Hello everyone! I'm Jeff (@jeffreyyanke17), a student at UW-Platteville, and I'm here to observe and contribute to tonight's discussion. Thanks for having me! #TXed
#txed Jerry Toups aka #JediofBelieve HS Math Tr from the Houston, TX area. My house is now the #AlwaysBeleive House complete with a Always Believe #HallofFame to honor my former and current Ss and coworkers.
A1 working really well? individualizing activities for my students with support. Work in progress: working with behavior and keeping the demand of compliance in check while managing severe behavior. #txed
A1: I’m excited for the work I’ve been able to do in classrooms this year. Also feel like I’ve kept a pretty good work/personal life balance. Need to continue working on consistency of my schedule and more effective feedback for all, not just some. #TXed
A1-A challenge so far is trying to move to coaching rather than telling. Working for me is letting go of a few things and allow others to run them. #TXed
Good: HUGE growth I have seen in some kiddos! Plus, becoming comfortable in my new position.
Challenging: I am split between 4 campuses and am still trying to figure out how to best split my time so I can support all “my” students. If only I could be 4 places at once! #TXed
A1. I have spent my entire career on a campus in some capacity, until this past August. Adjusting to not seeing students daily is challenging. I am learning about state systems that support districts and campuses, so that's the plus. Working to find the work/family balance. #TXed
Q2: How do you go about checking in on your student progress? What has been a helpful way to check on the development as a whole class and as individual students? #TXed
A2: I’ve found tracking TEKS progress data has been super helpful for coaching conversations. It’s also a fun way to celebrate teams and look for trends. Excited that we’re consistently closing the reading gap in 3rd grade! #TXed
#txed A1 My Ss are exceling on their tests through monitored peer tutoring in my class. My scores are very good, but.... The studnet growth is lacking. That moment when a St scores a 92 on a test but their last year STAAR score = 95 #NoGrowth
Q2: How do you go about checking in on your student progress? What has been a helpful way to check on the development as a whole class and as individual students? #TXed
As a behavior specialist this looks a bit different for me. I try to check in w all my Ss through emails w Ts. For some of my higher needs Ss, communicate w Ts more often, stop by their classroom multiple times a week. #TXed
A2. Student data conferences were always powerful, as well as conversations during small group instruction. Turn and talks (making sure to listen in) during whole group instruction is key!!! Student surveys to check for non-academic things could help. #TXed
Q2: How do you go about checking in on your student progress? What has been a helpful way to check on the development as a whole class and as individual students? #TXed
A2: I’ve found tracking TEKS progress data has been super helpful for coaching conversations. It’s also a fun way to celebrate teams and look for trends. Excited that we’re consistently closing the reading gap in 3rd grade! #TXed
A1: The good has been this new team, the collaboration & celebration I feel this year in Midway ISD. The challenging has been my own self-pressure. I am my own worst enemy & I need to work on taking a moment to slow down! #TXed
Q3: After a few months, we see some of the challenges that our students might have. How do you check-in and address challenges with:
* Academics
* Behavior
* Emotional/Social
#TXed
A2: Data walls & graphs! Ss chart their own progress & if there is a decline, we conference to find out the reason behind it. It has been a GAME CHANGER as they know they're working together AS A TEAM! #TXed
Q2: How do you go about checking in on your student progress? What has been a helpful way to check on the development as a whole class and as individual students? #TXed
"Families who can afford" already enjoy school choice. Our reform is aimed at everyone else who don't currently have any good options. #txlege#txed@TPPF
In reply to
@TxlegeAdmirer, @tweetingtomh, @TPPF, @scottbraddock, @TPPF
A3: I'm a huge believer in student conferences! We cannot make decisions about students and their learning, without them in that conversation & decision making process! #txed
Q3: After a few months, we see some of the challenges that our students might have. How do you check-in and address challenges with:
* Academics
* Behavior
* Emotional/Social
#TXed
A2: I have been monitoring class growth with charts from test to test and having discussions as a whole class as well as with individual students. We set a class goal and have a prize in mind when we reach it! #txed
A3: We are working to make connections with kids and parents - goal setting, relationship building, and using these as a springboard for achievement. #TXed
#txed A2 I am old school and still use hard copy grade sheets. By each name I put their last years STAAR Score so I an always able to check on growth. Just hard to grow kids how make 95 plus on their STAAR Scores. #DontStopBelieving
A3 Daily social skills teaching, direct teach, SEL mini lessons, tracking compliance and behavior goals, and individual check ins. A perk when I’m the social emotional T. #txed
A3 Whatever the challenge, a private conversation with the student and offering them options and lots of listening. If its academics, do you need more time, more help from me, a student tutor or something else. Do not make the decisions for them, at least for hs Ss. #txed
Sure! I keep track of TEKS progression, or how my grade levels AND individual teachers do on the assessments we take. Green is growth, Bright is 20%+ growth, yellow slight fall and red significant. Great discussions had on summary from this last update. #txed
A1: The good - our staff is consistently looking for what is best for kids, even when this not easiest for adults. The challenge - there are never enough hours in a day to do all we want to do. #TXed
Q3: After a few months, we see some of the challenges that our students might have. How do you check-in and address challenges with:
* Academics
* Behavior
* Emotional/Social
#TXed
Me too!!!! I have had an increase in emails going from AP to Principal and haven’t quite figured out how to keep up and not feel like I’m missing something! #txed
A3. Student data conferences are crucial at this time of year to decide how to support students for the remainder of the year. Data can be anything you track. You can assess where students are with academics, social/emotional, and discuss behavior during these conferences. #TXed
Q3: After a few months, we see some of the challenges that our students might have. How do you check-in and address challenges with:
* Academics
* Behavior
* Emotional/Social
#TXed
#txed A3 The key is short individual conversations as you walk the room. I use my flowchart for developing relationships and my main goal is for my Ss to describe me with the ultimate descriptors.
