Good Evening! My name is Jenna Dawson & I am a Program Specialist with Teaching & Learning. I am beyond excited to moderate this evening's #WeAreMCPS chat & am looking forward to learning from you all!
A1: Each student is unique and comes to us with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. We have to teach each individual student in the way that best fits their needs and helps them to grow. It made me think of this… #WeAreMCPS
A1: Everything from the master schedule to the daily lessons to the school procedures reflect a culture of doing what is best for CHILDREN, not what is convenient for adults. #wearemcps
A1: Modern times call for modern classrooms that equip students for what is ahead. The need for creativity, critical thinking skills and decision making is across the board in most 21st century jobs and professions. #WeAreMCPS
A1: A school is a building. It doesn't change from year to year. However, our student are always changing. We need to adapt to them rather than making them adapt to a building. #WeAreMCPS
Every school has its own culture and that should be respected and celebrated!
“Cookie cutter” curriculum is not acceptable
Teach the standards the way you know your kids learn
#WeAreMCPS
A1: We must meet 21st century students where they are w/ cultural & tech norms, but there are valuable lessons: time management, professionalism, etc. in traditional school setting. These lessons are difficult but necessary if students are to be college/career ready. #WeAreMCPS
We have to adapt our strategies o the needs of our kids this builds from that last chat in that we must also assess the needs of the students. #WeAreMCPS
I agree. That goes along with @CRenfroe4EDU 's comment. With the change we have to continue to ask ourselves regularly if what we are doing is "still" what's best for students. #wearemcps
A1- kids usually start school with creative and inquisitive minds. We need to set up learning opportunitiesthat capitalize off of those qualities instead of forcing them to conform to some other expectation #WeAreMCPS
So true! Collaboration and problem solving are critical skills also needed for today’s workforce and it is our job as educators to prepare them to be successful. #WeAreMCPS
A1: We must meet 21st century students where they are w/ cultural & tech norms, but there are valuable lessons: time management, professionalism, etc. in traditional school setting. These lessons are difficult but necessary if students are to be college/career ready. #WeAreMCPS
We have to adapt our strategies o the needs of our kids this builds from that last chat in that we must also assess the needs of the students. #WeAreMCPS
A2: When students give their input on what happens within a classroom that is student voice. When teachers give students choice in the classroom they are able to pick from different tasks/formats but all still strive toward mastery of the standard. #wearemcps
I think they are skills that transcend the differences between the paths students take. Going straight to work or going straight to college, you need to be able to work with a variety of people.
A2: Student “voice” is what makes our kids individuals. Their interests, experiences, opinions, strengths, and weaknesses. Their “choice” is how they find themselves best able to express what they know and can do. #WeAreMCPS
Q1- School is meant to enhance the learner. For too long, school was designed for a certain type of learner and thinker. We shouldn’t be excluding or making other types of thinkers feel inferior. The system is broken, not their way of thinking. #WeAreMCPS@Saddlewood_MCPS
A2: Student “voice” is what makes our kids individuals. Their interests, experiences, opinions, strengths, and weaknesses. Their “choice” is how they find themselves best able to express what they know and can do. #WeAreMCPS
A2: Voice is helping a student to frame learning within a personal context. Once a student feels valued and that they have a voice, they feel more in control. That control can make them more confident and willing to take risks and to engage in the learning process. #WeAreMCPS
A2- A student choice is a student choosing between 2 or more things that the teacher has planned out. Student voice means the student has a say in the planning. #WeAreMCPS@Saddlewood_MCPS
In my experience, the students have surprised me with what they are capable of. I could have never planned enough for the outcomes they came up wth on their own! #WeAreMCPS
A2: Voice is helping a student to frame learning within a personal context. Once a student feels valued and that they have a voice, they feel more in control. That control can make them more confident and willing to take risks and to engage in the learning process. #WeAreMCPS
