"Welcome to EdTechAfterDark! Our community was born out of discussions for a rich EdChat type gathering for those of us who are thinking about the digital edu-landscape long after the sun has gone down. For us night owls, when the clock strikes 10PM EST, you’ll find us on Twitter over at #edtechafterdark. All are welcome! Our discussions range from our philosophies about EdTech, digital best practices, and simply sharing our stories." --www.edtechafterdark.com
Welcome to #EdTechAfterDark, I'll be your host this evening as we talk about the realities we face as Ts and what we can do about it. Let's get this party started!
Good evening ... sorry I"m late! So glad for tonight's chat ... so important in today's culture!
Sylvia, Academic Coach / ENG Tchr at Title 1 HS in Tampa, FL #EdTechAfterDark
A1 Recognize that tests are just a pit stop on the way to life ... we need to keep teaching and let students keep learning ... if we teach to the standards, then testing is just another day #EdTechAfterDark
A1: give Ss a participation grade for using strategies on test, let Ss know that post-test they’ll have a timed @GetKahoot competition made w/ the test ?s, give “most improved” certificates for Ss who improve 10+ pts... #EdTechAfterDark
Blaming is as human a trait as they come, & teachers are not immune to its allure. 2night, #EdTechAfterDark explores the typical scapegoats of education to appropriately distinguish that which is within our control and that which we waste our energy losing sleep over. Be there!
A1: I barely talk about it. I don't want my Ss to be fearful and focused on the test... I want it to just be one thing we do that is part of the learning process
#edtechafterdark
The focus of tonight is controlling what we can vs simply throwing blame. By saying it’s all ok, but what can we control to make our classroom better despite that? #edtechafterdark
A1: this is where I take refuge in a prayer my dad placed on his desk at every job he’s ever had... we must know that certain things are out of our control to maximize our impact on that which is within our purview. #EdTechAfterDark
A1) Make it a helping experience, not a judging one. Tell students it’s to help schools teach them better. Give teachers the space to get better. #EdTechAfterDark
I think we need to look at how we can improve where we live first. Testing isn’t changing in the next 3-5 yrs so how can we thrive in that? #EdTechAfterDark
Yes! But Ts actions must match words. If it’s to help us teach them better, then they must not live or die by the test grade but be given the chance to try again after we teach them better. #edtechafterdark
I love the reflection happening tonight. We aren’t going to solve the problems but we can reflect on our practices to improve our community of educators #edtechafterdark
A1: Summative tests have their place. Do I desire them for my students? Of course not. But can I take them for what they are and innovate within the box they create? Of course I can. Consider the challenge accepted. #EdTechAfterDark
Yes! But Ts actions must match words. If it’s to help us teach them better, then they must not live or die by the test grade but be given the chance to try again after we teach them better. #edtechafterdark
A1: Show me a student who is inspired by testing mandates and I will show you a teacher inspired by district testing initiatives. A school’s focus needs to be on developing a culture of global self-improvement. #EdTechAfterDark
A2) What IS it that you want from us? I’ve been a parent of a kid in school for 9 years and I still don’t know. So maybe it’s the messaging? 😁 #EdTechAfterDark
A2: Had a talk with a parent this morning that shed light on this topic. Parents don’t know what they don’t know. As such, teachers are asking of them that which they are ignorant of. We must give them the skills before we expect them to use them. #EdTechAfterDark
A2: I think part of it is that education is not what it was when Ps were students. The demands are different on today's students & parents don't know how to help & as Ts we're not communicating how to help their child?#edtechafterdark
A2: because parents aren’t used to the way things are taught now. We get push back from parents because they don’t understand why we’re teaching on Chromebooks etc. how do we fix it? Host meetings with the parents. Hear their Qs and concerns and provide answers. #edtechafterdark
Not defending them in any way, but State tests have a bad stigma about them. I don’t hear the same complaints about AP tests or the SAT, which can be even more stressful. I think it’s important to find some value in what Ss can learn from them #EdTechAfterDark
A2 I once taught my S's had to balance a checkbook and invited their parents to come learn as well. We must teach our parents and allow them to come in and teach our S's too. We all have something to teach. #edtechafterdark
A2: there is a disconnect b/t Ps & Ts...Ps don’t get new homework strategies, Ts don’t get why Ps don’t help Ss w/ homework, Ps only get contacted when Ss mess up at school, Ts get frustrated that Ps demand more contact when they’re already overwhelmed... #edtechafterdark
A2b. Help parents understand that we are trying to prepare the students for futures in a more technology advanced world. A world where critical and creative thinking is vital. It’s hard to change a mindset of the traditional, “I learn best from a book” #edtechafterdark
