Good Morning Everyone! Thank you for joining us this morning to talk about #TheStruggle. Please introduce yourself and share a picture or a quote of a historical African-American that inspired you to bring change to the world.
#EduGladiators
Sean from Orland Pk IL. Hopefully my Multicultural education class will join in today - topic is a perfect fit. Shared info w/ them Monday. #edugladiators
Welcome warriors! Excited to have @D4Griffin3 kick off our {NEW} series: We Shall Overcome!
Roll call...Share a pic/quote of a historical African-American that inspired you through their sacrifice to bring change to the world?
#EduGladiators
Good Morning Everyone! Thank you for joining us this morning to talk about #TheStruggle. Please introduce yourself and share a picture or a quote of a historical African-American that inspired you to bring change to the world.
#EduGladiators
You inspired me @juliaerin80 . Let's honor grandmothers on this day of #BlackHistoryMonth
Meet my grandmother. We share a first name. 😊 She was one of the first black teachers to desgregate schools in Miami. The work continues.
#EduGladiators 👋🏼Excited about joining this morning's chat hosted by @D4Griffin3 🇺🇸
"A great nation is a compassionate nation." --Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
@AdobeSpark
New to Twitter Chats? Qs drop as Q1...Q2... & you answer A1...A2... Don't forget to include #EduGladiators hashtag & follow @EduGladiators where ALL of our Qs drop from!
#EduGladiators A1: These #MLK quotes are so timely now as they were then.
#ChooseLove#ChooseCompassion
☑️"Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it." --Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Good morning #edugladiators! Jill, Elementary Instructional Coach from MA. Always in awe whenever I visit the MLK Jr Memorial-so many inspiring, important, and powerful words produced by one person.
A1: Until access to high quality learning opportunities is universally provided we are failing as a nation to provide equity. There are many reasons why this happens but none of them are acceptable. #EduGladiators
Good morning. Elaine IC from NJ here to learn from all of you awesome #Eduheroes. Need some edtalk in my life. Been so busy with school work that I take naps now. 😞🤷🏽♀️ it’ll be all worth it one day! You guys all inspire me to lead! 🙏🏾 #EduGladiators
Just read about him while reading #Culturize , recall commercial when he shares shots missed, game winning shots missed, great message about pushing through failures and growing #edugladiators
A1: I would look at the unfortunate connection to poverty and SOC. In Canada (my only real life reference) First Nations students in many communities have the same struggles with poverty and education. Progress can not be made without learning. #edugladiators
A1) this is tough but I think it’s people’s perception of what teaching students of color looks like. People think it’s chaotic always and therefore people don’t want to devote resources to an education like that:unfortunately #edugladiators
Muhammad Ali, supported by Carl Stokes, Bill Russell, Jim Brown, Kareem Abdul Jabbar..etc. when made the brave decision to defy the draft. #EduGladiators
A1) It is through education that we can help to level the playing field for all. Arm people with the ability to learn, think and find purpose. You arm them with the ability to win! #edugladiators
Well, alrighty then with this Q! In the US freedom is tightly bound with being able to live out God-given and civil rights. That can't fully be accomplished without access to an equitable education. 1/2 #EduGladiators
I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality...unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word. ~MLK Jr.
