#BFC530 Archive
The Breakfast Club โ #BFC530 โ is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri โ 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
Tuesday February 9, 2016
Yes, just called it, Christina.
Today's : How does your school/district culture encourage risk taking with staff and students? - https://t.co/HB2u2lKZbL
Good morning! How are you?
Thanks Manny! I forgot to periscope it. It was different each of the 4 times I delivered it.
Bob makes every day good. Have you tried ? Delicious. Search it out whenever I'm in the US
I am well! Have a practice run for state test today. Making sure all the bases are covered! Enjoy your delayed start!
Good morning friends. David MS Principal from VA. No snow here.
This is an interesting question.
Is your PD day a contract day for teachers, or electives?
Always encouraged to take risks, especially after PD - debrief & develop a plan to try new best practices. https://t.co/rRmYQht0fE
Not sure what you mean...
First, with trust. If a T says "I'm thinking of trying..." I say "DO IT! And let me know when. I'll come see"
Should it be on a district to encourage risk taking? should it be that systemic or should it be departmental or school based?
Hello I'm live in Kuwait this afternoon
Morning All! I encourage Ts to invite me in when they R doing something new. Love when Ss find me 2 see if I can join their class!
I'm good ๐ Finally closed on our house in MA last week
Good morning . Back to school today after two snow days.
Brian from Mass.
it's not that it's the Dist responsibility, but some Dists squash risk taking in favor of regimented teaching
Going to lurk this morning. Would love ideas on ways to encourage this in my school.
I think the message of risk taking needs to be consistent at all levels. https://t.co/e0xFw6Spf6
Should it be on a district to encourage risk taking? should it be that systemic or should it be departmental or school based?
I'm not sure that the district encourages risk taking on the teacher level. Prinicpals have autonomy to find creative solutions.
Today's topic: I'd ask how that mindset is memorialized in processes, etc. Is it a core value - and, if so, where does it say that?
Ours is more school-focused, where we have the autonomy to develop a deep culture of continuous improvement & growth.
Our Head of School starts each year telling us we get a free pass to try something new & see if it works w/o worry.
Good morning Lori from snowy Ohio....just got the "we're closed" text
S risk-taking is harder to address. Hard to take a risk when you're given a worksheet. Luckily we have awesome Ts leading the way
This shows a spirit of encouraging risk. Would love to see more doing this.
Thank you!
https://t.co/EvZ5zNCgus
Morning All! I encourage Ts to invite me in when they R doing something new. Love when Ss find me 2 see if I can join their class!
My district proves in advocates risk-taking by giving me autonomy to bring in new student programs and PD methods.
What are you doing or have you tried this year?
Teachers must know they're supported by admin before they will ever take risks. There must be a strong relationship of trust first.
Cool. https://t.co/M3Z6mKyRnZ
Our Head of School starts each year telling us we get a free pass to try something new & see if it works w/o worry.
Both-bittersweet. Good news financially๐
Having a hard time participating in lately. "Priority status" (aka state takeover) has changed so much about my school. Feeling sad.
Working with instructional coaches tends to be a safe space to try out new ideas and practices
I love trying new things, but it can be scary/nerve racking to do so in front of any administrator. What if it bombs?
I would absolutely love that! I do some "creative noncompliance" to try new things, but to be encouraged! Awesome!
How so? Id love to hear more about this.
My Risk-Taking page https://t.co/TplqoaLL72 So many things were created by taking risks. Allow teachers/students to take them
Any other principals on this morning? Today is : tweet pix of your day with this national hashtag.
A new job! I'm transitioning to a Tech Coach. Also ran a , and edcamp style staff PD. I'm all about trying new stuff.
Risk taking is part of culture- comfort comes from seeing other teachers fail and praised for trying ... More than a poster on wall
definitely systemic. If it's truly important, it needs to be part of the culture. https://t.co/HgvsG4JUIF
Should it be on a district to encourage risk taking? should it be that systemic or should it be departmental or school based?
We r constantly telling Ts to export&b creative. If it blows up evaluate it & c if it worth trying again. Its OK to fail
I agree Stacey https://t.co/Ry0MpnyIhv
I think the message of risk taking needs to be consistent at all levels. https://t.co/e0xFw6Spf6
Should it be on a district to encourage risk taking? should it be that systemic or should it be departmental or school based?
good morning! No snow here at the Jersey Shore. ๐๐ก was hoping for a delay! MS Lang Arts
My D isn't a fan of risk-taking...
https://t.co/UZYZzEwTIu
Any other principals on this morning? Today is : tweet pix of your day with this national hashtag.
I am an admin. Bombs Away!! if it does, let's reflect & learn together. It's about for us, Ts, Ss, Me
Its worth it if you learn from it. Mistakes make us smarter. Hopefully.
I work in a district where risk taking is encouraged and, if it works, we share it!
