#RuralEdChat is a chat that focuses on the needs of the rural educator. This chat has been revised by Tammy Neil (@MathNeil), John Martin (@edventures) and Natalee Stotz (@nataleestotz).
My name is Tammy. I'm a Middle School Computer Science teacher in North Florida. I'll be leading our conversation tonight about planning for the future (next school year). #RuralEdChat
Hi Tammy! I'm totally swamped. There's been a lot of surprise extra work that's come up in the past few days, so it's been an eat -> sleep -> work cycle. How's it only Tuesday?! #RuralEdChat
We will use the Q1/A1 format unless a really awesome conversation breaks out. Don't forget to use #RuralEdChat so we can all see your brilliant ideas and snappy comebacks.
A1: Yes! A bit! We're talking about options, particularly for a post-AP course, given that we're not sure we'll have the enrollment to offer it. Also looking at how to mash up CS with AgEd for more relevant/engaging offerings. But very initial stages. #RuralEdChat
In all seriousness though, does anyone else find it harder sometimes to be decisive when there's nobody to run things by and get a gut check? I can be decisive, I just worry a bit more #RuralEdChat
A2: for our department, it's based on a broad mix: admin interest (why we're offering CS at all), student interest & enrollment, and teacher availability are the main levers #RuralEdChat
One would hope, but not always the case. Students may want to learn about basket weaving but there may not be a certified basket weaver around. #RuralEdChat
A3: One part of it for us is being honest in our assessments of our courses, so we can plan to make improvements on areas that didn't go well. Feels into changing a curriculum plan or syllabus, or maybe even a course focus (for our higher level CS) #RuralEdChat
A3: In some areas, School Grades are a make or break situations. Sometimes it pushes schools to offer courses based on how they will help/hurt the school grade. #RuralEdChat
Trade school focused doesn't mean less rigorous. I wouldn't even begin to know how to do electrical or welding. Those courses are definitely rigorous. #RuralEdChat
Not necessarily. It’s a matter of not realizing opportunities. Their goal is to get out of the county. Military and trade school are the most direct path out #RuralEdChat
A4: Parents are invited to our calendar meeting. Student feedback is gathered throughout the year. I'm sure more happens that I am not privy to. #RuralEdChat
A4: student feedback about the courses they're in and what they'd want to take. Not sure how parental feedback comes in. I should dig into that #RuralEdChat
There is a much needed push to get beyond the digital worksheet and actually *use* technology to innovate and increase student engagement. #ruraledchat
A5: This is another area I'm not the most versed in - in some ways, I am some of the PD for the teacher I partner with. I'm the "content expert" to his "pedagogy expert". But we could both use more resources. #RuralEdChat
