#TEDEdChat tonight at 6PM ET! How do we build the schools we want to teach in? Join co-host @aewallace8 to talk about taking bold strokes w/ this TED talk: https://t.co/HnjudzCODa
In reality-4 walls and a name-but it should require teachers/admins dedicated to educating every child wherever they are at. It should be growing always, finding better ways to improve students lives even beyond the classroom #TEDEdChat
A1 - a school to me is anywhere there is a group of Ss and a T. It can be a building, outside, wherever it needs to be for the learning. Things we can leave behind = the notion that school has to be a building with four walls and a T in the front #TEDEdChat
A1: A school is truly a school when students can approach faculty regarding any needs they have. There is a strong support system and a sense of community among all. Students and faculty gain alike #TEDEdChat
A1 For a school to truly be a school, students must feel safe. Not only must they feel physically & emotionally safe, but they must also feel safe from academic ridicule. Ss must feel safe making mistakes, giving wrong answers & asking "stupid" questions. #tededchat
A1: To me, a school should be a place of student empowerment - a space that strives to foster academic, social, and emotional growth for all learners - a space that engages student voice and development. #TEDEdChat
A1 A school should be a place where learning is valued above all else. Everyone works together to help each other achieve their personal best every day. #TEDEdChat
Sean, welcome! I love that you touched on the name. The name should create a sense of pride for the staffulty and students - and if it doesn't it is our job to create that environment! We use #WeArePocomoke#TEDEdChat
A1: a well trained and supportive teachers, environment that people deal with wrong thing as something to learn from not something to fear, a well designed curriculum and involving the idea of gamification in our daily activities at schools. #TEDEdChat
A1 A school should be a place of transformation and growth. Students should be able to explore their interests and feel safe and able to make mistakes without fear of failure. Schools are not factories, we need to focus on raising students, not test scores. #tededchat
A1: Students make the school. Teachers are the doorways. Parents are the portals. All need to be in sync. What needs to go? Bureaucratic ideologies that have no vested interest in those three. #TedEdChat
Teachers who truly care about the students by providing ongoing feedback, implementing plans to achieve students goals, rethink lesson plans to accommodate students to make education more valuable #TEDEdChat
Q1 What truly makes a school, a school? What are the requirements, and what can be left behind? #TEDEdChat A1 Staff who constantly remind students that they can succeed...
I encourage my teachers to provide feedback that is specific - I think teachers often feel rushed and don't give the descriptive feedback students need and want #TEDEdChat
A1 : Schools need a relentless vision of love and high expectations for all. "We believe that every single child has boundless promise, no matter who they are, where they come from, or how much money their parents have. We've got to remember that." - Michelle Obama #TEDEdChat
A1: A school should help students become the citizens this world needs: self-aware, empathetic, empowered, collaborative and innovative change makers who know they matter. #tededchat
A1 : Schools need a relentless vision of love and high expectations for all. "We believe that every single child has boundless promise, no matter who they are, where they come from, or how much money their parents have. We've got to remember that." - Michelle Obama #TEDEdChat
A1 For a school to truly be a school, students must taught to love learning instead of test taking. Ss must be engaged members of the community, not passive vessels. #TEDEdChat
I totally agree, sometimes teachers/schools focus only on the test scores, as if they are all that really matter. I am with you, if we do what is right by the students, the scores take care of themselves! #tededchat
A2 In both of my turnaround schools, one of the first things we had to do was clean the building. Children should not have to attend school in dirty, junky, and unloved environments. The building tells students what we believe they deserve. #TEDEdChat
A1: We make sure our building is always clean - our amazing custodians help with this - our students and staff do too! We decorate for holidays and we #celebrateMonday#TEDEdChat
A2 The structure of the school environment directly mirrors what kind of Ss we can expect. If students are in rows in a white room with no decor then we can expect little engagement. On the flip side if we have an environment of collab. then we can expect that too! #tededchat
Actively engage in class through participation, bringing suggestions to improve learning more fun and effective. At the same time, teachers need to actively listen to the students needs #TEDEdChat
A2: To create an environment that fosters a child's innate creativity, they should be involved in the process of beautification and maintenance; thereby giving them a further sense of ownership. #TedEdChat
A2: USE IT! Get outside, make a mountain into a review game. Use a field for fun. Get up on the roof of the school, go out to the lake. Do what you need to promote learning! #TEDEdChat
A2: for my SWDs, environment is crucial for giving them consistency & structure. It also can make a space safe & inclusive by having sensory areas for them to explore #TEDEdChat
So TRUE! The big issue in our school is the heating and cooling. Somehow these systems never seem to function in turnaround schools....students need to feel comfortable in the actual room if we expect learning to happen! #TedEdChat
A2: Ss have to be part of it. Ss work, celebrations of work done together, etc. it has to be welcoming in every aspect (clean, not overwhelming, “happy” and show the love and care) #TEDEdChat
A2- Decorations are nice and can add to the learning ambiance, but I think there are more important symbolic & figurative messages that we send students with the physical environment. For example, what do some of our bathroom pass policies communicate to our students? #TEDEdChat
We encourage our staff to paint and decorate their rooms to reflect themselves, the content area, and the students. After all teachers spend more waking our in their classrooms than their own homes during the school year #TEDEdChat
A2: We need to ask, "Are the lived experiences and diversity of our students reflected and valued in the decor, curriculum & content of the classroom/school?" Or, does the physical space speak to a single narrative?
