#BFC530 Archive
The Breakfast Club β #BFC530 β is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri β 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.
Monday January 25, 2016
I will be sending calm, positive thoughts your way!!
How bad is it down there?
Good morning friends! Kimberly, Media Specialist from FL here!
Holy crap!!! When did that happen?
Today - "How can central office folks support you & your Ss best? Ideally what should, & shouldn't, a district office do/provide?
Wow! and we got a dusting here in CT
Good morning ! Hope everyone is doing okay w all of that snow!!
no...it's an interview. I don't have the job.
No coffee for me but if I can handle the UK w/ & then I can handle anything!
Good morning from Massachusetts . Brian, HS principal
Hooray!!!! Jessica's in the EST house!
#1608 Things are never quite as scary when you've got a best friend. β Bill Patterson
morning Connie and Jessica!
Good morning , Dan in South Jersey - we have a delayed opening today.
Chris here from Ontario. Welcome to Monday ! π
will probably be rowdier with here. I know him from Voxer
CO can support by coming into my classroom, interacting with my kids, asking me what they really need. Too much distance.
we have 2 feet up here in Bergen County, how many inches did you guys end up with?
I loved when my district office gave me time to work on our district priorities. When rolling out new products/systems allocate TIME
I hope you'll read the blog post to see how truly amazing it was. Thanks so much for the idea!
Good morning from Massachusetts!
Good morning Tracy from MA glad to be here, it's been a while. Interesting question today.
I like when CO comes in my room and see what is really happening and asks me what I need :)
It sounds like the snow has just been crazy!! How is it in your neck of the woods?
District Office- Hmm..... They should ask questions/communicate /discuss before they make decisions that will impact T's & S's
Good morning ! Kit from KY checking in.
Hello all in the crew! Derek from checking in b/c I'm in an airport in Toronto coming home from .
Having time to work on those district priorities is so important - when theres time theres success! https://t.co/veOtmMEyax
I loved when my district office gave me time to work on our district priorities. When rolling out new products/systems allocate TIME
Kaarina from Ontario here.
What can central office do to support Ts--it's off 's account.
Wondering the same. Q anyone???
Agreed--know what's happening in classrooms, not just what I say, or what Ss say! Come see for yourself! https://t.co/Vm0TCpUGIu
CO can support by coming into my classroom, interacting with my kids, asking me what they really need. Too much distance.
I "know" him from the crew
You know it Susie. But shhhh, don't be telling secrets!
Good morning ML, HS history teacher from Mass., starting new semester today!
Central Office should help schools create systems that help their specific community.
Yes--I'm so much more likely to invest myself into something I feel like I have the opportunity to do well.
What do you want from Central office (or something like that)
https://t.co/7ZBall2gXs
Wow! CO support is critical - be present! Be in the buildings, go into classrooms - no more room with a view.
RT
How can central office folks support you & your Ss best? Ideally what should, & shouldn't, a district office do/provide?
yes...seeing is believing. My kids are amazing and work their tails off to learn a new language so come and visit...
Best thing central office can do is stay out of the way; support from the periphery-only when needed
What works for one school will not always work for another school and Central Office should keep that in mind.
Today's topic is hard for me to answer - independent schools function a little differently! https://t.co/kIBPFl3FaM
Today - "How can central office folks support you & your Ss best? Ideally what should, & shouldn't, a district office do/provide?
I'm in a large district 3000ish teachers ... I can't expect district to give me an individualized PD, School is trying
Good morning! Stacey from NJ. Enjoying a snow day today.
Central Office also has to push innovations. They need to be the driving force and not let schools get stagnate.
Good morning from SC! I'm an administrator in the DO, but a teacher atβ€οΈ. Looking forward to hearing today's conversation
Absolutely! My community in my school is drastically different from the one across the district.
morning Stacey - hope you were able to dig out ok
But if they stay out of the way, are they part of the process? Part of the team? Part of the solution?
Good morning ! Debby from NY.
Hoping you can weigh in! https://t.co/3IIl3W4yAE
Today - "How can central office folks support you & your Ss best? Ideally what should, & shouldn't, a district office do/provide?
Right! Show up; support, but don't get in teachers way
How are independent schools set-up? What support systems or managing bodies are set up?