#edugladiators
A1: Education is the key factor that impacts social mobility. There is a moral imperative to struggle against the status quo which is increasingly segregated. #edugladiators
A1. Because data from research like this recent NYT article are all too common. The way we've always done it is not working. We have to invest in the community, child, family - far beyond content, content, content. Embrace the uncomfortable. https://t.co/LtHk4IxEBT#EduGladiators
A1 unfortunately there’s inequity when it comes to delivery mechanisms, access to materials, and acceleration programs in impoverished urban districts. For these reasons, one cannot expect there to be equal access to quality education across the state. #EduGladiators
A1: The “civil war” of it all is about poverty & trauma in the halls & walls of our work. The unfortunate truth is that kids of color are the beautiful tragedy that epitomizes both trauma & poverty too often, not the only ones but too often. #TheStruggle#EduGladiators
A1: We are fighting a battle against privilege, power, oppression, and systematic injustice. We’re fighting for equity, culturally responsive and competent teaching, justice. #EduGladiators
A1: We have yet to level the playing field. It should not be a battle/war to have high quality education for all children, yet the low-performing schools throughout our state are the schools serving our CoC. It is a fight to get resources, highly qualified Ts, etc. #EduGladiators
A1 what an interesting Q. I going to listen to the answers. My first thought is that those leaders had different tactics and goals even within their community. #edugladiators
A1: Because even though we say all students are entitled to an education, we know that not all students are getting access to the same schools, opportunities, resources. We treat & see students differently - whether we realize that or not. #edugladiators
Hi, tuning in from Connecticut. Why do you think it’s a function of government? (Don’t necessarily disagree; just curious to delve deeper.) #EduGladiators
A1 Marian from Atlanta. We are still relearning history that has been hidden or misrepresented. Ts are teaching through an imperfect lens which harms all of us. #EduGladiators
A1 Historic political and social marginalization has perpetuated inequitable learning opps/environments for Ss of color. Our work becomes to dismantle these systems so our Ss are fully equipped to succeed in the 21st century. #EduGladiators
A1) a high quality education should be available to ALL to show how successful every student can be. I know my students will do amazing things someday because I consistently work to instill confidence in them #edugladiators
Today our #ReclaimingOurTime leader is @johnlegend. We need to consider the message we are sending our children when 1.6 million students attend a school with a Sworn Law-Enforcement Officer & NO school counselor. #BlackHistoryMonth
A1 As resources become scarce and education becomes more nad more a business, those with the least influence will have the least opportunity. Every child matters everyday with out regard for zip code. Investment starts with speaking up! #edugladiators
A2: Relationships and how we treat people are key but it means that our walk matches our talk. All students must have access to the best programs and resources available to demonstrate proficiency and work towards achieving their maximum growth and development. #EduGladiators
Agreed. Education can't be about knowledge and content first. It always about building relationships, connecting and loving people. Students don't care to learn from people they don't like. Parents don't trust teachers their kids don't care for. #edugladiators
A1. Because data from research like this recent NYT article are all too common. The way we've always done it is not working. We have to invest in the community, child, family - far beyond content, content, content. Embrace the uncomfortable. https://t.co/LtHk4IxEBT#EduGladiators
A1: The stakes feel really high now in education. There’s so much “on the line,” and it feels like we are preparing our Ss not just w/ knowledge but to help aid the intense division of our world #edugladiators
A2) We must acknowledge and support our students of color by helping them create their identity rather than allow stereotypes to define them. #EduGladiators#RitaPierson#BlackHistoryMonth
A1 Solving our imbalance of power and inequity issues is not just about "trying your hardest"-it's about empowering our Ss, & the whole world, with the tools of knowledge competence, and SEL skills that will give them the power and strength to succeed. #edugladiators
When I see the opportunities all students have to be part of athletics in the schools and beyond, Jackie Robinson is such a big reason for that. #EduGladiators
A1: All students should be given a “free” and equally valuable education across this country regardless of district, socioeconomic status, race, gender, etc. it should be a constitutional right! #EduGladiators
Q2: Build relationships. Get to know them. Demonstrate honor and respect for them through words & actions. Find authentic opportunities to showcase their talents and gifts and voices. #EduGladiators
A2. Undivided, fully focused listening. Ongoing support both at school and reaching out to parents/support network ongoing. Students can spot a phony a mile away. Our work is challenging but it takes a village. #EduGladiators
A2) we celebrate and work to build confidence in them. I recently had 19/23 students show growth on their midway @NWEA map testing and we celebrated by showing that off to their families #edugladiators
A2: I might be out on a limb here and again maybe it is just my experience being so different in Canada but can we not just make sure to celebrate their amazingness like every other student in our class? #edugladiators
What I see here in SW MO is the inequity for poverty neighborhoods. The schools in the poorest neighborhoods get the least amount of resources. In a town of 50k, it isnt even subtle. #edugladiators
Public education is an important element for egalitarian goals and equal opportunity. If ed is private only the wealthy have access and an aristocracy develops. #edugladiators
A2: You have to speak greatness into young people of color. Combat what they might otherwise hear about themselves in the news, on social media, even in the hallways #edugladiators
Well...You have to believe that about them first. How do you show that? By not disciplining them at outrageous rates, by not tracking them in less demanding classes, but replacing pity with high expectations and the support to get there. #EduGladiators
A2: they need Ts that look like them that have overcome the obstacles put in their way by white people. They need high expectations AND compassion to succeed. #edugladiators
A1:There’s a divide that remains. And that divide stems from denial that things aren’t working. There are folks within & without who know, and who fight, but there are too many who choose to be deaf and dumb to the reality of things. Maybe it’s the Rev War we need. #edugladiators
A2 We first have to believe it. We still accept “achievement gaps” as truth when they are framed incorrectly. School staff need to acknowledge personal bias and privilege. It’s not easy, but necessary. #EduGladiators
A2) We have to move pass the notion that #success can only be obtained through getting an A on a test, becoming a celebrity, and the accumulation of money. Success comes from loving yourself which empowers you to uplift others.
