Good morning #HackLearning ... Merry Christmas to all! Sylvia, Writing Coach / Reading Tchr @BrandonHSEagles ... and moderator of #HackLearning slow chat - a great time to extend our conversation, to share successes and learning moments
Love joining #HackLearning on Sunday mornings! Meredith joining from SW Florida where the gentle surf is rocking against the seawall making a delightful sound today.
Good morning, #HackLearning folx! Lauren from NY, currently on leave from teaching to write a new book about integrating #SEL into academics...and apparently also to write a second edition of Curriculum at Your Core!
A classroom that believe kids are worthy of opportunity is important. Too many classes are filled with kids being guided by teachers just trying to get them to pass the test ... no real opportunities being created. #hacklearning
Good morning #hacklearning! Great topic for this morning's chat! Dee here from NJ! I'm a middle school STEM teacher, always eager to connect, learn, and collaborate.
Good morning, friends! This 21st Century Teaching and Learning Coordinator in Freeport, Illinois is super excited to chat about equity and dignity! #HackLearning
In a dignity-based classroom culture, all students can choose do work and build relationships they find deeply meaningful, even when it’s hard. Here’s one strategy: https://t.co/Y1tD6WoXET#HackLearning
Having a culture of mutual respect that is cognizant of SEL should not be viewed as "one more thing" that we need to do in the classroom. It IS the what we need to create in every space.
@cat3y shares this @ASCD
article. https://t.co/AlCEKgY8mS#HackLearning
A1: differentiated instruction, students are greeted at the door each day, wrong answers are celebrated as first steps towards learning, teacher and students use progressive, empathetic language #HackLearning
A1. A classroom where students feel trusted, respected, and thy have the freedom of choice in how they learn. Is the classroom comfortable for learning? How confident are the students? #hacklearning
A1 Peek at a classroom culture where social-emotional learning is a way of being by Carol Ann Tomlinson in Dignity in the Classroom - Educational Leadership https://t.co/hwTun7ij7R#hacklearning
Hearing what the kids are saying without judging and then helping them achieve their vision ... they may not make it during the school year, but they will remember how you set their dream in motion. #hacklearning
A1 With @DrFloydCobb2 , we've discovered for key ways dignity is honored. 1) Appreciating Differences & Uniqueness, 2) Presuming Competence & Positive Intent, 3) Building Partnerships & Community, 4) Repairing Harm & Restoring Relationships. How do these show up? #HackLearning
A1 No sarcasm (which I recently learned comes from the same root as sarcophagus- literally meaning “ripping the flesh from someone”) ... roles & responsibilities to students #HackLearning
A1: Classroom culture that honors dignity is a place where all student voices matter, conversation is respectful, students are given a variety of ways to communicate: whole group, 1 on 1, small group AND virtual #hacklearning
A1-giving every student a fair chance to learn even if it’s different for each student in the classroom. Accommodate for each students needs. #hacklearning
A1 #HackLearning I think these classroom look likes ones where all the children are represented in the classroom through materials, language etc. Their values are talked about and respected.
A1: We take an intentional look at our curriculum & decorations. Need to ensure our students can see themselves (mirrors) & others (windows). Check out these equity audits from the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium recommended by @Tolerance_orghttps://t.co/dSmmIcVn3u#hacklearning
A1) A flexible learning environment that provides options for all learners, language that lifts the voice of every member of the classroom and a spirit of inclusion that welcomes everyone in. #HackLearning
A1 This article by explains why you would NOT find behavior charts in a classroom that honors #dignity. #HackLearning
"...we are sacrificing student dignity in favor of teacher convenience." -@domsmithRPhttps://t.co/W9PoWXFfx9
A1 cultural, social, emotional, physical responsiveness to what learners need to feel safe, secure, comfortable, and resourced individually so they can access all they need as paths to curriculum and community #HackLearning
A1: Dignity is honoring one's identity. How a S identifies him/her/themself can vary but acknowledging their identities thru the lessons/activities in the curric is honoring them. Providing lenses into their own lives & other Ss in the class is equity thru dignity. #hacklearning
This is aligned with one of the four standards for dignity we've identified are essential. "Build partnerships and community." @DrFloydCobb2#HackLearning
A1. A classroom where students feel trusted, respected, and thy have the freedom of choice in how they learn. Is the classroom comfortable for learning? How confident are the students? #hacklearning
There have to be clear and consistent norms around how we listen, how we ask questions, how we demonstrate respect of an idea we do not agree with. These have to be taught and reinforced. #HackLearning
A1. @SaraKAhmed has terrific examples in her book #BeingtheChange This example shows identity statements that help students show that they refuse to let others' biases define them. #HackLearning
Hearing what the kids are saying without judging and then helping them achieve their vision ... they may not make it during the school year, but they will remember how you set their dream in motion. #hacklearning
A1 A Classroom culture that honors dignity celebrates differences. How?
