#vachat Archive

#vachat is a great way for Virginia educators to share teaching strategies, educational resources, and more.
Monday January 30, 2017
8:00 PM EST
  • MrsMurat Jan 30 @ 8:00 PM EST
    My Ss provide evidence they are Digital leaders! https://t.co/Pjh5jwjLdc #socedchat #LearnLAP #musedchat #teacherwellness #vachat #nyedchat
  • participatechat Jan 30 @ 8:00 PM EST
    Participate in the upcoming #vachat by sharing resources and collaborating at https://t.co/zfgwExrI9g
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:01 PM EST
    Good evening #vachat ers and welcome to another great Monday conversation. Please introduce yourself to everyone. #edchat #novaedchat
  • EspoLearns Jan 30 @ 8:03 PM EST
    Christine. Elementary gifted specialist. Charlottesville. #vachat
  • MATHwithMADISON Jan 30 @ 8:03 PM EST
    Toni Madison. 7th grade Math teacher in Spotsy. Thankful for a ❄day today! #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Reed, HS AP from Charlottesville. Pleasure to be with my #vachat PLN tonight as we take out our crystal balls
  • MrDeSando Jan 30 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Todd. ITRT. Spotsylvania #vachat
  • KamiSchools Jan 30 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Hello #vachat! Been a while but I am glad to be back!
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Total surprise this morning for many folks! #vachat
    In reply to @MATHwithMADISON
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:05 PM EST
    Phil, Elem. Principal in Rockbrisge County and your moderator today.... #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:06 PM EST
    Pleased to have you with #vachat tonight
    In reply to @MrDeSando
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:07 PM EST
    OK foks, Q1 in a moment... have to say looking back and forward made me really wonder about sustained change in education #vachat
  • brewerhm Jan 30 @ 8:07 PM EST
    #vachat #principalsinaction #JoyfulLeaders #divergED #edchat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:07 PM EST
    Q1: Does your school (or the programs in it) look substantially different than it did 10 years ago? #vachat #edchat
  • EspoLearns Jan 30 @ 8:08 PM EST
    A1: This is only my 2nd yr. Aside from being more crowded - not really. Though we have a new iSTEM teacher this year. #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:09 PM EST
    what about your view as a student/ #vachat
    In reply to @EspoLearns
  • EspoLearns Jan 30 @ 8:10 PM EST
    That was a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, but what was old is new again - so probably not so different. No. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:10 PM EST
    Glad to say @k12albemarle tend to be at the forefront of change and risk-taking from MakerSpaces to immersion to multi-grade classes #vachat
    In reply to @k12albemarle
  • pkoch9999 Jan 30 @ 8:10 PM EST
    Paul from Ashburn joining #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:11 PM EST
    I have often walked into a classroom that could have been 10, 20, 30, or more years ago. Worksheet and row... #vachat
  • KamiSchools Jan 30 @ 8:11 PM EST
    A1: 10 years ago I was a S, but yes absolutely. 1:1 schools, advent of LMS, startups, so many digital tools, nearly unrecognizable #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:12 PM EST
    Welcome... former Ashburn resident myself! #vachat #DominionTrail
    In reply to @pkoch9999
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:13 PM EST
    For too many schools change has been slow or non-existent..Jump from good to great is a long one. #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:13 PM EST
    Reed, what do you think drives Albemarle's desire to change/grow? #vachat
    In reply to @rggillespie, @k12albemarle
  • MATHwithMADISON Jan 30 @ 8:13 PM EST
    A1: Not a huge difference. We currently have more technology and are doing more small group and collaborative instruction. #vachat
  • pkoch9999 Jan 30 @ 8:13 PM EST
    A1 - I see a lot more choice and inquiry based study. Also, a commitment to mastery. Pendulum swinging back from SOL culture. #vachat
  • CardwellTeachMe Jan 30 @ 8:14 PM EST
    Just finished up late dinner with the family after a terrific joy ambassadors meeting. I'm a literacy coach in VB. #vachat
  • EspoLearns Jan 30 @ 8:14 PM EST
