Hi everybody! Kevin, Social Studies, coming to you from “I’m so thankful that I didn’t lose power during the wind and ice onslaught of last night, oh and it’s so cold that only a moose would be happy right now” Indiana
Excited to talk this morning! Intro yourself! #sunchat
Goodmorning everyone! Carla, secondary principal from Santo Domingo, DR. What a deep, difficult question this morning #sunchat. I'm eager to hear your answers.
Hi #sunchat! Aubrey, director of fine & performing arts. Taking @TheKevinMCline's cue...coming to you from "There's still a bit of snow on the ground, but nothing like the rest of you" Colorado.
This is a hard topic today. We have social promotion in my district (not sure if it is a state law). So many of my Ss think they will still have it happen in HS and receive a rude awakening freshman year #sunchat
An absolute yes! School Librarians need to promote themselves otherwise teachers would not know about all we can do. Latest blog post is all about this #sunchathttps://t.co/Md4L6QrHxq
Clear enough! Take steps early to keep students from falling behind and staying. behind academically. Holding middle-schoolers back causes dropout rates to spike, new research finds https://t.co/FXVVlbZpJk#sunchat
My question is if we promote kids who missed a lot of school and thereby lack understanding, what are some remedies to get them to school????? #sunchat
Definitely an individual question for each student. I'm trying to find a document we use in my district - a long checklist to help guide conversations about retention. Will share if I can find it! #sunchat
As educators it is our job and responsibility to meet all students where they are at. We need to reevaluate what it means to be profiecent and ensure that are grades are in fact aligned tho those particular standards #FailureIsNotAnOption#sunchat
Social promotion seems negative to me. It happended a lot in the 70's & Ss got more & more behind. I believe in identifying Ss who struggle & giving them the help they need.
#sunchat
Tough topic today. I think we need to focus more on helping students early in their careers, and we have got to reconsider how we are making these decisions about Ss. I see how a standard test seems appealing but we all know one size fits all doesn’t work here #sunchat
Also wondering about Ss who come the US as a teen but last year of school was elementary. What are some strategies to help them? We have new comer centers in our schools but lets be real. They are missing years!!! #sunchat
My question is if we promote kids who missed a lot of school and thereby lack understanding, what are some remedies to get them to school????? #sunchat
I agree. I think social promotion or retention should be done on a case by case basis. Anytime we make sweeping judgements that don't consider context, I get nervous. #sunchat
Definitely an individual question for each student. I'm trying to find a document we use in my district - a long checklist to help guide conversations about retention. Will share if I can find it! #sunchat
We have to acknowledge that schools fail kids more than kids fail school. When we hold kids back in dysfunctional schools, we are punishing them for adult failure. Retention only works in highly functional schools that know how to remediate and accelerate for individuals #sunchat
The big question here is the "why". WHY are they behind? Missing skills? Lack of attendance? Immaturity? Different learning style? Different reasons call for different things. #sunchat
I think the attendance issue is definitely one that needs more attn- if the student hasn’t even had exposure to parts of the curriculum, they have no chance of grasping future content. #sunchat
What is best for the child, socially & academically? Sometimes we focus on one or the other. It is even seen at other end, a child in an upper level math course b/c the parent & child want the prestige & then blames the teacher when the child struggles to achieve there #sunchat
Prior to talking about retention and or promotion we need to discuss what interventions we have in place for our students to ensure that they are successful. #RTI#InteventionMatters#sunchat
Oop's I've just worked out what 'social promotion' means in education terms. You are not talking about social media at all! Looks like I will be learning something today :) #sunchat
Our Elem still does social promotion. As a result, Ss fall behind in important skills. By the time they get to 11th-grade, they can't write on grade level in my US History class. #sunchat
So, I guess I'm more for serious intervention, than holding back. It can take time & $$$ to do this, so it's often not really offered. Also it takes Ps, Ts & other help all working together, which can be difficult as well.
