#ALedchat is a weekly chat on Twitter about education topics. It is held each Monday from 9-10pmCST. While the discussion on #ALedchat continues on Twitter well beyond our weekly one-hour chat session, this platform affords us the opportunity to extend, expand and share the conversation with an even greater audience. Educators from across the state of Alabama, and the world, can come here to find encouragement, support, resources, professional growth opportunities and advice, while providing the same to their colleagues.
My name is Jimmy Shaw. I serve as superintendent of the best school system in Alabama, Florence City School @FlorenceK12#FCSLearn I am blessed to be a one of the co-moderaor #ALedchat
My name is Jimmy Shaw. I serve as superintendent of the best school system in Alabama, Florence City School @FlorenceK12#FCSLearn I am blessed to be a one of the co-moderaor #ALedchat
My name is Jimmy Shaw. I serve as superintendent of the best school system in Alabama, Florence City School @FlorenceK12#FCSLearn I am blessed to be a one of the co-moderaor #ALedchat
ALL children can Achieve and Succeed. They do not learn the same, at the same time, or the same way. It is are job as educators to adjust to them, not the students adjusting to us. #ALedChat
A1: I believe all children can learn and achieve. They may do so at different rates and in different ways, but the job of an educator is to continually pursue a higher (and higher!) capacity of learning and achievement for their students. #aledchat
A1: All children have the capacity to learn and achieve. It may look different for different students, so we have to set high expectations and be ever watchful for student strengths and celebrate each individual. #ALedchat
ALL children can Achieve and Succeed. They do not learn the same, at the same time, or the same way. It is are job as educators to adjust to them, not the students adjusting to us. #ALedChat
A1: Every child has the potential to learn and achieve. Not at the same level, same time or same pace- but all can learn and achieve. We have to understand them as individuals to begin this process. #ALedchat
A1: I believe all students can learn. Some require more than others and there are many ways students learn. The task is to find the best way for them all. #ALedchat
Hard to put in Twitter words... Basically, I support teachers w/ improving their practice for more equitable teaching with self-reflection & new perspectives. I also talk to the Ss in their classes to gain insight & build my own relationships. I work for ALL Ss. #ALedchat
A1: Every child has the potential to learn and achieve. Not at the same level, same time or same pace- but all can learn and achieve. We have to understand them as individuals to begin this process. #ALedchat
A1: All students are unique, but have the potential to learn. They need someone to believe in them who they can trust to educate them in unique ways #ALedchat
A1 ALL children have the capacity to learn! Their capacity may be different from the student sitting next to them. But, we must have high expectations for ALL, build the relationship, and when together to grow each towards his/her potential. #ALedchat
A2: Parents are partners in the learning process. Just like students, sometimes they have a variety of levels of knowledge and might need the same types of scaffolding to ensure they know HOW to help their kids. #ALedchat
A2: Parents can’t let up on the kids. They can’t make excuses or let any child under their care weasel out or give up. One day at a time, Moms & Dads. You’ll look back one day & realize it was worth it. #aledchat
A2: We must build a bridge between the school and home. Educating parents on appropriate expectations for their child’s academic achievement is a major pillar on the bridge building! #ALedchat
A2: Parents are partners! This is neat to see in action at @ACS_Renaissance where parents even have their own bullet points on their one-page instructional target. There, it is very clear the role parents play-- but it makes you see the need for that clarity everywhere! #ALedchat
A2: The first and best teacher. Essential partners. That said, it's a slippery slope to (and we must guard against) blaming them when children struggle. #aledchat
A2: It’s a partnership. The greater the investment from both sides, the greater the outcome. For students with unbalanced investment, the other side requires a stronger commitment, relationship, and support. Certainly not impossible though. #ibelieve#aledchat
A2: Ideally, parents would be deeply involved with their child's learning. In the less than ideal world, we are totally responsible. In these cases, if parents can be supportive of our work, great things can happen for their child. #ALedchat
A2: Parents who believe in their child can maximize students learning. However, parent involvement is not a requirement. Teachers can inspire students with engaging lessons that interest students #ALedchat
A2 Parents have capacity too! How many parents realistically say: nah, I don't want my child to succeed... 🙄
Just bc they aren't at your after school event, doesn't mean they don't care! People got jobs that are 9-5 and beyond. Some ppl got more than one job. #ALedchat
A2: Relationships and partnerships! Involvement is directly linked to student success. Read to you child, ask about their day, what they learned, who they’re friends with, what teacher they can talk to in a tough time., etc. #aledchat
