Thank you for visiting #ksedchat. We welcome all educators to our chat that runs Mondays at 8 p.m. Central. Though many of our educators have their homes in Kansas, all teachers are welcome to pop in and join in on the learning.
Hello #ksedchat! I am doing double duty as moderator and participant tonight. The questions were collaborated on by our whole team, so look they will be posted by @kln_ks
My name is Jose Martinez and I'm a Special Education teacher at Dodge City High School! I want to continue using twitter to develop professional and connect with educators around the world! #ksedchat
My professional resolution is to be part of Courageous Conversations about Race .I’ve read the book by @courageousdove, now I’m ready to move into action through listening. #ksedchat
Mary Myers - Implementation for the Kansas Learning Network. Professional Resolution - More personal reading and journaling. Wanting to grow me! #ksedchat
Hi #ksedchat friends! Kara 6th gr T from Buhler #313teach I want to work on giving the work back to my Ss. Meaning, how can I change my lesson so it is student centers and not teacher centered.
Daniel Dick- 5th grade Math/Science/Social Studies- Maize #usd266 I would like to focus on figuring out effective ways to provide feedback to students throughout the learning process. #ksedchat
Hi #ksedchat ! Jenny from Augusta here. I'm a K-5 Reading Specialist. My goal is to keep pushing myself and my students throughout the 2nd semester as testing and long weeks hit!
Happy New Year #ksedchat !!! I am TJ Warsnak, social studies teacher at Halstead HS. Professionally, I am hoping to improve feedback for my students as they revise their work.
Hey #ksedchat ! So glad to be here tonight. My professional goal for this year is to continue growing my PLN and to start a makerspace or STEM club at our school! #308pride
A2: Our District is really diving into meaningful data and targeting essential learnings to make students more accountable as they move across grade levels. #ksedchat
Yay! The first #ksedchat of the year! Jill from Cheney, 7-8 Social Studies and HS Teaching as a Career. My goal is to try to show a student teacher how to incorporate fun, active, student-directed learning and still get students to learn the content!
My professional resolution is to be part of Courageous Conversations about Race .I’ve read the book by @courageousdove, now I’m ready to move into action through listening. #ksedchat
A1- I’ve observed schools intentionally engage family and community stakeholders to create purposeful plans that include both academic and social-emotional components. #ksedchat
A1: We are focusing on developing positive relationships. Ts are supposed to contact 3 parents each week w/ positive comments. When we exceeded expectations our P made us breakfast! #ksedchat
A1) Our BLT has worked really hard to create our school's vision, mission, and shared commitments. We are now going to get creative to share them with our community! #ksedchat
A1: Our district is part of the Mercury 7 for #KSredesign so this whole process has been a celebration. I’m looking forward to seeing it take fruition. #ksedchat
A1-Regardless of what you call it, Kansas schools are striving to continuously enhance practices to meet the needs of all Ss. Celebrations of this never-ending cycle; every student in the building having an adult check-in buddy and + attendance rates #ksedchat
A1: Our district and community has really embraced supporting people in poverty. There has been a lot of great PD, new support organizations created, and poverty simulations for the community. #ksedchat
A1 Lots of nice things happening at #USD440 We had great success with out first run of student led conferences and I am really excited about changes in our PD which is allowing more options/tech and edcamp formats. #ksedchat
We are working to develop relationships with our families in our building. Also our 3rd/4th grade team is beginning to host monthly family nights for our grades. We want our families to know how much we love their kiddos and how important we think they as parents are. #ksedchat
A1- Our building is working on creating more teacher leaders to positively impact students and to motivate other Ts to do what is best for students. #ksedchat
A1 Dodge City High School is focusing on becoming a pathway high school and how they can meet the needs and goals of all students regardless of their plans after graduating! #ksedchat#usd443
A1: Informally, each teacher created a WIG (Wildly Important Goal) and our P meets with us twice a quarter in order to check in. That kind of personal support shows us support. #ksedchat
A1: We award students with Friday awards and try to reach all students, we are thinking about doing Leader in Me throughout building. Adults and teachers reaching a Ss buddy.#ksedchat
A2: Both formally and informally, we’re starting to ask/answer really tough questions about how our curriculum is aligning with our goals for our students and how both of those align with the standards. It’s frustrating and exciting at the same time. #ksedchat
A2- Informal would be Ts being motivated to be leaders in the school and driving the change. Formal is more Building Level Teams and focusing on improvement through the KESA rubrics and other parts of KESA. #ksedchat
A2-Structurally, this includes groups intentionally collaborating about the needs of the school. At times, it should be uncomfortable. If it’s not, the team may talking about the right things. Continuous focus put into building the collective efficacy of the staff. #ksedchat
A2) I think informal school improvement comes in the form of courageous teachers trying new things, challenging status quo of how things have always been done. #ksedchat
A2: Each school uses KansaStar to set goals for specific indicators based on a needs assessment. We’re also hoping to start individualized PD for teachers based on their strengths/weaknesses and passions. #ksedchat