#MayaAngelou#EduGladiators#BlackHistoryMonth
And in my experience, it seems to be by design. The Ts and Admin are simply told to do the best they can while the districts practically ignores those schools until Test scores send others in to question. #EduGladiators
A2: We need to tell SOC that they are talented, gifted, and valued, and give them the opportunities to share their gifts in as many ways as possible. #EduGladiatorshttps://t.co/lsJWjQi3SG
A2: we have to be intentional about feedback, conversations, perseverance, productive struggle, and celebrations of success for Ss of color #edugladiators
Yes. And...we must help them to see what is possible and then support them to maintain their focus and desire to get it.
"If you can see it...You can be it. Dream Big and Grow into it."
We must provide the soil for Ss to dream and grow like this. #edugladiators
A2 Representation and presence of POCs is essential! Schools need to be intentional in have representation of adults POCs in school spaces as counselors, teachers and administrators. And this doesn’t confine just to POCs as disciplinarians. #EduGladiators
Thank you for bringing up pity. I've encountered Ts who love through low-expectations, not realizing how detrimental/destructive/unloving their actions are....high expectations combined with love and support is the answer! #EduGladiators
A2 Get to know them. Ask about their interest. Start with a people first approach. Kids know when you are invested and when you are "acting" Be real and love much. #EduGladiators
A2: It starts with equipping all Ts w/ knowledge and skills to help Ss see their talents and valued. Must have high skilled and passionate school leaders to do that. #edugladiators
A2. Unless you start with your own issues around black/brown children, you're missing the work. #EduGladiators
"We are not what we think or say we are, not what we hope, not what we pretend we are. We are simply what we do." Stokley Carmichael.
A2 you’ve got to pay attention to them. Talk to them. Praise them. Guide them. LOVE them. Don’t sell them short. Don’t expect less from them. Don’t cap their hopes and dreams. They are the future too. They are our hope too. #EduGladiators
Could these questions be framed with students in poverty in mind? In rural Appalachia, poverty is the obstacle regardless of race. I want ALL Ss to succeed& education levels the playing field where ALL have access to MORE. #EduGladiators#EduGladiators
#EduGladiators A2: So many Ss of Color & their Fs are viewed through the 🔎s of a deficit model. Take an assets based approach. The Ss & Families we serve come with many funds of knowledge & experiences. Remembering that Who we serve is just as important as our Why, What, & How.
Once you establish the mindset of success you will find success in the process of fulfilling your purpose in life. #EduGladiatorshttps://t.co/PoGRuFh3uA
A2) We have to move pass the notion that #success can only be obtained through getting an A on a test, becoming a celebrity, and the accumulation of money. Success comes from loving yourself which empowers you to uplift others.
