The Breakfast Club – #BFC530 – is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri – 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
I would get rid of the idea of grade levels. I want kids to move through concepts when they get a subject. I don't know how but 1st-12th grade is just made up. #bfc530
For sure. Kids in ES always compare age to grade level. Why am I youngest? Why is she oldest? Eliminating those grade levels would eliminate those stigmas. #BFC530
The biggest constraint I have on learning is the grading culture. If I could just concentrate on feedback, and the kids and parents care more about mastery than a number, so many stressors would be relieved. Goals would be clearer, reflections of mastery more obvious #bfc530
I would get rid of the idea of grade levels. I want kids to move through concepts when they get a subject. I don't know how but 1st-12th grade is just made up. #bfc530
Also, state testing. If they cant make it fit into the school year without taking up 1/2 of it then they shouldn't do it at all. We need to work together on this. #bfc530
#Bfc530 Can we eliminate the constraint that tells us all #students must be good at everything? We have artists and athletes among us, or those who have a great sense of humor, or know about engines. #Talent is everywhere, but we have to see it.
GM #bfc530..Love seeing some answers here. To not be redundant, I'd push back the start time. HS kids should not be starting school as early as they do. We know it's not productive but we don't change.
The biggest constraint I have on learning is the grading culture. If I could just concentrate on feedback, and the kids and parents care more about mastery than a number, so many stressors would be relieved. Goals would be clearer, reflections of mastery more obvious #bfc530
Whats funny about state testing is that I don't know too many people who thinks its a bad idea. They just hate how much of their time and energy goes into it. #bfc530
Many of you are saying "grades" and I happen to agree. They take the focus away from learning. I also think the bell schedule is a constraint. Every student doesn't need the same amount of time in every class #bfc530
After some reflection, I would eliminate the constraints in the system that do not allow schools to be more innovative, creative, and risk-taking venues.
These might be historical, contractual, or just plain philosophical.
Gone.
So there is more curiosity and joy. #bfc530
Many of you are saying "grades" and I happen to agree. They take the focus away from learning. I also think the bell schedule is a constraint. Every student doesn't need the same amount of time in every class #bfc530
Yes! There is a better way! When we eliminated grades for mastery-based learning, the student , teacher, & parent conversations completely changed. Example (courtesy of @MasteryConnect): #bfc530
Budget constraints? Would love to purchase some things :
- more whiteboards
- hokki balance stools
- more loaner Chromebooks for Ss w/o phones
- Endless dry erase marker refills
- premium accts for things like Flipgrid
#bfc530
Speaking of constraints, I used to tally how many times the word "state" was used at faculty meetings. The state requires us to do this or that. I wondered if it was true, an excuse, and all these other things #bfc530
Many of you are saying "grades" and I happen to agree. They take the focus away from learning. I also think the bell schedule is a constraint. Every student doesn't need the same amount of time in every class #bfc530
I would eliminate the constraints that make educators feel shackled to the predetermined curriculum, especially when it leads to the notion that there is no time to be creative or innovative #BFC530
Exactly. if we took 2% of the military budget and infused it into schools systems with the most need, we could affect long term change in this country. #bfc530
All would be fabulous and replace with PBL or some authentic assessment that involves Ss working in teams in the community. But mainly state accountability tests. #bfc530
Speaking of constraints, I used to tally how many times the word "state" was used at faculty meetings. The state requires us to do this or that. I wondered if it was true, an excuse, and all these other things #bfc530
The biggest constraint I have on learning is the grading culture. If I could just concentrate on feedback, and the kids and parents care more about mastery than a number, so many stressors would be relieved. Goals would be clearer, reflections of mastery more obvious #bfc530
It’s hard to think of one constraint to eliminate in schools because they’re interconnected to each other and to the systems of sorting, ranking, and commodifying that our education system reflects and produces.