➡️ Embracing our multi-lingual Ss
➡️ Ensuring your Class is #LGBT inclusive
➡️ #MysterySkype
➡️ Noting our community leaders who display courage & make history. Ie: After our recent election
#hacklearning
A1: Every student not only has a voice in the classroom, but it's also listened to equally If it's a different thought from others, it should be followed up w/ "Why do you feel that way?" Bring the differences to the front - don't hide them. #HackLearning
A1 Classroom cultures that strive to honor dignity would do well to look critically at grading practices that, intentionally or otherwise, rate students *against* each other. #hacklearning
A1: Classroom culture that honors dignity is a place where all student voices matter, conversation is respectful, students are given a variety of ways to communicate: whole group, 1 on 1, small group AND virtual #hacklearning
A1 where kids for real feel their voices matter, that they are self-aware in their agency, and they can influence their community writ small and large #HackLearning
This could be even by providing opportunities for learning - working on their individual weaknesses using their indiv strengths, and/or pursuing indiv interests. #hacklearning
Thanks to David Coleman @DougSBoard CollegeBoard for that visual! So helpful in confirming why I choose deliberately not to use sarcasm ☺️ #HackLearning
A1 No sarcasm (which I recently learned comes from the same root as sarcophagus- literally meaning “ripping the flesh from someone”) ... roles & responsibilities to students #HackLearning
A1: A classroom culture that honours dignity is one on which teachers and students remember one another's humanity by showing an increase of compassion when mistakes occur. #HackLearning
A1 This article includes some great, practical tips on celebrating the dignity of our #LGBT 🏳️🌈 Ss & families. I always tell my fellow educators, supporting our LGBT community isn't about politics, it's about safety & that is our #1 job!
#Hacklearninghttps://t.co/5VS45E5U6H
A1: We take an intentional look at our curriculum & decorations. Need to ensure our students can see themselves (mirrors) & others (windows). Check out these equity audits from the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium recommended by @Tolerance_orghttps://t.co/dSmmIcVn3u#hacklearning
A2: biggest challenge I see is leaders who feel ill prepared to deal with issues of equity and inclusion, and instead of hiring/paying experts to build capacity, they avoid the topic like a child eating their Brussel sprouts #hacklearning
A2: sometimes the empathy and social justice and equity that is modeled and encouraged and fostered in school is not mimicked, supported, or appreciated at home. Sometimes it is even combatted. #HackLearning
A2. Many schools use picture books each day that don't best help children learn about their identities. Here is a positive list that might help from @SaraKAhmed#HackLearning
A1: Restorative Practices promote dignity. The foundation is built on building a community where different viewpoints are not only safe, but expected. RP is grounded in empowerment. It teaches us how and allows us to move on when we’ve made a mistake. #HackLearning
One challenge to equity is that schools see it as somehow separate from academics. What if we reimagined every academic unit as a context for anti-bias work? Read more: https://t.co/H3WhBlt4AQ#HackLearning
A2: For some reason, it is human nature to be afraid of pushback. However, if we aren’t willing to tackle challenges, how will we ever grow? If we don’t grow… Can we really expect our students to? #HackLearning
Obstacles that many schools face in creating a learning environment that supports equity through dignity is positioning intent over impact. If your actions trigger loss of dignity, you should not use intent as a defense. #HackLearning
Sadly, our leadership in education seems to want to rest in their own cognitive congruence; making it a challenge to focus on the dignity of all #HackLearning
One challenge to equity is that schools see it as somehow separate from academics. What if we reimagined every academic unit as a context for anti-bias work? Read more: https://t.co/H3WhBlt4AQ#HackLearning
A2: I have to believe that all Ts want to provide equity. Is it just a lack of knowledge/awareness? Should the PD every year have some component on equity?... #hacklearning
A2 confirmation and implicit biases that we either know exist and ignore or simple lack of awareness and resistance to becoming aware - we don’t see and we don’t care to do so #HackLearning
A2 I think we must first acknowledge it in our own hidden biases — we all have them regardless of our desires ... we admit them so that we can work to remove them ... see all through lenses of love (people > principles) #HackLearning
Thanks. We have to recognize that this may be new to our Ss and they may be jaded by more toxic learning environments than the one we are trying to create. #HackLearning
A1: Kids are allowed to make mistakes or have a bad day. We work through the bad times together. We talk things through, we give space to cool down, we value each other's experience, we recognize that there are multiple perspectives. We listen & we do it together. #HackLearning
A2- I think the biggest challenge is we often think equity does always mean everyone get the same things but rather students get what they need to be successful.
