#edchat Archive
#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.
Tuesday May 24, 2016
Topic:What determines quality in curriculum?What's your position on curriculum from a box as opposed to tchr generated curriculum?
WELCOME What determines quality in curriculum? What is your position on curriculum from a box vs teacher generated curriculum?
Please refrain from using the hashtag for the next hour while the Chat takes place unless you are in the chat.
As I told earlier this week, you have to make the curriculum fit your class. Changing it is necessary.
Best when curriculum matches T's passions and depth of knowledge closely, so I prefer T-generated to off-the-shelf.
topic: What determines quality in curriculum? What is your position on curriculum from a box vs teacher generated curriculum?
Welcome to What determines quality in curriculum? What is your position on curriculum from a box vs teacher generated curriculum?
Often I know what I am teaching sucks when it is boring to me. If it bores me it must be excruciating to the kids.
I use to make my videos interactive & get real-time data to modify instruction. Check it out!
Teacher-Generated Curriculum > Canned Curriculum IF students have a voice and choice in the overall direction.
JOIN What determines quality in curriculum? What is your position on curriculum from a box vs teacher generated curriculum?
Great topic - don't think it's either/or. Tchrs should not be required to reinvent the wheel but they should be able to steer
I may be bold, but I think boxed curr is outdated the sec it hits my desk! Knowledge is ever-changing, as should we.
has be a framework scope sequence w/ essential Qs but Ts must also meet need of Ss w T generated@lessons -balance
T-generated already has buy-in from stakeholders.
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A1: quality curriculum IMO can result in measurable differentiated student learning and achievement with limited achievement gaps
I do like having lots of options, so if the made curriculum has lots of stuff I can choose from that is helpful.
But, I still have to change it up to make it fit my students.
boxed curriculum used to help structure, maybe guide, good for new Ts
Curriculum from a box, teacher generated curriculum — what about student generated curriculum?
While everyone likes to argue about curriculum, Ts know that instructional methods and lesson planning are much more important.
NOW What determines quality in curriculum? What is your position on curriculum from a box vs teacher generated curriculum?
I prefer teacher generated curriculum but never enough time. I've learned a lot from curriculum in a box that I've then adapted
What resources are available for hearing impaired students in K12 classrooms?
I have a tough time using boxed curriculum. I need to put my own spin on lessons to make them authentic. Kids can tell the diff.
Have you paid for curriculum/lessons out of your own pocket this year? Were you satisfied? Did you change it up?
Hi ! I don’t think we can avoid “boxed” curric, but if the SD gives choice in how to implement then Ts and Ss can have input.
WHAT IS TAUGHT matters less than what is learned.
Curriculum documents chart the course, but only a teacher can make the journey worthwhile.
that's the key great to have a starting point but needs to be flexiable to meet needs of Ss
Developing curriculum to me is an organic process, Ss needed, learner outcomes required, standards used to guide
Hi everyone, Stuart from Auckland, New Zealand on deck finally!
A lousy teacher can generate "bad" curriculum as easy as a box can; and a brilliant teacher can bring boxed curriculum to life.
yeah, don't have to make it all up ourselves, we should be adept at adapting :)
I'd say boxed curr is in need of some "vitamins and mineral supplements" in order to keep it healthy!
I have seen too many educators use the designated textbook as the course curriculum chapter by chapter.
I agree—not either/or. There’s high quality canned curriculum & really crappy tchr-made stuff & vice versa. https://t.co/fA4sUL6TMI
Great topic - don't think it's either/or. Tchrs should not be required to reinvent the wheel but they should be able to steer
Curious, what would you do if you were told to not worry about standards?
B4 internet we had little choice-now Ts can access so much-we should be happy when others have done work that we can adapt
Great questions. Also interested where teachers buy their curriculum/lessons? https://t.co/5oawX8ThQS
Have you paid for curriculum/lessons out of your own pocket this year? Were you satisfied? Did you change it up?
cool metaphor... mix with water, stir and serve... never tastes as good as homemade.
it's unfortunate really... Anyone can copy & paste...
