#Edchat is a hashtag, a movement—it is a weekly organized Twitter discussion of educators and people interested in education that meet virtually from all over the world. #Edchat serves as a conversation thread on Twitter and is also used for organized weekly discussions.
I just received this email from the Department of Education, is this legal? Are our taxpayer dollars being sent to faith-based institutions? I thought our government was free of religious support--help me understand this. @NEAToday@massteacher#edchat#edchatma
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Answer the few quiz questions and we’ll suggest an action that you and your students can take this week to make a difference in your community and the world. #edchat#stuchat#parentchat#youthleaders#edleaders
Good point, sir. I think it is true for some Ss. I have to say, though, that I am intimidated by observations, but I don't think any of my Ss would say they feel that way about me. Maybe it depends on admin as well. #Edchat
Is it as simple as this? Ts who have not been given feedback, only summary judgments..see observations as intimidating. Ts who've been given constructive feedback see them as helpful. We all bring baggage. #edchat
A1: This is a question where teachers' responses land in a spectrum rather than in two binary buckets. The more frequent your observations AND the most it's coupled with meaningful, immediate feedback, the less likely you'll find it intimidating. #edchat
Teachers who are open to change and feel valued will always see it as great feedback. Those that don’t feel valued and are not open to change will feel threatened. #Edchat
#Edchat Ts view of observations vary greatly depending on past experience, quality of feedback, outcome and mindset. Personally, I welcome growth-producing feedback and have been evaluated 15+ times in a yr. @MrJordanrocket1
It’s similar to houseguests, when you have guests who visit often, it’s fun,non threatening, non invasive& and they sometimes even help u with dinner and dishes. When tat guest who rarely visits& complains @ the spice in your good, you feel intimidated& And defensive. #edchat
My advice to new teachers: The day before an observation tell all your students to raise their hands at every question. Right if they know the answer, left if they don't. #Edchat
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I’m a substitute at a school I taught at for 38 years. I often reflect back at the years admin came in my room, some for causal observation some linked to evaluation process. Both made me nervous. #edchat
It’s similar to houseguests, when you have guests who visit often, it’s fun,non threatening, non invasive& and they sometimes even help u with dinner and dishes. When tat guest who rarely visits& complains @ the spice in your food, you feel intimidated& And defensive. #edchat
Hi! Sherri @ThirstyBeesNY joining in. I've been looking forward to this topic. I've been a 7-12 English teacher, instructional coach, K-12 principal, & now that I'm sort of retired, a substitute teacher. I think how teachers view observations depends on who's observing. #edchat
One of the few things I find more annoying that this line of thinking is that it's absolutely true. It was such a change in mindset and action and I get to acknowledge that I was wrong on this. #AussieEd#Edchat#EdchatOz
”Language matters: A change from saying ‘I have to’ to ‘I get to’ adjusts from an attitude of obligation to an attitude of gratitude.“ @TuriaPitt#nswppaconf
Doesn’t that just create a dog and pony show mentality instead of creating a growth mindset. If you employ this practice, start it at the beginning of the year as a classroom structure. #Edchat
I really think it depends on a couple things. 1. What kind of relationship exists between admin & T. 2. What is the purpose of evaluation? If it is for "accountability" & to "increase test scores," then... Threatening & intimidating, & demoralizing. #edchat
One of the few things I find more annoying than this line of thinking is that it's absolutely true. It was such a change in mindset and action and I get to acknowledge that I was wrong on this. #AussieEd#Edchat#EdchatOz
”Language matters: A change from saying ‘I have to’ to ‘I get to’ adjusts from an attitude of obligation to an attitude of gratitude.“ @TuriaPitt#nswppaconf
