#UrbanEdChat Archive

#UrbanEd chat is a twitter chat for educators. Topics relevant to the subject of urban education will be discussed, but all educators are encouraged to join the conversation. The chats will be moderated by Ben and Neil, founders of Engaging Educators and elementary school teachers in Detroit, MI.

Thursday August 2, 2018
8:00 PM EDT

  • UrbanEdChat - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:00 PM EDT
    Welcome to #UrbanEdChat! Today will be discussing Creating Vision and Goals for Your Classroom!
  • UrbanEdChat - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:02 PM EDT
    Please introduce yourself, what grade you teach, position, and your location! #UrbanEdChat
  • UrbanEdChat - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    Before we start find somebody new to follow to grow your PLN #UrbanEdChat
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:04 PM EDT
    #urbanedchat Brenda Fry, school librarian. I teach 35 classes a week from K-6 in two buildings in an under-served, underfunded school district right outside of Philadelphia
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:05 PM EDT
    Hi Brenda! Glad to see you! #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @BrendaMcFry
  • UrbanEdChat - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Let's welcome our guest host @theignitEDteach #UrbanEdChat
  • PLloydHenry Aug 2 @ 8:06 PM EDT
    Hi #UrbanEdChat - I’m Phiona, Equity and Inclusive Education Coordinator, K - 12.
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    Hi! How's it going? #urbanedchat
    In reply to @theignitEDteach
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    It's going well! Gearing up for back to school! #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @BrendaMcFry
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:07 PM EDT
    Hi! Weclcome to the #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @PLloydHenry
  • UrbanEdChat - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:08 PM EDT
    #UrbanEdChat follows a Q & A Format. Q1/A1 Q2/A2
  • UrbanEdChat - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:10 PM EDT
    First Question coming up in 1 min #UrbanEdChat
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:11 PM EDT
    Question 1: #UrbanEdChat Have you decided on a vision for you classroom? Why do you think having a vision for your classroom is important?
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    #urbanedchat A1: Our school is starting a new motto. SOAR. So I incorporated it into my expectations for the children. I also reflected on some of the things I offer in the library and prepare/revised 15 units for the new year.
  • PLloydHenry Aug 2 @ 8:14 PM EDT
    A1: Having a vision is great; co-creating one with students and families can be extremely rewarding #UrbanEdChat
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:15 PM EDT
    I didn't realize it was case sensitive πŸ˜ƒ #UrbanEdChat
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:16 PM EDT
    Question 2: How can creating a vision for your classroom help you to set obtainable goals for themselves and their students? #UrbanEdChat
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    great point! #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @PLloydHenry
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:17 PM EDT
    Have you done this with you class? #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @PLloydHenry
  • brea_ratliff Aug 2 @ 8:18 PM EDT
    A2 Having a vision for your classroom is important because it sets the tone for any goals you would like to accomplish for the year #UrbanEdChat
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:20 PM EDT
    #UrbanEdChat A2: When the students work on the goals together as a group and it is visible to them, I think it is a great reminder for them what was agreed upon. I plan on having my 6th graders make a flipgrid setting a goal for themselves.
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    Question 3: What is the difference between a vision and a goal? Can you have one without the other? #UrbanEdChat
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:21 PM EDT
    I love #flipgrid #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @BrendaMcFry
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:22 PM EDT
    My kids have never used it yet, but I know the 6th graders will go nuts over it. They love to record things. #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @theignitEDteach
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:24 PM EDT
    #UrbanEdChat A3: To me a vision is an all encompassing ideal or standard you set, but a goal is more the individual steps inside the Vision, and each person could set an individual goal inside that vision.
  • UrbanEdChat - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:25 PM EDT
    Great explanation! #UrbanEdChat
    • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:24 PM EDT
      #UrbanEdChat A3: To me a vision is an all encompassing ideal or standard you set, but a goal is more the individual steps inside the Vision, and each person could set an individual goal inside that vision.
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    Question 4: What are some goals beyond standardized testing you have set and met for your classroom? #UrbanEdChat
  • PLloydHenry Aug 2 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    I have - we start with our values, use a word cloud platform to capture what our essential values are and what we want for our class & then we work together to develop our vision. When Ss know their voices matter & that they’re centred, they feel they really belong. #urbanedchat
    In reply to @theignitEDteach
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    Good to know. I know I enjoy it, and anything that resembles social media sends them over the moon ;-) #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @brea_ratliff, @theignitEDteach
  • shannon_dobson Aug 2 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    Shannon jumping on late while on vacation #UrbanEdChat
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:26 PM EDT
    Do you think Ts think about a vision beyond the decorations and the curriculum? #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @BrendaMcFry
  • shannon_dobson Aug 2 @ 8:27 PM EDT
    A3) The vision always stays the same but the goals may change along the way #UrbanEdChat
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    I think some do, but not enough, and if they do I am not sure they know how to share it with the children in a meaningful kid friendly way. Hyper focused on the rules rather than the goals. #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @theignitEDteach
  • shannon_dobson Aug 2 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    A4) teaching the WHOLE child #UrbanEdChat
  • mrssamsartrockz Aug 2 @ 8:28 PM EDT
    #UrbanEdChat #Yes I have a vision for my classroom. I also have a vision board, a visual image I can see that is a reminder & goal setting tool for me. I always have a image in my head of how I expect my classroom to run & how I expect my students to act.
    In reply to @theignitEDteach
  • hereasista Aug 2 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    yes, going beyond the environmental goals into personal social emotional goals as they impact academic success. #urbanedchat
    In reply to @theignitEDteach, @BrendaMcFry
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    How about how you want them to learn? #UrbanEdChat Should that be part of the vision too?