Quality curriculum needs to have rigor and be real. Rigor that points the direction, but real for each student to make it theirs.
At textbook is NOT a curriculum! Wish people understood that https://t.co/e4Ny0o8qUG
I have seen too many educators use the designated textbook as the course curriculum chapter by chapter.
It's all about the adaptation!
lots of times the activities just don't work with my population. Lots of culture issues not even thought about.
Start with a box, adapt and grow. Although with our stem we took seeds from different places and grew a curriculum.
Watertank Math joining n on tonight! I feel quality curriculum depends on content knowledge of teacher leading the class.
What determines quality in curriculum? Student engagement and buy-in beyond the classroom.
If you make your own then you better own what you make...
You are so right - and this is still widely misunderstood. Sad.
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Or the content accessible in the learning space?
great point, there is ownership that is required (and it may intimidate some)
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Stuart do you mean quality in a curriculum or quality in instruction?
I agree and probably less ownership by the teacher.
MOST CURRICULUM —from a box or teacher generated—is a blunt instrument. Hi-quality instruction requires more precision that either.
Quality curriculum includes minimization of bias, for example...
Thanks to for hosting "Most Likely to Succeed" cc
Good topic for discussion https://t.co/s6HaksjOwy
Topic:What determines quality in curriculum?What's your position on curriculum from a box as opposed to tchr generated curriculum?
Boxed curriculum seems generic but gives Txs common ground. I prefer S and T made curriculum. Addresses needs and curiousity.
For me, ultimate determinant is learning/mastery Engagement and buyin impt, r proxies for learning/mastery. And you?
I agree but the teacher has to respond not lead.
I agree, but just as we don’t all grow our own organic veggies & can buy them, it’s possible to adapt what others create.
Each educator being expected to both design coherent curriculum and then enact it seems a bit ridiculous. https://t.co/buAuyboq1e
NOW What determines quality in curriculum? What is your position on curriculum from a box vs teacher generated curriculum?
CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION, PEDAGODGY, TEACHNOLOGY — where is the alchemy that produces learning?
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thanks... important distinction... but detriment of quality for both, imho, is learning/mastery...
The success of my teaching is students' ownership of the learning now and in 10 years time!
Quality in curriculum relies upon teacher expertise in the subject matter and using credible sources.
We have to remember Curriculum is WHAT we teach, Instruction is HOW we teach. The HOW is much more important IMHO.
Are you suggesting that making every teacher reinvent the wheel is suboptimal, ? https://t.co/19Aox27FXk
Each educator being expected to both design coherent curriculum and then enact it seems a bit ridiculous. https://t.co/buAuyboq1e
NOW What determines quality in curriculum? What is your position on curriculum from a box vs teacher generated curriculum?
Right - it's like a cocktail. :)
By being aware of our ind strengths/weaknesses, we're better equipped to select what works best, providing we have a choice.
We don't expect every doctor to do high level research in medicine or every lawyer to write laws.
quality curriculum can be adapted to individual student needs and hits
for sure... And differentiation matters little if students don't learn/master...
Agreed, still feel if teacher has good content knowledge of subject they can add much more quality 2 class. https://t.co/dsJb0BBoff
Or the content accessible in the learning space?
I agree! and mastery is determined by the student, the end user.
The alchemy is in relationships.
Simultaneously we need to develop curriculum that is adaptable and usable by both an expert and a novice teacher.
Absolutely, they're integral as the conduit, guide. Even more relevant now IMO.
right. That's the goal after all
We ask Ts to be curr designers, and data crunchers - we need to agree on job description https://t.co/Fo2FrZDwmZ
Each educator being expected to both design coherent curriculum and then enact it seems a bit ridiculous. https://t.co/buAuyboq1e
NOW What determines quality in curriculum? What is your position on curriculum from a box vs teacher generated curriculum?
Is it fair to say one determinant of quality curriculum is usability, and that's what's led to a rise in "boxed curriculum?"
Secret option C:teachers and curriculum writers/coaches work together & have the TIME and RESOURCES to do so https://t.co/0LSqMbM5w0
Topic:What determines quality in curriculum?What's your position on curriculum from a box as opposed to tchr generated curriculum?