Does the space value or silence student voice? #TEDEdChat
That is truly awesome....I am not sure my principal would be cool with me painting the room, but other decor is pretty much up to us! Ss need to feel comfortable but so to Ts, I struggle to teach in a room that is undecorated! #TEDEdChat
What do the ways we decorate our walls & hall's with college and university materials communicate to our students who may not be college bound? #TEDEdChat
This is great. What are some successful strategies to keep S's, T's, and families positive and united, despite the barrage on education from political and societal pressures? #TEDEdChat
A2: We need to ask, "Are the lived experiences and diversity of our students reflected and valued in the decor, curriculum & content of the classroom/school?" Or, does the physical space speak to a single narrative?
Does the space value or silence student voice? #TEDEdChat
This is great! To do this teachers need to let go of the illusion of control and embrace the students as actual humans, not just warm bodies in a room. The space should speak to a variety of people from a variety of backgrounds! Awesome! #TEDEdChat
Q2: striking a balance between space that speaks to our kids' heritage and since that is blank enough to not overwhelm. Clear space is good for clear minds.
#TEDEdChat
Absolutely! Basic needs such as feeling physically comfortable need to be met. This makes me think about the many Ss that don't have this need met at home. #TedEdChat
A2.White boards where students can write their ideas and allow for interactions with others. Computers should be available and information should be accessible to learners via click of button. #Tededchat
A2: We might write some inspiring quotes on the walls of classes to cultivate the value of continuous learning, we might as well write summary of stories or conclusion of successful and inspiring people’s lives. #TEDEdChat
#TEDEdChat A2 Yes, decorate & clean, but keep reminding students to have pride in their school environment...and by all means take care of and appreciate what they have in the school #realtalk
Many students with autism need sensory stimulation to improve focus/cognition, so it can be a zone/wall with different touch/sight experiences (felt, fur, stress balls, pressure vests, shiny foil, etc.). After a time there students can refocus #TEDEdChat
A2: Most signs in a school are intended to establish order; can each one have a corresponding message that is welcoming? "Visitors must report to the office" and "We're so glad you're here?" #TEDEdChat
A2: a school's physical space is a representation of the #culture and #values. Working in a #duallanguage school allow us to be creative with our bulletin boards, hallway signs and decorations to show our value for #biliteracy#TEDEdChat
What do the ways our schools celebrate our athletes communicate to our students in clubs and activities? ...or to the general student body in our classrooms? #TEDEdChat
A2: Most signs in a school are intended to establish order; can each one have a corresponding message that is welcoming? "Visitors must report to the office" and "We're so glad you're here?" #TEDEdChat
For less challenged students it has often been me just adapting instruction to meet different modalities (auditory, visual, kinesthetic) in ways that are engaging & specific to the students prior knowledge #TEDEdChat
A2: The beginning of the semester is a good time to see your school through the eyes of students, parents, and staff. Do a step-by-step walk-through with each constituency & see what they see, hear what they hear, #tededchat
A2: To create an environment that fosters a child's innate creativity, they should be involved in the process of beautification and maintenance; thereby giving them a further sense of ownership. #TedEdChat
A2: Show the students that the school is a place to be proud of. Keep the building clean and in good working order utilizing student leadership. Use the building to facilitate community events and meetings. Obtain community sponsors to assist in acquiring needs. #TEDEdChat
Yes, and have the students select and write the quotes and stories. Do this with them, not for them or to them. Indeed, students should be involved in writing the school's mission & vision. #tededchat
And that “end game” can’t just be test scores. Models can be created through backwards design & presented to the decision makers with quantifiable data. Emotional Intelligence is now in Universities #TedEdChat Bring it to P-K
A3: Listen to them, attend their games and performances. Take breaks during class and let them express themselves to each other and to you! Knowing your Ss will direct how you teach them. #TEDEdChat
Purposeful celebrations of academics combats this. We do this with #Project100 and #IntentNight. Ss are recognized for their "signing" with a post-secondary institution. #TedEdChat
#TEDEdChat Q3: I show students who I am, I notice when they are hurting or happy, I ask questions, and I don't do it to connect... I do it because it's me. Kids can sniff out disingenuousness faster than adults!
