Welcome to tonight's #mnlead! Q1 to kick us off tonight: Please share out your name, district/location & role, and your favorite holiday activity or tradition. @bretdom@dbenaitis@DiscoveryEd
Mark Moran, New York, founder of SweetSearch and author of a course that helps students become self-aware, empathetic, empowered & well-informed changemakers. https://t.co/cFObCYymOY#mnlead
Mark Moran, New York, founder of SweetSearch and author of a course that helps students become self-aware, empathetic, empowered & well-informed changemakers. https://t.co/cFObCYymOY#mnlead
Hey #mnlead Chad Maxa from Intermediate District 287 in Plymouth, Mn. Exec. Dir. Of Technology and Innovation. I Love spending the holidays with my family.
Chad! How are you sir? I've been connecting with our buddy @ClayCook_phd recently. Let me tell you. Top notch work. Excited for what we can do for our kids. #mnlead
Welcome to tonight's #mnlead! Q1 to kick us off tonight: Please share out your name, district/location & role, and your favorite holiday activity or tradition. @bretdom@dbenaitis@DiscoveryEd
A1) the more relevant and authentic the learning can be...the more clear the WHY. However, you still need good assessments of those learning targets! #mnlead
A2 Posting learning targets is a good strategy. This helps clearly identify the instructional goal. However, there is a fair question if that really gives the ‘why’ to students. #mnlead
A1.1) i have seen very authentic lessons that were chalk full of 21st-century skills. But S couldn't clearly identify the target. 2 Teaching sins. Too much hands on vs.too much surface level learning. #mnlead
A2 Posting learning targets is a good strategy. This helps clearly identify the instructional goal. However, there is a fair question if that really gives the ‘why’ to students. #mnlead
And some ‘why’ can be a bit ethereal in some content areas. The “why” sometimes needs to be bigger than the here and now reason for learning the content. #mnlead
A3: We are working towards alignment between all initiatives, so that the Service Center isn't doing things that works against what our schools really need. It's about pruning and prioritization. It is a work in progress, but we are working on it! #mnlead
A3 That is a good question. We need to set up systems, not people. If the people have knowledge and can implement, we can do great things. We have to use some level of assessment to check how this is working. #mnlead
A3) Schools are moving to standards-based grading. Middle School is making the move next year. Will be K-8 SBG. Developing 4pt scales that continue to "deepen" learning. Its a work in progress! #mnlead
A1: oh hai, #mnlead Marie, media specialist from SPPS, my favorite Christmas activity is going to be moving into our home instead of this Airbnb right before Christmas!
A3: For change to be sustainable, it can't rely on one person who has all the "answers" - it must be the product of collaboration & consensus, facilitated by a person who asks great questions & develops eager buy-in. #mnlead
A2: honesty. straight answers. "Why do we have to like reading?" you don't have to love it, but you have to be good at it. My dream is that you love it, but my goal is that you are good at it. #mnlead
A3 Systems sustainability requires connection to shared vision/strategic plan, clear benefit for students, appropriate supports during the first years of implementation, & ongoing high quality professional development. #mnlead
A3: I am building media programs from the ground up in a school that has never before had a media center. They're sustainable because they make sense, help students, and make an impact. #mnlead
And when we think about deepening learning, we have to ask ourselves about the work. Is the DOK deep enough? Are we getting beyond the 1-2 levels? #mnlead
If you've ever read Michael Fullan's book, "Coherence", that's the framework we are using to focus on the things that matter most. In our district we do so many good things, but at some point, too many good things is detrimental. I'm trying to align efforts and planning. #mnlead
A3: For change to be sustainable, it can't rely on one person who has all the "answers" - it must be the product of collaboration & consensus, facilitated by a person who asks great questions & develops eager buy-in. #mnlead
If we rely on people, systems fade. If we build it, continue to monitor and check on progress, modify and stay true to our purpose, it can work! #mnlead
Agreed Matt. Part of this is defining what an initiative is, versus what is just part of our daily job. Also, we have Ss with needs all over the board, so as leaders we need to be clear about whose responsibilities are whose. Ts can't be everything to every student #mnlead
A3: For change to be sustainable, it can't rely on one person who has all the "answers" - it must be the product of collaboration & consensus, facilitated by a person who asks great questions & develops eager buy-in. #mnlead