Parents should have & held high expections of the best effort and performance by their child & their teachers. parents should be informed and an advocate. parents should model learning, grit, and overcoming failure.Lastly, allow teachers to teach & learners to learn. #ALEdChat
A2: it should be a trio of achievement—parents, teachers, & kids with everyone on the same page; often it’s not & it’s up to us to support the parents as well as the kids. School has changed since the parents were there. They need our support too. #ALedchat
A2: Ideally, parents would be deeply involved with their child's learning. In the less than ideal world, we are totally responsible. In these cases, if parents can be supportive of our work, great things can happen for their child. #ALedchat
A1: I believe that all children can learn if the expectation that they will learn is set and consistently reinforced daily by adults who believe in them and that work hard to sell their product, a quality education, to them. . #ALedchat
A3: Hattie says it best-- Teacher, Know they Impact! I believe reflection is a key part of this process. Feedback from peers, students, coaches, admin are helpful as well. A high quality teacher is a game-changer for students! #ALedchat
A3: Among all the ingredients, teachers are most important. Their role really is a "whatever it takes" role. Always amazed at the lengths great teachers go to see students achieve. #ALedchat
A3: A teacher’s role is to grow students! Period. Get to know them. Invest in them. Make it happen. They are one caring adult away from their potential. #aledchat
But don't rule out that parents have insight too. We can learn from them. We can also empower parents that are already "involved" to connect with others #ALedchat
A3: The most important person in the lives of most children besides their family are their teachers. Good teachers can greatly impact the success and academic achievement of their students. Most important resource a school has are its teachers & staff. #ALedchat
A3: I believe teachers are the key. The relationships they build with students is the most valuable aspect in student growth and achievement. If we inspire kids, kids will grow academically, socially, and emotionally. #ALedchat
A3: Hattie says it best-- Teacher, Know they Impact! I believe reflection is a key part of this process. Feedback from peers, students, coaches, admin are helpful as well. A high quality teacher is a game-changer for students! #ALedchat
Unless we bring them in, we'll never make a change. I'm wondering how we could engage them in a way that shares what we are learning on this topic. It's not going to be easy, for sure. :) #ALedchat
Parent involvement means getting them to school and on time. Checking for assignments. Helping study for test. Checking their grades. Supporting their teachers. The more positive things parents say about the teachers the more positive students will be about learning. #ALedchat
A3: Teachers are the biggest in-school factor. However, student achievement is only one facet of the multi-dimensional nature of being an effective educator. #aledchat
A3: I will always say throw out the lesson plans until you know the kids. Truly knowing who Ss are and what they are about is when you can best reach the child academically. They will then be more apt to achieve in class. #ALedchat
A3 - The T should provide ample opportunities for the Ss to think with and about the material that has been presented...applying that info across different situations. #aledchat
A1: I believe that all children can learn if the expectation that they will learn is set and consistently reinforced daily by adults who believe in them and that work hard to sell their product, a quality education, to them. . #ALedchat
A3: I always go back to "it may not be our fault, but it is our responsibility" when discussing student achievement (or a lack thereof). We must identify what isn't working, own our part in it, but move forward to find a way to reach all students. #aledchat
Answering this one twice - Lunch and Learns @WeedenElem are a great way to engage parents and proven beneficial for building relationships between him and school. Also @Seesaw is a great tool! If we try, they will engage. #ALEdChat
A3: I think teachers instinctively want kids to do well. Lots of “hard” comes with that if we’re honest. I see it as 180 pieces of opportunity rather than 1 school year. More chances to move the needle for a kid. #aledchat
A3 Research proves it (Hattie) , but kids can sense it when a T doesn’t value positive relationships w/Ss. What are you doing each day to let your kids know they matter and you believe in them? #ALedchat
A1: I believe that all children can learn if the expectation that they will learn is set and consistently reinforced daily by adults who believe in them and that work hard to sell their product, a quality education, to them. . #ALedchat
A1: I believe all children can learn and achieve. They may do so at different rates and in different ways, but the job of an educator is to continually pursue a higher (and higher!) capacity of learning and achievement for their students. #aledchat
A2: Parents are the first variable to have influence on a child. There is a strong correlation between students who have parents that stress the importance of education and student success. However this influence is not absolute. It takes a village to educate a child #ALedchat