#MayaAngelou#EduGladiators#BlackHistoryMonth
A2: Do not view color, or tragedy, or poverty, or circumstance; see HUMAN. See beautiful. See potential. See the good! We choose to see what we look for, I choose beautiful & we must act it daily; all great people shall do the same #TheStruggle#EduGladiators
Well said. What of those teachers who become self-aware enough that kids and parents aren’t crazy about them? What can they do? Or what can parents do or tell their kids to do if the teacher doesn’t measure up? #EduGladiators
Agreed. Education can't be about knowledge and content first. It always about building relationships, connecting and loving people. Students don't care to learn from people they don't like. Parents don't trust teachers their kids don't care for. #edugladiators
A1. Because data from research like this recent NYT article are all too common. The way we've always done it is not working. We have to invest in the community, child, family - far beyond content, content, content. Embrace the uncomfortable. https://t.co/LtHk4IxEBT#EduGladiators
A2: Looking at our discipline policies and numbers. What does the data say? Are we truly treating all students the same? There are many studies that confirm that we aren’t. #EduGladiators
A2: If we don't have these people in our buildings on a daily basis, it's import that we connect our Ss w/ them by bringing them in as mentors & creating real bonds on a REGULAR basis. #edugladiators
A2: Start with having that belief yourself then get to know your students and allow them multiple and varied ways to show their learning - their strengths will emerge #EduGladiators
A2. We have to ensure that Ss of color & all Ss have at least 1 trusted adult on campus. Their job is to unlock potential in Ss & serve as mentors. They are the chief cheerleaders for the Ss #edugladiators
A1: I don’t see education as a “ Civil War” but more of constant tug of war between the best interest of the students & politics of education. Civil War stand alone as fight for human bondage. Education is a continuing paradigm shift always trying to find middle. #EduGladiators
A2 you’ve got to pay attention to them. Talk to them. Praise them. Guide them. LOVE them. Don’t sell them short. Don’t expect less from them. Don’t cap their hopes and dreams. They are the future too. They are our hope too. #EduGladiators
Yes and that can start by including people of color in your own circle of friendships. Not just acquaintances. We all have a tendency to only have friends who look like us. We need to learn from ea other. #EduGladiators
A2 Affirmation of their resilience, potential, brilliance, & contribution to the world around them is essential. Also, exposure & encouragement to different opportunities- in & out of school! This includes recommendations for advanced courses, enrichment opps, etc. #edugladiators
Best advice I received before teaching inner city - Don't feel sorry for them. I walked in, loved them like I love all of my students and set high expectation for them. I rolled my eyes @ the advice but then realized how important it was! #EduGladiators
Thank you for bringing up pity. I've encountered Ts who love through low-expectations, not realizing how detrimental/destructive/unloving their actions are....high expectations combined with love and support is the answer! #EduGladiators
A2 you’ve got to pay attention to them. Talk to them. Praise them. Guide them. LOVE them. Don’t sell them short. Don’t expect less from them. Don’t cap their hopes and dreams. They are the future too. They are our hope too. #EduGladiators
A3: Ensuring that active listening is taking place. Clearly, it can be difficult to understand the sum of one's life experience. However, learning empathy and understanding the perspectives of others is key. #EduGladiators
#EduGladiators A2:Earning a degree helped our family rise out out poverty. Education is the "Civil War" for Ss today because if we don't address inequity then we will continue to have an educational system that remains divided & Ss who lack skills because of lack of opportunities
Yes! Our students are not as needy as lumping them altogether in one school full of 1st year/lateral entry Ts and long term substitutes with no education background makes them seem. It’s a system issue. Schools & Ss r not failing, our systems r failing them! #EduGladiators
A2: #EduGladiators Build relationships, get to know them as individual, not a perceived group. Ask them what they need in the lrning environment. Follow through
A2 Creating classroom communities that include strong relationships AND high expectations. We need to be a support for Ss but also be the person who pushes them. When you really love them and show you care, they'll let you in to do that. #edugladiators
A3. Every student has a story. Stop. Pause. Reflect. Get to know them. Keep the relationship going. Jumping to conclusions. Build the village, solidify it - never tear it down. No child should ever feel defeated and left behind by any educator. Period. #EduGladiators
I'm a historian. I believe in an open debate and coming to consensus. Major ideas are estavlished and Minority views are able to make their case. Over time (or quickly) things can change. Local controls help too. What are your thoughts? #edugladiators
#EduGladiators A3: I encounter administrative intransigence in ensuring that all students are programmed for appropriate classes at times of the day when they can be successful (i.e. not scheduling classes for most struggling students at 7:15 am)
If you missed the #EduGladiators Podcast last week, catch the replay from our Facebook page https://t.co/7okknIWibT as we talked with our January chat moderators about promoting positive behavior.