#hacklearning
A2: People are scared to talk about certain topics. To feel more comfortable, everyone needs to get to know and trust each other. This take time and intentional effort/planning. #hacklearning
A2: We need to remember this work is not easy and not just a one-time workshop. Equity work is a continuous journey and learning experience. We need to understand we are all at different places in the journey, and that’s okay as long as we’re committed to growing. #hacklearning
A2a: The biggest obstacle to overcoming inequity is the status quo. For whatever their reasons, we have students, teachers, administrators, community members, and policymakers who view changing be status quo as a personal affront and so they resist it: #HackLearning
A2. Equity work must involve the community and not only seek solutions for an individual school. Getting community involvement about shifting this narrative often seems to arise during times of crisis. #HackLearning
I agree, but the way your tables are laid out is not nearly as important as the attitude in the classroom ... kids posse up where they want in my room ... sometimes it is around a table sometimes ... i will also inquire why they sit where they sit. #hacklearning
I’d argue diversity isn’t the goal or vision. Inclusion is. I’ve seen places very diverse, but only certain identities feel welcome. Retention doesn’t happen. #hacklearning
Sadly, our leadership in education seems to want to rest in their own cognitive congruence; making it a challenge to focus on the dignity of all #HackLearning
A2: How we assess our students, as and endpoint rather than a growth point, it is so engrained in school culture but it works against equity by creating divisions between the successful and the failures.#hacklearning
Most definitely. If they avoid listening, asking questions, and taking creative risks, it’s because they have a learning history that makes those the safest, easiest options. #HackLearning
A2: Equity is hard because we’ve lived in a world for a long time that pushed single narratives. We, as educators, haven’t always been good about switching our lens, and then operated by the assumption that everyone should just conform to us. We need to break this. #HackLearning
Thanks, Sarah. Listening -- along with empathy, openness, and patience -- is one of our core competencies (also organizational capacities) for dignity. #HackLearning
A1: Kids are allowed to make mistakes or have a bad day. We work through the bad times together. We talk things through, we give space to cool down, we value each other's experience, we recognize that there are multiple perspectives. We listen & we do it together. #HackLearning
A2: People often make excuses about why their organization isn’t ready to talk about topics or begin this work. Although it will be hard, it is necessary. No excuses. #hacklearning
PD around maker spaces & design thinking which r all important but where is the focus on equity? Message is, what people spend time on in class/PD is what they https://t.co/RV8A0mkgS5 much effort do Ts put on equitable instruction? How much PD is focused on that?#HackLearning
A2. One equity challenge educators face is strong collective biases. Poverty and heterogeneity do not need to stymie school/classroom communities. Children in poverty can respond to challenging expectations, and can recover from disadvantaged starts at school. #hacklearning
Every student is headed in the same direction (content wise) some kids may need different modes of transportation to get to the destination. #hacklearning
We tackled this in one District I worked in. It was the initial step. I wonder how that work is progressing now after a decade and a shift in Supt. #HackLearning
Offering it in PD, addressing it from Admin, raising awareness... these are all important, but it doesn't change until Ts admit & address their bias. Ts need to see that even a bias they don't think surfaces - is seen by their Ss. We need Ts to address their biases #HackLearning
Q1 One major hurdle is the lack of diversity in the classroom library. All students deserve to see themselves represented in the books they read. White boys are the main character in the majority of children’s books followed by animals. #BooksasMirrors#SocialEquity#HackLearning
A1 This article includes some great, practical tips on celebrating the dignity of our #LGBT 🏳️🌈 Ss & families. I always tell my fellow educators, supporting our LGBT community isn't about politics, it's about safety & that is our #1 job!