#sunchat
Chronic absenteeism is a huge problem nationally. Needs a whole school/district strategy - lots of great practices highlighted here: https://t.co/sIomkEKqLx#sunchat
We are just starting down the road of #personlizedlearning. I wonder how that can be leverage to catch kids early before they are too far behind. #sunchat
Let's also begin rethinking what our education system looks like. Not all traditional schools are going to work for all students we need to know how are students learn and what inspires them #sunchat
I also don't like that we are afraid to say that school might be "hard" for them. Life is hard, and we need to work harder. Maybe the lack of study skills or work ethic also needs to be addressed. Can we help there? Giving up to take a free ride isn't a good habit. #sunchat
Ohh, yes. I'm mentioning this one bc it is one of the problems I have that we are still trying to find a way to solve. They miss in elem and middle but get promoted. They continue the behavior in HS but don’t get promoted. They are devastated #sunchat
Start as early as possible - My district is focusing on pre-K literacy and I am proud to be a part of it. Get into the community. Get books into the hands of kids. Having HS teachers there early on, building community and welcoming everyone. #sunchat
In my old district they adopted a curriculum where the whole school switched for reading. Students would pass up to next grade but then I would have a 4th grader in with 2nd graders for reading. How do you think those 4th graders feel? #EDU5720#sunchat
I started using #TheGridMethod mastery learning this year. SS move through the content at their own pace. I can spend more time with those who need it. #TeachBetter#sunchat
Yes, but to me social promotion doesn't necessarily mean proper support will be provided. Years ago I taught a 9th grader who literally couldn't decode. He obviously hadn't been given the support he needed.
#sunchat
Social promotion is not an issue in high schools because of how schedule is set up (kid can fail a single class -it's nothing to have a freshman with a senior in a class), but because we don't want to be taxed with redesigning elem / middle we are forced into this issue. #sunchat
Which is why I always think that grouping students by level, and removing the stigma of age = grade level would help many who lack skills in a certain area, but excel in others. I can't tune a car engine, but I can bake a mean banana bread. It's our whole system... #sunchat
Can I like this 100 times. I think this gets to the heart of so much with kids. We need to find what is happening on a deeper level than just - he doesn’t turn in homework. #sunchat
If we take this approach, we also have to acknowledge that school is not reflective of the real world in many aspects- in whatever job they end up in, they’re not going to need to be excellent (or even just okay!) in eight subjects. They need to excel in one or two. #sunchat
Academic retention only when other options are TRULY exhausted. Some schools better at offering help than others. My own daughter struggled in our old district to keep up w/class, not much offered, moved to new school, assistance offered, confidence & grades flourished #sunchat
As it is not common practice it is really hard to do for both the child and the parents. Also there needs to be a regulation for class sizes so if too many stayed down it would become unmanageable surely? Also sometimes it may be down to a personality clash with teacher? #sunchat
The big question here is the "why". WHY are they behind? Missing skills? Lack of attendance? Immaturity? Different learning style? Different reasons call for different things. #sunchat
Agreed, but we have to teach kids HOW to work hard. Many schools skip this step, blame the kid for failure, and absolve themselves of responsibility. #sunchat
Great point! The answer is not to lower expectations. Ts have a harsh reality to accept- each kid is different and will respond differently and grow differently. We are going to have to be prepared to work with each as they need. It’s going to be tough. #sunchat
The stories of my Ss is so humbling. We have over 40 languages spoken in my building. They really want an education but I feel so bad we haven’t figured out how to best help them. #sunchat
And maybe if school changed to better meet the variety of needs of our students (and let’s face it, the variety of needs in the work force), there would be fewer students failing. #sunchat
Yes, but to me social promotion doesn't necessarily mean proper support will be provided. Years ago I taught a 9th grader who literally couldn't decode. He obviously hadn't been given the support he needed.
#sunchat
This is a huge systematic change, though. It would require turning our entire education system on its head and redesigning it (and change comes slowwwwwwwly). Is there anything we can do in our own little corners of the world to move in this direction? #sunchat
Which is why I always think that grouping students by level, and removing the stigma of age = grade level would help many who lack skills in a certain area, but excel in others. I can't tune a car engine, but I can bake a mean banana bread. It's our whole system... #sunchat
And maybe if school changed to better meet the variety of needs of our students (and let’s face it, the variety of needs in the work force), there would be fewer students failing. #sunchat
Lots of great talk about treating Ss for the individuals they are; love it.