A3: The belief that they "can't" learn the same. No one student is the same so why focus on that, instead focus on what we can do and how we can learn and work towards that. #edugladiators
A3: Adult mindsets about discipline take time to change. Most people are used to punitive responses instead of thinking restoratively. We can't just punish, we need to coach & teach students about behavior - just let we do w/ academics! #edugladiators
A2: regardless color or circumstance, we create a space where they feel human. In my room, my world, I want EVERY kid to feel empowered, connected, valued, respected, challenged & supported. These self standards drive every decision I make. #edugladiators#myroom
A3. Every student has a story. Stop. Pause. Reflect. Get to know them. Keep the relationship going. Never jumping to conclusions. Build the village, solidify it - never tear it down. No child should ever feel defeated and left behind by any educator. Period. #EduGladiators
A3: I've watched "white school" needs be met sooner than other schools (re: cameras at the door, resources). I've encountered Asst Supt's (AfAm/White) who've responded to white parents' voices with an urgency while other voices were ignored. #EduGladiators
A3) A struggle that I have encountered is the perception, stereotypes, imagery, and labels that are provided without validity that many students claim as their reality.
#EduGladiators#BlackHistoryMonth
A1: By our actions, words and deeds. This take place by building those relationships with students of color. Step into their world and listen beyond once own comfort zone. Don’t judge...Listen! #EduGladiators
A3: Ts that aren't aware of their racial bias. I've encountered lower expectations & less patience or understanding. I've struggled with confronting it. #justbeinghonest#edugladiators
+ #edugladiators A3: continued - and I counter that by using my voice, encouraging my students to use theirs, and being the best possible teacher I can be for them given the circumstances, keeping their success always in mind
A3: Honestly there is very little resistance in our rural setting of NWKS. We champion the history of Nicodemus being just 20 miles away & that we celebrate its history & contribution often! We take Ss there in chat & bus; it’s clear that color is not a difference #EduGladiators
A3. A school may be diverse but the Ss outcomes are not. AP, GT, Band, passing rates etc. We have to ensure that Ss of color are not just sitting @ the table, but are eating! I bring issues to light! #edugladiators
So much wisdom being spread in by my fellow #edugladiators. 30 minutes is just not enough to take it all in... Thanks to @D4Griffin3 for creating this space for us!
A3) We really embrace differences, respect for all, and kindness towards all. My learners are young, but I hope we are planting seeds that will prove fruitful in the future. #edugladiators
A3) struggling with discipline disconnection from Home life to school. When students are in our hands we should discipline in that we allow them to reflect and talk about how we can move on. Not just take things away from them #edugladiators
Why is this such a hard shift for some Ts and Admin? This should be the first things we do in our classrooms & build on it daily. I started my class with a 6 slide selfie project. We began getting to know each other & each other's cultures. #edugladiators
Understanding the true purpose of accountability/discipline is key. It’s not so the adults feel better afterwards. Love restorative methods but it’s a hard hill to climb in some situations! #EduGladiators
A3: Adult mindsets about discipline take time to change. Most people are used to punitive responses instead of thinking restoratively. We can't just punish, we need to coach & teach students about behavior - just let we do w/ academics! #edugladiators
A3: People saying they are colorblind and that they only teach students of color so they can't be racist. We need to have these discussions, reflect on ourselves, reexamine our policies. We like to simplify because it's easy when we know it's not. #edugladiators
A3 It is nearly impossible to develop equitable learning environments for Ss if as educations, we are unaware of our implicit biases that impact our everyday interactions, decisions, and actions. #edugladiators
A3: One major struggle is identifying and facing our biases. Once we acknowledge that we have them, we can put measures in place to help us reduce their impact on our students. #EduGladiatorshttps://t.co/ucuk0NOEEu
A3) Shifting traditional mindsets and pushing for equity in schools is an ongoing challenge. Keep pushing forward, shining a light in positive change, and bring others along with you! #edugladiators
A3 We are working on Equity as a PLC focus in our school. From the top down we view kids as kids regardless of colour/culture. Most of our students are from another country #EduGladiators
A3 Schools are still segregated. Opportunities within schools are still segregated. We need more access to high quality content for all kids not just those chosen by edus. Again, we need to remove deficit thinking or we merely repeat what we have now. #EduGladiators
A3 I have to say that the biggest hurdles are stereotypes. Just because a Ss looks, walks, talks a certain way some people automatically place them in a specific category. That’s just wrong! #EduGladiators
A3. I am committed to working with adults who serve kids in this area. I know that it will take a lot of learning and unlearning on everyone's part. Including the kids. They start to believe these deficit ideas about themselves. #EduGladiators
A3: I try not to listen to negativity! I block it out! I think Mindset is powerful! We know the potential and the implications for a brighter future rests within each child! #EduGladiators
A4: Stop making excuses for why it's difficult to do the right thing. Time or lack of it is unacceptable. Building a love of learning and a desire to invest in activities that lead to future success is essential. #EduGladiators
A3 (p2): As a leader, I continue/d to advocate and remain a voice of those who have been marginalized; later forming affinity groups for Haitian Ps/others to engage & have a voice so that I'm not speaking for but providing a platform for listening. #EduGladiators
A3 Take time to lern about #culture and #community. See Ss as people first... Then make sure that access and opportunity looks the same for every S. Some Ss will need extra time, $$, resources.