If tchrs are required to be masters of their subjects' content, they should be trusted to develop curriculum. Should it be required?
ARE curriculum-from-a-box or teacher generated curriculum ever a cop out? If so, when?
An excellent point ! Ts are not techies and shouldn't have to be either.
sure individual accountability is key. so if they own it (now and 10 yrs from now)...what results from the ownership?
At one point today's boring boxed curriculum was innovative, new and worth selling/buying.
Redefinition and creativity. but also collaboration in the community.
Curr provides a vantage point that often may not be fully framed. Our job as Ts is to broaden or SS frame to see the bigger picture
Learning/mastery for all students is pose when every thing and everybody adds up -->
Very cool, Nancy, you're welcome to Aorere College anytime! Happy to give and take.
LEARNING results from a sequence of moments…curriculum is a chance of content… how to reconcile?
practice is fine, schools/educators should have kids practice. Just don't punish them for not liking it.
ok.. that implies that something has been learned, mastered, applied, etc... correct?
Great point and to let them have the agency and power.
Not sure, understood for now, mastered can anything be mastered now?
A "boxed" curr can be living/breathing/ever changing when Ts collaborate and update online.
WHERE IS THE COLLABORATION in curriculum-from-a-box or teacher generated curriculum?
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Absolutely! Needs to be responsive to be relevant.
either can be a cop out if it's not serving studentsbut just providing busy work or meaningless assessments
Love to see this type of excitement & energy at the end of the year.
Quality curriculum includes & differentiation by design, so that creates better instruction
My Writing Curriculum page https://t.co/yzYoXMhYOB I was lucky to have 1 Supt. who allowed us (teachers) to write curriculum.
Great point, work for students needs to be fit-for-purpose.
Another determinant of quality curriculum — Is it evidence-based? It's not always feasible for teacher-generated curriculum to be.
Sadly, after observing classrooms in 23 states, I believe some canned curricula is the better option in some cases.
After a Dist buys a boxed curriculum, it is usually not optional for teachers to use, it becomes a requirement to use.
I agree and better learning!
but being able to read does make life easier, but maybe that is something society should address better too.
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If learning is the destination, and a school/classroom is the car, then what is curriculum? Who is the driver?
THE ONE QUESTION THAT EVERY STUDENT ASKS — why do i need to learn this — is seldom answered sufficiently by curriculum creators.
We must coach/mentor/support each other on site. Ts need to be able to have ongoing conversations about teaching/learning process
we have teams of Ts write curriculum over the summer then indvidual Ts use it to plan and adjust for their students
Everything wrong about American ed is encapsulated in this story about 5th grade outdoor camp. https://t.co/ktJ9UIUkLC
what the students see as key learning and skill acquisition for the now and future.
Love when district's share their important cultural events in social media.
yes fit a purpose that is relevant, intentional, sequential, etc. The pieces must add up to something...
our Ts also have their own google classroom for each course to share resources & collaborate for each course
I agree and something valued by students and their community.
No textbook set meets all standards with enough depth... You have to add and make it fit student needs https://t.co/TKMUbbO9A1
After a Dist buys a boxed curriculum, it is usually not optional for teachers to use, it becomes a requirement to use.
I observe in hundreds of classrooms per year. An uninspired or uninformed teacher definitely does better with canned.
Everyone is a math person & can learn sophisticated math. This video talks about how we learn. https://t.co/iLsnpBaGAa
great... so Laura, how's that working for you? For students?
The walls need to come down not just physically but also in terms of sharing.
Curriculum not always just content. Ours focuses on big questions and ideas. Content is examples only. Challenge is to show Ts how
Absolutely! And, as an outside consultant, I do think someone like me with "fresh" eyes can help others see at times.
Watertank Math says gas is curriculum & Ss r ultimately the driver...but Ts r 'parent' next to them guiding https://t.co/Z8hlLfIgmW
If learning is the destination, and a school/classroom is the car, then what is curriculum? Who is the driver?
