#edchat Archive
#Edchat is a hashtag, a movement—it is a weekly organized Twitter discussion of educators and people interested in education that meet virtually from all over the world. #Edchat serves as a conversation thread on Twitter and is also used for organized weekly discussions.
Tuesday September 6, 2016
Topic: If the education system were to abandon standardized tests, how could we insure every child receives an adequate education?
Day 1 in the books! Loved the excitement and energy in the building today!
Our Topic: If the edu system were to abandon standardized tests, how could we insure every child receives an adequate education?
The question implies that the current testing climate insures adequate education for all... https://t.co/sFKA4vIRHF
Topic: If the education system were to abandon standardized tests, how could we insure every child receives an adequate education?
San Francisco Accelerator Boosts 5 Higher-Ed Startups: A business accelerator focused on technology f... https://t.co/NKxjJVMD0U
Too much training scratches teachers where they don't itch. Good "training" meets a need. It empowers. https://t.co/pm98SAdWJW
. Yeah, I did not see that when I wrote the question, but you are right. That was not the intent.
Advocate says "have pockets of serious underperformance" (if "pockets" means "whole states") https://t.co/DVBIdnKRiz
to answer the question: portfolios, work samples, trusting teachers to accurately assess.. https://t.co/7rLGdYTLBJ
Our Topic: If the edu system were to abandon standardized tests, how could we insure every child receives an adequate education?
For educators of school-age kids, heck even as old as my (high school and college kids), do better! https://t.co/8zw62bWliq
Was not trying to be "smart". As an ESOL teacher, the topic of testing is a hot button...
Thanks for joining We're exploring what'd happen with no standardized tests.
https://t.co/Isa97mWTnI
Topic: If the education system were to abandon standardized tests, how could we insure every child receives an adequate education?
Does having every child take a standardized test ensure that every child receives an adequate education?
Not every school is equipped to do digital portfolios.That in itself is a flaw in the system.
Thanks for joining We're exploring what'd happen with no standardized tests. Stepup,share your thoughts.
Students & food in the classroom (when they're not supposed to have it). How do you handle it? Is it even an issue?
Guarantee all tchrs teach their heart out, w/ great pedagogy, great content, and great concern for their Ss' learning
I took it as constructive
More project based learning, more discussions, oratory, weave standards in using different methods?
Good evening, Kelley in Maine ready to get back into the school year discussions. Can't wait to !
John Deasy on His Years as LAUSD Superintendent, Where He Made Mistakes, and Where He’s Going https://t.co/gHc7wbDBb8 via …
Now way Mr T -> No connection between adequate education and std tests...
I don't think standardized testing ensures that we all get good education.
Even the standards-based model with portfolios and evidence of learning will either be subjective or standardized
Schools can use notebooks for portfolios. We are moving more digital, but the "old way" works, too!
Thanks for joining We're exploring what'd happen with no standardized tests. Jump in...
Can we assume that every teacher is on board with that?
That is hard because our school is the Ss best source for a good meal. I ask they wait til break to snack. https://t.co/96jjpX20OF
Students & food in the classroom (when they're not supposed to have it). How do you handle it? Is it even an issue?
Less focus on one ideal number of a score could ensure better individual teaching
so many flaws... what to do? Perhaps nothing?
tomwhitby: Topic: If the education system were to abandon standardized tests, how could we insure every child receives an adequate …
tomwhitby: Our Topic: If the edu system were to abandon standardized tests, how could we insure every child receives an adequate ed…
tomwhitby: .sgthomas1973 Yeah, I did not see that when I wrote the question, but you are right. That was not the intent.
tomwhitby: Not every school is equipped to do digital portfolios.That in itself is a flaw in the system. sgthomas1973
tomwhitby: I took it as constructive sgthomas1973
tomwhitby: Can we assume that every teacher is on board with that? mrterborg
Assume? I'm sure you know what that means ... Probably not.
If we had less standardized testing, I think more teachers would do a better job w/pedagogy, content, concern for Ss.
in order to ensure better education, we need to be more involved in discussions, projects, etc. VS standardize testing.
