#BFC530 Archive
The Breakfast Club – #BFC530 – is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri – 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.
Tuesday October 18, 2016
Happy Tues ! How do you balance meeting the social/emotional needs of your kids w/ the all too real pressures of standardized tests?
Good morning friends. Christina from MD checking in. Dogs fed, coffee in hand👍
By standardized tests, do we mean mandatory state testing?
Good Morning! Hoping to remember everything today since I walked out without my bag yesterday. Very different experience w/o tech
Good question today! I feel like I have multiple personalities this week. PSAT Wed juxtaposed by National Day of Writing Thurs
Good morning!!! Happy Tuesday!
Good morning ! Stacey from NJ.
I seem to always go back to this but I believe that building relationships with Ss is the most important thing I can do!
I read an article this summer that talked about how Ss who come from a rigorous classroom are better equipped to handle the testing.
Good morning peeps. David MS Principal from VA joining in, coffee in hand.
I wish I could drink my coffee black. Empty milk carton in fridge tortures me this morning. What a start to the day!
Gm.a good working rltnshp with support team helps. ref. forms on the ready, and constant verbal bldg. blocks of community.
Good morning, everyone! Ready for a beautiful fall day? I am too, but it's supposed to be 86 today. Georgia weather; gotta love it!
Yes, because when you build rapport and relationships, then working together on preparing for tests is a LOT easier
Once they know how much I care about them, they will be willing to trust me and themselves with their learning.
That's when I started drinking it black, when I kept running out of milk!
Good morning beautiful people. Michelle from ON here. Grade 1/2. Only thing to celebrate about my Monday is that it's over!😳
Good morning .
Brian, HS principal from Mass.
Have trouble thinking of these 2 things as opposing forces. Tests gauge skills. We can connect w/ students and build relationships.
Kids don't learn from people they don't like... teach the student before teaching the material
. I think there's a major difference between having a standard by which my Ss are held and one by which ALL Ss are held.
praise, humor, acknowledgement of the crunchy days, allowing the person to be present in class with the student and managing it
More often than test prep practice, I ask my AP Lit Ss to write essay prompts, design tasks and MC questions. Think like test maker!
Good Morning ! Looking forward to a great chat.
I tell them it matters but it's not the only measure of their success. I avoid teaching to the test, provide rich/varied reading.
I try really hard to minimize the tests, don't put added pressure on concentrate on the Ss not the test
good morning! this weekend?
Sorry to hear that. Tuesday will be better.
I realized how important for 3rd graders to build stamina to even be able to attempt the test.
I think we, as adults, need to ensure Ss understanding the place the test should hold 1/2
I'm too lazy to drink mine any way other than black!! https://t.co/dTiBxNpxLh
I wish I could drink my coffee black. Empty milk carton in fridge tortures me this morning. What a start to the day!
I tell them that they are not numbers, it's only one piece of their "pie" You are more than a test/ number. https://t.co/mX2U4bFrEO
Happy Tues ! How do you balance meeting the social/emotional needs of your kids w/ the all too real pressures of standardized tests?
Good morning friends! Steve from NJ here. I feel fortunate that my classroom is a safe haven from testing pressure
Often, I think giving Ss challenges in the safety of my classroom is best way to build confidence & content for standardized tests
Balancing s/e needs means opportunities for play, inquiry-based learning, S-led learning, Genius Hour...they 'own' the learning.
Yes. There is a difference between lesson planning to deliver content and doing it to teach.
It is a balancing act and these are two huge areas in education.
My colleague did the same thing. Called me from her classroom in a panic!
Oh my gosh... yes!! Right now we can hardly do 10 questions :)
I think the secret is in synergizing, managing the talent that's in front of you in your class. Deploy the talent you have
It is not the end all be all that determines their future. It's just 1 measurement & not life career/defining
I would agree with that https://t.co/ukmJ0LFFw2
I read an article this summer that talked about how Ss who come from a rigorous classroom are better equipped to handle the testing.
I will be pulling it up this morning! That's great!
Kathleen from western MA where we switched our tests to PARCC and now back to "new" MCAS. I teach the kids, content secondary.
Yes! Looking forward to seeing you!
