#caedchat is for California educators, by California educators. All are welcome as moderators and participants discuss issues that emerge in California education, which are generally applicable to other regions of the United States.
#caedchat tip: Use TweetDeck and have two columns open for the chat: one for real time and
one for where you are in the chat. To participate in the chat, be sure to use the #caedchat hashtag on every tweet.
Hi @ArcherEdTech Thanks for hosting this #caedchat on instructional coaching, something most Districts & Schools sadly under-invest in. Scott Petri, HS Hist T from LA.
Hi #caedchat ! I was an instructional coach at a bilingual school in Buenos Aires, Argentina and currently teaching at an international school in the Bay area.
Q1 - We have many TOSAs and/or Coaches on campuses or at the district office. What type of TOSAs and/or Coaches do you have at your site or district? #caedchat
A1 - I am in San Marcos USD and we currently have EdTech, ELA and ELD TOSAs, but used to have Math TOSAs too. Problem is they are dwindling fast :( #caedchat
Hi all! Kim from Placentia Yorba Linda USD Digital Learning Coach for our district...hoping to share best practices and gather more tools for the tool belt! #caedchat
Q1 - We have many TOSAs and/or Coaches on campuses or at the district office. What type of TOSAs and/or Coaches do you have at your site or district? #caedchat
A1 @eusd currently has a beautiful system of both district coaches and site-based coaches. The DO coaches bring PD to our sites and the site based coach continues that learning day to day. It is an ideal PD scenario. #caedchat
A1: I have 25 years in K-12. I spent number of years as district tech coordinator. Now consulting and coaching. Want to learn more about intersection of #pedagogy & #edtech. #caedchat
A1: As a result of our LCAP we currently have one instructional coach per site and 4 ELA and 4 Math district TOSAs along with 1 STEM, 4 Tech and 1 EL newcomer TOSA #caedchat
A1: We have a few TOSAs in charge of programs (GATE, AVID, etc) and 8 coaches for various subject areas and levels. Site based TOSAs for TItle 1 sites. #caedchat
A1: Our district has EDTech TOSAs who work across TK-12 w/Ts mostly. Myself & @christinekdixon are site based and have similar jobs-Makerspace, Innovation, Technology working w/ Ts &Ss #caedchat
Q1 - We have many TOSAs and/or Coaches on campuses or at the district office. What type of TOSAs and/or Coaches do you have at your site or district? #caedchat
I will be in the #caedchat chat for the next hour.
Conversations about TOSAs and coaches.
Here's the Qs for anyone interested in joining in https://t.co/JQylWjz0LR
A1 Most instructional coaching goes to new teachers when all Ts in all subs could benefit from high-quality coaching. #caedchat Coaching is non-existent in Social Studies now that it is not tested in CA. #casocstudies
Hi #caedchat. Middle School math science. Glean insights of what it means to fill the role of coach/TOSA without the title while you teach at the same time. We're a small private full inclusion school. #caedchat
A1: We have full-time elementary coaches who rotate at different sites, part-time on-site middle school coaches (like me), and full-time on-site HS tech coordinators. #caedchat
The dwindling problem is real. With budgets dwindling, so will the job of the coach. It is unfortunate, that something that works so well can be cut so quickly. #caedchat
Q2 - When a TOSA/Coach works well within a school they usually are on the same page as the principal. What does it look like when there is a strong partnership between TOSAs and/or Coach and principal? #CAedchat
EXACTLY! I try to support the Ts at my site with the help of colleagues. Being in the classroom and trying to spend every break or free opportunity to help others is not effective! Ts want to the support, just not getting it yet from DO. #caedchat
You are absolutely right about the benfits of coaching for Ts who have been in classroom a few years. Especially true with many new #edtech tools. #caedchat
The principal has the responsibility to make sure the TOSA/Coach is viewed as a hero in the school as they are there to help everyone get better. #CAedchat
Yes! I love our district's hybrid model. There's so much value in being both a full-time and part-time coach, and we get the best of both worlds. We are constantly sharing and learning from each other. #lovemyteam#caedchat
A2: I am at the district level, so I try to support district initiatives K-12, be innovative, keep it practical, build relationships with all, and make sure I keep KIDS first! #caedchat
Q2 - When a TOSA/Coach works well within a school they usually are on the same page as the principal. What does it look like when there is a strong partnership between TOSAs and/or Coach and principal? #CAedchat
We're 1 class per grade of 12-13 Ss on average. Each room has 2 staff. We serve a diverse population so our input comes more in the form of input from the Therapy Dept. #caedchat