Discussion now on .
https://t.co/zsQRficrth
Topic: If the education system were to abandon standardized tests, how could we insure every child receives an adequate education?
Right on Marissa... so what to do to get GOOD EDUCATION? (BTW what is a good education???)
They could use other forms of testing, more individualized for each student.
Let's hope that th case... how can we give it a try to find out?
I don't believe that tests are the equity factor. Ensure all Ss have innovative Ts that love this profession & never stop learning
This does however open the argument for the digital divide possibly favoring the wealthy. It is a valid point.
Ts would need more training on assessing this way, but in lieu of months of testing, I think MOST would agree
Freedom to design curricula based on standards w/out worry of a "common" test for evaluation would benefit learners.
Through the use of portfolios. https://t.co/oEAmNL0ro6
Our Topic: If the edu system were to abandon standardized tests, how could we insure every child receives an adequate education?
Most definitely. That is why work samples should be part of the portfolio, if not the entire makeup if necessary.
Cool... Curious... how's that working for you? Your students? Parents happy?
Who's ready for at 5 pm PT to chat back-to-school tips?
Standardized tests are flawed indicators of student potential, while Portfolios are proof of concept of learning.
Need innovative district/leadership willing to change. Ts do not have control over the standardized ts
Thanks Kelley... how does innovativeness translate to more learning? Just asking...
Creative approaches to teaching content w/ basic guidelines would allow a variety of approaches to learning.
What is your favorite collaboration tool?
These winners have made a positive difference in the lives of millions of teachers & learners: https://t.co/Zy0Z2REaJg
R they hungry? If yes then they eat-IMO Ss can't focus on learning if they need 2eat, talk 2 them first
What if the end wasn't just a portfolio of work achieved but an active and ongoing multifaceted project?
If we want to see what my NEP S has learned using a test in English, he has learned nothing. This is not true measure.
There are several solutions that allow for poverty schools to access digital learning. https://t.co/jyRPqZXXK5
This does however open the argument for the digital divide possibly favoring the wealthy. It is a valid point.
The test, consequences, and evaluation take away from creative education approaches to reach all learners.
What is higher ed and employers were in on it and really sought to foster Hs Ss work as precursor to life after HS?
tomwhitby: This does however open the argument for the digital divide possibly favoring the wealthy. It is a valid point. sgthomas1…
tomwhitby: Standardized tests are flawed indicators of student potential, while Portfolios are proof of concept of learning.
Is there more openness to changes in the classroom than opposition to testing? What about the teachers who won't change?
No but T have control over how they 'talk them up' in their classroom- set +ive tone
Ts need to learn how to create/model/lead such a project in the classroom first
I completely agree! If it makes it better for the students then let it ride.
Back to School Series finale, 8p ET, supporting leaders for students success! C ya in 1 hour! https://t.co/GZmEOcJmnG
Ok... so you're seeking change and innovativeness is indicator of silliness to change... Thanks for clarify.
WELCOME Topic: If the ed system were to abandon standardized tests, how could we insure every child receives an adequate education?
Twitter Magie happening here ->
Flexiibilty is the most impt "F" word. If educators don't have that to work w/ we hurt them as well as students. Thanks
Join Now Topic: If the ed system were to abandon standardized tests, how could we insure every child receives an adequate education?
Standardized assessments are not the problem and they certainly are not a panacea. Passionate, thoughtful teaching is where it's at.
Agreed, although the pressure is throughout the school, no matter what the T says in the room
Who is doing this on the district or state level?
As always, we need to change the culture before we can change the system.Tchrs need to think differently about summative assessment.
Ok... so you're seeking change and innovativeness is indicator of willingess to change...Thanks for clarify.
Teachers are reluctant to move from standardized testing because it creates way more work for them. It's lazy
We need a better way to assess learning than one test on one subject. Feedback is the 2nd most impt "F" word.
intrigued... We're all for learning that doesn't end. But I wonder if a sense of accomplishment would be lost.