A2 Have high expectations but convey them and be relational...I know some Ts who don't shop in their community because they don't want to see parents...Really?? #edtechafterdark
Or CLASSROOM tests. Am I the only one who still has nightmares about not being prepared for class, but no dreams about standardized tests? #EdTechAfterDark
Not defending them in any way, but State tests have a bad stigma about them. I don’t hear the same complaints about AP tests or the SAT, which can be even more stressful. I think it’s important to find some value in what Ss can learn from them #EdTechAfterDark
A2: Somewhere along the line it became an us vs. them... we say parents are not involved, but are we reaching out? (I know some are, yes. but many don't take the time) #edtechafterdark
A2 I once taught my S's had to balance a checkbook and invited their parents to come learn as well. We must teach our parents and allow them to come in and teach our S's too. We all have something to teach. #edtechafterdark
A2: Had a talk with a parent this morning that shed light on this topic. Parents don’t know what they don’t know. As such, teachers are asking of them that which they are ignorant of. We must give them the skills before we expect them to use them. #EdTechAfterDark
A2: Ts have expectations for parents based on what we want, our past, and our assumptions. Expectations can be misleading, and we should communicate. #EdTechAfterDark
A1: Show me a student who is inspired by testing mandates and I will show you a teacher inspired by district testing initiatives. A school’s focus needs to be on developing a culture of global self-improvement. #EdTechAfterDark
A2 I once taught my S's had to balance a checkbook and invited their parents to come learn as well. We must teach our parents and allow them to come in and teach our S's too. We all have something to teach. #edtechafterdark
A2 Interesting enough ... at a Title 1 HS, I find that 100% of my parents are actively interested in their child's education including the fact that they are working 3 jobs to provide for their children. :) #EdTechAfterDark
A2 Are we remembering to communicate w parents for good things, or just the bad? Both Ps and Ss don't like bad T calls. Celebrate the Ss and the relationships will work much better! #edtechafterdark
A2: Should administration be more involved? At my children's school parent participation is "required"--social pressure can go a long way. #EdTechAfterDark
Well in their defense, I teach in a small town, it is nice to be able to run into a store and not have to do a conference in the middle of aisle 5. I also know that might be the only time I get to talk to that parent is in aisle 5. #edtechafterdark
I have nightmares about my standardized test both end of course & AP. I can't control those but I can control what is placed on my regular classroom assessments #edtechafterdark
Yes ... standards-based grading is so challenging ... my parents are wanting grades for effort not mastery ... very difficult to change but they do LOVE the idea of second chances ... #EdTechAfterDark
A2 more: start overcommunicating w/ Ps! @ClassDojo is great for that! Also send home a weekly newsletter: mine is only 1 pg & includes 5 ?s Ps can ask their Ss about what they’ve learned that wk to reinforce learning #edtechafterdark
Social pressure is great, but can turn to harassment if parents don’t have equitable access to the means necessary to complete the “required” task. #EdTechAfterDark
A2: Should administration be more involved? At my children's school parent participation is "required"--social pressure can go a long way. #EdTechAfterDark
A2: we don't always remember that they are human and likely having the issues with their kids at home that we are at school #YeahISaidIt#EdTechAfterDark
A3: as a history teacher, it is easy for me to pull in various primary sources & other historical documents beyond the textbook. My Ss know their book is a "reference" and not our sole source of information #edtechafterdark
Exactly ... I called every parent 3 times during 1st quarter ... I gave them my phone number ... no one calls sadly, but no one abuses either ... the tech power is in my hands (phone) :O. #EdTechAfterDark
A2 We need to meet parents where they’re at.. social media, etc. Think of new approaches and definitions of what parent involvement looks like. #EdTechAfterDark
A3: If testing is mandated, then it would make business sense to include test creation as a resource. If demand is there, minimizing impact will be tough. #EdTechAfterDark
I used to teach Graphic Design and loved on Open House when my Ss got so excited to teach their parents a little about Photoshop. When they’re passionate about their learning they’re great teachers #EdTechAfterDark
A2 Interesting enough ... at a Title 1 HS, I find that 100% of my parents are actively interested in their child's education including the fact that they are working 3 jobs to provide for their children. :) #EdTechAfterDark
A3 I'm so happy to use #springboardpl for our curriculum b/c it is an Instructional Framework that helps teach to standards, teach with "end in mind" ... all effective practices for new / veterans teachers to shift their teaching so that students are learning :) #EdTechAfterDark
