It's 8:30 on a Wednesday...#txed time it is. Paul here. I'm an ITS from Richmond, TX and ready to chat it up #starwars style! As Yoda would say, "Answer questions we will." Who else is joining us tonight?
Q1: The Death STAAR (or your state's version of standardized testing) is fast approaching. What are you doing to motivate your students and build morale leading up to the tests? #TXed
A1-Spent the afternoon. Talking to a few kids. Letting them know that they are smart and awesome. They can do anything they set their mind to. STAAR or no STAAR. #TXed
A1: try to pin point all the GREAT I see happening and offer suggestions and be apart of solution when my teachers are having a hard time seeing what great they’ve done! #TXed
A1 I think it’s really important for us to remain calm. Our emotions, as teachers, directly effect students. So maybe we need to take care of us first! #TXed
A1 I tell them it is one test on one day, it does not define you. Do your best, that is all I can ask for. I end with “May the force be with you!” #nerdyteacher#TXed
Q1: Keep kids motivated during testing season by keeping review intial, innovator and ever changing. You have to have fun and show the test is just another test! Don't stress! #TXed
A1: try to pin point all the GREAT I see happening and offer suggestions and be apart of solution when my teachers are having a hard time seeing what great they’ve done! #TXed
State tests are our chance to shine! If you bring it each & everyday the exams will take care of themselves! Our expectation, instruction & rigor each & everyday sets our tone! We are chasing championships! Our motivation is the opportunity to change the life of a child! #TXed
A1: today at our staff meeting all the K-2 classes picked a 3-5 class to support. We will be writing them little notes of encouragement and lining the halls with signs, high fives and fist bumps on those mornings. The teachers are also doing a pep rally with a flash mob!!! #txed
A1 I believe that our emotions directly affect students, so it’s really important that we share calmness and positive vibes. Remember to take care of ourselves! (Yoga, Reading, wine, whatever!) #TXed
A2: the more hands on, the better. Was reading #TLAP and @burgessdave says to ask “where can I go and what can I do to engage my students more?” We’re not in the classroom all day everyday anymore! That’s super helpful! #txed
#txed A2 my Ss LOVE the tutorial videos I made, takes right at 1 50 minute class to watch. They seem to remember this by watching it on the big screen. https://t.co/Nfqtq1hoB9
A1– our K-2 classes make banners of encouragement to hang in the 3rd—5th grade hallways the week before. We also have a STAAR Pep rally the day before...lots of fun and words of inspiration for our testers! #TXed
Q2: Blitz days for math and reading where all contents help support with activities, funny videos,
and games during daily advisory times!
#ittakesavillage#TXed
A2: A lot of collaboration going on in my classroom lately! They are extremely social in 8th grade, and will do anything if they are allowed to work together! #txed
A1 We are doing some fun rewards Friday. Study with flashlights, students working hard get to choose song playlists, popcorn and other goodies. Plus games for review. #txed
A2-It is all about laughing and having fun this time of year. Yes, it is stressful. Guess what, it was stressful last year. Guess what, it will be stress next year. Yet, it all depends on our reaction to it. #TXed
A2 reflect on all the amazing learning so far ... and focusing on new goals. Students reassess their personal learning goals this time of year. How can we work on them this month and what will they doocer the summer? #TXed
A2-It is all about laughing and having fun this time of year. Yes, it is stressful. Guess what, it was stressful last year. Guess what, it will be stress next year. Yet, it all depends on our reaction to it. #TXed
Q3: We see even the strongest Jedi being pulled to the Dark Side this time of year. How do you pull them back from the Dark Side without initiating battle? #TXed
A2: I see a lot of situations where teachers are switching classes for stations and activities. They want the kids to hear it just a little differently. Something may click! #txed
A3 have that conversation- I know this is stressful and you’re wondering if you can do it, you can! And let me show you how I know!!! ... also allow time for distressing #TXed
A1- Trying to keep Ts motivated by being of service. What can I do to help you right now? I feel like the best way to help the Ss is to keep our Ts as stress free as possible. #TxEd
Q1: The Death STAAR (or your state's version of standardized testing) is fast approaching. What are you doing to motivate your students and build morale leading up to the tests? #TXed
A2–Games, mixing up classes in the grade level to provide more focused instruction on what each group of S’s actually need, having S’s teach the concepts to their peers. Keeps each day new and exciting for them during a stressful time of the year. #TXed
I think the time for de-stressing is very imporant too, Tara. Have fun. Give them time to blow off some steam. Focus on what is right, not what is wrong. #txed
Q3: We see even the strongest Jedi being pulled to the Dark Side this time of year. How do you pull them back from the Dark Side without initiating battle? #TXed
A1- Trying to keep Ts motivated by being of service. What can I do to help you right now? I feel like the best way to help the Ss is to keep our Ts as stress free as possible. #TxEd
Q1: The Death STAAR (or your state's version of standardized testing) is fast approaching. What are you doing to motivate your students and build morale leading up to the tests? #TXed
A3: It's when we get weary that we can fall prey to the Dark Side. The practice of mindfulness can really help. Grab your colleague who is slipping away and invite him/her to go kayaking or forest bathing or something mindful to unwrap the present. #txed
#TxEd A2- Our specialists have been working hard to share digital tools, PBL ideas, and other resources w/Ts so that they have a fresh ideas for reviewing content w/Ss and keeping them engaged.