You will perservere. https://t.co/2RV6uMbFrv
Having a hard time participating in lately. "Priority status" (aka state takeover) has changed so much about my school. Feeling sad.
Good Morning ! Melissa from CT, 2 hour delay this am but can't fall back asleep SO I might as well chat!
Thanks for having me! Looking forward to the chat
Indeed! It must be a core value, woven into the fabric of the culture. Otherwise one will be too cautions to take risks.
Gamifying your math class shows a risktaking spirit.
https://t.co/lINIKn1S1V
I love when kids come into math wondering what's going to happen today because I gamify math class
When we went 1:1 last year, the D msg was to go at your own pace & go small (don't overwhelm yourself trying to do ething.
It definitely has2do w/the leadership. As leaders, are we willing to take responsibility for failures?
Absolutely! Trust is so very important, isn't it?!
Create culture of learning/trying new things! We are role models, teachers & learners! Thanks https://t.co/4FZ3PV9Ev4
Absolutely. We should demonstrate what we believe in
I'm reading alot of encourages just but is there a system in place to encourage risk taking?
it's everything. I can't say that enough.
. I guess one pass is that I get to pick the novels I cover. So far I've not been denied any.
All the way around and through.
https://t.co/tzdRINHwCc
Should it be on a district to encourage risk taking? should it be that systemic or should it be departmental or school based?
Good Morning Kathy! Woohoo!! How much snow do you guys have up there?
I would say my entire position was created to help Support Ts when they want to take a risk, and to give Ts a nudge when they don't
Encouraging risk-taking...creating learning environments with engaging provocations, rich tasks, and welcoming changes in thinking.
My district pushes Growth Mindset for teachers and students. It also encourages Teacherpernuers to develop ideas for all.
So very, very important in all areas
I told some folks about Fri's webinar on teacher professionalism: https://t.co/Y9sFOJ13dK Bears repeating given today's topic.
I have poetry painted on my ceiling!
Morning all Eric a bit late today.
Our district has supported our Ts connecting on social media and trying new PD make it safe for Ts to be innovate
are our leaders good at telling the difference between a failure and an idea that not ready.
Good morning friends. I think educators need to be supported and encouraged to take risks so it is important to have admin support
Right! The attitude must be "it didn't work...let's try something else." Fail fast, fail forward, learn quickly."
What do they do to encourage? Don't think mine discourages. Not sure they encorage either. Curious what it looks like.
I'm always more worried about bombing in front of my colleagues. https://t.co/BKmbL1eAxz
I love trying new things, but it can be scary/nerve racking to do so in front of any administrator. What if it bombs?
yes- a plan is crucial- without it it is just good intentions!
I don't know. Those 2 terms seem contradictory at least historically. "The System" & Need to change that
defies all the odds. Title 1 school, maintaining an "A" status for years, and 1:1 implementation in a rural setting
A little snow, a little chilly. No school for the kids, kinda like the day a year ago when we GHOed.
Allowed for all entry levels - everyone felt they were taking a risk.
That sounds like a great position!
I like "bombs away!"
That's a way to encourage risk.
https://t.co/W6xdpumFuH
Absolutely! Trust is so very important, isn't it?!
But I think that's pretty rare, Ben. Might be a mindset, for example, but it's not actually written down.
Yes. its a thing I see all the time. "that didnt work immediately so screw it." that doesnt help anybody.
Thanks. Its exciting, challenging, frustrating, fun. A little bit of everything.
Crazy! Was that only a year ago?!?!?!
Too often we forget fun of being creative & trying new things. My most exciting recent proj- a canned food drive. It was different!
love getting up at normal time when there's a delay. The coffee tastes so much better when you can relax with it!
something we need to instill in our students as well!
Loving the different ideas for encouraging risk taking! Good thing you all encourage me, because school operates in the fear zone
I think PBL is a good system that allows both Ts & Ss to take risks... https://t.co/YqWRzi9MUp
I'm reading alot of encourages just but is there a system in place to encourage risk taking?
Watch Joe vs Volcano. You'll feel the palpable emotion effect of risk taking. It's freeing. Love that movie https://t.co/XjOd2wPvGU
Yes. I either slide under the radar or find myself getting grief.
Admin/District needs to empower by giving the teacher necessary tools to fail (be successful) ... can't be just words on a board.
Or how can we make this work. Maybe we can't, but should at least look. Either way u r learning
sorry to hear things haven't changed much ! https://t.co/K5hQ3T0aGd
Loving the different ideas for encouraging risk taking! Good thing you all encourage me, because school operates in the fear zone
Agree- if you have a trusting/supportive school climate, then no worries. https://t.co/wcYeYtV3lS
Risk taking is part of culture- comfort comes from seeing other teachers fail and praised for trying ... More than a poster on wall
PD programs also need to be available AND well communicated. Exposure to great teaching/strategies allows the creativity to flow.