#bfc530
Like many of us this morning I am in the “grade” camp—but more specifically the online grading book, worst invention ever! Backs too many Ss into a corner they can’t escape, and puts focus on the number, not the learning/feedback #bfc530
@joboaler said that we shouldn’t be pairing down our curriculum into minute standards. If we taught big picture we would teach each of the items AND the students would see how they fit together. I have been pondering that since I hear it. #bfc530
Indeed. We have a serious problem with our very narrow definition of what it means for a student to be successful. Time to broaden that definition to better honor the skills and talents of each student. #bfc530
Our pupils forget most of what we teach them.They will however remember us their teachers forever.Lets be good and kind to them.A kind word can last a lifetime #Bfc530
If we did that AND eliminated the rigid grade level construct—just think about the learning that could happen. It could be wonderful for our kids! #bfc530
I also think that we should have administrators and disciplinary deans. Admin can focus on instruction and schooling. Deans can do the work of discipline. #bfc530
I also think that we should have administrators and disciplinary deans. Admin can focus on instruction and schooling. Deans can do the work of discipline. #bfc530
Very true! We've been experimenting with flex schedules, where students go to classes based on need vs. an arbitrary schedule. Work in progress, but the students really like it! #bfc530
One of my answers was grades, but yes...authentic assessment is key. We need to measure understanding and make sure it isn't just about compliance in tbe classroom. #bfc530
Like many of us this morning I am in the “grade” camp—but more specifically the online grading book, worst invention ever! Backs too many Ss into a corner they can’t escape, and puts focus on the number, not the learning/feedback #bfc530
Good morning #bfc530. Just 1? Can I group high stakes standardized tests, red tape, and other things under a category called "stressful stuff that wastes time?"
If we eliminated grades testing would likely follow. My school is beginning to use more authentic assessment. But the state just keeps those tests coming! #bfc530
That's a good point! I remember teaching before then and students didn't know their grades until the end. Nobody asked for extra credit every day, I didn't get emails from students or parents asking why they had a low grade of a 97. The online grade book changed culture #bfc530
After some reflection, I would eliminate the constraints in the system that do not allow schools to be more innovative, creative, and risk-taking venues.
These might be historical, contractual, or just plain philosophical.
Gone.
So there is more curiosity and joy. #bfc530
I had an administrator tell me, "Progress is a stampede of turtles." While that is our current reality, it's time for a new race. 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢 I actually love turtles. #bfc530
Well...beyond the obvious constraints testing creates, I'd ❤ to eliminate the compartmentalization of education and create more integrated, real-world 🌎 experiences that allow students to see the true value in what they learn. #bfc530https://t.co/FzbtPdMffX
Make it a marvelous Monday and an awesome week friends! Be present and look for opportunities for boxless thinking and growth! :) #BFC530#CelebrateMonday
ensure that learning can transfer to new situations and to find solutions to new problems. These kids will have to save the world someday... or pack it up and move to a new one #bfc530
One of my answers was grades, but yes...authentic assessment is key. We need to measure understanding and make sure it isn't just about compliance in tbe classroom. #bfc530
Good morning #bfc530. Just 1? Can I group high stakes standardized tests, red tape, and other things under a category called "stressful stuff that wastes time?"
Sure! DM me for details. Each teacher works with each student in our respective advisory groups to find where they want/need to be and set the schedule that day via a shared Google Doc. Not perfect, but it works! #bfc530
Shocker: when I was in HS we had to calculate our own averages if we wanted to know how we were doing in a class; kept track of own progress and grades, and never bothered the teacher! #bfc530
I’m not sure it’s state testing that takes up the time as much as district benchmarks required pre-assessments in preparation for testing. Ironically, the levels that need more time for learning are the ones that spend the most time in testing mode, K-2. #bfc530
We try to teach our students not to operate from a place where they fear failure. That said, how often are students experiencing pedagogy and curricula that is both created and implemented by educators stuck within the realm of that same fear? #bfc530
I would not leave the classroom for an admin job, I think perspective gets lost very quickly. 1/2 time T/A is best. I don’t want to say or hear “I remember when” it should be “this is my experience now” #bfc530
Students external distractions.