At what point in this discussion do we talk about growing class size? #sunchat
I also help run elementary literacy nights in many districts - based on comics and engagement. Kids WANT to come. Parents learn tips. Everyone leaves with books. #sunchat start early
I disagree. It is an issue in High School. Each year I have dozen Seniors (of a class of 60/70) who are trying to complete both 11th & 12th grade in the same year. Instead of keeping them in 11th, Guid promotes them from 10th to 12th so they graduate "on time"#sunchat
Ohh. Absolutely. Actually, I think it means you just go. NO support is the norm. I just mentioned it because sometimes I seen it happened due to a few Ts focus in a building. I wonder how could support be more intentional if it is kept. #sunchat
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How long did it take before your involvement by Ss and parents was high? I think my challenge is we stop to quickly on implementing a strategy. #sunchat
Exactly. It often falls all on the teacher, who may not have the skills necessary to give the support needed.... or who may just be so terribly overworked s/he doesn't have time.
#sunchat
Hi 👋 PLC! I’m crafting a lesson on the Acceptable Use Policy in my district. Any ideas on making this lesson less dry?! It’s important, but difficult to engage! HELP!! #hacklearning#sunchat
Exactly, Tiffany. In Elementary and Middle School, it is a stigma to be in a class with others not your same age. THAT is what we need to change. It would be a Big change to do that in elementary. But, it just might work! #experiment#sunchat
Social promotion is not an issue in high schools because of how schedule is set up (kid can fail a single class -it's nothing to have a freshman with a senior in a class), but because we don't want to be taxed with redesigning elem / middle we are forced into this issue. #sunchat
For me the very worst aspect of standardized tests is the absence of critical thinking opportunities. When Ts have to focus on a high stakes exam, there’s not the time to cultivate CT skills, empathy, or passion. Burns out Ts and Ss and hurts the love of learning #sunchat
Tough topic today. I think we need to focus more on helping students early in their careers, and we have got to reconsider how we are making these decisions about Ss. I see how a standard test seems appealing but we all know one size fits all doesn’t work here #sunchat
First night we had them! I have been a sweaty mess by the end as so many kids and parents want to talk about the books/stories they created, how they have sequenced a story differently than the author - it’s awesome. Packed rooms! #sunchat
Class size is a mixed one for me. I believe there is no research stating it improves Ss learning. However, I have had classes in the 30s that were wonderful. I have had less than 20 that were horrible. Make-up of the classes is starting to be a thing for me. #sunchat
It’s why we go into the community and don’t hide behind the school walls. We do it at different times. We offer strategies on our website. We also have an after school program in the community with teacher volunteers #sunchat
Oh man this issue is making me sweat in its complexity! When you think about how we need every parent helping out at home, and that we need fully prepped Ts when we are forced to hire and then prep, and testing is taking over 🤯 #sunchat
In reply to
@carlameyrink, @Ms_A_Yeh, @thnorfar, @aimnoncat
I also help run elementary literacy nights in many districts - based on comics and engagement. Kids WANT to come. Parents learn tips. Everyone leaves with books. #sunchat start early
Exactly, I agree. Teach them early. (I am feeling bad for passing the buck to the younger grades, but habits are born there. We need to nurture those habits as they move through the levels.) #sunchat
Hmm. Didn’t think of it that way. I guess I was thinking of stopping because something new happens which causes us to stop the other. Thanks for the different twist. #sunchat
It takes the entire district and teachers from ALL levels. We have a phenomenal superintendent who has helped put much energy into these efforts. #sunchat As a HS teacher, I felt helpless when seeing failure in 11th grade - now I feel empowered #sunchat
Think we are talking about two different issues. In VA, only classes they have to take specific to a grade level are Eng classes. I like the design of HS better (simply by the variety of leveled classes offered). You fail Eng 11- take it again, not fail the whole year. #sunchat