A3: For change to be sustainable, it can't rely on one person who has all the "answers" - it must be the product of collaboration & consensus, facilitated by a person who asks great questions & develops eager buy-in. #mnlead
A4 Our seniors complete a capstone project of their own choosing that combine economics and geography. Some great work that keeps seniors engaged through the finish line. #mnlead
a4: I'm at an art school, so for our readbrave with @stpaullibrary not only are we hosting an event, we are showcasing the author's own art pieces alongside student-created pieces in our in-school art gallery during the author's visit to our school. #1example#mnlead
I have to laugh at myself, as soon as I posted I like Christmas baking I had to get up and start baking. Shortbread will be done in 15 minutes. #mnlead
A4) Finding ways to connect the learning to students "making a difference in todays world" can certainly help. I have yet to find a subject area that can't connect. Its just a shift of thinking! Oh, and good questions. Always can use good questions! #mnlead
A4 By letting them create! Our 4th graders recently created their own PSA's after learning about water issues around the world. They chose the message and delivery model. #mnlead They owned it!
A4: As part of #Choose2Matter, I visited schools where we challenged students to change the world by addressing problems that break their heart. Suddenly, learning "real-world" skills & concepts became very important to them. #mnlead
.@jenhegna asking the right questions is key! Bringing in Current Events helps show relevance, but makes it easy to add questions & encourage Ss to ask too! #mnlead
A4) Finding ways to connect the learning to students "making a difference in todays world" can certainly help. I have yet to find a subject area that can't connect. Its just a shift of thinking! Oh, and good questions. Always can use good questions! #mnlead
Why is that so hard for us? It shouldn't be such tough decisions what to take off the plate. How do successful businesses decide what to take off of the plate? #MNLead
If we flipped our approach to standards so that it started with what students wanted to do or be, we could work backwards from there to connect to UDL or CCSS or whatever other acronym we're using this week :) #mnlead
A4) Finding ways to connect the learning to students "making a difference in todays world" can certainly help. I have yet to find a subject area that can't connect. Its just a shift of thinking! Oh, and good questions. Always can use good questions! #mnlead
That is such a good idea. Some of our kids busted out the green screen to make videos, some wrote letters, researched charities, etc. They took their own path. #mnlead
Such a wonderful question. When kids are deeply connected to that world so must our teaching, plus the relationship piece of learning has take on dramatic new meaning the last few years. No going back. #mnlead
This is a mystery worth solving. Most things we do in schools are “good” and even though we say we want to give things up, I’m not sure we really do. Some things we are not allowed to give up. Etc. Etc. Grr. #mnlead
Why is that so hard for us? It shouldn't be such tough decisions what to take off the plate. How do successful businesses decide what to take off of the plate? #MNLead
Maybe the question should not be how are we engaging students with real world content, but instead be how are we engaging them in their world? To best engage them we need to know what their world is. #MNLead
And businesses are different than us because they have (in general) total control over their products. We can’t decide by ourselves to stop teaching a particular subject matter… #mnlead
Why is that so hard for us? It shouldn't be such tough decisions what to take off the plate. How do successful businesses decide what to take off of the plate? #MNLead
A5: The first step to a lesson becoming meaningful to students is when they rewrite it in their own words, and then write out the questions they want to answer (which evolve as they research). #mnlead
That is what I love about things like 3 Acts Math. https://t.co/w2PTNzSc9c Its applying math to what students know. But not frontloading a bunch of info. Sparks curiosity and questions! #mnlead
The politics and mandates aren't as much of a stranglehold in my opinion. It's not to say that the private sector doesn't have external forces, but not to our extent. Bold leadership to say no and a Google mindset helps :) #mnlead
Why is that so hard for us? It shouldn't be such tough decisions what to take off the plate. How do successful businesses decide what to take off of the plate? #MNLead