Yes. Was an issue in my last year. When LCAP rolled around, they felt like they had to sing for their supper. It’s exhausting and demoralizing #caedchat
In reply to
@scottmpetri, @AppEducationFox, @ArcherEdTech
A2 Big problem happens when principal hires TOSA for admin assistance rather than tech or instructional prowess. Sometimes coaching has negative stigma. #caedchat
A2 We are super fortunate to be able to pre-meet w/ every principal (20) b4 the school year begins and talk about the TOSA availability & the different ways they can be utilized during the school year. Having a principal in the same page means the world, it adds value #CAEdChat
Q2 - When a TOSA/Coach works well within a school they usually are on the same page as the principal. What does it look like when there is a strong partnership between TOSAs and/or Coach and principal? #CAedchat
A2: Admin should have a strong vision of school culture & instructional needs of Ss. That requires being on the same page with #TOSA in #pedagogy. Admin needs to support TOSA with planning time, etc. Bring reluctant teachers along. #caedchat
Yup. 80% in the classroom & 20% as tech coach. I love doing both. I tell my students that they are my guinea pigs. I get to test out things before I share them with other teachers. Then I can say, "Don't do this. Do this instead." #caedchat
A1: we are so fortunate. I ALSO forgot that we have 5 TOSAs dedicated to solely to support new teachers and this year we added a SPED TOSA. We are so fortunate @AppEducationFox#caedchat
A2 Having a good working relationship between coach and principal is important. Just as important, is that teachers know your work with them is private. #caedchat
Same issue with collaborative networks. Takes time and trust to build for the long haul. Promotion track and teacher attrition work against this. #caedchat Most good TOSAs become admins instead of returning to the classroom.
In reply to
@ArcherEdTech, @LSpencerEdD, @AppEducationFox
Q3 - What tips or strategies do you have for building a good working relationship between a Principal and TOSA/Coach at the site or district level? #caedchat
A2: Our District TOSAs have been providing PD to our principals each month ( 2 Hours each session) to assist them in becoming better instructional Leaders. We are all Ts first! #caedchat
That is why I love the site-based coach model the most. I know all of the students on my campus. When I'm working with Ts, I'm also advocating for the kids I know so well #caedchat
In reply to
@aloah, @scottmpetri, @ArcherEdTech, @LSpencerEdD
good point Scott... it is a long haul to create change. I think many still needed to be "convinced" that TOSAs are essential. I think this mostly due to the history of teachers not having this support every #caedchat
In reply to
@scottmpetri, @ArcherEdTech, @LSpencerEdD, @AppEducationFox
Q3 - What tips or strategies do you have for building a good working relationship between a Principal and TOSA/Coach at the site or district level? #caedchat
A3: I spend time listening to their needs. Then find something meaningful to bring to their site at a PLC or principal's meeting. I have been in the district for 24 years, so that helps :) #caedchat
A2: a strong relationship between admin and TOSA makes for a stronger plan/vision/growth of school & students. In many cases they learn from each other & bring along reluctant staff #caedchat
Yea, if $ available, is preferred. However, I had a TOSA at a site for 3 years. After she left, Ts stopped innovating. Important to build capacity. #caedchat
In reply to
@AppEducationFox, @aloah, @scottmpetri, @ArcherEdTech
A3 My tip (coming from a coach) is open your door to a coach. More than anything, I want to plan side-by-side with teachers, model lessons, and help move a Ts learning forward. Don't be afraid a coach will judge you. It is the exact opposite! #caedchat
A3 Being "coached" is more like asking for personalized PD. You are in charge of what the goal will be. The coach will help guide and provide forward moving feedback to you. #caedchat
A3 One thing we have done is provide the principal with the understanding that our team is available for more than just one-off lessons /tutorials. We offer team based, vertical and mix/match opportunities to work w/ teachers, students, classified personnel & community #CAEdChat
Q3 - What tips or strategies do you have for building a good working relationship between a Principal and TOSA/Coach at the site or district level? #caedchat
A3: For TOSA, be supportive of principal. Keep communicating so they know what’s happening in classes. Celebrate successes. Don’t bad talk, even w/teacher friends #caedchat
It is essential that principals and coaches are both in classrooms on a regular basis. It is difficult to improve anyone’s performance from the office. #caedchat
