#wischat Archive
#wischat is a great way for Wisconsin educators to share teaching strategies, educational resources, and more.
Sunday January 17, 2016
8:00 PM EST
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Welcome back for the MLK Day16 edition of . Tonight's topic is Keeping The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Alive In Schools
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We will be following a Q1, Q2 ... A1, A2 format. Remember to include in all of your tweets.
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Please begin by introducing yourself and let us know where you are joining us from tonight.
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Rae, Omro, WI art 6-8. I will be off and on doing multiple chats!
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John Gunnell, thankful to be the Principal of a great middle school (Jack Young Middle School), in a great community (Baraboo, WI)
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Jay, Principal in Merton, WI checking in to tonight. Hope you are staying warm.
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Hi All, Tiawana Giles, Assistant Principal from Virginia Checking in
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Hello, Chana from Baraboo High School, Alt Ed
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- Good evening Jay. Thanks for joining us tonight on
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Bill, MS principal in Springfield, MO
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- Thanks. I appreciate you joining us tonight on
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- Hello Chana, welcome back for once again.
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Glad to be hear. Let's not make this chat.
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- Thanks for joining us tonight. Glad that you're a part of
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Hi. Mike, elem. principal tweeting tonight from Coal Valley, IL. Been a long time, !
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- Thanks for jumping back in. great to have you here on
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Thanks It's been awhile. Great topic tonight https://t.co/yQv5br1oNn
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- Thanks for joining us tonight. Glad that you're a part of
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A1. We have been encouraged to make it a point to do activities in our classroom
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Q1: How does your school and/or district currently recognize the Dr. Martin Luther King Day holiday?
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Hi all, Jason, Ashwaubenon SS teacher
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- ThNks for joining us tonight Nd shRing that quote.
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A1 . We don't. It is sad really.
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A1 nope. between making a meaningful point in classes/honoring with a day. We don't for President's day...
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- Welcome Jason, thanks for joining us on tonight.
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A1 We have school tomorrow. We need to do more than we do now which is very little. Goal for next year. https://t.co/csoYNHEPMZ
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Q1: How does your school and/or district currently recognize the Dr. Martin Luther King Day holiday?
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Jori from Baraboo . I believe elem teachers do their own thing but what that is (or isn't!) varies greatly
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A1: We strongly encourage our staff to engage in activities related to MLK and we provide some resources for teachers to access.
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A1 clarification: we attend school. We do very little in terms of celebration/recognition. During announcements and in SS classes
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A1: The truth is we don't do enough. That is on me. I need to provide better leadership in that regard.
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A1: we do activities in classrooms and a mix it up at lunch
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I don't feel there is much discussion or direction of what/how we can celebrate or engage in meaningful dialog about civil rights
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A1: When I was coaching boys bball we paired with The Hope School to play ball on MLK day. Lasted for 8 years. Took them to a farm.
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Same. And we get the day off. Would prefer to be in school and use the day to learn about MLK. https://t.co/5F4PeWAmCj
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A1: We strongly encourage our staff to engage in activities related to MLK and we provide some resources for teachers to access.
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We read books abt MKL, discuss his life and his legacy.
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A1: We do provide an activity for our Homeroom teachers and also during intervention time. We do a formal announcement over the PA.
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A1: They would have a meal for us after the game when we went there. Would go to a bucks game when we played in Milwaukee as well
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A1 I've tried to incorporate lessons in my classroom relating to MLK, Jr. since we don't have school on Moday.
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to be honest, I think many educators are uncomfortable (and/or unsure) how to address the topic
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much of what we do leads up to as we are out of school.
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some regional districts have recently switched to a day off, mainly due to high absences with AA population.
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Q2: 1 of 2 - Dr. King envisioned a world in which children were judged by the content of their character not their skin color ..
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a1 I feel we R missing out on HUGE teaching opportunities regarding our past and current "histories" regarding civil/ human rights
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2 of 2 ... What role does character education currently play in your school/classroom?
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I agree but we can Invite guest who are more comfortable sharing about this time in history. Kids deserve to know.
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https://t.co/Q3sIA09Zet Retweeted RT pumpkinruff: a1 I feel we R missing out on HUGE teaching opportunit… https://t.co/dAEU08pnNF
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a1 I feel we R missing out on HUGE teaching opportunities regarding our past and current "histories" regarding civil/ human rights
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A2: it is very important, our goal is help develop a whole child. Character Ed needs to be part of culture.
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Looking to start your summer with amazing PD ? Join us at - awesome presenters, workshops, fun! https://t.co/L68hVHnYxX
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A1: We are having a completely unrelated assembly on Tuesday, so I'm going to suggest we work in an MLK, Jr. Tribute.
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My teaching background was in American history with an emphasis in civil rights, immigration, women's history and labor history.
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We have pockets of anti-bullying, GSAs, Diversity council, but lack a full unified effort across the district.
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A2: I kick of a diversity/tolerance unit in my eighth grade class in Feb.
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A2 we have PBIS and morning meeting and R working to incorporate second step (a curriculum) into morning meeting discussions
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A2: Ours GSA does great things, too.