Agreed 100%. Currently trying to develop a system to identify and eliminate at least one “thing” per year. It’s really the “anti-idea” hunt. Still in prototype mode… #mnlead
Good businesses think about what they'd like to do, what they should do, but in the end do what they can do well, and no more. They'd rather do four things well than six things poorly. #mnlead
Do you think its really taking things "off the plate" or getting better at connecting items on the plate. I can have tater tots, hamburger, and cream of mushroom soup - but really - Tatertot hotdish is just as good! #mnlead
A5: The learning activities of the classroom must help students answer the following questions if we are to focus on students investing in their learning. #mnlead
Q6: When thinking about what we can do to ensure students are successful, what are some activities using technology that can help level the playing field? #mnlead
From a veteran teacher perspective, there is most definitely a need to take some things off the plate. In the 30 years I've been teaching, there truly has been more and more added. #MNLead
A5 It looks like kids wanting to get in the classroom. They are proud to share what they learn and feel empowered to dig into more. It can't always be passion based I know but a lot of it can! #mnlead
Agreed Mark. We are also starting to use tools to help us stop and evaluate what "businesses" we should and shouldn't be in. One thing that has really challenged us is the growing mental health issues with Ss, and our role is changing with no funds to follow. #mnlead
Good businesses think about what they'd like to do, what they should do, but in the end do what they can do well, and no more. They'd rather do four things well than six things poorly. #mnlead
Gotta start by asking "What are we doing mostly for the reason 'because we always have'"? What we do must show meaningful and relevant outcomes. #mnlead
I think it is a combination. Most of what we do is “good". But is it necessary. It is also about connecting the things we do - as you said. And we only have control some of the ingredients. It is easy to say “take things off the plate.” It is more complex to do so. #mnlead
A5 It looks like kids wanting to get in the classroom. They are proud to share what they learn and feel empowered to dig into more. It can't always be passion based I know but a lot of it can! #mnlead
A6 I think using tech tools that give kids options of how to share their voice are great. Some kids are writers, some are talkers, some use pictures. The more choices given, the better. #MNLead
I love this from a new supt after a "listening tour" - "We looked at all the tests we were administering as a district —if the data wasn’t being used to track student progress and make changes based on that—then we did away with that test." https://t.co/jEhm9cTjPM#mnlead
I challenge any district to pick 3 to 4 things they will focus on; it's very challenging, and implementation science/project management would back this based on research. Education is complicated, and we spend way more time with Ss than MD's, so we need more resources! #mnlead
A6 Gamification has great potential for using technology meaningfully to meet students needs. I saw a big step forward in acceptance this year at #TIE17#mnlead
To me thats the bottom line - lets do what works best, but not just trust that best practices are in place, but that they are working to promote learning #mnlead
One of the great challenges working in the public square…providing something that is meaningful and engaging for everyone. It is a challenge I have loved taking on during my career! #mnlead
A6 I think using tech tools that give kids options of how to share their voice are great. Some kids are writers, some are talkers, some use pictures. The more choices given, the better. #MNLead
A6 First, give them access. All of them. Often. Then teach them tools to use their voice. After that, encourage them to dig into what they love. The standards seem to work their way into the process. #mnlead
A6 First, give them access. All of them. Often. Then teach them tools to use their voice. After that, encourage them to dig into what they love. The standards seem to work their way into the process. #mnlead
RT @cdhagen: A6 Gamification has great potential for using technology meaningfully to meet students needs. I saw a big step forward in acceptance this year at #TIE17#mnlead
One of the great challenges working in the public square…providing something that is meaningful and engaging for everyone. It is a challenge I have loved taking on during my career! #mnlead
A6 First, give them access. All of them. Often. Then teach them tools to use their voice. After that, encourage them to dig into what they love. The standards seem to work their way into the process. #mnlead
A6) I love PBL project and evidence that showcases deep learning. But I technology can help with formative feedback towards success. (from T's, S's and other's_ I also think there is power with tech and reflection. #mnlead