#Hacklearninghttps://t.co/5VS45E5U6H
A2: There are pockets of intolerance everywhere and a culture of negativity and doubt that need to be rooted out. It takes a concerted effort to shine a light on that which we reject! #hacklearning
Yyyeeeeesssssssss! “But I know them and they a good person and they care about diversity, their intentions are good” is not an excuse when behavior has the Impact of marginalizing someone #hacklearning
A2-One obstacle is being stuck in"This is how it has always been done". Moving past this mindset can be a big hurdle, but it is necessary.#hacklearning
A2b: "This is how we did it when I was in school and I think I turned out just fine; are you saying I didn't?" We will begin to overcome inequities in school when we accept that maintaining the status quo only for the sake of the status quo is a terrible practice. #HackLearning
But many see an image and think "map" ... I have to have a Starbucks classroom or I am not being "flexible" ... many want to replicate instead of finding their own path. #hacklearning
Last summer @chrisemdin said we need to listen to students even in their “wratched selves” ... brilliance looks awesome in a lot of different ways! #HackLearning
A2: People often make excuses about why their organization isn’t ready to talk about topics or begin this work. Although it will be hard, it is necessary. No excuses. #hacklearning
A1: Restorative Practices promote dignity. The foundation is built on building a community where different viewpoints are not only safe, but expected. RP is grounded in empowerment. It teaches us how and allows us to move on when we’ve made a mistake. #HackLearning
A1: We treat each other like family & don't exclude them when they make a mistake. When we send kids out, we send a message to them & everyone else about their worth. It's difficult to gain back that level of trust, if it was ever there in the first place. #HackLearning
Maybe educators can aspire to qualities that writer Finley Peter Dunne attributed to journalists: "comfort the affflicted & afflict the comfortable." #hacklearning
I agree!! We must do all we can to help our students feel safe at school - once they feel safe, their brain chemistry changes and they’re able to better process new information/learning. #HackLearning
A2: Inequity is prevalent when the school w/ greatest needs of Ss experiencing personal crisis, in need of mental health services or living in poverty, are assigned least experienced Ts are expected to operate w/ resources comparable to others #hacklearning
We don’t create sense of belonging BEFORE doing meaningful work together. We create a sense of belonging BY doing meaningful work together. Here’s an example: https://t.co/5phcSbXyVw#HackLearning
It's still on my list, too; I'll get to it eventually, but I had to force myself to stop bumping books to the top when I noticed a book had been on the list for nearly three years. #HackLearning
In reply to
@LaurenPorosoff, @mexusmx, @hackmylearning, @alisonstoneCBSD
A3) Spend the first part of the year building relationships, creating community and engaging in SEL before diving into curriculum. Or, do them together. #HackLearning
Not seeing color is like denying that people other than whites exist. The goal isn't to be blind to color. It's to embrace and include it. This often takes intentionality. #HackLearning
Q3: Focus on building your community of learners before tackling curriculum. This is how we collaborate, communicate, celebrate together.
#HackLearning
A3: it starts with seeing those kids in the classroom (and Teachers in the district) who may not have their Maslow needs met. Start with caring about that. Belonging will come! #hacklearning
A3 we have know our students and plan instruction for their needs — safety > belonging > achievement... in that order we can more efficiently and effectively instruct them #HackLearning
That's what we were taught early on with PD about race & ethnicity. Ts think it's good to not see color. If we don't see color, do we also not want to see the differences? Our Ss are different - let that shine through. #hacklearning
A3: I recently had a high school student tell me that it's not safe to study with her best friends. "Secretly, nobody wants their friends showing up higher then them when the class rankings come out." What can we do to change this type of phenomena? #HackLearning
We can start to create a stronger sense of belonging in classrooms by being mindful of how inclusive we are. Be intentional to guarantee contributions and perspectives of diverse backgrounds. #HackLearning
Read this blog by @triciaebarviahttps://t.co/M1OhMjXzX6
A3 Do the work to get to know your students, research them as soon as you get their roster, seek out prior teachers, counselors, survey the students and their parents. Then use that info to show that you believe in their abilities and celebrate their differences #hacklearning
It’s a great week for a great conversation ... all are invited and welcome to join our #HackLearning slow chat ... let me know if you’d like to be tagged in!
A3: Use an advisory time in a middle school to really connect and hone in on students. Be intentional on how you place kids in the advisory period and who you place them with. This could become their "base" within the school - a very solid foundation. #hacklearning
A3 It takes diligent effort and deep love and patience for some students to feel *seen* and *heard* - ask questions, nudge gently, offer support, give opportunities for success. #smallsteps#HackLearning
We can start to create a stronger sense of belonging in classrooms by being mindful of how inclusive we are. Be intentional to guarantee contributions and perspectives of diverse backgrounds. #HackLearning
Read this blog by @triciaebarviahttps://t.co/M1OhMjXzX6
A3: We see our children, families, & staff as people 1st. We take the time to get to know their stories. We listen to them when they say they are struggling & we don’t judge them or see them as weaker. We value their experience & contributions to our community. #hacklearning
Q3 A classroom culture of social equity begins w/ the teacher’s mindset. Professional development is needed to bring awareness to Ss’ needs & challenges. Many children come to school hungry or in fear of deportation. #Hacklearning#Maslow
The thing about #HackLearning that everyone is missing is that we are on the verge of runaway climate change and we need a complete re-think of the global economy to ensure a just society & avoid planetary catastrophe.