A3-As an administrator I make it a point to get into as many of the classrooms that I can each day. I check in with students and try to leave them with words of encouragement to keep up their effort. #TXed
A3: Daily engaged dialog with my kids. Asking them questions, about themselves shows you care. Social Emotional Learning integrated in all lessons. Hi! I just arrived from San Antonio #8thgraderocks#TXed#ELAR
Look at ALL their needs (academics, behavior, social emotional) & create the best plan of action keeping in mind the whole student! Check in/follow through with any plan created & NEVER give up on a S, or assume a S “cant” or “won’t” do something just because of their past! #TXed
A3: I think this all comes back to building and maintaining relationships. When they trust you they will share more with you even at quick check-ins. #txed
While I don't have a classroom or students yet, I plan on checking in with my students through face-to-face communication & by building a relationship where they feel comfortable asking me for assistance or advice that will help them address their challenges. #TXed
Q4: This time of year can be very stressful for our team, grade level, or school. How do you check in with your team or staff members to make sure they remember their "Why?"
#TXed
A3: Setting up 6-8 week intervals to review progress monitoring data is essential. I loved having RTI PLCs on my last campus. Having Google sheets with all striving students and updated monthly check-ins made me feel like everyone was on the same page for each kid. #txed
A3: My Ss have goal cards that are simple. I use a “handshake and hint” to touch base with them with their goals and guide them often. When they realize I care about their goals, they care about them too. #txed
A5: Our campus Principal @EricWernli holds 15 minute meetings with small groups #gradelevel to check in. I know teachers appreciate feeling heard. #TXed
Q4: This time of year can be very stressful for our team, grade level, or school. How do you check in with your team or staff members to make sure they remember their "Why?"
#TXed
#txed A4 Last evenign we got together as a math team and had dinner and just talked. Great evening.
The key on remembering your why is to BE POSITIVE! This will inspire your Ss AND coworkers. #BeenThereDoneThat#BeTheOne that brings light to your classroom and hallway.
A4. Take time to celebrate small victories. This could be light treats during a faculty meeting, a class party, etc. When people know that they are appreciated, they may move mountains for students! #TXed
Q4: This time of year can be very stressful for our team, grade level, or school. How do you check in with your team or staff members to make sure they remember their "Why?"
#TXed
Bring up the positives about a struggling/difficult student, tell the teacher what they’re doing good at, remember to tell them how appreciated they are and how much of an impact they have on these kids! #TXed
A4: I’m sort of obnoxious - I come in and take a seat and start asking questions. If I linger around long enough, people start to open up beyond surface level “how’s it going?” #txed
Yes, I feel like SEL this year has improved relationships with the students and each other, and the students with me as well. Mindfulness is also great! #txed
#txed Use this flowchart. #BELIEVE in your Ss. My goal is for my Ss to describe me with these ultimate descriptors. When this happens the relationships are built. Your classroom will be magical. You will be able to feel the positive aura that exists.
Q5: Have you checked-in on your parents? What are some ways we could do a check in with parents mid-year? What would we ask our parents to gain their insight? #TXed
I'm not very qualified to give advice on this, but I would suggest trying to stay cool under pressure. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done, but I must applaud you for your dedication! #TXed
A1: Making connections to my students and helping them to find their potential, especially my seniors! I need to improve on my patience with them as well (phones are a daily issue where we struggle). #TXed
I can agree with you the most wealthy already have school choice
While your reform might be “aimed” at everyone else, it’s only redeemable by those who have the mobility and additional income to fill the gap between a taxpayer funded voucher and private school tuition #txed
In reply to
@JamesQuinteroTX, @tweetingtomh, @TPPF, @scottbraddock
Q2: a lot of my seniors have twitter accounts so I continue to check in with them and they see my twitter feed for the class through the Integration in their Canvas course. #TXed
Q2: How do you go about checking in on your student progress? What has been a helpful way to check on the development as a whole class and as individual students? #TXed
I’ll admit, I need to do more of this.
I love home visits! It’s a good way to have authentic conversation in a comfortable environment for the family/parents. Ask the parents what support they need, remind them you’re on the same team to beat support their son/daughter. #TXed
#txed A5 Haven't done this yet, but creating a short survey form for parents to fill out to get feedback on your time with their kids would be mosting interesting to read and study.