Giving students choice can range in scope. Project based learning is an awesome way to incorporate student choice, but not all opportunities have to be major projects. #WeAreMCPS
One of the most beneficial things you can do as a teacher is listen to what the students are saying. They will tell you if it’s easy, boring, awesome, or when oh look different because you didn’t wear makeup that day. 😂 Kids have no trouble with being honest. #WeAreMCPS
A2: Voice includes how students display their knowledge and choice can include the task. Example differentiated instruction such as menu boards #wearemcps
Giving students choice can range in scope. Project based learning is an awesome way to incorporate student choice, but not all opportunities have to be major projects. #WeAreMCPS
A3: WRITING!! Walking students through the step by step process w/ individual topic choices. Teaching students to be effective written communicators is perhaps the single most imperative way we allow them choice while assisting them in using their voice for good. #WeAreMCPS
A3: Interdisciplinary units of study are how I’ve done this before – Through the whole thing I used student conference forms to check in on a regular schedule with students. I kept forms in a binder. The structure resembled differentiated guided reading groups - #WeAreMCPS
Even though turner may be taking a different path the destination is the same. There have to be checkpoints along the way. Each of those checkpoints is a chance to provide extra support as needed. #WeAreMCPS
I did Student conferencing as well following theSchoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM). Student led conferences with parents is also a great way! #WeAreMCPS
A3: Interdisciplinary units of study are how I’ve done this before – Through the whole thing I used student conference forms to check in on a regular schedule with students. I kept forms in a binder. The structure resembled differentiated guided reading groups - #WeAreMCPS
I really like literature circles for this as well. Students choose what to read and how to present their understanding. They can choose from a variety of tasks or convince me that they have a better project! #WeAreMCPS
A3:providing students with rubrics for their assignment are key for supporting their learning. Having clear expectations allows for accuracy and standard mastery. Teacher/ student chats throughout the process also supports assessment. #WeAreMCPS
My students are always telling what they think! And you are so right about 'looking different'. Got my haircut....you have thought I was a different person!
A3- You have to find a balance between students choosing and planning every aspect of the assignment. You give guidelines and check in regularly, but the students are steering the lesson. #WeAreMCPS@Saddlewood_MCPS
I love the conferencing because the rubrics tend to be more of a summative assessment than formative. Conferences are on-going and in the moment #WeAreMCPS
A3- Using inquiry based instruction. Give students tasks with a low entry point that can yield high levels of understanding. Question and support the student using their method of approach, not what the textbook says or what the teacher thinks is easiest #WeAreMCPS
A4: I think one way to plan for student choice & creativity is to seek student input. Provide them with a learning outcome and ask, “How can you prove you’ve learned/can do this?” #WeAreMCPS
A4: Start with an overarching question that can be answered through several content areas, then create guiding questions and mini activity choices. Solicit feedback from students - surveys are a great tool. Be ready to listen and reflect! https://t.co/giy90cQ39O#WeAreMCPS
A4: Think outside the box! Like @CRenfroe4EDU mentioned....webpage, blogs, songs instead of an essay. Have students video themselves giving a speech instead of writing it down. #WeAreMCPS
Quality questioning is key for instilling student knowledge. Providing students with questions to unlock their thinking is far more powerful than telling them the answers. #WeAreMCPS
I used @voicethread and @seesaw for the student "speeches". Middle schoolers don't always like to be on video. :) I know I didn't at that age! Still don't show those pictures! #WeAreMCPS
Let’s do it within the next two weeks! Email me a few dates and I can come to you! I dropped off a some Schoolwide Enrichment Books to Mr. Bennett a few weeks ago. Let’s start working on a plan of action and put them to good use! 😉 #WeAreMCPS
A4- provide the criteria of what needs to be accomplished for a task but don’t fill in all the how. Some students will still produce “traditional” products but others will convey the material in very unique ways. #WeAreMCPS