I think working at an independent (private) school the observation and feedback from my admin who I already had built a positive relationship with was positive. Growthmindset a given (even before the term so popular), but wanting to be perfect hard to deny #Edchat
As a principal, I always loved the dog and pony show. It gave me a chance to see my teachers at their very best. Realistically, they aren't like that every day, but I loved being able to give positive feedback and discuss how their great stuff COULD be integrated daily. #edchat
Depending on where your S scores/school/district falls on "the list", eval. can be strictly for "accountability" and "increasing test scores". Then they are all intimidating. #Edchat
My experience is that this should not be considered a charactersitic either more or less common in independent schools categorically. It all depends on the admin. #edchat
I think working at an independent (private) school the observation and feedback from my admin who I already had built a positive relationship with was positive. Growthmindset a given (even before the term so popular), but wanting to be perfect hard to deny #Edchat
I think how observations are viewed is based largely on the culture of trust/distrust that the school leader creates. If the observer has a genuine desire to help the teacher, that comes through. #edchat
As a teacher, I always fretted about observations. Even when I didn't need to worry, I did. But, I looked forward to the feedback because I'm one who always wants to improve. Thankfully, never had an admin use an observation as a "gotcha." #edchat
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I agree but I can only speak from my experience which is limited to independent schools. Friends in public schools have rarely spoken to me in terms of building relationships with their observers #edchat
I have known many admins to jokingly say to new teachers they were going to do a pop-in observation if that teacher didn't do something. I never thought that to be humorous. #Edchat
Teacher observations are difficult because regardless of what anyone says it is hard to not take observations/feedback personal because that is like your art form ... #edchat
Pop-ins are not a "gotchya" from my Department Chair. He's affirmed what I've done since day 1 and we've collaborated well on micro and macrocosmic ideas. If he pops in, he's just there to steal an idea :) #edchat
Right? this should be the best collaborative partnership. Leaders are first, instructional supervisors. That's our business- teaching and learning #edchat
"Universities have worked hard to reduce attrition rates...their IT platforms, or learning management systems, signal when students are falling behind". #University#Education#Edchathttps://t.co/dP13fcPCOi
My experience is also exclusively in independent schools. 20 years. And, sadly, this has not been my experience except when I've given the observation. Be thankful that you've been where you've been! :) #edchat
I think how observations are viewed is based largely on the culture of trust/distrust that the school leader creates. If the observer has a genuine desire to help the teacher, that comes through. #edchat
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If principals are regularly in classrooms then an observation is not intimidating. But if admin is only visiting for observation then it’s about catching not coaching. #Edchat
I think how observations are viewed is based largely on the culture of trust/distrust that the school leader creates. If the observer has a genuine desire to help the teacher, that comes through. #edchat
That’s probably what makes you a good teacher. You care, you reflect, you want feedback, and you want to improve. I never go in with a “gotcha” mentality. That erodes trust. #edchat
....in most cases classroom observations are too infrequent and unfocused to be of much value to a teacher wanting to improve her instruction. #edchat@sgthomas1973@blairteach@timwolffSSD
In reply to
@sgthomas1973, @blairteach, @sgthomas1973, @blairteach, @timwolffSSD
Always fascinated with Dr. Stephen Klineberg speaking on statistics. “65% of the jobs that exist require education beyond high school. We must educate all students.” Thanks to Neuhaus for focusing on Unlocking Literacy.