Let the kids focus on finding their own path. When they are inside the building, let them feel safe and secure. Let them be proud of their accomplishments regardless of how big or small they may seem to others. #BFC530
Jessica!!! I was thinking about you the other day. Yes! Let's get a time to talk. Life is good and the next adventure awaits. Would love to hear what awesomeness you're up to as well! #BFC530
Far too long. I miss you all so much. I'm doing well again, and some exciting changes are afoot personally and professionally. I'm getting reinvigorated by what's next for me in edu. #bfc530
Grades is probably my go-to. It is representative of other problems as well, in that a huge body of research says it isn't good and doesn't work, but we keep doing it because we always have. #BFC530
Good morning #bfc530. Just 1? Can I group high stakes standardized tests, red tape, and other things under a category called "stressful stuff that wastes time?"
Self actualization!!! Glean talents and tailor learning. It won't be as simple as asking students--little Timmy may say he wants to be an NFL QB, but shows proficiency in engineering. Challenge becomes: How can the educator use his 'desire' to drive him to his purpose? #bfc530
Happy Monday! One constraint? I’d eliminate is grading. Our students are far too motivated by the horse race of getting the grade then by mastery of skills and subject matter. Eliminate grades, gpa and class rank. #bfc530
#bfc530 I think about Sir Ken Robinson’s TEDtalk about Changing Paradigms in Education. In it, he talks about the futility of grade levels. Why don’t we just move kids about based on their needs instead of keeping them with a certain grade?
Have small summatives that test a single standard, versus having one big test with multiple standards. Sometimes kids feel overwhelmed when too much infomation is in front of them. #bfc530
We discussed similar ideas @chrislehmann’s session @ #educon. My take always were make sure systems serve humans, rather than the other way around. Also, we need to be bettee edu historians so we know why theses walls exist. What may seem useless could be “load bearing” #bfc530
In reply to
@casehighprinc, @MGeoghegan22, @chrislehmann
Loving the discussion on @BFC530 this morning! 👏🏻 A lot of the ideas involve elements of #gifted pedagogy & of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model: Depth & breadth, PBL #passion projects & #genius hour, acceleration, #Enrichment Clusters narrative evals vs grades 👍🏻 #SEM#bfc530
A lot of words just to say “high stakes government mandated testing” which only benefit the assessment makers and politicians connected to their lobbyists. #bfc530 JIMO
After some reflection, I would eliminate the constraints in the system that do not allow schools to be more innovative, creative, and risk-taking venues.
These might be historical, contractual, or just plain philosophical.
Gone.
So there is more curiosity and joy. #bfc530
I would eliminate the current standardized testing requirements. I believe that we can have a much better system in place to test our students and see how they are doing. #bfc530
You are right, students should fell safe and supported when in the classroom, not like they are being let down by the system and their teachers. #bfc530
I've seen dynamic you describe, Tiffany. I've also got alternative hypothesis: Testing checks (especially standardized 1s) matter more for folks outside education than those in it. Makes me wonder: How might we communicate from inside more reliably, validly, compellingly? #bfc530
You are so right, these upcoming generations are the future and if they do not know how to handle new problems, then they and this planet are doomed.
#bfc530
In certain schools, testing is never ending. How is this an effective usage of instructional time? And quite often the data is not utilized to inform next steps instructionally. Collectively, we need to refocus our purpose and discuss “why”. #BFC530
Point taken, Kimberly. If testing data were used instructionally, then we might actually have answers to your rhetorical question re: effectiveness. In my experience, though, that's exception -- not rule. #bfc530
I would eliminate the time constraint! Teachers don't have enough regular time to collaborate and learn together. I would create a half-day per week dedicated to teachers learning/inquiring together! #BFC530
I would eliminate the time constraint! Teachers don't have enough regular time to collaborate and learn together. I would create a half-day per week dedicated to teachers learning/inquiring together! #BFC530
I often feel like a lot of my work as a coach is actually showing teachers how the actual curriculum (ON) actually leaves lots of space for creativity. What has been done by teachers at your school before is not necessarily "the curriculum" and is often its opposite! #bfc530
I would eliminate the constraints that make educators feel shackled to the predetermined curriculum, especially when it leads to the notion that there is no time to be creative or innovative #BFC530