That's also why when I find the opportunities, I get on a state committee abt the assessment to give my input and I feel a bit better about having a say in the process #edtechafterdark
A3 I'm not mad at these companies making a $. Quit complaining a do something about it. Use their tools along with your own tools, track the S's progress on both, and make a case. #edtechafterdark
I can agree ... I am taking the risk this year with Standards-based grading -- no extra credit, no grading everything you do ... GameDay is for the Win! #EdTechAfterDark
A2: Somewhere along the line it became an us vs. them... we say parents are not involved, but are we reaching out? (I know some are, yes. but many don't take the time) #edtechafterdark
Yes ... some of my parents are illiterate themselves ... others did not know that Parent / Teacher Conf night was open to all (they were waiting for an app't) ... I called and invited mine this year to ensure they knew it was time for them #EdTechAfterDark
A3: find innovative ways to present the material. Assign Ss a ch to turn into a google slides presentation, ask Ss to write their own test to compare to the company’s, give Ss practice tests where they don’t have to answer the ? but say where A is found #edtechafterdark
A2: there is a disconnect b/t Ps & Ts...Ps don’t get new homework strategies, Ts don’t get why Ps don’t help Ss w/ homework, Ps only get contacted when Ss mess up at school, Ts get frustrated that Ps demand more contact when they’re already overwhelmed... #edtechafterdark
A3: Textbooks are a script. But every comedian/actor/Jazz-musician knows that the magic lies in the moments they break from the script and improvise. We’ve got to use textbooks as a touchstone, not a decree. #EdTechAfterDark
A2: Had a talk with a parent this morning that shed light on this topic. Parents don’t know what they don’t know. As such, teachers are asking of them that which they are ignorant of. We must give them the skills before we expect them to use them. #EdTechAfterDark
A1 Make sure students know the test doesn’t have to feel like THE TEST. It’s simply 1 way we use to measure learning, along with many, many others. Also, make it clear that their hard work prepares them well. #edtechafterdark
#Springboardpl got this bad rap when they were first introduced ... script aids those new to teaching -- especially our Tchrs with no EDU college learning ... as master teachers we have to plan each lesson to ensure we are teaching for learning not compliance #EdTechAfterDark
I don't know about that. But finding ways to have my voice heard and advocate for my Ss makes me feel a tiny bit better. If you can't beat them, at least finds ways to help improve them #edtechafterdark
A3: find innovative ways to present the material. Assign Ss a ch to turn into a google slides presentation, ask Ss to write their own test to compare to the company’s, give Ss practice tests where they don’t have to answer the ? but say where A is found #edtechafterdark
There is a Wednesday night chat #sbgchat or #sblchat at 9:30 PM EST ... I'm reading Charting a Course to Standards-Based Grading by Tim Westerberg ... #EdTechAfterDark
A4 Rock the POSITIVE. Once heard pharmacist say that "if we are the best profession" then why do we always try to "one-up" each other with the worst student/story/lesson instead of greatness and kindness #EdTechAfterDark
A4: we need to keep reinventing what we do. Would you be happy going to a doctor using the same techniques from 50 years ago? Why is that ok for teachers? #EdTechAfterDark
A4.1: Wow! Powerful question here. It is both a social & systematic problem. I know when I travel to Europe & the perception of Ts is SO different. There's a genuine interest & respect for the profession. I#freefood #freewine#edtechafterdark
A2 We need to meet parents where they’re at.. social media, etc. Think of new approaches and definitions of what parent involvement looks like. #EdTechAfterDark
People are surprised when you tell “my Ss are amazing” stories. They’ve come to expect the horror stories. Rock the positive for sure 👍#edtechafterdark
A4.2: We have to continue 1: acting as professionals; 2: advocating for our profession & students; 3: share the good that happens in our classrooms & schools. #edtechafterdark
A4: stay positive. No one likes the negativity! This question was one of the reasons I came into the impact. Ts reach students more than any other adults. Think of the impact! #edtechafterdark
A4: Don’t give your peers a pass simply because they chose the profession. Electing to be a teacher and actually serving students through your craft are two entirely different things. Don’t give crappy Teaching a pass. #edtechafterdark
A4: share your success! Tweet what’s happening in class, join community fb groups & share there too! Make a positive name for your school, district, profession #edtechafterdark
A4) Pay them like doctors and lawyers. 😁
Otherwise, put them on the pedestal they deserve. Schools should market what their teachers do in the classroom (use social media!); families can spread the word. #k12prchat#EdTechAfterDark
A4: Don’t give your peers a pass simply because they chose the profession. Electing to be a teacher and actually serving students through your craft are two entirely different things. Don’t give crappy Teaching a pass. #edtechafterdark
