#edchatie Archive


Monday May 21, 2018
3:30 PM EDT

  • fboss May 21 @ 3:30 PM EDT
    Welcome to tonight's #edchatie discussion on "Parents voice in education are we doing enough?" Before we begin, please introduce yourself and remember to add the hashtag into all your tweets for the next hour
  • CiarraiKM May 21 @ 3:35 PM EDT
    Karen Murnane 3rd class teacher; very interested in finding new ways to involve parents more #edchatie
  • fboss May 21 @ 3:38 PM EDT
    Fred Boss, 2nd level art teacher currently with @NCCAie Looking forward to discussing "Parents voice in education are we doing enough?" - although it's a slow start on tonight's #edchatie
  • mssweeneyhomeec May 21 @ 3:40 PM EDT
    #edchatie julie; post primary teacher & mom to 3 - 2 in primary 1 preschooler
  • CiarraiKM May 21 @ 3:41 PM EDT
    Would giving parents more of a voice encourage more responsibility? Sometimes I feel we teachers are expected to solve all the problems #edchatie
  • fboss May 21 @ 3:42 PM EDT
    The National Parents Council Post Primary can be seen here => https://t.co/fmvh3I5sxu The National Parents Council Primary can be seen here => https://t.co/NNrQiesr7w #edchatie
  • mssweeneyhomeec May 21 @ 3:43 PM EDT
    #edchatie as a teacher I find it depends on school structure & in particular management on how well parents interact & feel listened to - like everything you can have all the policies in the world but the reality depends on the dynamics of the people on the ground
  • fboss May 21 @ 3:44 PM EDT
    Tonight on #edchatie we discuss "Parents voice in education are we doing enough?" I think it's important that parents have a chance to be consulted at national & school levels about direction of education for their children
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 3:44 PM EDT
    Sinéad .... seconded teacher and parent of 5th year student in Tipperary .... sorry I'm late 😬 #edchatie
  • GearoidinNiT May 21 @ 3:45 PM EDT
    Geraldine, HSCL Coorinator. I guess I’m coming from a v diff perspective... I strive to activate that voice!! #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss, @NCCAie
  • mssweeneyhomeec May 21 @ 3:45 PM EDT
    #edchatie I think a question to be asked is HOW to involve parents more in the overall education debate. Saw it with the new Junior cycle - in the early days parents of those NOW going through it weren't engaged as their children were still in primary ...1/2
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 3:46 PM EDT
    I agree Fred ... especially if we want parents to play an active role in their child's educational journey #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss
  • CiarraiKM May 21 @ 3:46 PM EDT
    I agree re people on the ground, unfortunately I think less and less parents seem to have the time to commit as they are so busy with their own working lives #edchatie
    In reply to @mssweeneyhomeec
  • DpDonal May 21 @ 3:47 PM EDT
    Parents should be consulted of course & have an input but do they really care? Spoke to a couple on Sat who have a child in 1st year and it was the first they had heard of the new Junior Cycle. #edchatie @JCforTeachers
    • fboss May 21 @ 3:44 PM EDT
      Tonight on #edchatie we discuss "Parents voice in education are we doing enough?" I think it's important that parents have a chance to be consulted at national & school levels about direction of education for their children
  • CiarraiKM May 21 @ 3:47 PM EDT
    I think HOW is the most important question; meaningful participation of parents is essential...what works? #edchatie
    In reply to @mssweeneyhomeec
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 3:53 PM EDT
    Some of the MIS/SIS systems offer good opportunities to engage parents ... or at least .... open the door to those who wish to engage #edchatie
    In reply to @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec
  • CiarraiKM May 21 @ 3:53 PM EDT
    Rings a bell! #edchatie
    In reply to @mssweeneyhomeec
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 3:55 PM EDT
    We place a lot of emphasis on information transferring with the child - standardised testing, report card etc. Perhaps more awareness needed re the transition itself - the new English programme in JC in particular strives to build a bridge between primary and secondary #edchatie
    In reply to @DpDonal, @JCforTeachers
  • CiarraiKM May 21 @ 3:56 PM EDT
    Such as? #edchatie
    In reply to @GoStressbusterz, @mssweeneyhomeec
  • mssweeneyhomeec May 21 @ 3:56 PM EDT
    #edchatie it's not they don't care as such but when it was first being mooted their child was in primary so anything "junior cert" related went completely over their heads. Media has a role in that as emphasis was on teacher (dis)satisfaction & not getting whole message out there