A3: I always go back to "it may not be our fault, but it is our responsibility" when discussing student achievement (or a lack thereof). We must identify what isn't working, own our part in it, but move forward to find a way to reach all students. #aledchat
A4 As principals we can create systems that are conducive to student achievement, but our greatest contribution to uplifting Ss is creating a culture a culture that prioritizes being a champion for kids #ALedchat
A4: Principals who allow autonomy and risk taking among their teachers, will see student achievement. Happy teachers=happy, achieving students. We must build that culture #ALedchat
A4: Principals and admins set the expectations for student achievement. They use data to determine areas of strength and need and adjust the systematic progression of increasing student achievement. They advocate for Ts and resources needed from CO. #LeadTheProcess#ALedchat
A4: Principals are essential in setting the tone and culture of a school. Creating a place where kids want to come is the first step in student achievement. #ALedchat
A4: We call it rust prevention, support, teach, and be involved in the learning process. Students need to see us out of the office and learning with them. Invest in student learning by being visible and present. #ALedchat
A4 Set the tone/culture. Value Ts & their specific talents within the profession. Provide opportunity for their growth. Always relationships (with everything) #ALedchat
A4: My friend @awtedford always says "Everything is a product of leadership." I believe that to be true. The most successful schools have leaders who grow both teachers & students. Empowering them in ways that build efficacy-both individual &collective! #ALedchat#ThankAPrincipal
A4: Principals are essential in setting the tone and culture of a school. Creating a place where kids want to come is the first step in student achievement. #ALedchat
A4: Principals must be the instructional leaders. But I also feel strongly that a culture of high expectations and accountability begin and end with the principal. #ALedchat
My super says that too and has the same philosophy.. fortunately for me, I've had both of these great leaders as my boss! @dcjchsSc@treyholladay#ALedchat
A1: I believe that all children can learn if the expectation that they will learn is set and consistently reinforced daily by adults who believe in them and that work hard to sell their product, a quality education, to them. . #ALedchat
A4 - I think it's like the trickle-down theory: a principal boosts the morale of his/her teachers - listens to them & supports them; the teachers feel supported and go into the day wanting to give more to the kids; the kids feel loved and supported and want to achieve. #aledchat
A4: It begins and ends with leadership. Set the culture, cast the vision, provide the road map, give the necessary tools, provide autonomy in getting to the destination, provide support and guidance, redirect when necessary, and celebrate achievements! #aledchat
I always say leaders are only as good as the teachers in the building much like and orchestra. The musicians make beautiful music..the conductor doesn’t! #ALedchat
A3: As a young teacher it took a while for to realize the true power that I as an educator had. What I mean is this, I quickly became a marketing agent, with my product being education. Educators as a whole have a huge role to play in student achievement #superpowers#ALedchat
A3: Teachers have the greatest impact on a student. A good teacher builds relationships and confidence in Ss...they can unlock potential that Ss were unaware was there. #aledchat
So important. Getting the right people on the bus and in the right seat and letting them get after it. So much fun to watch, and so good to work for someone confident enough to allow the autonomy. #aledchat
A4 if the principal sneezes, the school catches a cold. Translation: whatever the leader believes and becomes infected with, so will the school. #ALedchat
Good point, in his book about “sales” and “selling” @DanielPink says something similar and I always include my 10 years in the classroom teaching social studies to middle school kids who weren’t initially interested my first and primary sales experience #ALedChat
A3: As a young teacher it took a while for to realize the true power that I as an educator had. What I mean is this, I quickly became a marketing agent, with my product being education. Educators as a whole have a huge role to play in student achievement #superpowers#ALedchat
A5: Support the schools, support the schools, support the schools. Nothing better (in my opinion) than hearing a CO staff member ask what they can do to serve our school or the principal. CULTURE BUILDER. #aledchat
A5: The CO is the support group and cheerleader section for all great things going on in schools. The CO is the stage crew for great performances by others! #ServantLeaders#ALedchat
A4: Teachers have the most impact on Ss and admins have the most impact on Ts... so admins indirectly and directly affect their Ss. Admins affect the entire culture of heir school. Their leadership is key to the success of the school as students! #aledchat
A5: the CO staff is the backbone of the school system. They do so many behind the scenes things that make a school successful. It takes more than Ts to produce positive student achievements. #ALedchat