A2. Natural light, temperature, air quality, colour and individualised classroom design all contribute to a good learning environment. Environment is shown to contribute to learning outcomes and to wellbeing. #TEDEdChat Check out Clever Classrooms. https://t.co/IrbzM7zI3a
A3 This is an area where I struggle, but I have a plan! I would like to start having weekly checkins with each student and monthly family dinners where all Ss and family are invited to a potluck style dinner. I am hoping that these connections can inform my Ting. #tededchat
A3: #TEDEdChat Oh, yay!! My soapbox!! I contact the families of my Ss as soon as I get my class list. I introduce myself, invite them to Back-to-School Night, and ask them if there's anything they'd like me to know about their child. I go to sporting events and bd parties!
A2 : School spaces should be flexible for a wide variety of needs and uses, for both S's and T's. Spaces should also foster collaboration and equality (space for class meetings, group/partner work, etc.) Here is how @pkyongedrs does it! https://t.co/7AFLTB7YuI#TEDEdChat
A3: A post I co-wrote w/@angelamaiers on five principals who "walk the walk" when it comes to letting everyone know they matter. Each had a different way of getting to know students, their families and their lives. https://t.co/wdc5Gf1Rd9#TEDEdChat
A3: Take time to really LISTEN and SEE the Ss every day. Ask about their day at the start of class. Read their stories. Hold weekly mtgs to share thoughts on your class community. Reflect on what you observe. And, let them know you were paying attention. #TedEdChat
AE: ilove finding non traditional ways to communicate with my students who struggle in that area-the key is letting them know you are trying to understand them-even a moody 16yo is saying more non-verbally than their words indicate-just pay attention #TEDEdChat
#TEDEdChat Q3: it's not hard to get to know kids. If you treat them with kindness, they will WANT you to know them. Even those who are angry and scared will respond to a light if you give them one to follow.
A3: meet with each family in the fall.I also go to games, recitals, shows, etc to show my Ss that I truly care about you as a human, not just scores. I also love some positive notes! I don’t think the impact of this empathy can be measured, but it shows in interactions #TEDEdChat
A3: paying attn to who young ppl are, what they care abt, their passions and lives informs lessons, books share, and convos we have. They are at center #TEDEdChat
A3: Once you take time to truly listen, be sure to take action. Integrate student choice and voice in the curriculum, structure, context & content of the classroom. #TedEdChat
A3 No better job in the world then being an educator. We have a chance to make a true difference in a child's life. Some of my thoughts outlined here. https://t.co/CYqy6PZaVj#TEDEdChat
I just know that so much of human culture centers around food, it gives students an opportunity to show us their culture and for us to show them ours. Our wrestling banquet potluck is one of my favorite times because you get to see Ss as kids in a family. #TEDEdChat
In reply to
@aewallace8Chats, @huffy3420, @jenifer_rayne
A3: Once you take time to truly listen, be sure to take action. Integrate student choice and voice in the curriculum, structure, context & content of the classroom. #TedEdChat
It is critical to get parent involvement, and saying, "But the parents aren't involved..." is not an excuse. Part of our job is to get the parents involved! #TEDEdChat
Understand where students are coming from, how are they experiencing issues around them, how can teachers help students and motivate them to improve #TEDEdChat
#TEDEdChat A3 Make the learning relevant: Add a bit of hipness/coolness etc to grab their attention but ALWAYS come back to "Hey you are going to need this content for your future" so they understand you care about their life beyond school #MakeThatPencilMove
This. Be brave. Be vulnerable. Tell your story. Then get ready to listen, because they will tell theirs back, just as bravely and vulnerably. #TEDEdChat
Showing empathy, that you truly care, leaving positive notes can change a student's life, though you may never know it. https://t.co/lxP1c4hKeX#TEDEdChat
A3: meet with each family in the fall.I also go to games, recitals, shows, etc to show my Ss that I truly care about you as a human, not just scores. I also love some positive notes! I don’t think the impact of this empathy can be measured, but it shows in interactions #TEDEdChat
I totally agree with this. I think #schooladmin can support T's in this work through their #teacherevaluation models/plans, being creative in how teacher leaders can impact the school, and disseminating their successes to stakeholders, the community, and beyond. #TEDEdChat
To me, 6-12 is all about the individual. Students at the age LOVE to be thought of as not part of the crowd, they are their own person. I have had good success with one on one convos. Just don't do the whole class in a day. It can be more informal too. #TEDEdChat