A2:) This time of year I try to do more #geniushour and #designthinking activities. Kids just designed an obstacle course for a rolling chair race in the gym #txed
A3:) When I challenge a kid to solve a problem we have, real life, real stuff in the classroom, their sense of importance blows up .... like the Death Star...*que wah wah wah....#txed
A3–remain positive for staff & S’s even during the toughest times. Food helps too...we tend to feed a lot during this time of year 🤣😋. Give T’s the gift of time...we give our leave early passes where T’s can leave as soon as they get their kids to dismissal spots. #TXed
A3: when the relationship is there, call them out lovingly and remind them to stay on track. Doesn’t work though if the relationship isn’t there. #txed
A3: Don't go to the "dark side" with your reaction. Most bad behavior is for attention. DIVERT DIVERT and FOCUS on the real goal....getting that Jedi to participate and succeed! #TXed
Q3: We see even the strongest Jedi being pulled to the Dark Side this time of year. How do you pull them back from the Dark Side without initiating battle? #TXed
Q3: We see even the strongest Jedi being pulled to the Dark Side this time of year. How do you pull them back from the Dark Side without initiating battle? #TXed
Jerry makes a huge point here. If you build your relationships with your students all year, these weeks won't seem as stressful and will allow you to work through them more easily. #txed
Q5: Who is your Yoda? Who is the one person that you look to for guidance in the darkest hours of the school day? What makes them so good at this? #TXed
#TxEd A4- Almost scared to answer this one. IDK if Chewbacca will be seen as a compliment or not. But hands down, that honor has to go to @MsAyersGraduate. I'd be lost without her & she is MUCH MORE BEAUTIFUL than that other guy we mentioned earlier! #IPromiseItsACompliment
During the last month of school, learn something new about each and every one of your students that has absolutely nothing to do with their academic abilities.
[BLOG] "End Your School Year with What Matters Most!" >> https://t.co/yITnwwjRB2#TeacherMyth#T2T#TXed#BeKindEDU
A5: I will return the favor...@pinkpatterson is my Yoda. I can always go to her for thoughts and ideas. I know she will tell me what she thinks, honestly. #txed
Q5: Who is your Yoda? Who is the one person that you look to for guidance in the darkest hours of the school day? What makes them so good at this? #TXed
A5 My Yoda was my counterpart on another campus, Linda Black. She has since retired and I am finding myself in that position for others on my campus. #txed
Q5: Who is your Yoda? Who is the one person that you look to for guidance in the darkest hours of the school day? What makes them so good at this? #TXed
A4 I don't have just one Chewbacca, it depends on the day! But my team is there all the time! @MsPurnellsClass@misshkelley and @smenifee is my science school sister. Today we had awesome parents drop off lunch and Mcflurries. Humor is also key! #txed
A5 My school speech pathologist is a godsend. She encourages, supports, and trouble shoots. My sped paras will make me laugh and give support to my students and me when it’s hard! #TXed
#txed A5 @MrRyburnGRHS@MrQFloyd are my 2 spiritual anchors. They have been HUGE this spring with helping me through the funerals this spring. Nice working with licensed ministers.