Distance from what Ts really need only means impractical changes being made. Needs must start at T level. https://t.co/2enD8HtObG
CO can support by coming into my classroom, interacting with my kids, asking me what they really need. Too much distance.
Okay, how does this work? Only 1 Q or many? Total newb to
As a CO person, we have made a point2visit every school this yr& have those convos. Can't make promises tho https://t.co/D0CSDd5V8W
I like when CO comes in my room and see what is really happening and asks me what I need :)
CO needs to give Ts TIME to do what is asked & expected,instead of continuing 2 give agendas.We (usually) know what needs 2 be done!
Yes - I can go along with that - stop setting up road blocks
DO has tough job-even though I want them to consult w/ us, often they are not at liberty to do so. Important we remember this!
Just like mentioned before the one thing that Central Office can give us is time, time, and more time
tell us all about it! Will you be writing a blog post?
I see them staying on top of research, putting policy to appropriate implementation https://t.co/UsZi4L8hvx
Central Office also has to push innovations. They need to be the driving force and not let schools get stagnate.
This is a huge one! Built in time to learn new tech is a huge support from admin! https://t.co/otVEgVSLgt
I loved when my district office gave me time to work on our district priorities. When rolling out new products/systems allocate TIME
The Central Office needs to create the space for innovative systems.
That's so true--that applies to every level. What works for one T won't work for the others, same w classes, & Ss.
The opportunity to meet/network/plan with other T's in the same grade at dif. schools. Especially smaller schools.
Hearing Ts directly is amazing. Wow!
I think that the CO should get to know each school. If we differentiate for Ss, we should also for schools. Different needs in each.
And where's & ? I thought they were tweeps.
I work out of our central office...appreciate the comments! The classroom is where we need to be...where the learning happens!
Only 1 question, 15 minutes, jump in anywhere.
have a good launch today!
CO can also support by including ground level folks (admin/teachers) in the problem solving process.
Central Office can trust me to make decisions about what technology will be useful in my classroom not mandate what Im allowed 2 buy
Being here just reminded me, the Central Office also has to work with the state to create useful guidelines.
good morning! Joel from TN
That's true--a delay was always nice, because it meant it wasn't TOO bad, but a relaxed morning!
In the past 5 yrs. mandates have come so quickly, I would want people not in classroom to understand what it looks like
wow - we don't even have 3000 Ss!
Do any of you serve on district committees that provide a T voice to CO? What are the committees?
Listening to Ts when they say something isn't working & are offering solutions. Not griping, but problem-solving.
CO has to keep big picture in mind ... one size doesn't fit all ... need to adjust PD expectations/rules to fit Ind Learning.
was so glad to hear your travel podcast again!
When fewer priorities or initiatives are given the more chance for success is there - less is more
I think giving time and building systems for support and cooperative learning as well are important. Scale up, create collaboration
Me too, but what's the topic? In think I should still be sleeping.
Central office should listen to and heed teacher voice. Get out into schools and interact with staff, students & parents.
Yes--I appreciate structured time or time specifically given w an expected outcome.
Great question! I am interested in hearing what other districts do.
Yes, but I need sleep first. I never publish while recovering from lack of sleep. Too crazy. It'll be at .
CO admin should understand the challenges, work with Ts to develop innovative solutions, and inspire all Ss and Ts to do their best
This question is interesting--CO must have different perspectives depending on district size, I think.
Keep Ss at the front & center. Kids are the priority; not budgets, paperwork, or adult needs. KIDS
Just 1 Q. 15 min sparkchat.
listen listen listen to what teachers and students need
Yes! Listening to the solutions is key!! https://t.co/RUNMWpaRLD
Listening to Ts when they say something isn't working & are offering solutions. Not griping, but problem-solving.
Grouping T's/schools together with similar communities to plan/network specifics for their communities.
Yes! And, even spacing out learning. Maybe introduce one week--give time to explore. Next meeting give time to ask questions.
- haven't been here in a week and forgot about # https://t.co/7ZBall2gXs
Wow! CO support is critical - be present! Be in the buildings, go into classrooms - no more room with a view.
Caring about the school culture & community are key for folks in central office. Working together to build a positive school culture.
I am on one, but have no evidence that what has been said is being taken into account.
One Q and have fun responding to others.