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We run a lot of Character Ed (Second Step) through Homerooms as part of our PBIS efforts.
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A2. We also talk about race (not a true thing) versus racism (very real) almost daily in our discussions, Ss are open to listening
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A2: we have 2nd Step. We also have a school code: The Spartan Code
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1st Wednesday of month we have Character Ed lesson. Created by counselor & led by Ps, community members https://t.co/TOcV3QMhV6
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A2: We are using Franklin Covey’s The Leader in Me and its seven habits as the basis for “character education” in our school.
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Great connections. When educators are not comfortable-Ss may not be comfortable or feel valued in class. https://t.co/jWoePbMB5Y
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We run a lot of Character Ed (Second Step) through Homerooms as part of our PBIS efforts.
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A2a: “Cultural Competency" is also one of the “big rocks” we are working on across our district.
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great tool. However, remember MLK had American values, not just AA. Be sure to help Ss see the connection. https://t.co/8h1TwAB8FM
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Q3: What are some of the more immediate race issues that still need to be addressed in our schools?
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Kids know if diversity lesson are only present during MLK and February. Make Cultural Competency everyday for ALL kids.
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A2 No formal character ed here besides PBIS. I think we need to do more in our discussions when these character traits conflict.
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A3. Humans are humans, race isn't category that is useful other than for racism. It exists inherently in our institutions
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Q3 staff diversity, Ss seeing themselves in literature (valued in the class) and in school displays/photos etc
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A3: Achievement gaps must be addresses.
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Q3: There are still a lot of opportunity gaps that need to be addressed. We are not always comfortable having these conversations.
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A2 I will play Dr. Kings speech tomorrow during our morning meeting. YouTube is a great tool.
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A3: Ts need to be culturally responsive to Ss of different race/ethnicities than their own & undrstd how it affect/effects learning
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yes! I couldn't agree more
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A3: High expectations for ALL students. No excuses abt home life, Lang., SWD. Believe in every kid, every day in every classroom.
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A3: In a predominantly white school (like mine) it is important to listen, give voice to students/parents, listen to understand
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A3a: We often want to say “I don’t see race”. But race matters b/c it impacts our perspective on almost everything.
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A3 Achievement gaps need focus by all educators. Concern for me even though our school is mostly white. https://t.co/oPKPobogBe
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Q3: What are some of the more immediate race issues that still need to be addressed in our schools?
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A3b: It is uncomfortable to address differences inherent in race but absolutely essential for understanding.
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A3: POVERTY!!! The econ gap is a BIG part of the achievement gap. We must elect officials who address this.
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A3. As white middle class teachers, we need to learn from our Ss, ask about their experiences/views/opinions be interested
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every kid everyday but understand that they aren't going to reach those expectations or learn in the same way
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Even more impt to expose those kids. Otherwise all they have is what they see on TV-Miseducation of AA, Latinos, etc
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A3c: Differences, equity & equality are NOT mutually exclusive. Recognizing/appreciating differences can lead to greater equality.
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Ts also need to recognize that every person views their own race through different lenses. How does that student identify?
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A4: LOVE this question! Yes. Unjust laws/rules must be challenged. The trick is to do it an a way that others will listen.
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I attended a lilly white school system, then I worked in the SE side of town. I was a minority then.
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A4. As an Alt ed teacher I think there are rules that are unfair and if it is for the best interest of the Ss, I will break them
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A4: Prefer that people use their constitutional right to petition for a redress of grievances. Civil disobedience not 1st resort.
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A4... As paul gorski said, someone has to be at the table and be brave enuf to acknowledge or identify when a policy is unjust
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A4: do no harm, do what's right for the ind. and the group. Ss, Ts, and leaders always recognize this, regardless of rules.
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A4: we have the responsibility to change them, however in the spirit of MLK how we go about doing it is just as important.
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A4: There are some rules that are unfair and should be challenged. There are a lot of practices that need to be questioned as well.
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We must ensure the rules are appropriate and can justify our decisions within the confines of the rules.
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A4 we have to at least open the discussion.. How might this rule/policy close a door for a student/family.
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A4 clarification: what's right/just doesn't necessarily make one/all parties happy. Chances are everyone is upset about it.
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A4: Big change comes with civil disobedience. MLK knew this. Tubman knew this. Chavez knew this. Ghandi knew this.
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Everyone needs a little help from time to time.
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A4: We have to acknowledge unfair rules before we can change them
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Q5: Dr. King advocated for civil rights and social justice, what are some of the injustices you see in schools today?
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We must ensure our kids know this. https://t.co/9e2Mjm9JrV
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A4: Big change comes with civil disobedience. MLK knew this. Tubman knew this. Chavez knew this. Ghandi knew this.
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A5. Lack of equity, fair is not equal, differences in discipline, differences in expectations, lack of knowledge on culture by T's
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A5: Punishing schools with a high percentage of struggling learners. Direct link between poverty and performance in many cases.
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A5: Minority kids place in Exceptional Education Classes without interventions to help support their learning gaps.
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That millions of kids are missing from schools due to abortion.
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Yes, esp given WI terrible record & new infringments on voting rights, which affect, you got it...people of color.