#edugladiators
Also, discipline shouldn't be used to make everyone fit into the same box to make adults feel a sense of control or power. Learning is a journey - join your students on it. #edugladiators
A4: Support Support Support. Stop just accepting the statements that are out there about differences and work to meet students where they are and build them to where they need to be. Celebrate success and coach where needed. #edugladiators
#Edugladiators A3: When Ts steal a Ss struggle. Lowered expectations for Ss resulting in low level work and the 🌀continues. However, it's amazing what another Tt with the same Ss can do with ⬆️expectations, focus on 🏗relationshils, & support for our Ss to surpass expectations
Listen, observe and provide opportunities for them to showcase and utilize their gifts. You may need to be the magnifying glass to focus their gift and let it shine. #edugladiators
A3: suspension rates, the disproportionate number of students of color in special education, access, a lack of teachers of color—a lot of struggle/conflict. But I am not without hope! #edugladiators
Thank you #EduGladiators for an EPIC chat to kick off our series: We ShallOvercome! Big kudos to @D4Griffin3 for pushing our thinking this morning with "The Struggle"!
Q4. We must get together with our colleagues and form PLCs about the issues SS of color face & develop an intentional plan. We can’t do it alone!Make it an actual mission & not just on paper 📝 #edugladiators
A3 Helping all educators understand that, whether or not they can see it, there IS an inequality, and blanket policies will NOT help or work. We need to meet each & every S where they are and give them the skills they need to find success & happiness. #edugladiators
A4. Constantly learning & growing. I am working heavily with equity through @racialequityllc and dear edu friends @mikeaustinwest, @mseverett4, @wchavis and others to deepen this work. Must spread this work and taking the time to invest in the Ss we all serve. #edugladiators
As a parent, this could be an opportunity for the child to learn that they are the driver of their bus. We can't control our circumstances, but we can choose to still gain something from an experience with any teacher. Even one that might not be exactly what you hoped for.
Let's demand curriculum with diverse images and literature. And not be afraid to have hard conversations with students about our history. #edugladiators
A4. I think one of the things we can all do, and very easily, is to ask Qs about current practices. Asking, "Why is this done this way? What impact does this have on XYZ group? How can we make sure we haven't forgotten XYZ?" are all ways to start. 1/2 #EduGladiators
A4: the same things we do daily for EVERY child, and we mean act, create, love, embrace, challenge, support, push, pull & fight for EVERY. SINGLE. CHILD! #TheStruggle#EduGladiators
But do we stop 2notice that intense focus in schools filled w/SOC is always content rather than skills 4life & work? We are holding this group of children back from being 21st century (NOW!) ready over 20th century content. That doesn’t happen across the tracks. #edugladiators
A4: We need to find those Ss that are struggling to make a connection with someone on their campus and be the person who sees them for who they are AND who they have the potential to be! #edugladiators
#edugladiators A4 Many school system struggles with unconscious bias and discipline practice with students of color—they don’t see that they are more punitive to students of color. Can’t change it until, you own it!