Is the Q about the Central Office?
This! https://t.co/J4Y3Fq6IzC
When fewer priorities or initiatives are given the more chance for success is there - less is more
remove roadblocks and give teachers time
The Central office has a responsibility to get into schools as often as possible and see whats going on in classrooms.
CO? I know I haven't had my coffee, but what is a CO in school? Thanks https://t.co/iZK6UgDGmg
Wow! CO support is critical - be present! Be in the buildings, go into classrooms - no more room with a view.
The building admins & headmaster come together to make decisions so it doesn't feel as much like a separate entity
Most of my interaction w DO is the business side - POs, invoices, library mngmt stuff - and that can take A LOT of time
Ive served on committees that recommend pacing and assessments in diff subject areas. Always ignored.
Yes--important that the CO is never too distant or removed from the reality of on-site & in-community!
https://t.co/EkgggHtlaL
talks in about being in classrooms and doing some of your work from the classroom - what a great support
I serve on a local BOE & have inside view of upper admin. If you're lucky DO will work like a well oiled machine. If not-all suffer.
FYI often jumps in here when heβs not sleeping
One question each morning for about 15 minutes.
True, but what if your school doesn't even fit in there? OF course, I may be speaking from my bubble! :)
Not at all. I was talking about bureaucracy.
what may look good on paper doesn't always translate well in the classroom
The C.O. can best help by leaving their office & come into schools. Be present & SEE w/ their own eyes & ears what's happening.
Pic Analogy: Ss = ctr. points of learning; lines = wireless ed. tech new and old; Ts connect the dots. https://t.co/imxYv6Sd4O
Oh cool, so the headmaster oversees the various buildings? Is there anything that the headmaster does well?
"How can central office folks support you & your Ss best? Ideally what should, & shouldn't, a district office do/provide?"
wow! this looks great! thx for spreding the word
we have 90k+ students ... land size our District/County is larger than Rhode Island ... 1 superintendent
I rarely if ever saw CO staff in my schools. They were afraid to come.
Such good conversations. As a former T, I've been there. https://t.co/NJRAwbeZEY
Hearing Ts directly is amazing. Wow!
I feel supported from CO when I'm given time to receive PD that I feel is useful, not just mandated
CO personnel get in Ts way by telling them what they can or can't do, based on misguided agendas
I've definitely learned that a time or two..."it looked so nice in the lesson plan..." :| lol
Then you're doing a great job! Too many CO peeps don't ever leave their seats & then don't know what's up.
I don't envy the position of the central office. Any decision they make will piss off at least 30% of the people.
CO gave us 6 options to choose from on our most recent PD Day - we had to choose 3 - it was awesome!
It's the states job to assist COs in that thoughtful implementation of policy- <3 to encourage collab! https://t.co/9LBW0xF6Fy
Being here just reminded me, the Central Office also has to work with the state to create useful guidelines.
Finally, I also think that if a T has the ed. and ex. w/tech, he/she should be trusted to make decisions about its use.
at a private/independent school the admin have to have the pulse of the school. Can't be distant.
Also, CO needs to hold Ts accountable for what we expect from students. Support & advise to bring struggling along
lol we have all been there before
can't even fathom - our district crosses a pkwy & I thought that was a novelty when I first started
YES! Ts are asked to do TOO much w/o proper time to actually succeed. Let us work please! We need time! https://t.co/Q2aeFwLqGj
CO needs to give Ts TIME to do what is asked & expected,instead of continuing 2 give agendas.We (usually) know what needs 2 be done!
Truth - very difficult - not sure why I think that would be such a great job - so far away from students
Yes! Relevant PD is very important.
That's unfortunate. The other extreme was my school.. CO was always there--yelling. Made my AP cry DURING school. :(
We have DOCIT, dist oversight committee for info tech where T voice is important for feedback. https://t.co/iMGggbM7jw
Great question! I am interested in hearing what other districts do.
Is admin-driven useful PD a thing?
Just like POTUS. No matter who is in the office, there will be those who don't like the decisions!
My district does a great job responding to PD needs! Self selected and T led PD is fantastic at meeting our goals.
Our Dis.Sup & Ass Sup have ice cream socials at each of the schools-no agenda, just a chance to chat w/ staff