Yes! @SirKenRobinson interviewed Paul McCartney about his school days. No one considered him to be particularly gifted at anything - not even band. He was not given a chance to shine in a way that reflected his talents or interests. #mnlead
A6 I think using tech tools that give kids options of how to share their voice are great. Some kids are writers, some are talkers, some use pictures. The more choices given, the better. #MNLead
Agreed. But we do the “impossible" every day. And engaging everyone doesn’t mean a program for every child. But it does mean a relationship with each one! #mnlead
One of the great challenges working in the public square…providing something that is meaningful and engaging for everyone. It is a challenge I have loved taking on during my career! #mnlead
Last question for tonight before our CTA! - Q7: What is 1 future goal for yourself or your school/district to empower students for 21st Century Skills and beyond? #mnlead
A6 First, give them access. All of them. Often. Then teach them tools to use their voice. After that, encourage them to dig into what they love. The standards seem to work their way into the process. #mnlead
I do think it is SO important to not get hung up on students sharing their voice in one particular way. The choices are so valuable. I know I prefer Twitter over Voxer, because of the reading and writing part. Kids need those options too. #MNLead
A6 First, give them access. All of them. Often. Then teach them tools to use their voice. After that, encourage them to dig into what they love. The standards seem to work their way into the process. #mnlead
I agree, and if districts invest in the proper design and selection of assessments that interleave content and force ongoing recall of information, it can greatly reduce the burden on Ts and really improve retention for Ss. #mnlead
Agreed. But we do the “impossible" every day. And engaging everyone doesn’t mean a program for every child. But it does mean a relationship with each one! #mnlead
One of the great challenges working in the public square…providing something that is meaningful and engaging for everyone. It is a challenge I have loved taking on during my career! #mnlead
It certainly doesn’t help. We are struggling — and I mean that sincerely — whether we educate or train. And right now, we are trying to both. And aren’t doing either as well as we could. #mnlead
A7 Honestly my answer is the same answer it was 30 years ago, I want my students to always want to learn and know more, to ask questions, solve problems and be confident in themselves. Doesn't matter what century we are in for those skills. #MNLead
Yes, that's what's makes the requirements for an educator so demanding. You can't be narrow-minded and only walk in "your own world". Nicely stated Kory! #mnlead
Maybe the question should not be how are we engaging students with real world content, but instead be how are we engaging them in their world? To best engage them we need to know what their world is. #MNLead
A7 To give equal access to technology to all students at home and school. Start there. The more we level the playing field, the better our world will be. We need everyone to be strong, curious, willing to try...and fail in order to keep our society strong. #mnlead
When I have an idea, I give extensive thought to whether it's an article, video, quote card, infographic, etc. It might be under my name or ghost-written. I break it into different pieces to make it effective on each platform I share it on. #mnlead
A7: To instill in Ss the knowledge & values that will help them: 1) succeed in school & the workplace, 2) Live happy, worthy & fulfilling personal lives, 3) become engaged, responsible & productive citizens. #mnlead
Thanks! :) I'll admit that I get hung up on the use of "Real World" when it comes to kids. Kids ARE in the real world, right now, their world is just as real as any other world. #MNLead
A7 My goal is to continuously improve my leadership and support for our students, staff, and families. Helping people become comfortable with the “discomfort” that comes with growth. #mnlead
CTA with this week having a different tone with the holidays, ask our students about what they are excited about for break. What makes it so exciting? Ask them to go deeper into that passion. #mnlead
CTA I am inspired to continue to prototype a process that helps support the reduction of programs, strategy, or beauracracy that hamper staff and students. Even in a small way! #mnlead
A7: To keep up w/the ever-shifting optimal way to deliver online courses; currently shifting heavily to video, augmented by writing, links to additional resources, group work, powerful reflection & assessment questions, and follow-up to cement the learning. #mnlead