    In reply to @DpDonal, @JCforTeachers
  • RMMul May 21 @ 3:57 PM EDT
    From high achiever to school refuser | Optimus Education Blog https://t.co/xBuEmQYWK3 via @OptimusEd #edchatie #asd
  • fboss May 21 @ 3:57 PM EDT
    It's good that parents are becoming aware of the continuity from Primary to Post Primary. Are we still at the awareness raising stage though? #edchatie
    • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 3:55 PM EDT
      We place a lot of emphasis on information transferring with the child - standardised testing, report card etc. Perhaps more awareness needed re the transition itself - the new English programme in JC in particular strives to build a bridge between primary and secondary #edchatie
      In reply to @DpDonal, @JCforTeachers
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 3:58 PM EDT
    My son's school use ePortal -I can see his grades, any messages re behaviours, homework, weekly events in the school and his attendance record #edchatie
    In reply to @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec
  • fboss May 21 @ 3:59 PM EDT
    Do parents have any access to leaving comments or other ways of communicating back? A sort of feedback on the feedback? #edchatie
    In reply to @GoStressbusterz, @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec
  • CuffeL May 21 @ 4:01 PM EDT
    As a parent, your relationship with primary may be fractious, and you may want your child to make a new start without carrying forward his previous school history #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss
  • fboss May 21 @ 4:02 PM EDT
    We're halfway through tonight's #edchatie discussion about "Parents voice in education are we doing enough?" and discussing ways schools can involve and communicate to parents more
  • CiarraiKM May 21 @ 4:02 PM EDT
    Sounds good; I’ve used Class Dojo this year, like it and they’re including eportfolios from September. #edchatie
    In reply to @GoStressbusterz, @mssweeneyhomeec
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 4:02 PM EDT
    Depends on the parents to be honest - there is a lot of information out there for people who wish to inform themselves. I find parents are at different starting points - I guess we need to find ways to engage everyone - Junior cycle involves a very new discourse #edchatie
    In reply to @DpDonal, @JCforTeachers
  • CuffeL May 21 @ 4:04 PM EDT
    Or who have the technology... My sons school told us that there would be no more emails, and that we would in future have to communicate via an "app", which my phone did not support. #edchatie
    In reply to @GoStressbusterz, @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 4:04 PM EDT
    We've seen great work with eportfolios - really make learning visible and getting parents to engage as the audience has huge potential - my colleague @miriambergin has begun a similar journey using Google ePortfolios in @colmhuirecoed #edchatie
    In reply to @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec, @miriambergin, @colmhuirecoed
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 4:06 PM EDT
    Unfortunately not on the system my son's school uses. Would be ideal if this could be facilitated. For me, the advantage is the ease of logging in anytime and anywhere - then making a note to contact the relevant teacher etc. where necessary #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss, @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 4:07 PM EDT
    Not ideal- it has to be something accessible otherwise you risk losing those eager to engage #edchatie
    In reply to @CuffeL, @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec
  • mssweeneyhomeec May 21 @ 4:07 PM EDT
    #edchatie so true. My current school do a huge amount of work engaging parents in a positive way with the school. It's never ending and successes are small but for those few families it's so worth it. Little things like cookery classes for parents have been successful
    In reply to @GoStressbusterz, @DpDonal, @JCforTeachers
  • mssweeneyhomeec May 21 @ 4:08 PM EDT
    #edchatie disappointing- tech support should be thought out in advance of rolling out something like that
    In reply to @CuffeL, @GoStressbusterz, @CiarraiKM
  • fboss May 21 @ 4:08 PM EDT
    That's a good point - and everyone deserves a fresh start. I think parents can also carry bad/good experiences from their school days with them too #edchatie
    • CuffeL May 21 @ 4:01 PM EDT
      As a parent, your relationship with primary may be fractious, and you may want your child to make a new start without carrying forward his previous school history #edchatie