A3: I simply try to make each kid feel like they matter. I do my very best to meet each where they are and help them grow while they are in my care. I don’t have all the answers, but I have found in that absence that if I treat each as valued beings it moves us on. #edugladiators
A4 Work is inward & outward. First, educate ourselves re: historic & present day policies that seek to threaten Ss welfare. Then, advocate for our Ss through learning their story, provide opps to affirm their brilliance, & encourage them to accomplish their best! #EduGladiators
Totally agree. It’s hard as a principal to get some to understand fair is not equal & that also applies to discipline also. Structure yes, but we must see every child’s unique needs. #EduGladiators
Also, discipline shouldn't be used to make everyone fit into the same box to make adults feel a sense of control or power. Learning is a journey - join your students on it. #edugladiators
A4 Look for ways to dismantle systems that perpetuate unequal access: tracking, gifted referral processes, Low expectations. Have hard convos about race with staff. #EduGladiators
A3: Consider conducting school climate surveys. Embed ?s into a Survey Mondkey. See: https://t.co/IM3Abinj39 for ideas. Ss have better ideas for solutions than adults do - depending on their ages. #EduGladiators
A4: What do our Ss see as their 'ceiling'? What should they see? That's a conversation we should be having with them, and helping them explore beyond the 'ceiling' if it's too low. They may not know what's possible. Show Them! #edugladiators
Yes. Are we disciplining or teaching? School should be a safe place to make bad choices and learn from them. - Children rise to our expectations. If we treat students as scholars, scholars they will be. #EduGladiators
#EduGladiators A4: This mantra that has served as my North Star and Why has probably been the biggest resistance I have encountered throughout my educational career👇🏼#ALLMeansALL
A4: Research all educational opportunities for them! So many Post Secondary scholarships available. #EduGladiators Encourage and empower with opportunity!
A4. You have to recognize inequities though. That may mean you have to PICK UP A BOOK and read about the history of this country, especially as it relates to people of color. We have and continue to live in two parallel countries. Ask Puerto Rico. 2/2 #EduGladiators
A3: Consider conducting school climate surveys. Embed ?s into a Survey Monkey. See: https://t.co/K6Gf57DS5I… for ideas. Ss have better ideas for solutions than adults do - depending on their ages. #EduGladiators
I do believe there are and should be certain educational priorities coming from the government, with room for local and individual needs. All should feel part of larger goals we all share. #EduGladiators
1) It's easy to maintain the status quo w/in our educational system. 2) Some love the curriculum more than the kids. 3) Some love the kids that comply more than the kids that don't. #EduGladiators
@D4Griffin3 Thank you for leading this important chat!!! And as @chrisemdin says, "It essentially boils down to whether one chooses to do damage to the system or the student". #edugladiators
Up & @ 'em, Tweeple! Sorry that I'm just now learning about #EduGladiators, which looks like a great chat! Not sorry that I started my day w/ donating blood... one of my favorite ways of leveraging my privilege as a currently well and able person. #resist
And thanks for this. Never know as a parent whether it’s my place to intervene—how or whether to approach a teacher that’s not working out (at least from my kid’s perspective). #EduGladiators
A4: Low expectations diminish the lid for learning. If schools believe ALL can learn, Ts lessons need to have both pillars of rigor and care through well planned, supported instruction. How much hip to hip time do Ss get w Ts? #EduGladiators
We sometimes miss the teaching opportunities because we fail to recognize them as a teaching moment! We must always see ourselves as educators. #EduGladiators
Yes. Are we disciplining or teaching? School should be a safe place to make bad choices and learn from them. - Children rise to our expectations. If we treat students as scholars, scholars they will be. #EduGladiators
Likewise, Dennis. Yes, it’s extremely important we acknowledge the educational malpractice happening with our children of color. W/o proper support, the 24-30 underprepared Ts and 2-3 overwhelmed Admin in the buildings will struggle to stay let alone succeed. #EduGladiators
My district doesn’t offer any. I have done quite a bit of reading in my own, and attended an anti-racist pedagogy training last year. I have signed up for more training this summer through https://t.co/HWWYKUy5N6. #EduGladiators
A4: Your students of color should know that you are committed to their success. If they don't, be intentional about making that happen immediately! #EduGladiatorshttps://t.co/kNrq2yHjKd