I disagree. It is an issue in High School. Each year I have dozen Seniors (of a class of 60/70) who are trying to complete both 11th & 12th grade in the same year. Instead of keeping them in 11th, Guid promotes them from 10th to 12th so they graduate "on time"#sunchat
I get that. But in my experience (and its only mine) smaller class size allows me to give much more time to give indiv help and the discussions are usually better. In talking about helping kids advance or catch up, that extra attention could be big. #sunchat
In HS, credits and grad requirements guide the process in determining grade level. However, 9th grade sees a lot of retention’s due to lack of earning credits. I think it’s harder soc/emo in 9th than it would be in MS. #sunchat
Saddest thing as teacher is discovering a student is struggling academically b/c of home situations that go far beyond our ability to control. In that situation, retention is not the solution, but other than being showing extra care to that kid in school, what is #sunchat
But sometimes - you have to just jump in and stop having committed meetings and discussions. When the choice is so obvious... but, yes - plan ahead so it doesn’t fail the first time as well. #sunchat
If we had vertically aligned, high quality reading/math curriculum in every elementary school, wouldn’t that help chip away at the problem? So many schools / districts place all their bets on tier 2 and 3 interventions. #sunchat
The District needs to step up there, being able to provide the proper support for the demographics. School needs to be diversified to support that. It's a bigger issue than you, as a teacher, Tellania. #sunchat
The stories of my Ss is so humbling. We have over 40 languages spoken in my building. They really want an education but I feel so bad we haven’t figured out how to best help them. #sunchat
I'm not sure what other states are doing, but VA is doing A LOT to do ease this burden. They are lessening the amount of SOL tests needed to graduate, focusing more on ensuring schools adhere to the profile of a graduate #sunchat
Agree with smaller class sizes and discussions. There are some kids out there who feel more comfortable with less kids and will open up more. The same kid in a larger class will "hide" in the numbers #sunchat
Its not just yours. It is a lot of Ts. I think we need that discussion but I think we need to go deeper. If we don’t, I think we will not get all that we need. #sunchat
Regardless if there is 2 kids or 32 kids the question is not about how many kids are in the class, but rather as educators and professionals what are we doing to ensure that we are reaching ALL students in our class #DifferentiationMatters#SmallGroups#sunchat
Don’t think of it as buck passing - needs to happen at all levels, and with some degree of consistency as kids move through grades. For so many kids, there is no connection between methods as they move from teacher to teacher and grade to grade. #sunchat
Maybe the issue isn't the high school model but the graduation requirements or scheduling? You mentioned in an earlier tweet students taking eng 10 and eng 11 in the same day? I don't know of any students with that schedule in our building. Maybe back to back semesters...#sunchat
While that seems like an easy fix, my SD will have students take Eng 11 & Eng 12 in the same year. PA also requires 4 credits of Social Studies. Additionally, these Ss are more likely to not be ready for 12th grade or the 'real world'.
@carriebartlett PA is also making a change is graduation requirements offering options to Keystone testing that reflect careers goals in vocational fields. #sunchat
Wow! #sunchat was totally on 🔥 this morning! Definitely a hot topic for many! Thanks for promoting a great discusssion - perhaps a part 2 may be needed...?? Or deeper convo on some points raised? Totally revisiting the # to read what I missed!
Elephant in the Room: Are there educators in your building who are not worthy of the students in their classroom? In other words, do kids - year after year - struggle to learn with the same teachers? #sunchat
My district has stepped up and we are doing well considering the requirements by the state. However, I think our system in general isn’t designed for them. When I say we, I mean out educational system. It is designed for natives who have always been in the US #sunchat
Woke up later, #sunchat, but I've have read back over the last 100 or so Tweets.
Perhaps the rate of change has driven wedges betw subjects rather than driven them together.
The diversity of instructional strategies (@mitchcenter) has done even more to diverge than synthesize.