A3: As a vertical orchestra director/strings teacher, I have a unique position with my students where I may see them for 4-5 years before they go on to another teacher. I think that helps substantially with their feeling accepted #HackLearning#LPSBlended
A2 Acknowledging our differences too in positive conversations helps. In a casual chat with a student, I shared I was Jewish. In amazement, she told me I was the first Jewish person she's ever met! #progress#hacklearning#HappyChanukah
A3: To ensure belonging, it’s important we have a sense of community in our classrooms. The students need to feel comfortable and important. We can do this by building relationships with the students and between the students. #HackLearning
We need to keep offering them outlets. Various clubs and organizations - and let the Ss create these opportunities. Ask the trade schools how their #'s are right now - too much focus on everyone belongs in college. #hacklearning
A3 #HackLearning In order to establish the belonging stage I think we need to build communities in our classrooms where everyone is included, respected and valued; this is a safe place for everyone to voice their thoughts.
Compromise possible -- Can those traditional ways to belong linger while we help lever open wider windows to additional kinds of success that don't yet carry comparable cultural credibility? Mix & match alternative priorities we can imagine, in other words. #hacklearning
Honestly would be helpful to use this in offices all over the world. Not just with our students. I know some adults who could benefit from RP in the workplace. #hacklearning
So agree, and wish to add that it typically take time for communities and organizations to work through the issues and excuses, i.e., the good work can't be forced. #hacklearning
A1 With @DrFloydCobb2 , we've discovered for key ways dignity is honored. 1) Appreciating Differences & Uniqueness, 2) Presuming Competence & Positive Intent, 3) Building Partnerships & Community, 4) Repairing Harm & Restoring Relationships. How do these show up? #HackLearning
This topic is extremely deep and long, emotional discussions need to take place for the scales to begin shifting. All of you who have shared amazing resources - thank you - gaining more knowledge and then beginning is extremely wise. #HackLearning
A3: In many obs lately,I have noticed students sitting alone-sometimes not even facing the lesson or having someone to partner w/ at work time. How must that child feel? How would the fam feel? What message does this send in our classroom-who belongs & who doesn’t? #hacklearning
A3: Students are constantly scanning the environment for safety cues, if they aren’t present, their brains won’t learn. Using the hierarchy of needs to create systems for proactive social-emotional support is imperative if we want all ss to learn at high levels. #HackLearning
A3 belonging comes from feeling that you are valued unconditionally - that you matter no matter what - that you have something to offer to the community and it to you -from neurodiversity to cultural diversity to gender diversity and more #HackLearning
A3: Giving space & time to build relationships so you get to know the "individuals" in your classroom. When a S is absent and you know they went to the lawyer to talk about their immig status, the conversation won't be the same if a S just slept in. #hacklearning
Join #HackLearning chat December 9 at 8:30-9:00am EST when Sanee Bell @SaneeBell will be guest moderator leading chat on the "hacky" topic of Productive Conflict.
A2: We've been "doing school" our entire lives, not just now as Ts. Curriculum may change, but the structures that reproduce the inequities are the same from when we were kids. It's the way it's always been done. We reward compliance, but that's not learning. #HackLearning
A3 _Not Light, But Fire_ by @MattRKay offers some tested classroom moves to prepare soil for toil of equity work, specifically exploring race as topic central to living, learning. I see more than a few Maslow elements in Mr. Kay's moves. #hacklearning
I think it is VITAL that we show Ss the power of uplifting one another. How can we do this? Model. Continuously lift up those who are around you; colleagues, admin, students, cafeteria workers, janitors. We’re all one team. Be a positive force for the kids. Always. #HackLearning
A3: I recently had a high school student tell me that it's not safe to study with her best friends. "Secretly, nobody wants their friends showing up higher then them when the class rankings come out." What can we do to change this type of phenomena? #HackLearning
A3: Ensuring belonging and stressing achievement go hand-in-hand. I ask students to make a list of what they need or want to be successful and they list things like safety, trust, and respect. These form our community learning agreements. #HackLearning