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A5: learning gaps, disciplinary discrepancies, discussions amongst Ts regarding race/class/lgbt issues. We've all got work to do.
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A5 Media focus on negative instead of positive in schools, recognizing and celebrating differences. https://t.co/7xiR4vN5AB
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Q5: Dr. King advocated for civil rights and social justice, what are some of the injustices you see in schools today?
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Those schools may require additional resources & better instruction. They need tools & hope to guide them, not sanction & shaming.
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Wi HS suspend more black Sts than any other state in the nation.
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Spot on.. Do we need quality control people school building to ensure Ss are given a fair chance https://t.co/pTdEyRWzhq
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A5: learning gaps, disciplinary discrepancies, discussions amongst Ts regarding race/class/lgbt issues. We've all got work to do.
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and minority kids places in special services disproportionately and still not getting the support.
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Urban schools = No recess. Suburban schools = freetime + recess.
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A5: the assumption by so many that we need to go back to "the good old days" of education when in reality there is no such thing
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We need our best Ts with our most neediest Ss and school. https://t.co/xeojjUHOks
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and minority kids places in special services disproportionately and still not getting the support.
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I think we do. people are quick to say "not an issue, we have a great staff", because it's what we're supposed to say.
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Q6: King is perhaps most famous for his "I Have A Dream" speech. What is your dream in terms of public education?
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Teaching under-resourced Ss in poverty is challenging. Ts will quite Teaching before teach "these" kids. https://t.co/acRXNrI6lr
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I think we do. people are quick to say "not an issue, we have a great staff", because it's what we're supposed to say.
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A6: Equity and equality. And a focus on teaching and learning rather than standardized assessment.
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A6. That we continue to evolve in effective/positive/student centered ways, that we find ways to make it equitable for all
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A6: My dream is fair funding and social programs that insure all get enough to eat, healthcare, and decent housing.
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A6: I dream of a day when Ss no longer say "I don't feel safe here, that T doesn't like me, and that T isn't like me".
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A5 that all schools have the resources N facilities necessary to support students. Detroit news is heartbreaking
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A6: A high quality education in a safe and respectable environment for ALL children
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A5: A question more than anything-Is homework discriminatory against families from poverty? Sorry this thought is “late”.
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Letter from the Birmingham Jail resonate with AA's. A quality education for every child despite of zip code. https://t.co/nXseSK43yN
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Q6: King is perhaps most famous for his "I Have A Dream" speech. What is your dream in terms of public education?
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A6 Students should have access to schools full of loving & caring staff. The rest will take care of itself. https://t.co/GGd23g9r0d
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Q6: King is perhaps most famous for his "I Have A Dream" speech. What is your dream in terms of public education?
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Great question!! We currently do not grade homework.
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not all teachers. Disadvantaged schools need the flexibility to get THE teachers.
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I think it can be...one size fits all homework is not good practice, neither is it equitable when there is no support
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A6: Justice! As analysis of economics, incareration rates, access to healthcare & fair policing, shows there is none.
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not necessarily. It's punitive if Ts use it that way. Goes back to purposeful Hw.
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Q7: Dr. King's legacy is one of courage, what do we need to be more courageous about these days in education?
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a6. My biggest dream is that school becomes a place that children want to go & not somewhere they have to go.
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Homework does not improve SS learning. Esp when it's done incorrectly or not at all. provide help in-school https://t.co/EUmauNT1Yp
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I think it can be...one size fits all homework is not good practice, neither is it equitable when there is no support
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Some Ss are able to get more assistance than others. That’s what I worry about when I say “discriminatory”. https://t.co/Ppc8dMH4N2
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not necessarily. It's punitive if Ts use it that way. Goes back to purposeful Hw.
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A7. Perseverance, advocating for our students and our profession, focus on positives...it's hard, but necessary in today's climate
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A7: Honesty. We need to advocate for fair and just policy for WI families. Until we talk about poverty, not much will change.
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A7: We need to be more courageous about taking back our profession and advancing equity issues for ALL kids.
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A6 Ss aren't represented by a single story.The political climate towards education at least in Wisco changes. Ts feel appreciated
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We have to be honest. Keep asking/answering the tough questions. We can fail forward together. https://t.co/HBMM9Tel53
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Q7: Dr. King's legacy is one of courage, what do we need to be more courageous about these days in education?
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We have to be honest. Keep asking/answering the tough questions. We can fail forward together. https://t.co/HBMM9Tel53
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Q7: Dr. King's legacy is one of courage, what do we need to be more courageous about these days in education?
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A7: I don’t think we advocate for ourselves very well and become the punching bag for all social ills. That bothers me.
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A7 Electing politicians that provides what is necessary for kids in our schools. Each school is different. https://t.co/7u0V2AjC4J
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Q7: Dr. King's legacy is one of courage, what do we need to be more courageous about these days in education?
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A6: Society respects and celebrates educators. Schools are supported in the effort to educate all children.
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We have to be comfortable being UNcomfortable. The future of education depends on it. Bring your Best everyday
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We have to be comfortable being UNcomfortable. The future of education depends on it. Bring your Best everyday