A2: LOVE seeing the number of districts that are putting school improvement into the hands of the Ts! Those within 12 feet of the work know the needs best. #ksedchat
A2: Formal- Inservices provided to teach Ts how to help Ss with social and emotional learning -informal is how each T or grade level is addressing the needs of their Ss and using strategies learned in PD #ksedchat
A3- Teacher leaders drive school improvement. They have direct knowledge of student needs and are the ones parents trust. They are also the ones with the clout to lead colleagues. #ksedchat
A2) I think informal school improvement comes in the form of courageous teachers trying new things, challenging status quo of how things have always been done. #ksedchat
Yes! We’ll see how it goes! I’m excited for it as an IC because that’s ultimately what we want to be doing with our Ss. Each T has their own needs. #ksedchat
A2: looking forward to be part of our sped coop’s strategic planning group, excited to get to be part of a committee pushing for change for all of our kiddos #ksedchat
A3: First our field is full of incredible professionals who are out to do the best they can & that means improving everyday. Second as you improve, you see the benefits and that pushes you further. #ksedchat
Q3 - Development of teacher leaders, a strong BLT that creates a building plan, empowering parents, students, community with the plan and how all stakeholders can and should want to be involved. #ksedchat
A3: If we want kids to think and dream outside the box, we have to stop teaching from the box. That requires school improvement at all levels. #ksedchat
A3) principals lead with ideas; but it is up to Staff to make it happen with a positive outcome. Our school implements Wellness Wednesdays, Zones of Regulation, Positive Phone Calls, Book Studies, Data Tracking... it all benifits the Ss. #ksedchat
Ss won’t have to go to classes for a set period of time; for example: they might only need to go to History for like 30 minutes. It’s very open and “flexible”. It all depends on the Ss needs and what they want to do after HS. #ksedchat
A2: We do a survey and questions to evaluate our curriculum and collaboration as a team. Last yr.we did discussion groups and aligned with grade levels to fill gaps and needs. #ksedchat
A3-Can be requirements; guidelines; regulations. Internally, school administration can be a driving force influencing the organizational climate. At the same time, engaging families and the community as a driving force to propel the school to its desired state. #ksedchat
A3 Giving teachers the resources to try new things out! Teachers become teachers because they have a passion! School leaders need to allow teachers to follow their passion and show them how they can make their school better! #ksedchat
A3: Supporting teachers to be able to adjust to the new changes that are coming down, training, leadership, etc... The most important factor in education is the teachers in the classroom. Get them FIRED UP and ready to GO! #ksedchat
A3: Teachers who lead and then also Students who lead. At the HS they are trying out Passion Projects which allows Ss to learn about skills outside of the classroom #ksedchat
A4 - Some districts are utilizing the KMTSS team/framework and taking a hard look at data through the lens of improving all parts of the system. #ksedchat
I’m honestly not sure what that will look like here in Liberal, KS. I’ve never seen it personally and it won’t be implemented until the fall I believe. I know other schools that have done it, Ss went and did internship-style stuff with local businesses. #ksedchat
A4) our school has a data tracker with 3 testing points in Math and ELA for EVERY Student in the school. We share BOY, MOY & EOY scores to track Progress. If they score low, we Tier & monitor until they move up #ksedchat
A4: I'm not sure what admin is using, but Ts are encouraged to dig into big questions "should we have grades?" Looking into different ideas like PBL and gamification #ksedchat
A4: We use a variety of methods resources. First we reflect on data from assesments (ACT, Aspire...) ,walk throughs, feedback and KESA surveys. From there we try to find the best path to improve (CITW/tech integration/CTE) set goals and try to monitor progress. #ksedchat
A4) We use our PLC process to drive our school improvement and student learning, the DuFour model. We are also working to create our PBIS model - lots of great things in the works! #ksedchat
A3: We as Ts are the true driving force. We establish the morale and ensure that a positive learning environment is maintained so that optimal learning can exist. #ksedchat
A4: We use national normed data for student interventions. We’ve also looked at our results from our staff needs assessment from KansaStar to make decisions. #ksedchat
This book has made me a better listener, collaborator, and leader. Following the norms of collaboration and meeting structures allows all voices to be heard, the environment to be respectful and welcoming, and helps me to make decisions on where I should spend my energy #ksedchat
A few districts are using the Courageous Conversations book as a resource to look at Equity Data. It provides a lens for people to even know how to start the difficult conversations about race. #ksedchat
A4: Right now we use a combo of many products and programs that I’m not sure I love. It’s hard to find something that does everything I need data wise without overtesting kids. #ksedchat
A5- Family engagement helps the S feel supported in what they are learning. They can make connections outside of the school walls and enhance their learning and success #ksedchat
A4-The collaborative-cycle of inquiry. This includes a data-based problem-solving structure while also attending to human factors. Additionally, schools document their work in KansaStar. The tool has newly released evidence briefs for each indicator! #ksedchat
