#RuralEdChat is a chat that focuses on the needs of the rural educator. This chat has been revised by Tammy Neil (@MathNeil), John Martin (@edventures) and Natalee Stotz (@nataleestotz).
Hello everyone! Welcome to #RuralEdChat! As we get started, take a moment to introduce yourself and you connection to rural ed - whether it be teacher, admin, aide, pre-service, etc
Hello everyone! Welcome to #RuralEdChat! As we get started, take a moment to introduce yourself and you connection to rural ed - whether it be teacher, admin, aide, pre-service, etc
I'm Matt, your humble host for the evening. I volunteer teach online courses for a rural school in central WA, and help train my partner classroom teacher. All computer science focused. #RuralEdChat
@RuralEdChat#ruraledchat There are so many options available, even @NPR had a story recently on careers for kids not going to college to show there are still viable careers not requiring a college degree.
@RuralEdChat#ruraledchat One issue that presents a problem is sometimes kids don't know what they like or dislike because schools are on a college track curriculum. There should be adjustments for vocational options and culinary too.
A1: As I am finding, college and military are the primary. Sad, our area has many high-tech manuf. companies. They make parts and sensors and such for SpaceX and NASA. But no connection for HS to these.
A1: Traditional College, of course. However, thanks to multiple community/tech schools there are non-traditional options that require far less debt. #RuralEdChat
My son is interested in diesel mechanics and welding, but our Voc Autos is being renovated, and they are in the classroom since August. :( #ruraledchat
A1: Beyond college, or military, there are so many options. Vocational programs that provide certifications are very needed right now. Construction field definitely needing skilled workers. #RuralEdChat
Pathway options should be discussed/explored sooner within Ss time at school. Just finished a unit in my class doing just that - even though it is a math class - because #StudentsMatter#RuralEdChat
@RuralEdChat#ruraledchat A1. Even though I teach elem school, I attend WordCamp and EdCamp conf and learned certificates and licences do matter. Kids can get Microsoft certifications in tech and even colleges like @FSCJ_Official has training in vocational and tech careers.
What did this unit look like? What did students do? How'd it fit into math? Especially with math courses being so core, that's a great place to do it #RuralEdChat
A2: College and/or military are both great options.. just not the only ones. We recently honored not only Vets, but our HS Seniors who have committed to military after grad. it was very nice. #ruraledchat
A1b: We also have Manufacturing Day Within the county. Students visit an organized and informative trip to multiple local manufacturing plants and businesses in order to see other options. #RuralEdChat
We have a Microsoft Office IT Certification that students can get as a part of one of our classes. It's both helpful and looks great for everything - jobs, college applications, etc. #RuralEdChat
In reply to
@wmjackson, @RuralEdChat, @FSCJ_Official
@RuralEdChat#ruraledchat A1. For high schools partner with the Chamber of Commerce in the city and state, most memberships are free for teachers and students which is great. When there are careers days ask specifically for non-college career options for ppl to come and speak.
Q2: Our answers to Q1 mentioned a lot of pathways. Which ones do you think you're best at helping students follow? Which do you need to improve in supporting? #RuralEdChat
It is a full week research project. Students do interest and career inventories, career outlook, schooling/training options, debt considerations, etc. Culminates in a paper/presentation.
#RuralEdChat
In reply to
@try_rebooting, @wmjackson, @RuralEdChat
Q2: Our answers to Q1 mentioned a lot of pathways. Which ones do you think you're best at helping students follow? Which do you need to improve in supporting? #RuralEdChat
@RuralEdChat#ruraledchat That is one thing I regret, not getting MS certified since I'm so involved in tech in different areas and speak on it at conferences. Kids need to understand there is continuous and never ending learning to do. #Tech#AlwaysLearning.
A1: Here in Saskatchewan, Canada, many graduates go to University or Career Colleges. Some choose to join the work force before diving into costly school programs. #RuralEdChat
A2: I know I'm pretty good at college-bound support, which makes sense, since it's the path I took. I need to learn more to get better at supporting students with plans for vocational training, or no plans at all #RuralEdChat
@RuralEdChat#ruraledchat A2. I like to ask the students occasionally what they want to be and then suggest they research it in books, on YouTube, etc. Try to spark some interest early. Since NAS Jax is down the street we have a high number of military kids that are well rounded
A2-2: I try to do this with my students.. but my kids went to a different school.. I could do only so much.. they never listen to "Mom" the way they do to teachers and others. #ruraledchat
A2: As a middle school teacher, I try to help my students see a variety of pathways. Also I try to provide them time to learn about what their choices require. #RuralEdChat
A2b: Would like to strengthen the tech/career side. Doing a small unit with sophomores tomorrow before they head out for a trip to our area Career and Technical Center on Thursday.