I agree Rachel the curriclum must also be about the how and why.
That’s actually the most important question. It justifies everything else in education.
Exactly my experience, too. In this space, we tend to forget that not all tchrs are creative & conscientious.
If you can't tell them why you are teaching it, you shouldn't expect them to learn it. https://t.co/G0TJBxtCZa
That’s actually the most important question. It justifies everything else in education.
Adaption to our own students’ needs is the key, but the boxed curr can be a framework or starting point. https://t.co/I59OfG91O5
A "boxed" curr can be living/breathing/ever changing when Ts collaborate and update online.
I agree and if the students can't articulate the value to them, what's the point?
so Jonathan... how well are we answering that most impt question?
Students have to see the value of their learning and the value of their education!1
It's amazing the teachers feel ownership & the flexability to meet Ss needs always adjusting moving forward https://t.co/zvYJDDkANq
great... so Laura, how's that working for you? For students?
sad but true, true but sad
I agree and if the students can't articulate the value to them, what's the point?
Agreed!! A outside consultant can provided a neutral tone in conservation and give constructive feedback.
1) Humanities teachers have a harder time answering it. I also teach programming & it’s answer is more marketable.
Ultimately, use whatever curriculum you want to. Just make sure it fits what you want and what kids need.
Connecting w/ Ss, understanding expectations in classroom & on site are paramount for moving forward. Effective communication is key
Key word here is “sufficiently.” Most curriculum I see tries to answer the question but their answer doesn’t satisfy.
Should curriculum be consistent in every class of the same subject or could it vary with individual teachers?
the "why" of learning isn't always about jobs/careers. https://t.co/TPstZsu5hA
1) Humanities teachers have a harder time answering it. I also teach programming & it’s answer is more marketable.
2) But both areas need to learn from each other: career value of humanities and philosophy inherent in programming.
Having tchrs develop something doesn’t automatically make it good. I’ve seen some really bad tchr-developed material.
Your statement is so true! Student ownership is key and is essential if students are going to succeed in academics!#
Please join for in 30 minutes. Topic: Ending the year, continuing the community. ALL GRADES WELCOME!
This is my new favorite teacher on Instagram! Love these ideas!
Conversely, a commercial curriculum doesn’t automatically make it good OR bad. Both need to be evaluated for quality.
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Totally agree. Just harder to communicate that in tech, which itself needs to be grounded in human values.
Curriculum should be the same in every class setting. The T can provide the material in a way that students can access it!
what does consistency look like when the curriculum does not address the needs of all learners
I think the same w/in every class, at least w/in school divisions, but then indiv. teachers differentiate how it's taught
Exactly! Now that I work for myself, I refuse to do "drive-by" staff development. I enjoy long-term coaching & support.
I think everyone should have access to the same curriculum. Ts can teach it differently but the standards are the same
- effective Ts works to meet career value & inherent learning for their Ss.Out of the box thinking=good
Re: Why questions - “Computers aren’t the thing. They’re the thing that gets us to the thing.”
I wish it was discussed in more schools as if it was a driving force requiring everyone's input. Just doesn't happen.
Correct, students most see the value in learning the material that is present to them!
One of the issues is using boxed curricula w/ fidelity
with testing curric needs to be the same for Ss expectations. However it's the teachers job to bring the creativity to the lessons.
What about Sped Teachers who don't have any curriculums and are forced to come up with their own materials. Yikes!
Excellent point! Differentiation and how students access the material is key regardless of the curriculum
Goes back to curriculum vs instruction. Should be some consistency in curr w/more variations in instruction.
That is the question I struggle with all the time.
thats differentiation at its best! teach curric. and build in remediation time
In so doing do you think teachers need tosquare that with colleagues teaching the same exact course?
I was thinking... the "curriculum" for sped is the child!
agreed. Ts should be on the front end of conversations, not the back end.
consistency looks like the same skills being taught to the same levels of mastery
. content can be the same, delivery, assessments, projects different to reflect diff't personalities/styles of Ts
Hmmm. I'm confused. Ts do lead instruction in their classes, so....
what does access for all Ss look like https://t.co/8ioFxWvOcY
I think everyone should have access to the same curriculum. Ts can teach it differently but the standards are the same
Differentiation is key regardless of the curriculum
So true. Too often boxed curriculum gets blamed.