      In reply to @fboss
  • CuffeL May 21 @ 4:09 PM EDT
    In my role as parent I have heard very little about it, Even though I have a child in second year. #edchatie
    In reply to @DpDonal, @JCforTeachers
  • CiarraiKM May 21 @ 4:10 PM EDT
    I like that idea...what else do parents engage with? We recently had a very well attended talk on internet safety #edchatie
    In reply to @mssweeneyhomeec, @GoStressbusterz, @DpDonal, @JCforTeachers
  • rsbeaver May 21 @ 4:10 PM EDT
    #edchatie Róisín, teacher of JC and LC English in a Gaelcholáiste. Parents councils vary in their voices, some parents may not know of their existence/ other parents struggle to be nominated such is level of interest. Depends on school context, esp senior management attitude
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 4:10 PM EDT
    I also think there could be simple screencasts that would help parents less familiar with the various MIS/SIS platforms - the interfaces can often be unfriendly and confusing-a walk through a spurious student profile could really support parental engagement #edchatie
    In reply to @mssweeneyhomeec, @CuffeL, @CiarraiKM
  • CuffeL May 21 @ 4:12 PM EDT
    A very good point Fred, often there is a very High affective load in the parent school relationship, particularly with students from non-academic families #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 4:12 PM EDT
    Sometimes I think awards evenings or celebrations can be good - sometimes parental involvement focuses on negative issues - much more comfortable to engage in the first instance with your child's school for something affirmative #edchatie
    In reply to @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec, @DpDonal, @JCforTeachers
  • miriambergin May 21 @ 4:14 PM EDT
    #edchatie Yes working on eportfolios & google classroom to connect with parents...did a survey, parents like google classroom but most opted for notifications once a week rather than daily!, I need to have more AFL results going home to connect with parents, its work in progress
    In reply to @GoStressbusterz, @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec, @colmhuirecoed
  • CuffeL May 21 @ 4:14 PM EDT
    I also teach in adult ed. Its often surprising how small some adults store of computer skills is, even if they can handle Facebook, they often have a very perilous journey once they move away from its welcoming shores.. #edchatie
    In reply to @GoStressbusterz, @mssweeneyhomeec, @CiarraiKM
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 4:16 PM EDT
    This is so true - technology can break down barriers for those with in their comfort zone but build higher walls for those not yet comfortable with new technology #edchatie
    In reply to @CuffeL, @mssweeneyhomeec, @CiarraiKM
  • CiarraiKM May 21 @ 4:17 PM EDT
    To make this really effective, would parents need some training on how to contribute comments if that is part of the process? two stars and a wish is a great way of giving feedback to younger kids...if parents could also do this it would be wonderful for kids #edchatie
    In reply to @miriambergin, @GoStressbusterz, @mssweeneyhomeec, @colmhuirecoed
  • conpower May 21 @ 4:17 PM EDT
    and GDPR compliant ;) #edchatie
    In reply to @GoStressbusterz, @CuffeL, @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec
  • miriambergin May 21 @ 4:17 PM EDT
    #edchatie sorry am late..working on construct2! I think connecting with parents is even more important now as the curriculum is changing and we need to bring parents with us on those changes...so they see and understand the value of the new skills sts will obtain
  • fboss May 21 @ 4:17 PM EDT
    Interesting bit of news this morning regarding consulting parents about mobile use in schools -> https://t.co/U11g2IP3Bh #edchatie
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 4:19 PM EDT
    I think the new reporting guidelines for second level may help - focus on ongoing reporting, making learning more visible for parents - intention being to show where the student is, where they need to go and some brief insights into how to get there #edchatie
    In reply to @CiarraiKM, @miriambergin, @mssweeneyhomeec, @colmhuirecoed
  • conpower May 21 @ 4:19 PM EDT
    Schools should consult parents on policy decisions. An engaged and representative parents council is key. #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss
  • miriambergin May 21 @ 4:19 PM EDT
    #edchatie On one hand I want to involve parents more when posting notifications on the other I am aware of the new Data protection legislation and am conscious of what I post with that in mind...