That may be true. E.g. does one live one's school mission/vision or is it just a wall ornament?
failure is key to growth!
Yes and yet you are that much more amazing.
Depends. They must be thought out calculated risks. Does anybody do risk analysis? https://t.co/e7hGUGFuFs
I'm reading alot of encourages just but is there a system in place to encourage risk taking?
It's more authentic. Establishes a shared experience. Awesome.
The best encouragement....no T has been discouraged from trying anything new. Ts can also present PD on innovations.
Morning Stacey! How are you?
they shouldnt be. The system needs to change.
I'm ok, Ryan. How are you?
Michala from Virginia. Daughter's alarm didn't go off so we were doing the Tuesday tango to get her to the bus. Made it!
Interesting - I think there is a level of fear of the unknown here.
we are looking to build in a teacher PD day to our contract, so I was just wondering
Me too apparently--although when I drove home from NH late last night it was bad! So, morning commute should be fun
yes. as an instructional coach I encourage risk. doesn't always take though.
Indeed! That approach squashes a risk/fail forward mindset. Allows the status quo to thrive.
Missy is an AMAZING principal! Keep trying to get her to come to us
We explore apps and websites and try to teach Ss real world applications they'll see in college or workplace
need more thinkers and doers like you!
Is the failure turned into a "lesson learned" experience? Takes time to debrief. https://t.co/3kKEH9piUP
are our leaders good at telling the difference between a failure and an idea that not ready.
And MODEL risk taking....sharing an idea, brainstorming, asking for feedback, implementing, getting more feedback, reflecting, etc
We must let others see us take risks as well and then say, that didn't work, no "biggie", so what's next?
How often do you meet as teams of teachers in your buildings?
Our district has its own foundation that gives grants to Ts; one of the best sources to purchase new materials & try new things.
So far so great! I have Ts trying new things all the time. Their sense of pride and accomplishment is the best feeling!
Good enough for a Tuesday. ๐
I have def. felt that way with some administrators.
maybe I need to see it...
It is. Lots of opportunities for growth, but I do miss the Ss
We don't need "system" to create risk taking enviro. We need it to allow, encourage & celebrate it
I think that is important for students to see too
how did your presentations go https://t.co/f332NdIUpy
Good Morning! Stacey fr NJ where it is snowing again & I'm relaxed bc the big PD Day of the yr is over...now for the rest of the yr.
Open conversations, lead by example, celebrate/validate successes. Team building.
Super & principals need to show patience for mistakes & occasional ineffective lessons. A good edtech coord is essential!
yes! without trust the relationship between Ss /Ts/Ps is empty
Gottcha! We have 2 built in PD Days-one in the fall (edcamp style) & one in the winter that is more formal-proposal based.
How about a risky observation. teachers invite admin in when they are trying something new.
We have had a lot of change in principals lately. Takes time to build that trust.
what are meant by tools to fail (be successful)? mostly the tools part. what is meant?
I will say there's a big difference between talking the talk and walking the walk when it comes to risk taking. Truly needs support
Most Ts get to select their PD topics for each.
and knowing how to cope with failure ... rising from failure ... can't quit!
I think the culture is what causes risk taking. I take risks as the principal - T's will too. Not a system, but how we do business.
That's true! I think some Ts are afraid to change their mindset/admit their mistakes.
We need intentional and deliberate reflection to determine what is working&what should be tweaked to encourage risk taking & growth.
My thinking experiences many changes in my new tile this year...risk-taking with peers...learning is more authentic!
I think it went well! The time flew!
Thanks back to work. Keep taking chances & making your schools better places!
yes our admin encourages this also have peer to peer invites to show off our classes https://t.co/CsMkBDGzjP
How about a risky observation. teachers invite admin in when they are trying something new.
Indeed! It's messy, it goes in all kinds of directions, and sometimes it flops. I.e. it mimics the real world!
This is how we do it on
Get your day made before you leave home!
https://t.co/EJxrbjysgt
WOW! Thanks Kathy! Best compliments come from peers : ) you just made my day!
This is how we do it on
Get your day made before you leave home!
https://t.co/EJxrbjysgt
WOW! Thanks Kathy! Best compliments come from peers : ) you just made my day!
The reason to take risks? Ask yourself if Ss would attend your class if it wasn't compulsory. If answer is no, get risky
Some ways...We have messages like "You can do it", empower staff to share expertise, & elicit staff/student feedback and use it
I invited observation of my first I was doing what I would have done without the observation.
yea, that's usually a good sign the bad ones time stands still !!!! https://t.co/xHTc1uGpRN
I think it went well! The time flew!
I think Baltimore County encourages risk simply by the position you hold Manny https://t.co/1JAJKDwvbC
yes. as an instructional coach I encourage risk. doesn't always take though.