In Mass. HS, only gr 9 in science, them ELA and math in gr 10. All three required to graduate. High stakes, but not high frequency.
Right?! We have been working on stamina and growth mindset and grit since day 1
Here's hoping it's a "Twofer Tuesday" to make up for that mundane Monday! ;-)
I am a huge proponent of student choice and student voice. I like to think that helps create an environment that honors
morning Michelle !! how goes it ?
We focus on the whole student and use the test as a tool. The bigger piece is the Ss ability to be successful on a daily basis
Happy Tuesday to you. Be sure to check out that podcast.
Growing the social-emotional is important to prepare kids for life which includes testing.
I think so too, besides if you can handle emotions you won't do very well with tests
Yes! This was the message of my last lesson to a group of students at a school I left because of the testing culture
Exactly. When you plan you have to consider both.
Happy Tuesday Bonnie from CT waiting for the French press here
Aw, well maybe today will be a terrific Tuesday 🙏 https://t.co/rHr3I7FqOw
Good morning beautiful people. Michelle from ON here. Grade 1/2. Only thing to celebrate about my Monday is that it's over!😳
Currently teach 1st, so there's not a huge focus on standardized tests. The most important thing is to build up confidence.
Here too! Super humid/hot weather expected and no A/C of course. Trying hard to today!
is now trending in USA, ranking 29
good morning to you my friend!
When you have built a strong relationship w/ kids they feed off your temperament-how you respond to "the test"gives them an expample
I'm happy to say that I didn't cry on my way home yesterday! https://t.co/rHr3I7FqOw
Good morning beautiful people. Michelle from ON here. Grade 1/2. Only thing to celebrate about my Monday is that it's over!😳
So true! I tell my 12th graders re: college search. Your spouse, where you live, the work you do: ALL more important
Now I'm wondering what the rigorous classroom looks like in this scenario. https://t.co/9hgB7OHFYz
I read an article this summer that talked about how Ss who come from a rigorous classroom are better equipped to handle the testing.
State test assesses state standards. I'm okay with accountability.
Testing much more frequent at younger grades in Mass.
I learned to keep powdered creamer on hand
That's because it truly is the foundation for everything else. https://t.co/HoDA21Wrsu
I seem to always go back to this but I believe that building relationships with Ss is the most important thing I can do!
We are 3-5 tests every year in MS. We spend the lsat 5 weeks of school testing in 1 form or another … https://t.co/c317PJAbW6
In Mass. HS, only gr 9 in science, them ELA and math in gr 10. All three required to graduate. High stakes, but not high frequency.
I will try tonight, thanks Stacey! https://t.co/5d90lKV77I
Happy Tuesday to you. Be sure to check out that podcast.
exactly, life skills that will help them grow and develop a healthy life
Good morning family! Happy Tuesday! Kenneth VA HS admin here!
ooh. That's tough! Do you mean at home or school?
I do the same. Though our first test isn't until grade 3. I focus on relationships and the learning. Test will happen
google mapping waffles right now
I'll take one! Good morning Bonnie
Yes!! Helping them gain confidence in their ability to meet those challenges successfully
Not opposing forces. Building relationships leads to deeper learning leads to deeper learning which leads to scoring well on tests.
yes if we don't freak out about them hopefully that translates to the Ss
Let Ss & Ts know that the test does not capture them as a Learner/Teacher. Just one snapshot of many. More important to be caring!
Wow! For me it's two days for grade 9, five for grade 10.
https://t.co/IwqdGViXrG
We are 3-5 tests every year in MS. We spend the lsat 5 weeks of school testing in 1 form or another … https://t.co/c317PJAbW6
In Mass. HS, only gr 9 in science, them ELA and math in gr 10. All three required to graduate. High stakes, but not high frequency.
THIS! https://t.co/6q1foPsv47
Not opposing forces. Building relationships leads to deeper learning leads to deeper learning which leads to scoring well on tests.
Give Ss the tools they need to be successful. The rest is up to them.
abookforfrances good morning to you my friend!