Yes ... and do not align with mediocrity for the sake of our profession. If a Tchr is not effective (and in some ways harmful to students), then we need to align with administrators and agree that, in those situations, the evaluation system works. #EdTechAfterDark
Absolutely agree! And it is more than just serving Ss - vision has to extend in to society...and it's being help in teachers' hands, no? #EdTechAfterDark
A4: Don’t give your peers a pass simply because they chose the profession. Electing to be a teacher and actually serving students through your craft are two entirely different things. Don’t give crappy Teaching a pass. #edtechafterdark
I’ll work with you to get better but the first step is admitting that there’s room for growth. That means teachers and admin must see value in PD and treat it as more than a mere event; more than a flash in a pan. #edtechafterdark
Yes ... and do not align with mediocrity for the sake of our profession. If a Tchr is not effective (and in some ways harmful to students), then we need to align with administrators and agree that, in those situations, the evaluation system works. #EdTechAfterDark
100% is difficult but I’ll do my best to engage them effectively. We only have so much control so I’ll focus on the positive of the ones of who engaged. #EdTechAfterDark
Always thought that if we want to be treated like doctors / lawyers ... maybe we should dress / act / perform better than they do ... do we look like teachers (like they look like doctors & lawyers)???? #EdTechAfterDark
A5 ... BE life-long learners ... enjoy learning as much as we want our students to ... OH yea .. put away your cell phone during trainings and meetings (unless used for note-taking :). #EdTechAfterDark
Plus, engagement is far more than providing the right medium. Are parents motivated to be engaged? Why or why not? And are there even clear measures of engagement? #EdTechAfterDark
A5: Would it be better to learn how to design a learning experience rather than learn how to deliver content? Lazy is symptom, not cause. #EdTechAfterDark
A5 We must connect to each other as a campus...That includes everyone...Ts, Ss, Admins, Staff...your school only goes as far as the least connected person #edtechafterdark
A5: Acknowledge that pointing of a finger points three back at yourself. We tend to seek out answers in gaps we aren’t effective at filling ourselves. Model humility and self-honesty in a system that ignorantly values mastery where there’s none. #edtechafterdark
A5: Help them out: give resourses, give advice, observe their classrooms... Few get into teaching without wanting to make a difference... Remind them of that... #EdTechAfterDark
A5 It starts with YOU! Show them how it's done and they will either get on board or sink. If they are sinking, help them. If they refuse, do whatever it takes to make them leave. It's not about them, it's about the students #teamworkmakesthedreamwork#edtechafterdark
A5: We have be to willing to learn from each other. But what do we do when one fails to grow as T and causes more harm than good in the classroom? The cost of bad Ts is hurting our Ss & removing them from the classroom is difficult. #edtechafterdark
A5 Support those new to the profession or young into their careers...Connect with them...Go out of your way to share and learn...without support we can all go into isolation... #edtechafterdark
A5) Foster a culture of learning for everybody. Encourage transparency in adult learning that families can see. And don’t always put it in the context of “getting better.” Demonstrate the greatness that’s there. #EdTechAfterDark
A6 Standards-based learning & grading ... why I am focusing on learning the standards so my students can be prepared for a successful, ethical life. I am learning too! #EdTechAfterDark
#edtechafterdark A6: Make sure they grow metacognitively. The ability to learn and think about your own thinking and process transcends content. Prepare my Ss for growth.
A6: Ensure they have both the skills and content knowledge to be successful beyond the walls of classroom, which means continuing to learn & advocate for my Ss. #edtechafterdark
A6: I will always try to find the room where I have someone to learn from, I will seek out better resources/methods/strategies, & I will keep supporting & encouraging my Ss for each day they show up and TRY—because that’s all we should ask of them. #edtechafterdark
Great point. I think that’s why sporadically tech-connected staff isn’t enough for me as a parent. I want to see it in the culture school-wide. #EdTechAfterDark
A5 We must connect to each other as a campus...That includes everyone...Ts, Ss, Admins, Staff...your school only goes as far as the least connected person #edtechafterdark
A6: Acknowledge my limitations. Know that no matter how hard I try, students will never have EVERYTHING they need to succeed. And prepare my students accordingly. Students must rise above the challenges by meeting them with acknowledgment of their own hurdles. #edtechafterdark
A6 Use technology to individualize education for all students and use tech to allow me to have more time to work 1:1 with students who need additional support while allowing #HPL students to continue advancing #Edtechafterdark#ade2017
Thanks @EdTechAfterDark@MrLeonard8 for making a potentially negative topic become the most positive chat I've had in a long time ... you guys are masterful! #EdTechAfterDark