But sometimes - you have to just jump in and stop having committed meetings and discussions. When the choice is so obvious... but, yes - plan ahead so it doesn’t fail the first time as well. #sunchat
I LoVE that, in all of these responses, no one laid complete blame on the students. We all want them to find success and know that there are so many hurdles. Thank you for being passionate and compassionate educators. It takes a village! #sunchat
This is the model in our district in NJ, Laurie. 5th and 6th together gets the kids transitioned to switching classes, becoming more organized, seeing different teachers... seems to work. Interested in how you do with it. Reasons why the change? #sunchat@lauriev88
Hey #sunchat Check out Carla Tantillo Philibert & follow @classcatalyst designed to give S’s & T’s a way to raise awareness of their emotional needs & the tools to get themselves ready-to-learn. CLICK for 2 min video: https://t.co/18BuhlAyi1 & https://t.co/WqE5UJQtgm for more!
Depends, one of best teachers I know had students who struggled w/her, thanking her when the went to HS & even college. It was b/c she loved kids & pushed them to be their best 1st, science 2nd. When a teacher puts content 1st & you wonder if they even like kids=problem #sunchat
Wow! #sunchat was totally on 🔥 this morning! Definitely a hot topic for many! Thanks for promoting a great discusssion - perhaps a part 2 may be needed...?? Or deeper convo on some points raised? Totally revisiting the # to read what I missed!
To be frank, I'm tired of change for change's sake w/o the benefit of time to change, learn the system, AND find ways to blend learning these tools. Change-adverse teachers aren't necessarily bad/unworthy. Maybe the pace of change takes us away from the end goal. #sunchat
Ohhh. You are hitting my button here. Have some colleagues right now that I wonder if they even notice the kids in front of them!!!!! They kill me. #sunchat
I looked into some research that was highlighting the need for less transitions more than grade level directly. Basically, they were seeing changing buildings as being more dramatic than grade level. #sunchat
I agree that it depends, and am grateful for the many teachers like the one you described. I’ve been lucky to have teachers like that myself, and so have my kids. Just feel like we often avoid the adult question when exploring student failure. #sunchat
I'm a pragmatic idealist. I'll take risks, always open to new ideas, but before I change, I want to know the WHY. I want to see the research. I want to dig deep into those circle of causality: what else will be affected? Not about putting a bandaid on a gunshot wound. #sunchat
To be frank, I'm tired of change for change's sake w/o the benefit of time to change, learn the system, AND find ways to blend learning these tools. Change-adverse teachers aren't necessarily bad/unworthy. Maybe the pace of change takes us away from the end goal. #sunchat
It’s so complex, and a great reminder that this question needs to really be explored at the district level, and can not always be solved by individual teachers. #sunchat
I agree with you about that. It is easier to be critical of the kid who isnt in the faculty room than to address concerns about the teacher sitting across from you. #sunchat
Deliberate, meaningful change is the goal and isn’t often the school or district culture, so agreed. But, who wants to go back 10, 20, 30 years? Change may not be a steady hand on the wheel, but we’re driving forward! #sunchat
As educators what is our sole responsibility whether we are talking about class size or social promotion or whatever the latest topic is? What are we doing to change the future for so many students? #sunchat
I suspect it's even something else at play. A single instructional strategy change isn't nec. bad in and of itself. But 1 here, then 1 there, & 2 over yonder, and all of a sudden we have such divergence in learning & teaching exps, we complicate, not facilitate learning #sunchat
As an 11th grade teacher, I definitely try to build on what the 10th-grade teachers taught as far as writing & research skills/tools/strategies/etc. Scaffolding isn't cellular to just that teacher's classroom & methods. #sunchat
As a coach, Ts often tell me if one of my players werent completing assgnmnts in their class. One T I discovered was informing me as their 1st action hoping I would take punitive action too. After hearing more about her class, I always ignored her requests. She retired #sunchat
Do teachers struggle? We all do to some degree. So many blind spots to address.
Do we always get the support we need? Nope.
Are our needs always understood?
Heck no.
#sunchat
Right on - failure to support teachers is at the heart of this. Sometimes it’s school specific, sometimes whole district, systemic/epic failure. This is an adult issue up and down the line, IMO. #sunchat