Who wants to view another PPT???? Give students the freedom to present information in a new and creative way. It does require careful planning so that students have the opportunity to demonstrate mastery. #WeAreMCPS
A4- I gave Ss the task to convince their reader of their position (DBQ ?), but they could choose who they were and what type of writing it was. One is writing to King George as a British Spy during the American Revolution. #WeAreMCPS@Saddlewood_MCPS
Thank you for this resource! Student created questions definitely enter to that highly effective category of our rubric. It’s all about facilitating the student learning! #WeAreMCPS
In reply to
@CRenfroe4EDU, @MCPS_Secondary, @RightQuestion
Who wants to view another PPT???? Give students the freedom to present information in a new and creative way. It does require careful planning so that students have the opportunity to demonstrate mastery. #WeAreMCPS
I think I have an extra I can put in the courier for you on Monday @s_burfening! @sarahcgold from your school did a gifted book study with me and has a copy also! Can’t wait to collaborate! #WeAreMCPS
Error analysis is another best teaching practice! When students can correct their mistakes or their peers it proves they have a higher understanding of the standard. #WeAreMCPS
A4: inspiring student choice can be an easy way to have buy in from students. Give your students the opportunity to be creative. I am going to refer back to Menu boards. The options are endless! #WeAreMCPS
A5: With student voices promoted in a responsible & positive way, classroom communities become stronger and more likely to be places of understanding and acceptance, and kids become comfortable engaging socially and civically. The potential for impact is tremendous. #WeAreMCPS
Promoting student voice gives students confidence and a sense of ownership as well as a feeling of belonging to a classroom. That can inspire them and cultivate change far beyond the classroom. #wearemcps
A5: Ss feel empowered. School becomes ABOUT them and FOR them instead of fitting them into the model of what adults experienced as students. Attendance improves. I’ve seen it lead to community service projects that the students are EXCITED about. #WeAreMCPS
I often ask other teachers and students..what's our end goal? Giving students a voice and choice changes them from passive learners to active learners. They take those skills out into the workplace and that's our end goal. #WeAreMCPS
A5: Promoting student voice gives students confidence and a sense of ownership as well as a feeling of belonging to a classroom. That can inspire them and cultivate change far beyond the classroom. #wearemcps
A5- When students use voice and choice they are empowered as thinkers and doers. They become problem solvers, self advocates, and increase civic-mindedness #WeAreMCPS
I feel like when students are excited, teachers are excited. Creating that cycle of shared learning and growing is so beneficial to communities. Including stakeholders provides additional support and shared leadership. #WeAreMCPS
YES! And this stems from more than just our classroom curriculum. Extras - electives, clubs, etc. play a great role in promoting student voice and should be valued, supported, and praised!! #WeAreMCPS
It's a culture changer! When teachers get excited, students can tell. That energy just flows through the building. I can think of a few this year that have changed in that positive direction. Improvement is infectious! #WeAreMCPS
I 100% agree. Having positive energy encourages everyone. It’s important to practice positivity and best practice so we can inspire both teachers and students. #WeAreMCPS
It's so hard sometimes. Time thieves, Negative Nellies, etc. Always keep your eye on the goal and find others like you...grow your tribe! #PLN#WeAreMCPS
A5:a project that reaches outside the walls of your classroom can have a huge impact on your ss and ss w/in the school, district,state, nation, & more! Using social media, technology, and tools to promote a global experience opens up the possibilities to all involved.#WeAreMCPS
Please feel free to share any ideas you may have for topics! We are open for suggestions and want to make these chats as meaningful as possible for everyone! #WeAreMCPS
Something like this could had drastically increased the number of kids willing to participate! Definitely something I will look into for next year! #WeAreMCPS
We had art. I partnered with art and the kids made 8x11 images to answer a question and my students wrote poetry over top the art. Then we recorded the reading of the poems. Was amazing!!! #WeAreMCPS
@JennaDawson28, these questions are always thought provoking, help us see new perspectives, and give us great ideas! Thanks for the effort you guys put into preparing these chats! #WeAreMCPS