A5 We're all on the same team. I may not know everyone's detailed job description, but I know what we're working for. And, we're all important. Same goes for all in education. Half my Ss wouldn't be at school if it weren't for bus drivers. #ALedchat
A5: The central office that has a good vision for it's schools and teachers are the most effective school districts. Having a vision and strategic plan to help the decision making process is critical #ALedchat
A5: The central office has to be present in the schools as well as supportive of local school leaders so resources can be provided to best support each schools unique challenges in student achievement. Our @TCBOE are so supportive in this. #ALedchat
A5: Just like the principal, the district team has the responsibility of setting the conditions for growth and learning at every level. Empowering schools to reach the shared vision also means supporting with structures, budget, professional learning opportunities, etc. #ALedchat
A5) This is where I have to say that the most productive central offices I have worked with have been the ones who take the pulse of each of their schools and not just issue a prescription #ALEdChat
A5: Central Office must support with the time and resources that schools need. I have enjoyed partnering with @PaigeRaney with lots of learning and the teaching of that learning to our school staffs. #ALedchat
A5 We're all on the same team. I may not know everyone's detailed job description, but I know what we're working for. And, we're all important. Same goes for all in education. Half my Ss wouldn't be at school if it weren't for bus drivers. #ALedchat
A5: I believe the Central Office has to cast district’s vision & help implement the vision at every school. There’s too much to do. Central Office must come alongside, coach, encourage, and help make things great. Where schools & COs truly partner...huge results. #aledchat
A5: The CO is the support group and cheerleader section for all great things going on in schools. The CO is the stage crew for great performances by others! #ServantLeaders#ALedchat
A5: I believe the Central Office has to cast district’s vision & help implement the vision at every school. There’s too much to do. Central Office must come alongside, coach, encourage, and help make things great. Where schools & COs truly partner...huge results. #aledchat
A3: Teachers have the greatest impact on a student. A good teacher builds relationships and confidence in Ss...they can unlock potential that Ss were unaware was there. #aledchat
A4: The Principal, while not the instructor, possesses the title of ‘lead learner’, and is charged with staying abreast of achievement and must be at the table helping the team identify ways to constantly improve as we serve the students. #ALedchat
I agree-- however, I believe it's important that if the orchestra isn't where it needs to be that the conductor provides additional learning, practice, and expectations. All faculties have potential-- a great leader can help move any faculty to the top! :) #ALedchat
If the teacher is student oriented, then the Principal can be teacher oriented, the CO can be Principal oriented, Superintendent can be CO staff oriented and the BOE can be Superintendent oriented. It starts with the teacher. #ALedchat
A6: We are the hub of the community. The community invests in our schools and our students continuously! We in turn invest in our community. Together we are building our town’s future! #partnership#continuouscycle#aledchat
A6: The community should plug in through local businesses, career day opportunities, attendance in school events, and overall cheering schools on. #ALedchat
A6: We depend on our community in so many ways. A good community supports local schools through financial support, job support for Ss, shadowing opportunities and rallying behind the school in good times and bad. Sharing our story keeps community in loop and informed. #ALedchat
A5: The central office that has a good vision for it's schools and teachers are the most effective school districts. Having a vision and strategic plan to help the decision making process is critical #ALedchat
The community must buy into and support the schools vision in student success, but it is also necessary that the school clearly articulates that vision to its stakeholders. #ALedchat
Gotta have a critical friend who will speak the truth to you. @jeffjones333 is the best around! We’re headed to the moon in Guntersville City. #aledchat
A5: Central Office must support with the time and resources that schools need. I have enjoyed partnering with @PaigeRaney with lots of learning and the teaching of that learning to our school staffs. #ALedchat
A5: It’s the trickle down effect. Good leadership is necessary from the top down for success. CO staff should make themselves visible... the best CO staffs will even dress up for HOCO theme like Dorothy/Wizard of Oz and visit your school right, Doc? @DrHSutherland#aledchat
A5) This is where I have to say that the most productive central offices I have worked with have been the ones who take the pulse of each of their schools and not just issue a prescription #ALEdChat
A4 As principals we can create systems that are conducive to student achievement, but our greatest contribution to uplifting Ss is creating a culture a culture that prioritizes being a champion for kids #ALedchat