Q5: I send weekly emails to parents letting them know what’s happening in the classroom. I’d love to host a parent night more often than just at the beginning of the year. Is once a month too often?😳#TXed
I’ll admit, I need to do more of this.
I love home visits! It’s a good way to have authentic conversation in a comfortable environment for the family/parents. Ask the parents what support they need, remind them you’re on the same team to best support their son/daughter. #TXed
Q5: Have you checked-in on your parents? What are some ways we could do a check in with parents mid-year? What would we ask our parents to gain their insight? #TXed
A5: interesting idea! I sent out a parent survey about their student at the beginning of the year - I could easily send another asking how their or their students’ perceptions/challenges have changed since August. #txed
Q3: I follow my students as they continue their year. Building relationships with them were they are comfortable coming to me for assistance where I can provide it. I have former students who check in with me daily, or come to me to be a shoulder/listening ear. #TXed
Q3: After a few months, we see some of the challenges that our students might have. How do you check-in and address challenges with:
* Academics
* Behavior
* Emotional/Social
#TXed
A5. A midyear survey asking about communication, systems that are working or not working, things they would like to see in the future, their comfort level with the support given to their child, etc. This can also be done during parent meetings. #TXed
Q5: Have you checked-in on your parents? What are some ways we could do a check in with parents mid-year? What would we ask our parents to gain their insight? #TXed
Q4: I make myself available for my team members. If they need assistance with something, or even suggesting a breakfast for the team to help build morale to get us through the days. #TXed
Q4: This time of year can be very stressful for our team, grade level, or school. How do you check in with your team or staff members to make sure they remember their "Why?"
#TXed
#TXed A5 -- I have car duty every day. I get so much done. Think 25 minutes of relationship building. I find out more stuff about the kids and parents by just being pleasant and aware. Great tool. Turned a negative into a positive.
Q4: with 200+ students each year it is difficult to check in with parents. But I let my parents know at the beginning of the year and if a need arises that I am there for them. I have had some reach out to me late hours and when I am out. I stay in touch no matter what. #TXed
Q5: Have you checked-in on your parents? What are some ways we could do a check in with parents mid-year? What would we ask our parents to gain their insight? #TXed
No, it’s just a Google Sheet where I add the data from assessments as we go through the year. Tracking each objective & analyzing it for growth has greatly increased the impact of my discussions with admin, teams, and teachers on student learning and instruction practices. #txed
Q6: while so many of the districts focus on the mental health of the students, we have to remember that we can not fill our students from an empty cup. I remind myself to recharge and refresh weekly and especially over breaks. #TxEd
#txed A6 - Constantly evaluating my physical and mental health. After 28 years in education, I have a good idea of what my body is telling me. Always think forward because you can always be better tomorrow than today. Never settle.
I am a HUGE fan of to-do lists. I have monthly lists, weekly lists, daily’s lists... lists per campus, lists for students... you get the point.
And the feeling of accomplishment when you check off all the boxes! #TXed
How have you interacted with parents that seemed uninterested in interacting with you when you believed that the interaction would benefit their child's education?#TXed
A6: 🤔 One thing I do to make sure I’m balancing home/work is to leave my computer at school during the week, and no work comes home on the weekend anymore. I can always ask my family about my stress level, sometimes they see what I can’t. #TXed
I am a HUGE fan of to-do lists. I have monthly lists, weekly lists, daily lists... lists per campus, lists for students... you get the point.
And the feeling of accomplishment when you check off all the boxes! #TXed
Thankfully our district has begun using an LMS, as many of them will in college. Canvas LMS system has the ability to post my tweets for the class right on the homepage of the course. They don’t have to follow me directly to stay informed, it pulls from my class hashtag. #TXed
A6. This is a work in progress, but I make the most of family time, try to go to the gym, and unwind when I get off work (try to take minimal work home with me). I share and receive ideas with colleagues, which helps with approaches I'm taking to accomplish tasks. #TXed
The #TXed would always like each of you to remember that:
* You are amazing
* You are making a difference
* Keep moving forward.
Thanks for joining us tonight. We will see you next Wednesday.
#txed A3 -- I'm really enjoying our relationship with @EmergentTree. They have many good resources to isolate issues and then tools to address behavior and social issues. Just learning software but I'm excited on the possibilities.
Thank you for allowing me to participate tonight! It was very informative and you have all given me great advise that I can use once I get out into the field.#TXed#uwpsoe2010
I AM SO PUMPED FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS! We’ve been reading informational text about all things Fortnite (Bc if you can’t beat em, lean in) and the template for this digital menu by @Tommyspall shared with me by @martimakuta is everyyyything. #ilovemyjob@cavazos_ms
More than welcome! It’s an amazing tool. I use it for my courses as well as my organizations (student council and class of 2019), this way all my students stay up to date on what is happening in class and around the school. #TXed
O.M.G! I LOVE how you took the Fortnite Template and literally ran with it! You are AMAZING! Let me know you're students feedback and reflection! I'd love to hear! Great job, Jessie!!!! #edchat#edtech#txed#CFISDchat#bisdwired
In reply to
@jessie1436, @martimakuta, @cavazos_ms