#RuralEdChat
Q2: Our answers to Q1 mentioned a lot of pathways. Which ones do you think you're best at helping students follow? Which do you need to improve in supporting? #RuralEdChat
So true. Many of my students are already deciding if college is right for them. We need to make sure that they understand their choices are valid. #RuralEdChat
A3: Some of us just can't adjust too much. But I think we can all provide time for career exploration through our subjects. What careers require higher level math, reading, history, science, etc.? #RuralEdChat
and help parents see that both choices are valid.. some auto-think college is out of the question, others think college is the only "acceptable" choice. O_o
#ruraledchat
So true. Many of my students are already deciding if college is right for them. We need to make sure that they understand their choices are valid. #RuralEdChat
At one time in our history, our job was to get students to graduate. I don't understand why there is a stigma now attached to "only being a high school graduate". #RuralEdChat
A3: Easy for me.. I teach K-8 STEM/Engineering.. we problem solve and design solutions to challenges.. applicable everywhere. I also highlight careers, inventors and other interesting things. #ruraledchat
A3: Even in Computer Science courses, we have to really plan and be conscious about spending time to talk about career options and next step. There's no "one" job that coding helps you do. We need tech-knowledgeable project managers, designers, marketers, etc #RuralEdChat (1/?)
A3: So, I guess "how I adjust" is taking the time to just talk and have students research. Trying to pull in other speakers is great too. #RuralEdChat (2/2)
@RuralEdChat#ruraledchat A3 One option is to have kids attend tech conferences to generate interest and network. My girlfriend @LoveBuiltLife and I are Organizers for #KidsCamp and use STEAM to teach web development at #WordCamp conferences.
which is so important for students in that age range (and all ranges, really). Showing students open doors that they didn't even know existed is so important and so incredible. #RuralEdChat
@RuralEdChat#ruraledchat A3 I use to take students with me from my elementary school and when I taught at a local college to tech conferences and even #EdCamp conferences to see how things are done. HS should take Ss to conferences for exposure and networking.
@RuralEdChat#ruraledchat A3 I use to take students with me from my elementary school and when I taught at a local college to tech conferences and even #EdCamp conferences to see how things are done. HS should take Ss to conferences for exposure and networking.
@RuralEdChat#ruraledchat A4. I think @dene_gainey mentioned not to long ago Ss having their own #EdCamp conferneces. This can showcase careers options and even talk to professionals and maybe find internships. That would generate great interest.
Maybe even sooner. I have a 7 year old nephew who is completely focused on being a Youtuber. And he is good at it!
#Mindset in education must change!
#RuralEdChat
@j6panus#RuralEdChat@RuralEdChat We had a great time and they learned about the business aspects of running a tech business, understanding why networking is important and why they should have business cards. A great learning exp.
@RuralEdChat#ruraledchat A3 I use to take students with me from my elementary school and when I taught at a local college to tech conferences and even #EdCamp conferences to see how things are done. HS should take Ss to conferences for exposure and networking.
A4: To get specific: standardized testing means fewer students have time for my course. And for the AP class, it means we're pretty set on curriculum and pacing before my students even walk in the room. Talk about personalization. #RuralEdChat
A4b: Differentiation is highly recommended and encouraged pedagogical practice but standardized testing - especially state mandated testing - is not differentiated!
#RuralEdChat
@937Nathan@j6panus@RuralEdChat#RuralEdChat Alot of kids at my school want to be YouTubers. They follow me on YouTube I have to make sure my content highlights what is going on at school, educational material. I want to do a workshop at school on social media @DuvalSchools
Maybe even sooner. I have a 7 year old nephew who is completely focused on being a Youtuber. And he is good at it!
#Mindset in education must change!
#RuralEdChat
What's frustrating for me in CS about this is that in real world coding, reasoning through problems, doing research, and planning algorithms are the most critical things, and you can only barely scratch the surface in a standardized test. #WhatsThePoint#RuralEdChat
A4c: I will say this. I do place a focus on such standardized tests like the ACT. It is a “gateway” test that will enable some of our rural students - especially #FirstGen student - to break through some barriers. #RuralEdChat
Q5: for our final question, I want to loop back to the beginning of the chat: what's one of your practices that any teacher could do to support student exploration of post-HS pathways? #RuralEdChat
