#LDchat Archive
Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.
Wednesday August 17, 2016
Welcome to today’s LD Chat! This is Dan with the Understood team.
Hi everyone! Excited to be here to talk with you!
Cohosting today’s chat is ’s chief policy and advocacy officer, Lindsay Jones ().
We’ll be discussing the Every Student Succeeds Act ().
Hey Jenn! Always great to have you.
Hi Irene! What part of Jersey are you in?
Hi Brian! Great to have you.
Hi Robyn! Thanks for joining.
is finally able to make it back again! Miss my time!
Thanks for joining, Cheryl!
Afternoon from Atlanta. I will be multitasking this hour, but can't wait to learn more about the
Excellent! That's what we're here for.
As always, we’ll use a Q1, Q2… format for questions. Please use the A1, A2… format for answers.
As always, we’ll use a Q1, Q2… format for questions. Please use the A1, A2… format for answers.
First question coming up!
Q1. What are the major differences between and No Child Left Behind, and what do they have in common?
A1: One of the biggest differences between the two laws: ESSA has more state flexibility / authority; less federal oversight
Welcome to Twitter! Thanks for joining.
A1 (cont'd): States have a lot more say this time. They can design their own accountability & state plans w/i some fed guidelines
my hope is that this new law will be more proactive for public education rather than a punishment model for schools
A1 (cont'd): And in those plans, states can include more than test scores when they evaluate how students and schools are doing.
A1 (cont): But some things didn’t change! Still annual tests, good data on how SwDs are doing, & focus on academic success for all
This! https://t.co/hEPzc27z4i
my hope is that this new law will be more proactive for public education rather than a punishment model for schools
So basically we have to wait for the state to give us the information of how they will be implementing the ?
what advice do u have for teachers who want a voice within their states building guidelines 4 schls?
Q2. What opportunities and improvements will hold for kids with learning and attention issues?
is there a way that we can come up with a "facebook" type page where teachers can communicate with each other
Yes - there are a few ways the law provides funding and support for schools that are struggling
That's wonderful. Will parent feedback also be able to shape policy?
Yes, the states are more in charge and that'll take time for them to decide how to go about it.
A2: New focus on literacy! Law includes a national literacy center and a fed grant for literacy instruction https://t.co/WySCOilcLT
A2 (cont): Importantly the law allows for innovation & for to grow! There’s even some federal money to help!
A2 (cont): And there’s ways for states to spend fed $$ to train gen ed teachers to support SwDs through things like UDL and ed tech
Yes - parents NEED to be a part of the state plans & design! More on that in a bit :)
Are you referring to a page devoted to special education teachers specifically or teachers in general?
I see it as Gen. Educ.classrooms need to operate as a supportive community. Gen. & SPED tchrs hve 2 collaborate more
I hope the personalized learning is for every student
Yes - But you don't have to just wait. You can give input as state policies are being formed
I agree~and we need to bridge understanding between the two.
Opportunities and improvements hold for kids w learning and attention issues https://t.co/8nya6Q3jWV
A2: New focus on literacy! Law includes a national literacy center and a fed grant for literacy instruction https://t.co/WySCOilcLT
Great question, Brian. Parents can and should be involved to help guide state-level efforts
really both educators need 2 b knowledgeable abt all Ss & strategies 4 Ss w learning differences
Just like parents, teachers & ALLl stakeholders should be part of design & plan
Q3. As reduces the federal, top-down structure, are there any potential risks for students with learning and attention issues?
We knew you would have on the agenda for today's ! Thanks!
it takes a village to educate a child
A3: Yes! B/c states able to make more decisions, they may try to include too much info in their plans --> data will be meaningless
my fear is that each state will not do enough to support tchr training to help build more proactive classrooms
A3(cont): Impt for states to remember that academics matter & we need to be sure they are included when we look at student success.
Exactly! Our data needs to be relevant to what our Ss r needing 4 instruction
I'm part of the team - and I can say with confidence that we agree!
A3 (cont): and finally, b/c there is less federal oversight, parents will need to be more vigilant; every state will be different!
This is a concern for me as a parent and a teacher. How much data collecting vs learning is happening?
My hope is that states will communicate with each other so they can model what's working
Yes - valid concern! They should inform each other and help make schools better for all kids!
a parents voice is crucial to the changes needed in education!
A3. Is there any concern that state education budgets won't fully fund ? Education cuts are plaguing many states.
exactly angela, the struggle is real, but if there is teacher training support this is great
The states doing it well can be models for all, but may take time to get it right. We'll see!
How can best be vigilant, Lindsay?
We heard more $$$ can now be channeled for the accelerated learner. Hope they don't forget our kids.
Q4. How will hold schools accountable and identify those schools in need of improvement?
Each state decides how to spend $$ to support teachers - let them know what YOUR teachers need!
Good Q! ESSA provides fed money to states - so only can boost what your states are spending!
A4: Every state will have to identify schools in lowest 5% of performance; then create their own plans for improvement
A4 (cont): And any school with group of kids - like SwDs - who have really low performance will need to have a plan as well. IMPT!
Supporting our Teachers is a must while we support our students! https://t.co/GVeHWBkKPQ
Each state decides how to spend $$ to support teachers - let them know what YOUR teachers need!
After No Child Left Behind, 9 Things to Expect for Kids with Learning and Attention Issues: https://t.co/Hb75eQptRf
a systemic move to more Internet-based learning would allow schools to share teaching methods and curriculum
Last question coming up...
Do you mean by idea-sharing or online schools?
Q5. How can parents get involved in their state’s planning?
A5: I know this is the question all our have been waiting for! And it is SO important!
A5: Now is the time to get involved! Talk to your school; see what’s on the agenda for school board meetings; be in the know!
A5: Every state MUST include parents and stakeholders in their planning. Give your input & make sure parents are included
A5: As plan is made, find out what happens if a school is underperforming. Make sure states are doing enough to help all students!
Yes! https://t.co/CdQwyBAlt8
A5: I know this is the question all our have been waiting for! And it is SO important!
ideas sharing between school administrators and teachers
A5: To find out more info about accountability so that you can be informed when you participate, go to https://t.co/GUNP4Peown
Parents as partners. https://t.co/hYL1cFYmBU
A5: I know this is the question all our have been waiting for! And it is SO important!
A5: Parents must ask: Show me the evidence of efficacy for every program and all kids before you invest in it.
Okay, that's great-I feel there's a grassroots movement already growing!
A5: And of course, reach out to Understood or NCLD w/ questions! Every state is diff, but all parents can be involved! We can help!
And make sure that you bring it up at the school board meetings and make it public record!