I've heard many admins complain about those few "uncoachable" teachers...w
We can't give up on "unteachable" students. We dig deep and do whatever it takes. Adults are different. But how much effort should be spent on coaching the "uncoachable" educator? #edchat
I think how observations are viewed is based largely on the culture of trust/distrust that the school leader creates. If the observer has a genuine desire to help the teacher, that comes through. #edchat
I had @JSAPrincipal pop in today for an observation ... kids were doing their thing ... I was rather impressed with his ability to converse with the kids about Federalist and Anti-Federalist ... wonder where his observation sheet is because I would rate him pretty high. #edchat
I feel for admin who have to balance parents, discipline, policy, and the drop-in that often falls to the wayside. Our two admin have to do four drop in and one formal observations of 1/3 of the staff and are admittedly already behind on observations this year. #edchat
One thing I always hated as both a giver and received of observations was that it was really just one small moment in time, and may not represent the larger picture (just like our students being rated by a one-moment standardized test). I'd often stay as long as possible. #edchat
As a principal, I like them. It’s a good opportunity to provide feedback, have conversations, and hopefully have both parties learn from the experience and improve. #edchat
I think this could be a significant factor, but not a deal maker/breaker by any means. It does make me feel that "peer observations" are where it is at though... @darrenmassa & I were talking about this a while back. Wish we had more peer observation opportunities. #edchat
admin walk in just because: she had time, she needed to observe a child, she wanted get to know the kids, she wanted to see something I had brought to her attention. Informal never as intimidating & great discussion after. Formal, set up observations not quite as relaxed #Edchat
Culture and process do play a major role. In your school, when do you see leaders in the classrooms? What are they doing while in the class? What is the followup after the visit? The answers to these q's help us understand the culture and process of observations. #edchat
Or going through the motions because they have to. I had one admin never find any areas of growth or improvement in my teaching. She had a lot of documentation/coaching to do for teachers she was trying to fire, but this is why "good" teachers rarely get to be great. #edchat
Value of classroom observation largely depends on whether 1) what is 'observed' is proven to truly effect learning...and 2) whether what is and isn't observed leads to improved instruction -- most often not the case @northshoreguynz@DennisDill@ColinESeale@sgthomas1973#edchat
In reply to
@ColinESeale, @northshoreguynz, @DennisDill, @ColinESeale, @sgthomas1973
Thank you for acknowledging that! Being an admin is not easy but developing a culture of trust and respect is so crucial to the success of a school. #edchat
I feel for admin who have to balance parents, discipline, policy, and the drop-in that often falls to the wayside. Our two admin have to do four drop in and one formal observations of 1/3 of the staff and are admittedly already behind on observations this year. #edchat
Teachers must be ok with getting constructive feedback ... accept that they are NOT perfect ... you don’t have to get straight highly effective to be a good teacher. #edchat
Observations are good when the teacher knows that they are cared for by the observer. When teachers know that the observer genuinely wants what is best for them, it is a positive experience. Isn’t it funny that that works with students too? #Edchat
Absolutely, although if they are less formal or "forced," I think that can reduce negative impact on learning environment. If admin has good relationship w/ T & students it can even add positive flavor to the learning. #edchat
Or going through the motions because they have to. I had one admin never find any areas of growth or improvement in my teaching. She had a lot of documentation/coaching to do for teachers she was trying to fire, but this is why "good" teachers rarely get to be great. #edchat
Potentially yes. This year one of my goals is to have all of my observations completed by Thanksgiving. The second part of that is to have follow up and follow through on the observation based conversations to improve instruction throughout the year. #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @sgthomas1973, @blairteach
My first year of teaching was taped for training purposes. And I can honestly say from that & future experiences with video on both sides of the camera, kids do what they are going to do. Cameras off or on. Principal in the room...its another story, sometimes! #edchat
Sometimes it is both depends on the observation type ... formal observations are just Admin being a fly on the wall ... informal it is quicker and the Admin chats with the kids about learning. #edchat
#edchat I always invited admins/colleagues into my class whenever I had a lesson that was new/innovative/not sure. I wanted that objective third party to give me feedback...
