#HCPSteach Archive


Thursday March 22, 2018
8:00 PM EDT

  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:00 PM EDT
    Welcome to #HCPSTeach ... I am so glad you joined us to discuss Vertical Alignment and Planning. I am your moderator tonight. Let's start with Introductions! :) Name: Role: Location:
  • Michelle4EDU - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    So honored to take part in @MorganWoodsES 50th anniversary this evening! The dedication of the students, faculty, and admin is astonishing. Can’t wait to see what happens the next fifty! ♥️♥️♥️ #hcpsteach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    Hi everyone! I'm Sylvia, Academic Coach / ENG Tchr at a Title 1 HS in Tampa, Florida. I'm so GLAD to be here tonight with my #PLFamily #HCPSTeach
  • Michelle4EDU - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:01 PM EDT
    Michelle, PD Specialist, Tampa 🤓 #hcpsteach
    • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:00 PM EDT
      Welcome to #HCPSTeach ... I am so glad you joined us to discuss Vertical Alignment and Planning. I am your moderator tonight. Let's start with Introductions! :) Name: Role: Location:
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    If you'd like to join us #HCPSTeach is a chat for all people interested in education -- home school, charter school public/private school, stakeholders in teaching ... Tonight we are chatting about Vertical Alignement!
  • Michelle4EDU - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    Got home just in time to chat with you! 💙💙 #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @SylviaEllison
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Tonight we will use the Q1 / A1 format -- for those new to chatting, Q is how I share a question, A is your answer to that question. Welcome to all! Learn with us! Be sure to include #HCPSTeach so everyone can share in your genius. :)
  • MrsCervone_AP - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Hi! Stacy, Assistant Principal from @TurnerBartelsK8 in Tampa! #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Question 1 coming in 1 minute! #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    Q1 How do you define "Vertical Alignment and/or why is vertical alignment in edcuation important? #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    Have to love my typos ... I apologize for those 😮 #HCPSTeach
  • Michelle4EDU - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    Beginning with the end in mind. Knowing where students have been, where they need to go, and designing a path to get them there. #hcpsteach
    • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:07 PM EDT
      Q1 How do you define "Vertical Alignment and/or why is vertical alignment in edcuation important? #HCPSTeach
  • MrsCervone_AP - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    A1: Vertical Alignment: aligning curriculum from one grade tot he next so that a progression of content knowledge is in place. #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    A1 Vertical alignment is planning across grade levels so that all teachers are involved in the steps to graduation and life-long learning. #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    Backwards planning, I believe, is a key piece to all planning — for a single classroom as well as across grade levels #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Michelle4EDU
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    That sounds like a definition from a professional educator. ♥️ #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @MrsCervone_AP
  • mean_jeannie Mar 22 @ 8:12 PM EDT
    A1: how can I get my kids there if I don’t know where they’re going? #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    Question 2 coming in 1 minute ... #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    In Vertical planning, I think we can target skills at each grade level instead of trying to do everything every year! #HCPSTeach
  • Mr_Espinos Mar 22 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    Hey all, long time no see. Mike from Chicago checking in. #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:13 PM EDT
    Welcome Jeannie! Knowing students is very important ... I think you may really like some questions coming up ☺️ #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @mean_jeannie
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    Q2 How does your school currently plan with vertical alignment? Is there any particular strategy or tool used? #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    So glad you’re here! #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Mr_Espinos
  • MrsCervone_AP - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    Welcome back! #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Mr_Espinos
  • Mr_Espinos Mar 22 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    A1 I've been involved in a big policy committee for the last few months and I have grown professionally more than I can express. All this has led me to question any term like "vertical integration" that redefines an existing term to make it buzzwordy. #HCPSTeach
  • Michelle4EDU - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    Some of my schools alternate plcs to vertical PLCs so the teachers can collaborate. #HCPSTeach
    • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:14 PM EDT
      Q2 How does your school currently plan with vertical alignment? Is there any particular strategy or tool used? #HCPSTeach
  • Michelle4EDU - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    Yay mike! Glad u could make it #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Mr_Espinos
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    A2 Last year, I wrote a writing plan for our HS -- intention was for each grade level to focus on skills that build to mastery of writing. #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    Good point ... I’ve been using this term for over a decade, but I’m not convinced it is being done on our campuses with integrity ... an attempt? Yes! But lacking in genuine execution 💜 #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Mr_Espinos
  • MrsCervone_AP - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    We recently purchased the Jim Burke Common Core companion books across K-5 to allow teachers a greater understanding of what comes before and after them in regards to the standards. #HCPSTeach
    • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:14 PM EDT
      Q2 How does your school currently plan with vertical alignment? Is there any particular strategy or tool used? #HCPSTeach
  • Michelle4EDU - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    Tucking the boys into bed and I’ll be back soon... #momlife #hcpsteach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    Great way to strategize ... what does the result look like? #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Michelle4EDU
  • Mr_Espinos Mar 22 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    A1v2 I look at terms like vertical alignment and I see a well planned curriculum. I see leadership showing their understanding of the tools and data they have at their disposal. What I think of is the time tested practice of having your staff communicate expectations #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:19 PM EDT