A6: From the commitment a community makes in terms of financial support to business partnerships and lots of things in between, the community and the schools are inseparable. #ALedchat
A6: Our motto is "A Community Connected by Education"-- and it is so true. The community can help set the vision with an eye on future needs. They can support initiatives, mentor, etc. #ALedchat
If we want a community to support academics as much as football we as a district have to celebrate academics as much as we do football. It is up to us. #TellYourStory#ShareExpectations#ALedchat
A6: The community provides resources and shows Ss how what they are learning is relevant. The community should be both a safe place and a launching pad for students. #aledchat
A7: I see an academic leader who will listen to the stakeholders of the state of Alabama in @egmackey. I think together we can move to the top under his leadership. #ALedchat
A7: I see students every day who are doing BIG things from PreK-12. It is inspiring. I see our #oneAthens teachers who never give up on a student. I see leaders who are committed to improvement beyond the status quo. The future is bright! #ALedchat
A6: We depend on our community in so many ways. A good community supports local schools through financial support, job support for Ss, shadowing opportunities and rallying behind the school in good times and bad. Sharing our story keeps community in loop and informed. #ALedchat
A6: Our motto is "A Community Connected by Education"-- and it is so true. The community can help set the vision with an eye on future needs. They can support initiatives, mentor, etc. #ALedchat
A6: It's not just about partnerships, it's about the community helping ensure the next generation of community members are well-educated, passionate about serving others, and find value in being a productive, caring members of the community. #aledchat
I’d be happy too, this can take several forms but in my current role seeing districts utilize survey data backed by research done by A.I.R. & @iste to capture the climate, areas of strength, areas for growth at the district level down to school level with @BrightBytes#aledchat
A7 My position is new to the district & at first, it felt like a check box (at times). But, now it's so much more. Today, I had Ss telling me what they want in their education experience & that is important! We need to hear from them & build on that for them! #ALedchat
A7: When they get to that freshman year of college...or that first real job...and they do well. Because that doesn’t happen overnight. A foundation has been set. Confidence built. Necessary skills acquired. K-12 drives all of that. That’s the best hope I know. #aledchat
A6: Ts working late to create new, fun lessons...those smiling faces that ARE showing up no matter what the next day....a thank note 10 years later from a former Ss... or a big ole hug from a kindergartner who thinks you hung the moon. #itsthelittlethings#thereshope#aledchat
A7) I think I’ve said it to anyone in my industry who will listen but twitter chats and PLN’s like this one along with the @EdcampUSA movement are enough to give hope that this is field of individuals intrinsically motivated for the greater good! #ALedchat
A7: Today's student NEEDS us (although they'd never say it)! Passionate teachers and leaders, some unlike I've ever seen it, at a time that is most necessary. Fires me up! #aledchat
A7: Ts working late to create new, fun lessons...those smiling faces that ARE showing up no matter what the next day....a thank note 10 years later from a former Ss... or a big ole hug from a kindergartner who thinks you hung the moon. #itsthelittlethings#thereshope#aledchat
FA: It’s not always about doing something differently. I want to keep doing. Maybe be more effective or efficient. I want to adjust to meet the needs. #aledchat
Final: participate in this chat more often 🤷🏻♀️ it was 🔥
Encourage others to think about how all parties are (or not) working toward the mission. Ts don't always think about the central office 😉 #ALedchat
I must say @DrJimmyShaw that the way you model the practice of asking follow up questions on here to prove for a deeper understanding is great and what sets the #ALedchat a part from other I participate in
We are blessed to have that here. It is what gives me hope for the future A7 . #ALedchat Everytime time I see apprenticeships, internships, and partnerships, I see #TomorrowToday and I 💙 it! #ALedchat
Agree, it is most rewarding to see passion in people. Especially true when they are late career and because they see a new, better way to serve students, they get fired up. @ddbrasher@PaigeRaney#aledchat
A7: Today's student NEEDS us (although they'd never say it)! Passionate teachers and leaders, some unlike I've ever seen it, at a time that is most necessary. Fires me up! #aledchat
Agreed! I discovered Twitter for PD last year and it changed my world. My team thought I was crazy every time I brought up, but they'll see one day 😉 #ALedchat
FA: Differently?...Hmm. 🤔I think I will try to be more forthcoming with my beliefs as they really do give insight into why we as humans do what we do. I will also seek out what others believe and question my own beliefs against them. Try to stay green and growing! #ALedchat
FQ: Continue fighting for what is right and good! I want to be more encouragement to those around me, want to give more support where it's needed, and remove roadblocks for teachers. #aledchat