A3: Bring them together. I have loved our TOSA led PD with principals. We have also included coaches in our learning walks ( visiting each other’s schools) we love the support we received from The Center for Educational Leadership group #caedchat
A5:Data is so important! We use a common rubric and grade it with goobric and doctopus. Slides helps use see it better. It is important to remember each number is a kid that needs our help. #caedchat
A4: Typically, I have an hour at a site for PLC...so I listen, plan, and make sure to involve audience. Not just a sit and get. Been using HyperDocs ...explore explain apply...trying to model UDL at the same time! #caedchat
A4: As a coach it is so important to actually coach and mentor teachers individually and not just tell them what to do, or even worse, what you would do #caedchat
A4 Time set aside to meet with teachers individually is always problematic because Ts are so busy. For Ts who want to work closely with me, we have a weekly meeting set in the calendar. #caedchat
I love the unity and love of learning at all levels you guys have created! Such a wonderful example of how teamwork makes the dreamwork @EUSD! #caedchat
A3: Bring them together. I have loved our TOSA led PD with principals. We have also included coaches in our learning walks ( visiting each other’s schools) we love the support we received from The Center for Educational Leadership group #caedchat
A4 I strive to eat lunch in the lounge every day. That way, I am available for questions or to set up planning times. This is where much of my mini-PD sessions happen. #caedchat
A4 - we tried Slack this year but not with much success. I think common GDocs are still our "go to" for collaboration. Though when we are all in the office it is GREAT to chat face to face! #caedchat
A4 Jumping in! This collaboration is crucial! It's the "buy in" that makes the learning and huge success worthwhile! I meet w each grade level discuss upcoming curriculum &standards & design lessons that are rekavant & meaningful!#caedchat
A4: oh my yes! Planning for 6 grades and 650 kids-my online planner has been a lifesaver. Along with my PLN here & FB groups with like teachers. You have to find your tribe and work together. #caedchat#caedchat
A4: Be proactive in planning. Take time to align tools and techniques with instructional goals & needs of Ss. Remember that #pedagogy is real. #caedchat
Slack is awesome, but only when ppl truly see the need. We tried Voxer as well, with limited success. Ppl just weren’t ready yet for those tools #caedchat
A4: It's also important as a coach to remember that sometime you need to take initiative & reach out to your teachers. In order to have collaboration, you need to actually meet first. Don't be afraid to take the first step. #caedchat
A4 I also send out a Weekly Message to teachers updating them with new PD I received at my coaches meeting, letting them know when my schedule is open for collaboration, and for links to articles that are relevant. #caedchat
Q5 - Schools are not at a lack of data
(reading levels, grades, test scores, etc.).
How do you use web tools and data to assist in the collection and analysis of data to drive decisions?
#caedchat
Yes, all site based coaches have a coaches meeting at the DO every other Friday. One of the days is for ELA PD and the other is for Math PD. They are building our capacity around new curriculum so that we can bring that PD to our sites. #caedchat
#edfb4338#CAEDCHAT@annaconsalvo1 I understand that collaboration is crucial and everybody says we need to do it. But how do we implement it so that students can prepare to work with others? Not just across disciplines, but across gender and race? Ethics needs to be addressed.
A4 Jumping in! This collaboration is crucial! It's the "buy in" that makes the learning and huge success worthwhile! I meet w each grade level discuss upcoming curriculum &standards & design lessons that are rekavant & meaningful!#caedchat
I love the idea of these twitter chats due to the different points of views you get from all over the world. It is interesting to see how people from california, new york and beyond view the same topics. SO much to learn from these chats! #EDFB4338#Caedchat@annaconsalvo1
In reply to
@christinekdixon, @ArcherEdTech, @annaconsalvo1
A5: We have Illuminate for district wide assessments. I have developed some PLC modules for looking at data. Most of those decisions are site based with the principal leading that charge. #caedchat
A5: There are a number of tools to use such as Kahoot, Quizizz & Nearpod. Unfortunately many Ts use these just to engage students. In order to get their REAL power, you need to use the data to drive individualized approach for your students #caedchat
A5 Getting teams of teachers to look at student work (data) together is very enlightening. We have very different definitions of rigor, proficiency, and mastery. #caedchat Invest in teaching teams.