And Ss who are experienced at making good choices for themselves know who they are as learners. A test = NBD to them
Jumping in late, I'm Ku, Learning Coach, Argentina
I never thought of that, but I love it!! https://t.co/wNifIeDqfq
Even before it was true, I told my Ss that the tests were ab me. Ss should do their best, but the test was checking… https://t.co/JB5GPMX7B3
Happy Tues ! How do you balance meeting the social/emotional needs of your kids w/ the all too real pressures of standardized tests?
Yes! this also lead to grit and perseverance, which are such important skills for handling the SBAC test. https://t.co/rBJP0GGlnb
Not opposing forces. Building relationships leads to deeper learning leads to deeper learning which leads to scoring well on tests.
The relationships last a lifetime ... kids won't remember the test but they will remember you and how you helped them grow
Oh, mate, it's as dark there as it is here!
We aim to focus on doing what's best for kids. Some achieve it. (I think there might be truth serum in this coffee!)
Agreed If we are creating a culture of compassion & empathy the St test wont be an issue
Here's hoping. Mondays are rough with this group.
ooooooh, fancy and yummy!!
Have some 3rd graders struggling with reading.Imagine their unneeded stress when testing reminds them of th… https://t.co/cQvmVuXDgW
I realized how important for 3rd graders to build stamina to even be able to attempt the test.
Stamina is also important for standardized tests
'Balance' requires opportunities for play, inquiry-based learning, S-led learning, Genius Hour...they then 'own' the learning.
So true Brian https://t.co/EeKmLZa0Hs
When you have built a strong relationship w/ kids they feed off your temperament-how you respond to "the test"gives them an expample
In general I think this is a thing we do as teachers. We think of so many things as opposing when they are complimentary.
Wow, morning is my work time free from distractions, but it distracted me from my wake up call. Good Morning!
agree with you all the way
A test happens on one day. Learning is life-long! https://t.co/6MIQrgSFdR
I do the same. Though our first test isn't until grade 3. I focus on relationships and the learning. Test will happen
Morning Dave, you always have the best pictures!
it's an acquired taste for sure. Stevia helps. Plus, I treat myself on the first cup by adding some coconut milk.
I had a S in computer math (for high Ss) but she struggled with the rigor of my class.
Teaching Ss how to approach exams helps. There will always be Ss who don't perform on exams & stress. Pastoral Care team important
good morning. Waiting for mine to finish brewing!
it is not just the test it is all the data collection (protesting) that is killing the learning
It makes for a rough spring in Virginia since I do a lot of the testing and remediation.
And if the Ss have a good relationship w/ T, then they want to do their very best.
I see it. I give the SBAC and MAPS in grade 3
Meeting the emotional needs should always be paramount to our work as Ts regardless of standardized assessments or not
YES! teaching is and should be about people and the connections you make with them
. parents need some coaching on this as well
At the elem level, you must have a safe learning culture first. A room focused on tests, not people, fails (even w/ great scores)
successful but very exhausting if not supported by team
Crazy, right? We literally shut down learning (only test review) from May 9 through June 17
I've said this before: The greatest generations were tested by their times. The current generation has been timed on their tests.
I totally understand where the collection of data for data's sake is a giant time and energy consumer!
Good morning Chesterfield from VB! https://t.co/rb0FTocQzz
Good morning family! Happy Tuesday! Kenneth VA HS admin here!
here it will be gray and hopefully 55. Of the many things I enjoy in Maine the weather is not one of them.
Love reading discussion tweets on standardized testing. Not what I had expected. Appreciate all your silver linings!
It's when I cease feeling like a supporter of children and only feel like a manager of bodies. :(
I get that there is pressure but we are still the teachers in the room. We have the most power to build relationships.
I don't use sweetener, never have, but that little milk curl swirling down is part of the beauty of the thing for me...
And imagine my 6th graders reading at 3rd grade level 😣 https://t.co/DNnC5Q0NpA
Have some 3rd graders struggling with reading.Imagine their unneeded stress when testing reminds them of th… https://t.co/cQvmVuXDgW
I realized how important for 3rd graders to build stamina to even be able to attempt the test.
Funny eh? Every group is different.
Have a great day . Time to do the hair!
oof. Had one of those years, Christina - glad to see you can celebrate the small stuff.
