The #michED chat is a grassroots effort dedicated to giving teachers, students, and parents across Michigan a bigger voice in the conversation about education in our state. We welcome all voices through a variety of projects, media, and social networking. We’re trying to address educational issues through apolitical conversation, spreading ideas and stories of success from Michigan classrooms across the state, and helping teachers and students regain the courage to connect and demonstrate that schools in Michigan are creating amazing opportunities for learning. We want the face and voice of education in Michigan to be a mural of shared experiences and positive examples of connected learning.
Welcome to the #michED chat. We love that you joined us tonight for an important topic: “Student Led Change.” So plug in your laptop, put your feet up, and join us! #michED
A1: Reviewed our security policy. discussed new updates to our policy. Students walked out front. I heard there were several speakers. Ss worked with admin and local police to have a safe event with a clear focus. #miched
A1: Our students held their own peaceful walk out two weeks ago. Completely student organized, it was 17 minutes of silence and somber reflection. #michED
A2: Ss looking for ways to make school safe. Ss are tired of being a target. Ss want real change. They recognize that guns part of problem, but don't know what the answer is. It feels like if adults aren't going to have the convo, they will force it. #miched
It's been pretty amazing to watch students just take the conversation over. They don't know that they're not supposed to be successful. They just speak their truth #michED
Agreed. I like how they don't have time for the adults that aren't listening. Representatives that send form letter responses (Ss are writing letters in addition to protesting) they see as not part of the solution. #miched
A1: I have heard that many students are wanting more security throughout all grades. Whether that may be more security guards or a better filtered way to get into the school. #miched
Right. And they have an optimism in the democratic process that isn't jaded. Their response to inaction is "we'll vote you out" ... not knowing the adults think it's not that simple. But maybe it is. #michED
After shooting they were afraid.
Those that have been working for the protest have a different walk--they know they matter and aren't taking it for granted.
The rest are a mix of it all. #miched
A2: I have heard that many students are wanting more security throughout all grades. Whether that may be more security guards or a better filtered way to get into the school. #miched
I've been know to have a plan to do something when the drill started. Going to the computer lab, using a classroom that has windows on every wall. As a school we do the passing time drills. School is pin-drop silent. Has been each of my 19 years. #miched
That brings up an important point. A lot of the coverage has celebrated the students who have the efficacy to affect change (as it should). But what about the students who don't have that same efficacy? How will they find their voice? #michED
Good point. As educators, we need to give them the opportunities to debate controversial topics. Let them argue in a safe setting. Finding your voice takes practice. Let's practice. #Miched
A few of the signs the kids made for today’s walk out. Two Ss initiated at my school - emailed the head of school shortly after the incident while on break. The rest is history #miched
A3: It might be a generational difference. Today’s students seem to be far more determined to get something done (and have less tolerance for BS). They were all born post-Columbine… for them, push has come to shove on this issue. #miched
A3: Recent discussions focus less on the any process of gun control and more on the outcome of our current legislation.
"We don't want to die." Is a simple and powerful message and is affecting change. #miched
Also think that today’s kids are being exposed to much more voice/choice/PBL Learning experiences and are being taught to know their audience when the write/present. They know there are people listening. #miched
I think also as we have more and more school shootings we look to how we acted around other situations
One shoe bomber
One US case of ebola
One...
One...
#miched
A3: I think that students are creating more change because students are the ones being affected. They are the ones realizing that some kind of change needs to be made for their own safety. Students are becoming anxious to go to school because it may not seem safe. #miched
I think it's just easy to get a message out in public to a large group of people. Images are more powerful than words. We're excited our word count has been upped on Twitter and the kids are sharing images and videos that travel over the country before we hit send. #miched
#miched#edtech Three Good Options for Building a Course Website - Twice this week I have had readers ask me for recommendations for platforms building course resource pages or full course course websites. Both readers were looking for options that ha... https://t.co/kF9nRweclG
#miched#edtech A Cool Kaizena Update - Back in January Kaizena released an update that streamlined the process of adding voice comments to Google Documents. This afternoon they announced an update to how they handle voice comments. First, they've imp... https://t.co/gyTnTORcoM
A3: I agree with this so much because this really is making students think about whether they are in a safe environment or not. Students are stepping up in a big way making themselves heard and I think that is something to take note of #miched
#miched#mypccs#pccs#edtech A Cool Kaizena Update - Back in January Kaizena released an update that streamlined the process of adding voice comments to Google Documents. This afternoon they announced an update to how they handle voice comments. Firs... https://t.co/lhljEsIqrv
I am currently in a class learning about PBL, and it is amazing to see how much voice students have in their projects. They are helping each other learn/grow. Getting connected with community partners only makes that voice louder/bigger. More people are going to listen. #miched
A5: To Majory Stoneman Douglas High community:
I'm contacting my reps on school gun violence. I'm voting for people that will have a real discussion about the unique US gun violence problem. I'm with you in action. #miched
Reminds me of a current commercial- the one where a young woman states she’s tech savvy, when questioned she knows nothing about “typical” office type tech, but is fluent in social media. This is their platform and they’re rising to the occasion #miched
This is so key because they have such a way to get their opinions out there. I also think that older people are beginning to take this more seriously as they see the kids reactions to everything that is going on #miched
In reply to
@conrad_chris, @GetTeaching, @Dale_Chu
Agreed. And with media outlets on social media too, it can create a groundswell of pressure in ways that us old folks may not be accustomed to. #miched
In reply to
@Ken_Raz9, @conrad_chris, @GetTeaching
“You just need to be a flea against injustice. Enough committed fleas biting strategically can make even the biggest dog uncomfortable and transform even the biggest nation.” – Marian Wright Edelman #miched
In reply to
@conrad_chris, @Ken_Raz9, @GetTeaching
