A1: Standardized testing has become quite the polarizing topic. Allowing success to be defined by a single metric devalues how we measure a student's abilities. #pln365
A1: Secret tests, which are written, sold, scored, and protected by for-profit corporations...and the wholly inappropriate and misleading role they play in evaluation of students, teachers, and schools. #pln365
A1: I think one of the biggest discussions between teachers in the break room is how can educators meet the needs of students with less restrictions from outside sources. #pln365
I would agree with you @D4Griffin3 At this point as profession we should have stopped talking #race#equity#diversity and started changing by now These were topics when I began teaching 30 yrs ago #pln365
Q2: Technology is often hailed for its positive impact on education. Share the flipside (one potentially negative impact the use of technology has on education)? #pln365
A2 The over reliance on technology in the classroom Everything that we do in the classroom does not have to incorporate technology! Everything in moderation #pln365
A2: A very basic one: Screen time is absolutely through the roof. Between school and home, some kids stare at pixels for more than half the hours in the day. There's something extremely - and obviously - unnatural about that. #pln365
Q2: Technology is often hailed for its positive impact on education. Share the flipside (one potentially negative impact the use of technology has on education)? #pln365
A1 No tech no tech sake. If the assessment/purpose requires tech, then use it. If it's a district mandate, then it's not a worthy fit. Some of my Ss don't like to use a Kindle. They like to turn the page & feel a book in their hand. That's fine. But I like to offer choice #pln365
A2: there is a constant struggle with the appropriate and relevant use of technology. Downside is that students want and can get “answers” at the click of a button and don’t utilize and understand the importance of true and meaningful learning via educators #pln365
A2: students lose the incentive to delve into something and find an answer. It is too easy to Google and settle for the first thing they see and then stop. Prevents true reflection on most unknowns. #pln365.
A2 Addiction to cell phones
Ss are so attached they can not put them down and are on them rather than doing their assignments or socializing appropriately. #pln365
The over use of phone/technology by Ss is impacting how they learn and how they communicate I try to use them only when there is a proper useful fit in the classroom #pln365
We are starting research and when we stated Wikipedia is unreliable, a S argued every site can be changed and if it is there it must be true. 😢 #pln365
A3: Meaningful Professional Development. If our greatest investment is in the future, we must plan and provide more meaningful professional development. Lack of time and/or resources cannot be an excuse that holds us back. #pln365
A3: in my district I would say to pay teachers more! I know it’s controversial but I believe it’s true. Educators do so much they need to get paid to show it #pln365
A3 Bridging equity across the demographics in the classroom We can't just say #LearningForAll we have to start demonstrating that in our pedagogy #pln365
A3: Create and maintain working conditions that attract or grow - then retain - the world's best classroom teachers, then give them autonomy and freedom to work their magic. It's really that simple. #pln365
A1: The topics of standardized testing & school report cards can be polarizing. I am finding the topic of #equity to be bringing staff together for all kids in very positive ways. I thought it might be polarizing, but it has been so encouraging & inspiring! #pln365
My phone is only out when I am grading with @ZipGrade but that doesn't matter to them. They have become so provincial in their isolation that the world revolves around their desires. #pln365
In reply to
@PaulONeill1972, @BKd204Sci, @ZipGrade
A3: most teachers love what they do so dollars would be well spent to make sure that they can do the job as their sole focus rather than work two or more jobs to support their passion. #pln365
Q4: Should our school start times be reversed? Elementary schools starting earliest - High school starting latest? Choose a side and share the advantages/disadvantages. #pln365
A4: After watching students at both ends of the spectrum, I believe that starting HS-aged students later would lead to increased levels of student engagement. Younger students generally seem to arrive with energy no matter what time the clock says. #pln365
A3 Appreciating the commitment and longevity of the quality teachers rather than always looking for new, younger, less expensive ones. Experience counts! #pln365
I believe that is true. I feel that districts should customize scheduling instead of doing things as they have always done. I think four day school weeks should be an option for all schools. It would cut down on absences and burn out for all. #pln365
I think we have to spend money on giving our students experiences... Like field trips to show them where there education is applied...and I don't mean one FT a year. #pln365
A4 YES!!! When we look at how Ss best learn at each level & their physical growth & development it makes so much sense If we are stumping #WhatsBestForKids that switch makes all to much sense #pln365
#pln365 Yup, as you said, when done right, I’ve seen few cultural-structural modes match the impact of PLCs on student and teacher learning. I’m a believer.
A3: Dollars invested in sustained PD (such as SEL) is extremely important in this day and age. I also think an investment in personalized PD would also reap benefits as we work to empower all staff. #pln365
A4: Every ounce of research dictates earlier school start times for younger students. Thankfully, over the past decade, hundreds of districts across America (including mine) have adjusted accordingly. #pln365
Q4: Should our school start times be reversed? Elementary schools starting earliest - High school starting latest? Choose a side and share the advantages/disadvantages. #pln365
A4: Yes, high schoolers need to start later. All research points to this fact. Late nights,sports,jobs all keep students from sleep. Little ones sleep earlier so they are up and raring to start their day. I would hate it but it would help teens. #pln365
A3 So many...I firmly believe that part of the disparity in education is a poverty issue. Our children need so much more than academics. I don't know how to put it all in words #pln365
A4 the research is pretty clear on the impact of a later start on teen age learning. The big challenge is the rest of society adjusting like work and extracurricular programming, etc #pln365
Q4: Personally, I loved the college schedule where you could pick, for the most part, whether you wanted classes in the a.m. or p.m. When my kids were in high school, they would have benefited from a later start. They were not morning people. 😉 #pln365
Without a doubt I am fortunate work in a suburban area & I know the presence of $$$ makes a big difference in the life and education of children #pln365
A4 Studies have always said yes, especially at the hs level. Shared busing affects start times as does age. An elementary S can't be bused home when the older sibling who watches him is still in school. Many families depend on this traditional plan so parents can work. #pln365
We've got to keep spreading the word. There are significant benefits like you mentioned. How long has your district practiced earlier start times for younger students? #pln365
Ten years or so.
There are legitimate, but predictable, concerns from lots of stakeholders. If leaders get out in front of them by visioning proactive solutions, the conversation can succeed.
In the long run, it's tough to argue when student learning is the bottom line. #pln365
So many come with outside issues that can't just be checked at the door, yet we often fail to take that into account and only worry about academics and test scores, not the individual. #pln365
#pln365 I’m not sure Paul. I’d like to think so but the models of late start that I’ve seen have removed those schools from many opportunities. And the adolescent cycle sleep cycle does return to the norm in adulthood according to research. Great question!
A2: It hinders creativity. When google can deliver results in seconds, it doesn't force the individual to think and utilize strategies to solve a problem. Try leaving someone in a deep in a forest without tech. Ull see what I mean ;) #pln365