I don't have Ss now but when I did I tried to build their confidence so they believed in themselves. !
middle school friends, I'm researching different schedules we have 8 44-min periods any others out there?
Amen brother. https://t.co/q74irkJeD4
I've said this before: The greatest generations were tested by their times. The current generation has been timed on their tests.
We did SBAC 1 year & the state said we won't give it again. Schools spent a ton of money preparing too. -
My goal for my history class is that it is an academic playground. Hopefully the Ss embrace concept & it makes clssrm comfortable
Agree. They could at least give us that data in a timely manner so we could make use of it
Yes!!! We need to remember that all areas does not come from school. https://t.co/jPT0hzPmR6
. parents need some coaching on this as well
perfectly said! https://t.co/enobHfBmSy
I've said this before: The greatest generations were tested by their times. The current generation has been timed on their tests.
You are too kind, as I normally call it an energy waster!
Robust discussion this morning! Let's take this passion and make it a fabulous school day!
Cheers!
Imagine if we took all that money and give it back to the schools?! We gave SBAC last year as well.
What a great way to remove some of the pressure so students can shine!
some Ts still think rigor = more, longer tests 😕
This is more important than a test score -> Quality Student-Teacher Relationships Transcend the Classroom https://t.co/OLSAv3mBrj
This is more important than a test score -> Quality Student-Teacher Relationships Transcend the Classroom https://t.co/OhZvg4avC1
This is definitely a big must. We have to show Ss what academic success and high academic esteem looks and feels like
Aren't report cards for that though? I feel as though the tests are really about the Ts for the Ministry n… https://t.co/meKDbbOYDU
State test assesses state standards. I'm okay with accountability.
Testing much more frequent at younger grades in Mass.
I can relate. My room does have air, but it's wonky. And my room has this horrid odor. 😭
I love the positive spin we seem to be thinking about this morning. https://t.co/gj3GZVwv0s
I get that there is pressure but we are still the teachers in the room. We have the most power to build relationships.
Taking it one day at a time, Good for you, Christina. I hope you celebrated. https://t.co/AgxsRWqkN2
I'm happy to say that I didn't cry on my way home yesterday! https://t.co/rHr3I7FqOw
Good morning beautiful people. Michelle from ON here. Grade 1/2. Only thing to celebrate about my Monday is that it's over!😳
Ok folks. Big fancy meeting today. Gotta run.
yea this about says it all !
that would be fantastic! The experiences I could provide for students
TT USA 13:47
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Have a great Tuesday, Friends!
We have 4 86 minute blocks. Eng/Math every day, science/SS on an odd/even schedule and then 2 electives on odd/even
Fablevision (Peter H. Reynolds) and "The Testing Camera." Applicable to this morning's topic. https://t.co/dWUc1c2MMv
Main is so beautiful, but I would not want to have to bear your winters!
My Ss looked at the test like a puzzle. They were going to figure it out and show how much they learned.
Focus on building up 'sense of self'...a 'can do' attitude makes a huge difference in learning.
we have 7 - 47 min periods, but in 5th grade we have dbl blocks of 94 min for ELA. Wish it were 60 minutes for all.
Brief, but worth it this morning. Thanks
Thanks for helping me to focus on the positive and the difference we really do make in the lives of our Ss. Have a great day all!
Our tests are in May. Results after the group has moved on-doesn't make sense to me in the feedback world.
Right?! It would actually impact Ss. Imagine that?!
time to get moving - have a wonderful Tuesday friends
We have 7 periods plus a 20 minute Advisory class at the start of each day. https://t.co/Haqu7oF3Tv
middle school friends, I'm researching different schedules we have 8 44-min periods any others out there?
Always important to explain the why of different testing. Help them understand how we will use the data to plan their learning.
I took it on 16 Sept South of Sydney, when it was Harvest Moon in your part of world. In Southern Hemisphere-Seed Moon
Are you wearing your fancy pants?
ode du high school students !
No chance to remediate, help a kid grow=waste of time ? https://t.co/pG0xFornqu
Our tests are in May. Results after the group has moved on-doesn't make sense to me in the feedback world.
it is absurd to place that pressure on them. Testing stinks!
Happy Tuesday family. Remember to take care of each other.