A4: We shun the status quo & let not external factors that diminish experiences for our kids guide our way. I cannot control what’s on the outside, but I have a great deal of control, of power on the inside. I alone am responsible for a kid’s experience in my room #edugladiators
I agree that kids are kids. Culture is a significant part of who we are as people, though, so I struggle with leaving race/culture aside; that's part of our identity. #EduGladiators
A4 Right now in our district, really trying to drive home the message that Ss do well if they CAN-it's not a WANT thing. Using restorative & CPS practices to give Ss the skills & practice they need & always making all Ss feel like welcome members of the community. #edugladiators
That’s the struggle sometimes for some educators. It’s really hard to reach the don’t want to’s but it’s also not as hard as we think if we just take the time to connect and understand. #EduGladiators
Yes. Just as some leaders assign their best Ts to the AP/IB courses, some districts assign their best Ts to our "white" schools. We need folks willing to push back in our fight for equity. #EduGladiators
Love this. It's a great proxy for how well a leader's vision for equity is yielding concrete outcomes for Ss. Are their choices increasing? Where there are no choices, there is no freedom whether in school, or beyond. #EduGladiators
Up & @ 'em, Tweeple! Sorry that I'm just now learning about #EduGladiators, which looks like a great chat! Not sorry that I started my day w/ donating blood... one of my favorite ways of leveraging my privilege as a currently well and able person. #resist
Thank you #EduGladiators for an EPIC chat to kick off our series: We ShallOvercome! Big kudos to @D4Griffin3 for pushing our thinking this morning with "The Struggle"!
Very true, Matthew, and it’s timely for the convo over here at #EduGladiators Just throwing devices in schools isn’t going to fix the issues without proper alignment to needs.
A3 Continue to show the value of high expectations for EVERY student. Model and provide opportunities for T success. Asking hard questions about T beliefs. #EduGladiators
Also a hard thing to establish in a school. We shouldn’t try to get kids to abandon their culture and be like us. We need to establish a positive fun supportive culture where they have a place. Celebrate the cultures! #EduGladiators
I agree that kids are kids. Culture is a significant part of who we are as people, though, so I struggle with leaving race/culture aside; that's part of our identity. #EduGladiators
A4: I need to use my privilege to say things they can't, like (respectfully) countering admin if only students of color are being disciplined for a certain action. #edugladiators
After Brown, Black Ts were fired bc W parents didn’t want them teaching their kids. Are we really going to pretend that we don’t have the same situation now? We need real convos. #EduGladiators
A4 Rethinking how we interact w/ students who struggle to do their work can also create paths forward. Rethinking “rewards & cosequences” can be a start... #edugladiators
Cool. I always talk first about respecting the teacher and all teachers. And maybe that you won’t always connect with everyone. But when it happens a few times I start to want better. #EduGladiators
Exactly. We need real conversation, but we also need brave, strong leaders who won't back down. We need political games out of our educational systems. #EduGladiators
Absolutely! Having life struggles doesn’t mean they can’t be pushed academically. They just need to trust we’ll be there to support them, and kicking them out of class for not having a pencil doesn’t show much support. #EduGladiators
A3: The teachers who say they're "colorblind" and treat all the kids the same and the ones who say we need to come down hard on behaviors in school so the kids don't end up in jail. No empathy! #edugladiators
#EduGladiators Nothing breaks me more than when a Ss graduates HS without any post-secondary options or is limited to one. Sometimes these options are limited as early their 9th/10th grade years in HS because they were placed in certain classes or not fully informed about a path.
Love this. It's a great proxy for how well a leader's vision for equity is yielding concrete outcomes for Ss. Are their choices increasing? Where there are no choices, there is no freedom whether in school, or beyond. #EduGladiators
I hear you, but then that overwhelms the 1 trusted adult, who often is a teacher of color. Why not train all adults in CRP to grow the number of trusted adults? We should all be about unlocking potential of kids.#EduGladiators
A1: Education is for EVERY child! Not just the ones we want to teach, but for each and every child that walk through the doors of our classroom each and every day, thirsty to learn something new. As teachers, we owe them that!! #EduGladiators