The T must know their S's, they must understand how the curriculum must be presented in order be successful.
I agree because this could be come an issue with parents.
RT : Simple, honest, powerful reminder:
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- Does this imply a common core type approach?
. We differentiate for Ss, I think it's ok for Ts to differentiate as well- Ts are not cookie cutter & neither are Ss
Yes, teachers are to plan according to the general curriculum and according to their S's academic needs.
Agree make the information appropriate for the students understanding and also challenge them to think outside the box.
Or do they facilitate students leading their own instruction.
and ELL teachers who are given materials that are simplified as though ELLs have difficulty with learning
love this topic! My dept has common midterm/finals but 80% of test is selected by Ts. & works great!
Yes, and from there it should be up to the T, but collaboration & conversation is always welcome
Aha!! Facilitation will resonate more with Ss and make a lasting impression. Now I see where you're coming from.
I used to think that for a project to be successful, it had to last. Now I know that nothing really lasts. Ephemeral is really ok.
Ts also have to lead the instruction but doesn't have to be explicit.
This was part of my dissertation topic. Interesting survey.
curriculum is same, but individual teacher execution is different. What you focus on etc. Allows for more
Question posed by of the Year: https://t.co/zveVwYMo8V
Why is the conversation almost always exclusively about teacher evaluations, and rarely about evaluating principals?
In your opinion, which sources of curriculum do teachers trust more than other sources?
We used end of course interviews instead of exams. Same big questions, different paths for Ts & Ss. Collab! https://t.co/8YcpN3FFDH
Gates once said a teacher is effective if 1) puts kids back on track when fall behind 2) ??? Do you know?
What an awesome and authentic idea.
Before we close I would like to thank our moderators and all who participated in our chat
WHAT?!!! I am now officially stalking
good curriculum comes from wherever a teacher finds it as long as it is aligned to standards and effective for S's
Yes! TY all! I look forward to rereading the comments and replies. Great info.
I'm beyond end of the year teacher tired. I'm somewhere in the area of end of the century tired.
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Thanks to all who participated in discussion tonight & to co-mods:
Exactly. Time to analyze, time to reflect, time to plan, time to learn on a consistent basis. Work together for our Ss.
Unfortunate truth https://t.co/ybZb1bbc06
After a Dist buys a boxed curriculum, it is usually not optional for teachers to use, it becomes a requirement to use.
OK. Last one I promise! This one made me tear up a bit! I LOVE Miss 5th! "I Think I Can Thursday"
So excited for this chat ALMOST missed Final
Yes. Thank you all very much. Interesting topic, good information.
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Hard to imagine Principal decision more impactful than hiring of a teacher. Great hire impacts so many; poor hire does the same.
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Home now. Still reeling from an incredible day . Every child has a story that needs 2 b heard. https://t.co/pmwEbtp1S4
Important critique of PARRC and a hint at how social tools might hold test makers publicly accountable. https://t.co/HNNoXOcPED
“The problem is that the economy does not produce enough jobs that require college degrees.” https://t.co/j5w0MtRrvw Important.
CHAT's 1st Colorado school shows the educational power of combining technology with empathy. https://t.co/OylQFrC5kw
Be Inspired
Middle school students are brightness in developing countries through real-world
https://t.co/790EJlXeVp
Depends on how you define curriculum? Gut reaction is yes, not only *could* vary but *should* otherwise no student input
and yet, there's been *strong* pushback when steps are proposed that would change that culture.
That's so awesome Sarah! Congratulations!!! https://t.co/lqvYzdjQTJ
Administrator asked me to give PD in July because she loves the direction of my teaching style and classroom! Wowzers!
70 crazy ways the plot in Tale of Two Cities resemble Aaron Taylor's flipped classroom ideas! https://t.co/L4EDEGIJhP