Happy Tuesday family. Remember to take care of each other.
Thanks for the reminders to keep people first in the classroom this morning! Have a terrific Tuesday!
Tues=trying day for me, always call it the Jan Brady of the week, gets no respect but packs a wallop. Hope you all have a good one
It just doesn't make any sense!
I'm in southern Ontario and yes our winters can be harsh.We go south each break if possible for vitamin D.
MAINE is what I thought I typed!!! Lol.
big fancy meeting for big fancy people! Enjoy your day! Keep swimming!
I keep apple cinnamon plug ins handy. Everyone tells me how good my room smells now https://t.co/ve8yKqkhco
I can relate. My room does have air, but it's wonky. And my room has this horrid odor. 😭
And I never quote and retweet myself. Just wanted you to see this! Love dose of positiv… https://t.co/d88SaOehTN
Love reading discussion tweets on standardized testing. Not what I had expected. Appreciate all your silver linings!
Could be okay w/ assessment/accountability if they left students reflecting upon WHERE they are vs. ruminating upon WHO they are.
Yes! Give the students concrete examples of how data influenced your school's work. https://t.co/q9HmOVp4Z5
Always important to explain the why of different testing. Help them understand how we will use the data to plan their learning.
Have a great day everyone!
ooh! I don't know how you all do it! I spent many a summer in NH, and I love it, but I can't handle all that snow!
have a great day! You've got this week!
Best wishes Manny! Fancy you are (in the words of Yoda) https://t.co/OpAbqdCoel
Ok folks. Big fancy meeting today. Gotta run.
Let's remember our view on testing when we open our new school on that tropical island!
Have a fabulous day! Enjoy your Ss.
Have a great one friends!
I need to get some more fresheners. My scentsy doesn't do the trick. Maybe if I used essential oils?
Have a fantastic Tuesday you all! can't make it tomorrow so I will see you Thursday AM!
I feel the same Dawn! https://t.co/SsUK1Ig02j
Thanks for helping me to focus on the positive and the difference we really do make in the lives of our Ss. Have a great day all!
Actually, with today's weather, I think most of us are going to be tropical! Have a https://t.co/qsZ4SIy4kq
Let's remember our view on testing when we open our new school on that tropical island!
Yes please!!! https://t.co/uWMcQ0hN5D
Let's remember our view on testing when we open our new school on that tropical island!
Free health care, great pension and unionized jobs makes the snow seem insignificant.
Day 2 of conference week, and my last one doesn't start until 5:15. Looong day.
Cattherine, you will be charged with designing the Language Arts curriculum, okay? I have no doubt it will be GREAT
you too, Kathleen! Remember, even bad days can only be 24 hours long, and part of that time we're sleeping! Good luck!
you too, Chris! I hope your year with your firsties is going well!
What's the deal with ? Could somebody fill me in, because I'd like to know!
thanks! I need to keep getting it out there to start building the database
ah. You have a point!!! 😉
Things kids never say 10 years later "Thank you 4 helping me pass state mandated test." they will thank you for making a difference.
How do parents feel about that?
TT USA 14:07
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TT USA 14:27
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There will be no testing.. ever! Money will be spent on better things!
I'm with you! I just think in younger grades it can hinder the progress made due to its rigor. too much, too soon.
This is at the END of the year. A lot of work between Sept and June!
Goes back to earlier discussion about "college and career readiness" in younger grades. I mean, c'mon. They're 8.
Good morning ! Made it! 🏃🏽🚉
, , , Alolan Persian , Litten , , ,
TT USA 14:47
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Happy Tuesday ! Working on at school this year, sans testing.
Are there any wikis out there that do not require a student email address? Want to use this collaborative tool.
U know you're poor when u ask ya moms to make pigs in a blanket & she just throw hot dogs between biscuits
TT USA 15:07
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A rigorous classroom isn't about test prep, it's about mindset, critical thinking and being a team.
TT USA 15:27
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Chatting about stress & tests w/Ss, several referenced learning in health class. Stress isn't just harmful; can have upside. 1/2
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⒐ The Power of a Dinner Table
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2016/10/18 06:44 CDT https://t.co/IvleifByXY
Exactly. Learning never stops.
