Join me every week for #ECSchat, the education case study chat. Over the course of an hour, I will post 6 case study situations that are applicable and relevant across grade levels and subject areas. Participants identify one potential issue and propose a solution. Because the chat is an hour long, there is ample time to respond to other members of your PLN, making the chat interactive and engaging - especially because no two responses are ever the same!
A1: I'm not fond of beating around the bush... I'd say almost exactly that. "Since we're co-teaching, I think it's important we meet before students arrive. I'm concerned there will be no other time to meet. What are your thoughts?"
We should solve the problem together. #ECSchat
A2: #ECSchat I saw an admin (please forgive me for not remembering who) who sent an email home & then asked the families to respond with 3 adj about the Ss so they know they received it. Also important to figure out what method of comm is going to reach the school community.
A2: This doesn't actually strike me as that weird. If I had a concern or issue I wanted to discuss I'd reach out to those families directly... but otherwise, I'd probably take this as a normal reaction to a mailing. Am I weird? #ECSchat
A3: I'd assume this initiative is not coming from the admin alone. I'd seek the other (primary?) drivers of this imitative to get a straight answer. If review numbers are a concern (I've mentioned before, aren't a big thing here), I'd visit with a high scorer to compare. #ECSchat
A3: #ECSchat Set a meeting to debrief the observation. I’m the meeting clarify you felt you lacked a concrete plan/next steps when you left the goal session. Ask for their support & ideas. Work together to move forward, be coachable.
A3: there seems to be a lack of clarity around the coaching paradigm and the rubric for assessing performance. You could ask the Principal directly or other colleagues to see if they have more clarity #ecschat
A4: This a tough. When this has happened to me, I've had to look closer at why my students' goals are misaligned with mine. More active learning, more engaging angles to the content, and re-examining the parameters of particular discipline policies have helped #ECSchat
A4: spend some time identifying leaders in the class that may be derailing your program. Ask for feedback from all Ss to see how to engage more! #ecschat
A4:Ask yourself what is unmet need are behaviors communicating? Talk to the Ss & develop a plan (read Dr. Greene #lostatshool for details) Try brain breaks, flexible seating. Get back to relationship building - strong relationships often help Ss be mindful of behavior. #ecschat
A4.1 Sometimes we are just trying to solve things from one perspective...first and foremost a school is a team...we have to help each other out #ECSchat
A5: Don't send that email. Schedule a meeting for your questions. Get an hour and be prepared to wait a week or two for an opening. That will give you the time/space to talk with a level head. Trying to just 'catch' her might not fit her schedule. #ECSchat
A5: set up an appointment with the Principal rather than putting your concerns in writing. It may be seen as confrontational. Ask for help prioritizing the different initiatives. #ECSchat
A5: Don't send that email. Schedule a meeting for your questions. Get an hour and be prepared to wait a week or two for an opening. That will give you the time/space to talk with a level head. Trying to just 'catch' her might not fit her schedule. #ECSchat
A4:Ask yourself what is unmet need are behaviors communicating? Talk to the Ss & develop a plan (read Dr. Greene #lostatshool for details) Try brain breaks, flexible seating. Get back to relationship building - strong relationships often help Ss be mindful of behavior. #ecschat
A1: cliques are real especially at international schools. My admin purposefully seats people at different tables during PD and staff days so we can mingle and chat with other staff members. #ecschat
A5:Talk to non-formal T leaders on campus. They know the school culture & can help fill you. They may have some great advice & talking it through may answer some questions. After that convo, if there are still ?, condense into 2-3 questions & email. #ECSchat
A1: cliques are real especially at international schools. My admin purposefully seats people at different tables during PD and staff days so we can mingle and chat with other staff members. #ecschat
A5: set up an appointment with the Principal rather than putting your concerns in writing. It may be seen as confrontational. Ask for help prioritizing the different initiatives. #ECSchat
A2 I try to make my first point of contact with parents via phone call. Also, I would talk to other teachers to see if they have a similar issue and how they've tackled it. #ECSchat
A3 take it as an opportunity to learn and grow. It's not realistic to expect fabulous marks on your first observation after creating a new goal. Use the precious feedback! #ECSchat
A4 I wouldn't have called home to begin with. Take time to reflect on classroom mngmnt practices, check in with other teachers, and try new strategies. If a call home is needed, ask parents what motivates and interests their kiddos instead. #ECSchat
A6: I read this as an issue with the co-teacher. Different stakeholders will reach out to different touch points, and it is OUR responsibility to include our colleagues in these interactions. I'd ask them to include me in each meeting about OUR students and OUR class. #ECSchat
A5 Principals are busy. Set a meeting with them so you can meet formally. Or, check in with colleagues to see how they're managing with the initiatives as well. #ECSchat