#TxEd A5- Without a doubt, that's my husband. He talks me off the ledge almost DAILY. Every professional accomplishment I have made has been because of his unwavering support. I won't tag him for the sake of privacy, but I'm sure he'll see this. I love you honey!! #MyRock
Q5: Who is your Yoda? Who is the one person that you look to for guidance in the darkest hours of the school day? What makes them so good at this? #TXed
A5:) My Yoda is Martha Davis @GilmerHS. Incredible Life Skills Teacher in @GilmerISDProud “If you strike me down, I shall be come more powerful than you can possibly imagine.” #txed
So, @pinkpatterson, I am Chewbacca, you are Yoda. We need to get our Luke, Han, and Leia! R2 and C3PO would work in there too...and of course Darth Vader. #txed
We are making sure teachers understand accountability so that they can, in turn, share with kids how they can progress in their academics. Our staff understands that a test doesn’t and shouldn’t define the work we do with some of the neediest of children. #TxEd#neisdpln
Q1: The Death STAAR (or your state's version of standardized testing) is fast approaching. What are you doing to motivate your students and build morale leading up to the tests? #TXed
I can't imagine going with just one Yoda! I am surrounded by great educators both at my school and in my #PLN. I wouldn't want to do without any of them #TXed
A5: My mother she is an outsider so things I think are big she shows me that it's just a small deteour. @CisneScience reminds that I am not where I am by chance and that there is more to come! #jeremiah29:11 #TXed
Q5: Who is your Yoda? Who is the one person that you look to for guidance in the darkest hours of the school day? What makes them so good at this? #TXed
A6 Technology is lightsaber. It lets me connect with my students inside and outside of the classroom. Keeps me organized and I look cool using it. #TXed
A6: EdPuzzle. As a teacher I used it to flip my lessons, as an administrator I use it to flip PD and create videos on character for the entire student body. #txed
Open and honest. Data only tells part of the story. Look at as much info to really be able to see what kids have learned and how they have grown. #txed#neisdpln
Q3: We see even the strongest Jedi being pulled to the Dark Side this time of year. How do you pull them back from the Dark Side without initiating battle? #TXed
#txed A6 Two summers ago I purchased a @surface which is linked to my projector with a wireless display adapter. #GAMECHANGER! I would never teach without this AMAZING device! It gives you #MorePower especially the staff help at the @MicrosoftStore
Not much beats an athentic audence or real problem to solve for or student engagment. Inner-class competition is also a big one. This time of year organization is...well, I will just talk engagement here. #TXed
Open and honest. Data only tells part of the story. Look at as much info to really be able to see what kids have learned and how they have grown. #txed#neisdpln
Q3: We see even the strongest Jedi being pulled to the Dark Side this time of year. How do you pull them back from the Dark Side without initiating battle? #TXed
A6: organization in cubby’s it totes. Everything has a place. My light saber comes in many colors...red, green, blue, and purple....m&m’s! #choloclateTeacher#TXed
A5–Yodas all around me- school family, district family, personal family, my PLN! Couldn’t do what I do without every single one of them! #takesavillage#TXed
A5: My counselor. Not only has she been in the business for a long time, she also sees the big picture more clearly than myself. Additionally, she doesn’t think like an administrator, but as a team member. #txed
@ericbwicker has always been there. My @execneisd has been a great resource to help me think things through and see things from a different perspective as we keep trying to push the system forward. #txed#neisdpln
#TxEd A6- My light saber is my Google Drive! It's device agnostic and saves me both personally and professionally on the daily. Couldn't imagine my life without it.
A6–. #1: COFFEE because I can’t function without it! 😅 #2: my iPad...love that I can stick it in my purse or carry it around as I go around to classrooms or meetings and make notes of the amazing things I hear/see everyday! 😍#TXed
My students. Yes, the students. Because when you talk to them and get an idea of how they are growing and learning, it makes all the difference in the world. When scores aren’t what they are, you can fall back on the “untestable” things you’ve observed from them. #txed#neisdpln
Q5: Who is your Yoda? Who is the one person that you look to for guidance in the darkest hours of the school day? What makes them so good at this? #TXed
Thanks to everyone who could join us tonight for our #txed chat. May the rest of the week run smoothly. Remember to use the force for good, not evil. #txed