It would depend on defining “adequate,” & sadly most define it based on standardized tests. Change defn. https://t.co/HemTrf1mgI
Join Now Topic: If the ed system were to abandon standardized tests, how could we insure every child receives an adequate education?
Now Topic: If the educ system were to abandon standardized tests, how could we insure every child receives an adequate education?
I think those open to innovation are more willing to change. They seem to go hand in hand
I don't know of anyone. Therein lies the problem.
Maybe, but what about the sense of accomplishment when your HS project gets your an internship or scholarship?
An “adequate” education is one that builds on your strengths & provides tools to achieve YOUR dreams. Not standardized.
But don't standardized tests assess schools and portfolios assess students? Isn't that why we need both? https://t.co/3QKzmal3S1
Standardized tests are flawed indicators of student potential, while Portfolios are proof of concept of learning.
We question whether standardized tests demonstrate learning. The game of school is to pass the test, not to learn.
small steps 2 build a cultural shift- focus how it can inform tching&lerning
summative assessment isn't always determined by the teacher ... in many cases it is mandated
Standardized tests only determine if we are developing future game show contestants. Nothing to do with effective schools.
I respectfully disagree. I do think standardized assessments are a large part of the problem.
Tests don't indicate learning especially with the constant prep. Where's the thinking in that?
Why don't we have an dedicated to digging in to this? Maybe even a approach?
The problem with ‘adequate’ is that it provides for JUST ENOUGH EDUCATION. Really? Why not a GOOD EDUCATION?
I choose to NOT make the final state assessment my goal or what defines student learning ... kids deserve better
Maybe more to the point standardized tests are being misused to evaluate teachers in a very unfair and inaccurate way
I'll take "What's Wrong With Education?" for 1000 Alex.
Amen! https://t.co/mQVm6wDSin
Standardized tests only determine if we are developing future game show contestants. Nothing to do with effective schools.
Individualized sounds better than standardized... but does that even happen on classroom quizzes and tests? https://t.co/0iZuyYH5sg
They could use other forms of testing, more individualized for each student.
Standardized tests are supposed to be diagnostic tool for T to discern what each S is learning… does this really happen? Doubtful..
Are teachers liking Cast for Education? Working for you? Not having much success connecting.
Maybe we should all run for School Board or apply at our various State Depts of Edu??
fair enough! With the caveat that the main driver should still be learning.
IS there a relationship between standardized tests and an adequate education? I don’t think so. Do you?
I'll let the teachers opine on that.
Maybe so, but it just doesn't resonate with me. My energy goes into growing Ts. Focusing on what we control https://t.co/YOSeXYlMm9
I respectfully disagree. I do think standardized assessments are a large part of the problem.
The risk is that standardized test lead to standardizing minds…
I believe that creating a portfolio of work that shows Ss are ready for the real world is a good answer.
ADEQUATE EDUCATION is not the same as EQUAL EDUCATION or GOOD EDUCATION. Whatever the case, standardized tests don’t help achieve
I'm hesitant to call classroom Ts lazy. Some are, but they have A LOT on their plate in my system
good point. But if teachers were more on board, then school boards would probably be more prone to action
Joining late. Board mtng presentation tonight.
A student can graduate from an effective school “content-rich” but “skill-poor.” But tests show school is successful?
If not using data from Std Tests to improve teaching and learning is any indicator, then the system has already abandoned the tests…
Okay, the big test is done, then what? Standardized tests don’t provide any feedback on how to perform better. What’s up with that…
. we're still talking about students getting an adequate education, right? Not about eliminating tests for teachers' sake?
sounds like a great idea! https://t.co/wTOJnoqzyn
Why don't we have an dedicated to digging in to this? Maybe even a approach?
yeah there's a lot of teachers who aren't. But a large amount are which is too unfortunate
tomwhitby: Maybe more to the point standardized tests are being misused to evaluate teachers in a very unfair and inaccurate way Je…
tomwhitby: RT theASIDEblog: Amen! https://t.co/KjzPLy4MRC
Standardized tests only determine if we are developing future game show contestants. Nothing to do with effective schools.