    As an outsider, I would absolutely say @pammoran. She is a force of nature with an impressive vision. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins, @rggillespie, @pammoran
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:14 PM EST
    Other days I watch small groups, comfortable surroundings, and a growth mindset which is radically different than 20 years ago. #vachat
  • massignmenthelp Jan 30 @ 8:15 PM EST
    #nyedchat #SocEdChat #STEMHQ #teacherwellness #vachat #WonderChat 7 misconceptions about PhD students https://t.co/HFbKiPO9EY
  • AssignmentHelpN Jan 30 @ 8:15 PM EST
    #nyedchat #SocEdChat #STEMHQ #teacherwellness #vachat #WonderChat How To Fail With Success https://t.co/soMsGBh2zf
  • CardwellTeachMe Jan 30 @ 8:15 PM EST
    I just questioned worksheeting our kids to death this morning. I wouldn't want someone doing it to me so we need to offer better. #vachat
    • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:11 PM EST
      I have often walked into a classroom that could have been 10, 20, 30, or more years ago. Worksheet and row... #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:15 PM EST
    As @pkoch9999 alluded to: recognition that SOLs aren't the end all...Organic change because teachers are empowered #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins, @pkoch9999
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:15 PM EST
    I would say uneven change/growth... often depends on the teacher. #vachat
    In reply to @MATHwithMADISON
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:15 PM EST
    Q2 in one minute #vachat
  • EspoLearns Jan 30 @ 8:16 PM EST
    Heh. I had my 1st graders cheering today b/c we did "paperwork". They drew pics from an ant's perspective but it was wrksht like. #vachat
  • kavester Jan 30 @ 8:16 PM EST
    Q1 many of the classrooms I step in have rows because of space. Overcrowded rooms don't allow for creative groupings in some spaces #vachat
  • MATHwithMADISON Jan 30 @ 8:17 PM EST
    absolutely agree. Too many riders and walkers. Not enough joggers and runners. More Ts need to read Move Your Bus #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • ErinWest_ITRT Jan 30 @ 8:18 PM EST
    Hey guys! Jumping in late from a no-show "snow day" #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:18 PM EST
    Q2: What will go away in Ed in the next 10 years? Will it change education fr the better or worse? #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:18 PM EST
    Welcome! thanks for joining #vachat
    In reply to @ErinWest_ITRT
  • CardwellTeachMe Jan 30 @ 8:19 PM EST
    I think it plays a part. Ts are often afraid to do things differently when we still test the same way. #vachat
    In reply to @KamiSchools
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:19 PM EST
    using tables and such wouldn't help with that problem? #vachat
    In reply to @kavester
  • EspoLearns Jan 30 @ 8:19 PM EST
    A2: Maybe I'm just hopeful: But overtesting and proficiency testing will go away. It will be for the better. #vachat
  • CardwellTeachMe Jan 30 @ 8:20 PM EST
    A2: My desire is that standardized testing be replaced with individual, authentic learning evidence but I may just be dreaming! #vachat
  • ErinWest_ITRT Jan 30 @ 8:21 PM EST
    A2 I hope structured pacing calendars will go away as we go from a traditional curriculum pacing to a mastery based personalized one #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:21 PM EST
    So much of education is cyclical...Twenty years ago summarizing was taboo, now it can be seen as higher-order #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:21 PM EST
    I think the "snow day" in its current form will end... #vachat
  • pkoch9999 Jan 30 @ 8:22 PM EST
    A2 homework as we know it will be gone in 10 years, as Ss schedules out of school continue to grow. Good for whole child I think #vachat
  • kavester Jan 30 @ 8:22 PM EST
    A2 can I dream of testing companies going out of business? Learning opportunities should be valued by society, not a test score. #vachat
  • KamiSchools Jan 30 @ 8:22 PM EST
    If DeVos gets her way, public schools will (not good IMO). Hopefully T will become more influential at a policy level #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:22 PM EST
    A2: We WILL see more individualized learning plans where students will take more control of their own learning #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:22 PM EST