RT @dailypractice97: A1: a well trained and supportive teachers, environment that people deal with wrong thing as something to learn from not something to fear, a well designed curriculum and involving the idea of gamification in our daily activities at schools. #TEDEdChat
Thank you for this resource! I'm adding it to my reading list. I also completely agree about adding a variety of metrics...what we measure is what we value... #TEDEdChat
Q3: It is important that every teacher have a connection with every student they are blessed to teach. Take time to get to know them as individuals and let that knowledge influence your teaching. #TEDEdChat
A3. Talk about Ronaldo, Messi, Beyonce, Kim, any latest news just to break the ice. Slay the boredom. Answer any questions and let them try things out a couple of times before marking them off. #Tededchat
A4 Keeping end goals in mind is critical here. Whenever faced with a choice, or an excuse, ask "Does this help me reach my end goal?" If the answer is no, then problem solve. Control the controlables, everyone has excuses, we need to rise above. #tededchat
Ask about their lives. Show genuine interest. Make them feel needed. Even the toughest students will show hints of vulnerability when their struggles are validated. Creating a safe space helps increase academic risk taking. #TEDEdChat
#TEDEdChat Q4: Having a Vision Statement laser focused on OUR responsibilities to students and community... And living it EVERYDAY keeps you out of the excuses mindset.
A3: write things down! I also include my fellow learning community teachers in the process, then I’ve got natural check in buddies to hold me accountable and brainstorm with. #TEDEdChat
A4- Ask those around us (including our students) for help, other ideas and solutions. The key to avoiding excuses is actively and continually seeking fresh perspectives. #TEDEdChat
Q4: You stop the excuses trap by calling out it out when you see them or hear them. We cannot afford to let "niceness" allow others to put barriers in the way of our children. The phrase, So what you're saying is our kids can't/shouldn't (add the excuse). #TEDEdChat#noexcuses
This course helps educators and students become self-aware, empathetic, empowered, collaborative and innovative change makers who know they matter. https://t.co/cFObCYymOY#tededchat
I think those are great but take a lot of community building before they are effective. I have many kids who openly hate RJ circles. Maybe it is just because they are uncomfortable, they expressed that they didn't like sharing in front of the whole class. Keep workin! #tededchat
Agree-focusing on how to overcome barriers rather than focusing on the barriers themselves promotes Ss success. It's important to stay positive in order to help Ts become unstuck. #TedEdChat
Reflection on goals is also key. So often people set goals and never return to them or actually plan for success. It has to be more than words! #TEDEdChat
A4: I think that it’s all about practicing having the “problem solving mindset” in the small things in our lives so that we don’t blame others or give excuses, but start to take actions that lead to a change. #TEDEdChat
A4 : One of my favorite phrases is "lean into the tension". Be curious. Explore the "why". ASK QUESTIONS, especially of yourself. I love these 10 self-reflection questions teachers can ask. Small daily reflections make large shifts in practice. https://t.co/C5E0ElfBIA#TEDEdChat
#TEDEdChat A4 If you care...I mean REALLY care about your students (poverty background or not) you will challenge them every time they make an excuse. Will you get tired? Oh yes...but keep knocking those excuses down...It's worth it :) #WeDontQuitHere
This is a good idea. We started one with a game called "Yes and..."where the goal is to just keep the story going and be silly in the process. The parameters are that you cannot kill the story, and you must add some sort of event. #tededchat
Yes!! @PreK33 Assume everyone outside of the organism is really from the "show me state." Connect w/like-minded teachers/admin & blow back to school night away! #TEDEdChat
A1: A school is a true school when students feel their accepted, safe, and able to enjoy their learning experience. This is accomplished by meeting the needs of the whole child both physically, emotionally, intellectually. #TEDEdChat
This is one of my weaknesses : returning to goals and supporting my team in doing the same. To keep goals fresh, I keep pictures of our work, make "standing items" on agendas, and ask others to keep me accountable (T's like @TPalmerPKY who are really good at details). #TEDEdChat
In reply to
@TeacherTidbits1, @aewallace8Chats, @TPalmerPKY
Love "Lean in to the tension" and self-reflection is key to becoming better and better. So many need to be explicitly taught how to do this. #TedEdChat