It's more complicated than Lazy.It has more to do with comfort levels and programing of mindsets
Yes.We must differentiate PD for adults just like we differentiate instruction for students. https://t.co/lvpQnj68tZ
Lets teach from the heart and NOT from the book or to the test.It leads to lifelong learning
Worry about unfair eval of teachers & schools is dead-end. Focus on stupidity of measuring learning for kids in such a narrow way.
IF STANDARDIZED TESTS were abandoned, would anyone notice?
Yes we are,but the minds and attitudes of teachers have a great effect on their relationship with their job & students.
Lazy? Busy? Not in control? Whatever it is, what role can WE play? Those in THIS chat...action steps?
Only those who realized they have a lot more time for productive, fun, engaging, challenging learning. https://t.co/1g21pfCnQL
IF STANDARDIZED TESTS were abandoned, would anyone notice?
Standardized tests provide a snapshot but are being used in ways beyond far their purpose.
We can model. I try to work with Ts to develop assessments for my ELs. Maybe do something similar for all Ss
It doesn't happen because Ts don't have time to make assessments for each child
I used writing portfolios based on the year's work to replace final exams for my 8th grade English students.
tomwhitby: Yes we are,but the minds and attitudes of teachers have a great effect on their relationship with their job & students. …
tomwhitby: I used writing portfolios based on the year's work to replace final exams for my 8th grade English students. ac_lord1 sg…
Teachers don't always need to be on school boards. But they need to be on board-board. https://t.co/Rofq8B09A3
good point. But if teachers were more on board, then school boards would probably be more prone to action
yea, that's what I meant haha
Certainly not when the questions are not shared https://t.co/WDb8cVQxfo
Standardized tests are supposed to be diagnostic tool for T to discern what each S is learning… does this really happen? Doubtful..
seems like we always circle back to why we have standardization in the first place.
Somehow education seems to get 'fun things to do' confused with 'something all kids must do' way too often.
Couldn't all subject areas do something similar?
Yes, if we trained teachers properly and PD was ongoing and supported as part of the job.
Teacher professionalism needs to factor into how we determine students are learning.
True. Perhaps if Ts spent less time on other duties/meetings/paperwork, we could do individualized assessments
well... does the data about PD support such claims... ?
tomwhitby: Yes, if we trained teachers properly and PD was ongoing and supported as part of the job. sgthomas1973 ac_lord1
Makes so much sense... why so seldom done? What's up?
Right on Shawn... Makes so much sense. How to make it happen? Let's get going.
Ongoing PD is crucial for Ts to internalize new learning. Can't be "1 & done" and expect change
Research support that a majority of tchrs r dissatisfied with the PD provided by their dists.
I'm making time to help Ts create rubrics for projects to assess learning. Baby steps...
I think the question should be how to make PD more attractive to Ts. How do you make them want to do it?
As we approach the end of this I need to thank my good friends & moderators & and all who participated
Editing ep 69 convo w ! Can't wait to share! Ep will drop on Sun 9/11/16
2 points in the article: less frequent testing, and conference w/T for parents. Both good ideas!
Hey participants... give a big round of applause to the brains behind the chat -->
Hey, educators! Tune in to in 5 minutes to chat back-to-school tips and tools with the writers!
From District Administration: “How Students are Measuring Learning without the Anxiety of High-Stakes Exams” https://t.co/19MsWPGjg4
I think this chat can go on for another hour! Lots of opinions on this one!
tomwhitby: Research support that a majority of tchrs r dissatisfied with the PD provided by their dists. ShiftParadigm sgthomas1973…
tomwhitby: As we approach the end of this I need to thank my good friends & moderators ShiftParadigm & blairteach and all who part…
We can't expect tchrs to be aware of advantages of Portfolio assessments over Standardized tests if they are not being trained in it
Cannot be aware of advantages nor willing to try without support. Sets Ts up for failure if no training.
Looking for good Twitter follows for my middle school students. Doesn't have to be content specific. Any recommendations?
It’s an important topic. Unfortunately the decision-makers aren’t listening.