    In reply to @mrssamsartrockz, @theignitEDteach
  • PLloydHenry Aug 2 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    A2: our vision reflects our values and help to direct what we do. #UrbanEdChat
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    Question 5: What are some goals you would like to accomplish for the upcoming school year? #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @BrendaMcFry
  • brea_ratliff Aug 2 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    A4 my goals for this year are to help students I work with to be mathematically literate and civic minded. #UrbanEdChat
  • hereasista Aug 2 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    creating model citizens, creating self awareness as it impacts the vision of the school/classroom #Urbanedchat
    In reply to @theignitEDteach
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    A5: My main goal this year is to have more student centered activities and less ME! and more of them doing and speaking and teaching/helping each other. #UrbanEdChat
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    Absolutely! #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @BrendaMcFry, @mrssamsartrockz
  • brea_ratliff Aug 2 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    A5 - I want to become a better student and teacher advocate; increase my content knowledge; contribute to and study ed research and participate in activities which impact (change) ed policy #UrbanEdChat
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    #UrbanEdChat I asked about the learning b/c as the librarian I see 28 different classes and everyone has a different style. When I do more student centered activities some classes seem unable to do it. One of the pitfalls of teaching for only 40 minutes.
    In reply to @mrssamsartrockz, @theignitEDteach
  • PLloydHenry Aug 2 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    A4: Some goals include goals about how we engage with each other , how we talk to one another, how we show care for each other, how we approach our work, how we stay conscious & grounded and keep focused on issues of justice #UrbanEdChat
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    Question 6: How would you help a teacher see the importance of creating a vision that goes beyond standardized tests, classroom decorations and themes #UrbanEdChat
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    #UrbanEdChat We need more staff members/teaches who want to do. I am always talking about taking back the school and putting in the directions we as teachers want no admin. We know our students' needs.
    In reply to @brea_ratliff
  • AliB_iCoach Aug 2 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    A4 what a great question ! As a coach I will focus more on thisβ€” so much of my job is tied to making sure teachers perform on standardized tests... but if I coach them to think beyond that the results will come πŸ‘πŸΏ #UrbanEdChat
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:38 PM EDT
    True #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @BrendaMcFry, @brea_ratliff
  • AliB_iCoach Aug 2 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    A4 whatever goals they are, they should be S.M.A.R.T and trackable! Hold students accountable and let them see where they are towards reaching said goals #UrbanEdChat
  • hereasista Aug 2 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    A6 Through collaboration, modeling the importance of morning meetings, circle times, where daily expressions of goals are encouraged that reflect the schools vision they should be visible, tangible and obtainable. #urbanedchat
    In reply to @theignitEDteach
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    @AliB_iCoach True. I think if we focus more on the "why" we need SEL and to build relationships with our students then everything else will fall in line #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @BrendaMcFry, @brea_ratliff, @AliB_iCoach
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    and with each other! #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @theignitEDteach, @brea_ratliff, @AliB_iCoach
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    Question 7: What are some ways teachers can fulfill their vision for their classroom when their classroom vision doesn't align with the school's vision? #UrbanEdChat
  • AliB_iCoach Aug 2 @ 8:44 PM EDT
    A6 OMG THEMES!! πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚ I could start a thread about my love/hate relationship with Pinterest and teachers pay teachers BUUUUUT, I plan to coach teachers on utilizing goals as a means of relationship building will go far beyond students simply doing well on tests #UrbanEdChat
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    #UrbanEdChat A6: This is a tough for many reasons. There is very little time to "talk" to one another and so many who do not want to change. I say be a positive role model. Share what you do in your space. Share it on social media. MODEL!!!
    In reply to @theignitEDteach
  • brea_ratliff Aug 2 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A7: why would it be okay for a classroom vision to not be aligned to a school vision? That creates division - and confusion for everyone. #UrbanEdChat
  • AliB_iCoach Aug 2 @ 8:46 PM EDT
    A6 me when I see a brand new teachers spending all their time leading up to school making an Avengers bulletin board #UrbanEdChat
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:46 PM EDT
    Sometime in reality not all administrators have the school's best interest at heart. #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @brea_ratliff
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    I've been in this situation more times than I can to admit. #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @brea_ratliff
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    #UrbanEdChat A6: one teacher at time. share positive ideas with like-minded teachers. identify and befriend someone who is on the cusp into your realm. leave the haters on fringes. TALK it up in a positive way.
  • hereasista Aug 2 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    A7: Observations, once it is observed that the teacher is on her/his own island corrective measures would be encouraged. #urbanedchat
    In reply to @theignitEDteach
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    Thank you all for another wonderful #UrbanEdChat
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    Decorating the school wasn't high on my list. #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @brea_ratliff
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    #UrbanEdChat A7: tough ones tonight and this one is my biggest struggle I keep pushing my vision forward I served as committee chair to influence direction
    In reply to @theignitEDteach
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    Join me next week for a discussion of becoming a reflective teacher #UrbanEdChat
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    Join me next week for a discussion on becoming a reflective teacher #UrbanEdChat
  • BrendaMcFry Aug 2 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    Thank you! have a great rest of the summer #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @theignitEDteach
  • theignitEDteach - Moderator Aug 2 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    He harassed us about door decorations Christmas decorations and etc. I don't think he had a vision. #UrbanEdChat
    In reply to @brea_ratliff