A5: we use Illuminate. We also have a full time School Based Resource T at each site that helps our principals and Ts make sense of data( run reports, analyze etc.) they assist in setting up intervention and enrichment groups and help with testing. #caedchat
Between you and me (and this chat group... 😉) I am tired of Kahoot. I just see it as time wasters most often. No deep questions. No data analysis. #caedchat
A5: SHEETS and FORMS go a long way in data collection across multiple areas. Google Classroom can provide feedback in several ways including student products in a variety of ways for anecdotal data to grades. #caedchat
A5 I also help gather our teachers together to calibrate our writing assessments. In addition, I am helping out Ts come together to cross articulate about writing. We look at S writing examples and determine next steps for our school. #caedchat
#EDFB4338#CaEdChat@annaconsalvo1 I agree, and I feel that this can extend farther than just coaching. I know that is the topic right now, but I just wanted to mention that. I would like to get an opinion on implemented athletic training from other sports to improve your sport.
A5 Getting Ts to use coaching model in providing feedback to students is helpful too. https://t.co/Lqrh9cdFrL Show them where they are and where they need to be. #caedchat
I am working with our science teachers this year with NGSS (only secondary) - but NGSS TOSAs would go a long way in helping get them started in the right way to NGSS implementation. #caedchat
A5 This is a VERY important point for us as we are doing things on a site based innovation level! Ss writing progress has been our key data point & the huge improvement beyond impressive!! #caedchat
It's all about HOW students create them. With proper guidance, they can be incredible and better than Ts, but it's not magic. Students need to learn how they learn and learn how they think and look past just the fun... though that's important too :) #caedchat
Q6 - How many of your schools or districts are looking at cutting the TOSA/Coaching position next year? Is there a reason other than the budget? #caedchat
A6: I always say we can do anything we just can’t do everything. We are always looking at /reflecting on priorities responding to competing priorities. Yes there is a chance we may reduce coaches next year. Declining enrollment hurts us #caedchat
Agreed. Math speed tests are even worse. All of these tools are what you want them to be though. I think teachers need to think how/if they can be used to be most effective. It's often not the first way you think it is. #caedchat
A6: I think we are all safe this year. There is finally TOSA language in our contract. People view our position with varied opinions. Sometimes it hurts. #caedchat
Q6 - How many of your schools or districts are looking at cutting the TOSA/Coaching position next year? Is there a reason other than the budget? #caedchat
A5: The answer to analyzing S data is in embracing databases. Content mgmt systems like @Schoology give window into student learning. Use @GoogleForEdu & @googleclassroom. It is all about Student learning #caedchat
In reply to
@christinekdixon, @Schoology, @GoogleForEdu, @googleclassroom
A6 We are not looking at cutting any next year but it’s (TOSA positions) always brought up, Year in, year out. In the end we need to do a better job of showing value. Often, value is not how TOSAs are perceived. We need to eliminate perception #CAEdChat
Q6 - How many of your schools or districts are looking at cutting the TOSA/Coaching position next year? Is there a reason other than the budget? #caedchat
Q7 - With many districts cutting TOSAs & Coaches… How do schools build a community of coaching among all staff … not dependent on just one person’s role or position?
#caedchat
A6 My job as a site-based coach is at risk. There is discussion of changing the model because of the budget. I just learned about this last week. #caedchat
A6: I am an ed tech TOSA and will be back in the classroom, as will all the other ed tech TOSAs at my district. I think it's mainly a budgetary decision, as well as shifting priorities. #caedchat
A7 This is a good question. We need to build collaboration as part of our school's culture. Teachers need each other's support. Planning together is always more powerful than working alone. #caedchat
A7: We have a Teacher ambassador program where small cohorts of teachers are empowered and lead a culture of change. It's been very successful. #caedchat
A6: Budget is huge, but so is lack of understanding of how PD works. PD must be sustained & supported by TOSAs. We are in love with the newest fad, looking for a panacea. #caedchat
Thanks #caedchat If you have a project idea... The #TTLSummit is where teacher leaders create action plans to benefit students and schools. Join us in Nashville: https://t.co/1LcpGzXy2I
Yes it is...and will be hard with some very important new things coming soon. New website and gradebook, Illuminate and Benchmark don't work on their own...hopefully it all goes well without them :( #caedchat
We are starting something similar, called Hubs... where small grip of Ts can hone in on one element of learning and develop it before sharing w/others #caedchat
A7: We don't have TOSA's so a few of us try to talk and be leaders. Modeling and trying to collaborate when we can. It's hard b/c we have our own classrooms. #caedchat
That's awesome. It's actually more simple than it sounds. Empower teachers in areas they are passionate about, believe in them, support them, and let the growth happen naturally. #caedchat
Sorry to leave you all with the sad part of the chat :( But...we can all pull it together and help each other! #caedchat is a great community that is always willing to help!