Have never been under the “video camera” microscope but many observations. And have to say it depends on what I’m teaching, my comfort zone and time of year.. #edchat
In a well designed lesson, certain things happen in certain sequence. Do most classroom observations consider such subtleties? Doubtful... #edchat@timwolffSSD@dubioseducator@blairteach
Ts @MVPSchool engage in instructional rounds; within a cohort we observe each other providing narrative notes as mirrors of teaching&learning in the c'room. Ts form their conclusions about their practice frm these notes https://t.co/oRyK6vhuwt#Edchat
I use quotes because I don't believe anyone, adult or child is truly "uncoachable." But some struggle with reflective practice, the idea of continuous growth, etc, frustrating coaching efforts #edchat
Years ago we wrote detailed lesson plans that were given to the observer; hated it with a passion. Outcomes rarely followed the steps outlined. Then in our conversations that’s where the real understanding took place. #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @timwolffSSD, @blairteach
True, but the big question is will that person respond to your coaching or would they be more successful being coached by someone else? #edchat see this when an unsuccessful player changes teams and not ... superstar
Even when well-intentioned, most classroom observations are a blunt instrument poorly applied. The field of education can do better... common language, research-based practices, and collaborative approaches #edchat@dubioseducator@sgthomas1973@PegGrafwallner
In a language arts workshop, teachers in Dickson County, TN formed a living timeline to role play sequence of events. They're doing great things in this district! #edchat
"The information families share gives educators opportunities to link children’s new learning to familiar information and experiences." #quotes#edchat#spedchat
I can’t say I’ve noted it every time but I have certainly noted a good flow, smooth and efficient transitions from activity to activity, and a progression of questioning strategies to reach higher level thinking. #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @dubioseducator, @blairteach
There is so much to the relationships you build. I remember last year asking an admin to come to my classroom.I said, "im trying something new,don't know how it's going to go and want your feedback." This is so libreating, you don't know outcome ...#edchat
CONSTRUCTION SITE MATH. In this real-world application of ratios, students will learn what a ratio is, including ratios with three terms. They will see different ways of writing ratios, including fractions in simplest form. #EdChathttps://t.co/mmmlhV9Tvg
The collaborative approaches is one of the best parts of my job today. When I collaborate with teachers we do great things for students. It always starts with an idea and then we brainstorm from there. Nothing is off-limits #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @dubioseducator, @sgthomas1973
I had an admin team that visited my class 3 times a week for 10 minutes at a time. It gave me such useful feedback on the "right now" and wasn't at all punitive, more like having a coach helping you understand why that last play fell apart and how to fix it next time. #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @timwolffSSD, @dubioseducator, @blairteach
To just try something that I learend from @cultofpedagogy and have some eyes and ears on it. But it's more about the relationship, you will get feedback, you will grow and you feel good about taking risks. #edchat
#edchat The observer can put themselves in the position of student & ask if they themselves are learning. One does not need to be a content expert to see how the T + Ss interact and if the Ss are having a worthwhile learning experience. I've stolen great stuff from non-math Ts!
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It depends on the purpose of the presence. If there’s an end goal for coaching or feedback on practices or student engagement, then no & especially if Ts & Ss expect clsrm visitors. #edchat
I spend chunks of time in classrooms, oftentimes this results in conversations about the lesson. I also do everything I can to stop by every classroom everyday. #edchat
Right. If you know ahead of time and it’s part of your pro growth practice and it’s communicated then not much change. I’d probably be uncomfortable at first to. But if the end goal is for me to improve instruction or learning, then it’s easier to overcome. #edchat
IF THE GOAL of a classroom observation is to help a teacher improve her instruction THEN after a few observations wouldn't it be fair to expect a teacher's instruction to be excellent? Yet, rarely does this occur? Why? #edchat@dubioseducator@sgthomas1973@PegGrafwallner
Yes! @DennisDill! You see it in sports all the time. The underachiever becomes a superstar in the right system and the superstar is a bum in the wrong system. Didn't think about it this was but you're spot-on! #edchat
It's not often implemented in T observation. We receive our evals and notes, but there is no follow-up discussion (unless it was a bad observation). #Edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @dubioseducator, @PegGrafwallner, @timwolffSSD, @DennisDill
I wish I could in that I think it was more in my self reflection with my admin in what I would do next time. I have always had supportive admin observing my lessons. Feedback constructive. In our talking I often came to view changes that I would make #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @sgthomas1973, @PegGrafwallner, @blairteach
Rarely in my experience. I do try and give my teachers as many opportunities to talk as possible. A huge piece of improvement and growth is in those day to day discussions. #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @dubioseducator, @sgthomas1973, @PegGrafwallner, @DennisDill
This presumes that the observer is an expert in not only what OUGHT to be done but how to get the T from where they are to that point. Also, that the goal of observation is to "improve the currenly non-excellent T."