A5- Different family engagement strategies have different effect sizes. The Kansas Parent Information Resource Center has more information. #ksedchathttps://t.co/qFMr5e4Tr4
Q5) Tech makes showing what is going on in class accessible anytime. Next year, my HS will be 1to1 Chromebooks so utilizing them could be amazing. #ksedchat
A5 Building relationship with families and the community needs to be made a priority! Schools should be an extension of the community's culture. All goals, all benchmarks, all action plans need to include families and the community! #ksedchat
A5) we have surveys that our district AND school send out to get feedback, reflect and make decisions from to let parents have a voice. We also have monthly family activities & Literacy nights to bring Parents in #ksedchat
A5- It’s not an outside piece of the puzzle; it’s the center. Families have the largest influence on students. The teacher is second. Partnering together for the greater good of the student is a must! #ksedchat
A5:families are a critical part of the education process.If we don't have them on board, often times their kiddos won't be. Pulling them in, asking for their opinions and expertise on their kid not only builds a positive relationship, it gives you a great place to start #ksedchat
Paige Deathe joining very late from Tonganoxie. 6th grade social studies t! Professional goal is to have student centered stations and using primary sources #ksedchat
A5: I think that we are making good gains with student led conferences. I also think its important for Ts to communicate the GREAT things they are doing in their classrooms. #ksedchat
A5: Having families involved and connected makes a more lasting impact! Connect with STEM nights, Math game night, etc. Make connections so they have ownership too. #ksedchat
A5: It’s in the KESA model that’s for sure. Involving Ps in the decision making process would be beneficial—we often make decisions in isolation. #ksedchat
Thankful for a night of courageous conversations around the upcoming premiere of #UndercoverHigh 🎥
Special thanks to @soledadobrien for joining us! #WeAreTPS
A5: To me the most amazing thing I've seen this school year is when Dodge City High School held their Market Day. I say parents, family members, little children, and community business come out to support students. THIS IS WHAT SCHOOLS SHOULD LOOK LIKE EVERYDAY! #ksedchat#usd443
A6- Intentionally reflecting on their own biases. Courageous Conversations About Race: A Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools by Glenn E. Singleton as a tool for reflection and structures for engaging in meaningful (and sometimes uncomfortable) conversations. #ksedchat
A6: We address equity by meeting students where they are at, not getting frustrated when they are 2 grade levels behind. You can’t close the gap by ignoring it. #ksedchat
A6 - Equity conversations often happen at a very surface level. Courageous Conversations book. Read it. Look at your own belief systems. Our similarities bring us to the table. Honoring differences doesn't have to be a reason to leave the table! Let's talk! #ksedchat
A6: Since we are smaller we have a connections list to check in on all students but especially at-risk students. We use time during our version of seminar to provide guidance to all & finally trying to have a environment of high expectations for all students. #ksedchat
A6) I think it starts by asking the question - is our curriculum easily accessible for all students? If not, how can we ensure all students are learning? #ksedchat
A6: “If we hope for equity in education, we may have to abandon our efforts toward standardization and recognize the individuality of our students.” -taken from an Edutopia piece #ksedchat
A7 - Clear and continuous communication about who is responsible and the WHY behind the actions we are taking to improve the school. Keep saying it. Keep communicating it. Keep celebrating the goals/steps that lead the building to success. #ksedchat
A7) Understand that change takes time. Celebrate small victories. Use non-victories for growth. And... be sure to have some fun along the way. #ksedchat
A6: such an important discussion we need to have, socio- economic status, disability, and many other groups need to be part of the change in education #ksedchat
Regularly is so important! Also, being intentional about the communication being a give and take, 2-way communication. Not just the educators "telling" the parents. #ksedchat
A7: Constant reflection and focus on the goals! I hate when decisions get made but there’s no accountability or follow up. We call our PLC Time in in our district All N, because it’s about everyone staying focused on the goals we set! #allN#ksedchat
A7: Building the efficacy of the team so that if the leader leaves the work will continue to move toward sustainability or continue to be "the way we do business". #ksedchat
A7 Make it apply to everyone! Allow everyone to be apart of it. New teachers or teachers that usually don't get a chance will surprise everyone if they are allowed to make a difference! #ksedchat
A7- Distributing the work across many stakeholder to ensure all of the knowledge is not held by only one person. Intentionally monitoring the fidelity of implementation on an ongoing basis. #ksedchat
A7: Constantly reflecting and making sure actions implemented with fidelity. Make changes if needed and always remember the reasons ou started. #ksedchat
A7: Make adjustments as needed and just know it will take some time. Keep the Ss excited about learning and don't zap the curiosity with over stressing data and numbers!! #ksedchat
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A7: Collective commitments from each team member based on the decision. Then it comes down to holding each other accountable but more importantly holding yourself accountable. Because #KidsDeserveIt (Reflecting, too!👌) #ksedchat