    This plan was based off the “non-negotiables for 3rd grade” located at the school that hosts @EdCampStAug ☺️ #HCPSTeach
    • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:17 PM EDT
      A2 Last year, I wrote a writing plan for our HS -- intention was for each grade level to focus on skills that build to mastery of writing. #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    That is an awesome resource! I used the HS version for my writing plan #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @MrsCervone_AP
  • Mr_Espinos Mar 22 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    A2 I am not seeing vertical integration in my school because I see a staff that is over burdened with checklist tasks and not enough time to communicate with their counterparts in other grades. The priorities of the leadership become the priorities of the team. #HCPSTeach
  • MrsCervone_AP - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    This is great. I love this format. #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @SylviaEllison, @EdCampStAug
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    I completely agree! This is the primary reason I developed a writing plan to use from the beginning so that we could start with that vertical alignment in mind! #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Mr_Espinos
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    Question 3 coming in 1 minute ... so many good ideas so far! #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:23 PM EDT
    I’ll send you a picture of their 3rd grade one #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @MrsCervone_AP, @EdCampStAug
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    Q3 While it creates a great challenge for some, how do you vertically align your instruction from elementary to middle? middle to high? or high school to college? #HCPSTeach
  • Mr_Espinos Mar 22 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    I know my leadership would like to see vertical integration, but there are only so many things you can do in the few hours you have each day. My school days are voluntarily 10 hours long and I still barely keep up. #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @SylviaEllison
  • MrsCervone_AP - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    Seems to be a common theme. Never enough time! #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Mr_Espinos, @SylviaEllison
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    A3 Currently, I work with the standards -- looking at how the 8th grade and 11/12th grade standards frame my 9th grade class. #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    I wonder if we choose to spend our time differently if we could accomplish standards more efficiently? We all have the seam amount of time, maybe we need to examine how we spend it? ♥️ #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @MrsCervone_AP, @Mr_Espinos
  • Mr_Espinos Mar 22 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    Vertical alignment joke for nerds: .curriculum { position: relative; top: 0; bottom: 0; width: 100%; text-align: all; } #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:29 PM EDT
    I’m not sure I get it, yet ... I will be studying it though! ☺️ #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Mr_Espinos
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    Reminds me of an e.e.cummings poem! 💜 #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Mr_Espinos
  • Mr_Espinos Mar 22 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    A3 The most important strategy to succeed is to communicate and collaborate. It solves most educational problems. Classrooms are no longer little kingdoms with an absolute monarch. We need to know what the others around us are doing and all work together to excel. #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    Question 4 in 1 minute ... Let's keep the conversation going! #HCPSTeach
  • MrsCervone_AP - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    We need to find more opportunities to do this. Is this writing chart something you did for your content area or did a team work on it together? #hcpsteach
    • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:27 PM EDT
      A3 Currently, I work with the standards -- looking at how the 8th grade and 11/12th grade standards frame my 9th grade class. #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    Yes! Shared expertise! Love it!! 😍 #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Mr_Espinos
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    Q4 If you were able, what would you want to know from teachers who teach the grade before you? About your students? About their curriculum? About their skills? #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Mr_Espinos
  • Mr_Espinos Mar 22 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    A4 I want to know what motivates them, what they want to accomplish, and what I can do to build on what they've learned. If I had that I'd be teacher of the year for the rest of my career. #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    I did it as a writing coach, then had my teachers look at it & give feedback, then I revised it for publication ☺️ #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @MrsCervone_AP
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    A4 I teach #SpringBoardPL so I am aware of the curriculum from Grades 6-12 ... what I'd like to see / know more is a student portfolio of their work from Sept to May. #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    Here is the one from @EdCampStAug #HCPSTeach
  • Michelle4EDU - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    Jumping back in. I would love to see writing samples. I like the fact that @OneNoteEDU can be a digital portfolio for students so teachers can access their work from previous years. #HCPSTeach
    • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:32 PM EDT
      Q4 If you were able, what would you want to know from teachers who teach the grade before you? About your students? About their curriculum? About their skills? #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    Agreed! Eliminate the negative ... share the stuff that works! #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Mr_Espinos
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    This year I have kept writing portfolios for my students ... I hope to pass those on to their 10th grade teachers! #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Michelle4EDU, @OneNoteEDU
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    Question 5 in 1 minute ... Let's dig a little deeper! #HCPSTeach
  • MrsAddison_SC Mar 22 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    A4 I agree Mr Espinos . Student motivation and what knowing topics that keep them going would be beneficial. Most of time negative get passed on and a judgement is created before ever meeting the student. #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    Q5 ... If you were asked, what would you tell future teachers about the curriculum or skills that you focused on this year? #HCPSTeach
  • MrsCervone_AP - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:42 PM EDT
    Look who showed up at the #HCPSTeach chat!