Similarly, sometimes my Ss don't all get As. #edchat
IF THE GOAL of a classroom observation is to help a teacher improve her instruction THEN after a few observations wouldn't it be fair to expect a teacher's instruction to be excellent? Yet, rarely does this occur? Why? #edchat@dubioseducator@sgthomas1973@PegGrafwallner
Tomorrow, have ur students share some unBOOlevable things... abt ea other, themselves, their progress, what they’ve learned this year, what they were surprised they actually like/are interested in, etc. #Halloween2018#edchat#studentvoice#EduFun
Probably happens more than we think. But if you know what quality/effective instruction looks like, then you should be able to know if content is been taught well. It may help get to know the expectations of the standards Ts have to teach. #edchat
I think you’re onto something there about how helpful peer observations would be. Especially if they are using PLCs and data to improve their instructional practices and student learning outcomes. #edchat
Not about excellence for me that’s why observations with a graded evaluation process seems so demeaning in many ways. For me it’s being the best I can be for the kids I teach. I want the focus to be on how I can meet my students needs as their T #edchat
In reply to
@sgthomas1973, @ShiftParadigm, @PegGrafwallner
This totally makes sense. I remember when I was teaching at one school, we had visitors all the time every week sometimes multiple days during the week. We got used to visitors. #edchat. So much so that when I was doing specific teaching things, I wanted them to come observe.
In reply to
@blairteach, @tomwhitby, @sstorm01, @mrs_woodhouse
Reflecting back to my classroom teaching days, I wish I 1. Observed my peers more 2. Had them also observe me and 3. We then had time to collaborate, research, leverage PLCs,. (also provide encouragement & support!) #edchat
In reply to
@MarviaDavidson, @tomwhitby, @darrenmassa
We cannot allow students to discuss what’s comfortable and easy; we need to expand our students’ understanding of what is relevant to them. https://t.co/YiVHVU1L7b#education#edchat
That actually sounds horrible, fear inducing, and very counterproductive. Fear-based leadership never works to improve what people do when it comes to their work and then having longevity. At least it seems that we to me. #edchat
No good. I’ve done it before and it is unacceptable. I try and send the feedback via the software before I leave the classroom. If I don’t, 1000 other things jump on my plate and it can get pushed back. #edchat
In reply to
@PegGrafwallner, @sgthomas1973, @ShiftParadigm, @dubioseducator, @DennisDill
Tomorrow, have ur students share some unBOOlievable things... abt ea other, themselves, their progress, what they’ve learned this year, what they were surprised they actually like/are interested in, etc. #Halloween2018 #edchat#studentvoice#EduFun
How I feel when I find MY group of gen ed and sped teachers. Chat how this can happen in every school in 40 mins. Follow #PatinsIcam [GIF: Group of teens raising hands in the air together] #AEM4All#NTchat#EdChat#SpedChat#SchoolCulture
"Improvement" is tricky. How is it measured? etc... It may be that the result of an observation is merely affirmation.
I think the first assumption I provided addresses this. It may be that the observer is in no position to "improve" the teaching of the observed. #edchat
In reply to
@ShiftParadigm, @sgthomas1973, @dubioseducator, @PegGrafwallner
Lessons are not allowed to be video recording in our district. When I was recorded as a teacher and then went back it was an incredible powerful tool. I’m going to see @weisgold03 use it though! #edchat
In reply to
@tigercoachw, @ShiftParadigm, @dubioseducator, @blairteach, @weisgold03
RIP Todd Bol, Founder of the Little Free Library Movement: He Leaves Behind 75,000 Small Libraries That Promote Reading Worldwide https://t.co/zCcfP5iRxc#EdChat
I would absolutely love regular observations and feedback. Ill take all the help that I can get. The only person I ever see teach is myself and would love to know how other teachers have success.
#Edchat
Yes thank you! Great discussion. Tweets from those who observe and those who are the observer. POV reflects on which side of the table we are sitting at. The collaboration piece is important one to see growth & understanding #edchat
Our District created a 4-year cycle of observation & growth. One year, Ts work w/ a coach; another year Ts are formally observed by an admin; 3rd year Ts observe & collaborate w/ a colleague; 4th year Ts design their own project. Most choose to work w/ a colleague again.
In reply to
@timwolffSSD, @ShiftParadigm, @dubioseducator, @sgthomas1973, @PegGrafwallner, @DennisDill
Set a reminder & join #ECEchat at 8:30 PM CST tonight discussing Growing Writers —> Part 2, continuing the convo from last week’s chat. #ELAR#earlyed#kinderchat#edchat