    In reply to @CiarraiKM, @GoStressbusterz, @mssweeneyhomeec, @colmhuirecoed
  • CiarraiKM May 21 @ 4:20 PM EDT
    Interesting and possibly wishful thinking! What will happen if schools do actually go to the bother of doing the survey and what is it really aiming to achieve? #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 4:21 PM EDT
    GDPR posing a lot of headaches in advance of next week 😬 O guess policies etc. will change in the coming years to 'protect'schools whilst also encouraging parental engagement #edchatie
    In reply to @miriambergin, @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec, @colmhuirecoed
  • conpower May 21 @ 4:22 PM EDT
    They did this already on the issue of uniforms to try and end cartel/monopoly arrangements. #edchatie
    In reply to @CiarraiKM, @fboss
  • CiarraiKM May 21 @ 4:23 PM EDT
    Did it have any impact? #edchatie
    In reply to @conpower, @fboss
  • conpower May 21 @ 4:24 PM EDT
    https://t.co/IegexSOK8x #edchatie
    In reply to @CiarraiKM, @fboss
  • fboss May 21 @ 4:24 PM EDT
    Next week = this Friday, 25th May #edchatie
    In reply to @GoStressbusterz, @miriambergin, @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec, @colmhuirecoed
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 4:24 PM EDT
    Yes - but it needs to be genuine engagement - not an echo chamber- healthy informed debate and discussion should be welcomed #edchatie
    In reply to @conpower, @fboss
  • CuffeL May 21 @ 4:24 PM EDT
    GDPR compliance may be a challenge, if a parent puts in a request for all the data you have on them. Many cool educational tools will pose challenges in the face of such a request. #edchatie Heard of one parent who wanted copies of all emails related to their child it Took Days.
    In reply to @conpower, @GoStressbusterz, @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec
  • switchingrooms May 21 @ 4:25 PM EDT
    Today is #WaitstaffDay ! So here’s a cheers to all you students working hard waiting on us! #edchatie #CorkHour #CarlowHour
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 4:25 PM EDT
    Aaaaarrrrrrgggghhhhh ....Is it Monday already 😂 #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss, @miriambergin, @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec, @colmhuirecoed
  • conpower May 21 @ 4:25 PM EDT
    Will be a long road, it will take a number of years before most schools are compliant. #edchatie
    In reply to @fboss, @GoStressbusterz, @miriambergin, @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec, @colmhuirecoed
  • GoStressbusterz May 21 @ 4:26 PM EDT
    The only thing is that technology makes this easier ... imagine trawling paper files .... #edchatie
    In reply to @CuffeL, @conpower, @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec
  • conpower May 21 @ 4:26 PM EDT
    That is an interesting one Laurence. A lot of admin in that esp. if a teacher is looking after admin of a domain. How would you know you have found them all? #edchatie
    In reply to @CuffeL, @GoStressbusterz, @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec
  • conpower May 21 @ 4:28 PM EDT
    Yeah imagine we were the HSE! @HSELive still working on paper files vans driving to archives etc. Book into the maternity and drag your big folder around the place. #edchatie
    In reply to @GoStressbusterz, @CuffeL, @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec, @HSELive
  • fboss May 21 @ 4:28 PM EDT
    We're into the famous final five minutes of tonight's #edchatie discussion on "Parents voice in education are we doing enough?" Any last thoughts/suggestions?
  • fboss May 21 @ 4:29 PM EDT
    Is this next week's discussion topic already? #edchatie meets #GDPR
    In reply to @conpower, @CuffeL, @GoStressbusterz, @CiarraiKM, @mssweeneyhomeec