    In reply to @MrsAddison_SC
  • MrsCervone_AP - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    Sorry everyone, have to sign off. Heading to the airport to pick up my sister. Thanks @SylviaEllison #HCPSTeach
  • Mr_Espinos Mar 22 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    A5 I teach STEM and I focused on making the material engaging and breaking down the fear of technical skills by showing them how much fun it can be. #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:44 PM EDT
    Great content and skills! #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Mr_Espinos
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:46 PM EDT
    A5 This year, I focused on writing EXCELLENT paragraphs with strong structure and good transitions. I am so happy with Justin Wilson-Gabor's CEMI paragraph structure. #HCPSTeach
  • Mr_Espinos Mar 22 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    Quote of the day: A student was complaining about their assigned group. I suggested, "Maybe you should stop complaining, design and build a bridge then use that bridge to get over it." If I had a mic I would have dropped it. #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @SylviaEllison
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    That is awesome!! You should write a book! 💜 #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Mr_Espinos
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    Question 6 is in one minute ... gear up for our final question! :) #HCPSTeach
  • Michelle4EDU - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    That’s great. I remember there was a big push to move away from formulaic writing but some students need structure. You have to learn the rules first, then you can break them #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @SylviaEllison
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    Q6 How can or does your district / administration support vertical alignment in your school and with neighboring / feeder schools? #HCPSTeach
  • Mr_Espinos Mar 22 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    #HCPSTeach As soon as I said it the class was quiet for about 10 seconds as they worked out what I said. Once they got it....
    In reply to @SylviaEllison
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    Exactly ... you can teach variety in writing if they can organize their writing first! #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @Michelle4EDU
  • Mr_Espinos Mar 22 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    A6 It's probably better if I don't answer that. #HCPSTeach
  • Michelle4EDU - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    Giving them time to meet. Plan. Discuss. Setting the expectation. Love how our TownNCountry STEM hubs epitomize this alignment. #HCPSTeach
    • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:52 PM EDT
      Q6 How can or does your district / administration support vertical alignment in your school and with neighboring / feeder schools? #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    A6 In December each year, our school invites the Middle School leaders to our campus so that can view what we offer and share it with their students on their campus. #HCPSTeach
  • MrsAddison_SC Mar 22 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    A6 I wish it was mandatory for Ts to observe/reflect with Ts in the next grade. Being a parent of a son transitioning from middle to high, expectations and rigor were completely different. #HCPSTeach
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    I agree! We need to have more conversations across campuses! ☺️ #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @MrsAddison_SC
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    Thanks for joining our chat tonight ... I hope you were able to add to your #PLN by #FOLLOWing5 #HCPSTeach
  • MrsAddison_SC Mar 22 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    This is nice, though seems to be more of a showcase and not like going into the classroom to observe rigor and expectation #HCPSTeach
    • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:55 PM EDT
      A6 In December each year, our school invites the Middle School leaders to our campus so that can view what we offer and share it with their students on their campus. #HCPSTeach
  • Michelle4EDU - Moderator Mar 22 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    Small chat but always worth it. Thanks for moderating sylvia!!! #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @SylviaEllison
  • SylviaEllison Mar 22 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    I agree ... your idea of observations would be awesome! #HCPSTeach
    In reply to @MrsAddison_SC