always a level of choice involved. 🤔 #BmoreEdchat
A5: Choice has to come with varying structure based upon the age of the students. Choice can be inappropriate if there are no expectations or scaffolds to support it. #BmoreEdchat
A4: we first have to acknowledge that schools were created and still cater to a shrinking population of white, middle-upper class population who believe in the false meritocracy. Then move to reach every child where they are despite the systematic barriers #BmoreEdchat
A5: I think in order for choice to stay around, we have to have a shared responsibility for our classroom and classmates.. So sometimes a logical consequence is loss of choice if we are abusing them. #BmoreEdchat
That is all well and good, if we are given the latitude and understanding when it comes to grading said things. The more variables will mean more uncertainty in the grading process, which in turn means a longer turn around on grading. Need on board admin #BmoreEdChat
#BmoreEdChat A5: If a S isn’t YET able to self-regulate and self-identify one’s academic, social, emotional needs, it would be academic malpractice to leave them high and dry, and similarly if we DON’T give them the option to fend for themselves. Case in point...HW!
This is a good point to consider. Takes an entire school to support student choice. Schools must consider the entire cycle to provide time and resources for teacher and student success. #BMoreEdChat
In reply to
@BmoreBaker42, @Leanne728, @bmoreedchat
A5: how “big,” is the info? Is this need to know assessment limit stuff, or is this assessing the background info that fleshes our essays and adds context to the big stuff? Am I looking to build a skill or content understanding? These are the variables I look for. #BmoreEdChat
A4: this is how you approach and build your environment. Be open, be understanding, know your kids and look for the variety to give everyone a chance to shine. Infuse the arty stuff for the doodles, the quiet research for the introverts, the debates for the actors #BmoreEdchat
A6: Coteaching from @chrisemdin as it provides the time and structure for students to teach. Imagine if all kids could teach in a manner which they know engages and impacts their peers. A world with more people than can teach is a better place. #BmoreEdchat
A5: student choice should always be paramount. Think about how excited Ss are when they get to read, build, break, write, debate, and speak about what they want. They can demonstrate competencies , but we don’t let them b:c we care too much about worksheets and tests.#BmoreEdchat
Another option is to say: if you worked independently last time, then today you need to find a partner or a group. Also balancing that with teacher created groups for intentional reasons. #bmoreedchat
A6 I love how @mrswillskinder builds Opinion in as a reading comprehension strategy. Also, public speaking is really emphasized at my school - sometimes musical performances, sometimes speeches, sometimes plays. Being comfortable speaking is a skill! #bmoreedchat
A4: this is how you approach and build your environment. Be open, be understanding, know your kids and look for the variety to give everyone a chance to shine. Infuse the arty stuff for the doodles, the quiet research for the introverts, the debates for the actors #BmoreEdchat
#BmoreEdchat ... time for bed for this Kindy teacher! It was great stretching and thinking with you all tonight.. I have a few things I want to try after the new year! Sweet dreams all! 😴
A6: excellent question and should be the key learning outcome at every grade level. For the life of me, I don’t know why we can’t trust student voice and confidence in their own learning. #BmoreEdchat
Thanks @leanne728 and @justincholbrook for tonight's chat. I'm so happy to have time to join in and I really enjoyed tonight's topic. and loved learning from all the terrific #BMoreEdChat tweeps!
In reply to
@bmoreedchat, @Leanne728, @justincholbrook