    My high school freshman is working in a program like this.... when she finishes one module she moves to the next. #vachat
    In reply to @ErinWest_ITRT
  • KamiSchools Jan 30 @ 8:23 PM EST
    I am hoping that tech gives T more flexibility in how they teach, but requires so much individual time w current system #vachat
    In reply to @KamiSchools
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:24 PM EST
    exactly... the thought of no learning that day will go away. #vachat
    In reply to @pkoch9999
  • CardwellTeachMe Jan 30 @ 8:24 PM EST
    I hope so! #vachat
    • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:22 PM EST
      A2: We WILL see more individualized learning plans where students will take more control of their own learning #vachat
  • kavester Jan 30 @ 8:24 PM EST
    I see that already in motion with the help of one to one schools and google classroom #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:24 PM EST
    At what age do you think this will begin... Elementary guy here! #vachat
    In reply to @rggillespie
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:25 PM EST
    you have to be motivated to learn though... many students in her class are struggling with the self-guided notion. #vachat
    In reply to @ErinWest_ITRT
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:25 PM EST
    Profile of a Virginia Graduate https://t.co/jBYrTMIgLY Highlights some potential changes...also a topic for #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:25 PM EST
    Profile of a Virginia Graduate https://t.co/gsiU8tFGNP Highlights some potential changes...also a topic for #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:26 PM EST
    Q3 in a moment! #vachat
  • EspoLearns Jan 30 @ 8:26 PM EST
    I'll tell you, I loved individualized learning in MS. Finding it harder to implement in elementary. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins, @ErinWest_ITRT
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:28 PM EST
    Q3: We potentially have 8 years of our current administration... do you think this could radicaaly change ed as we know it? #vachat
  • wadewhitehead Jan 30 @ 8:29 PM EST
    A2: Grades, as we know them, will evaporate in our best schools by 2025…and kids will be all the better for it. #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:29 PM EST
    Speaks to the need for more interdisciplinary learning. Why should learning take place in a vacuum? #vachat
    In reply to @pkoch9999
  • kavester Jan 30 @ 8:29 PM EST
    A3 it depends on who the sec of ed is. I'm not happy with the last few sec under Obama or Bush; but DeVos is the lowest of the low. #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:30 PM EST
    I hope so....but I'm not holding my breath #vachat
    In reply to @wadewhitehead
  • MATHwithMADISON Jan 30 @ 8:30 PM EST
    I really really hope so! #vachat
    In reply to @wadewhitehead
  • wadewhitehead Jan 30 @ 8:30 PM EST
    A3: The confirmation vote tomorrow will signal whether or not Congress is serious about preservation of public schools in America #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:32 PM EST
    With the desire to allow "competition" I think we could see some negative changes.. #vachat
  • pkoch9999 Jan 30 @ 8:32 PM EST
    A3 seems things can radically change quickly these days, but Ts and Ss will remain. Thus relationship building will stay our #1 job #vachat
  • sarannwrap01 Jan 30 @ 8:32 PM EST
    A3: I think, if anything, he'll give more power to the states and localities and less to the federal. #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:33 PM EST
    A3: Staying optimistic: we control our own destinies and we have tremendous influence over our schools and classes #vachat
  • EspoLearns Jan 30 @ 8:33 PM EST
    I think "for profit" fundamentally changes the mission of a school. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • ErinWest_ITRT Jan 30 @ 8:33 PM EST
    A3 yes. But potentially positive. Really teaching global connectivity and how we are all citizens with a voice. Empathy. #vachat
  • wadewhitehead Jan 30 @ 8:33 PM EST
    A3: Make no mistake: An unhampered privatization movement will weather public schools beyond recognition #profitmotive #vachat
  • KamiSchools Jan 30 @ 8:33 PM EST
    A3: Yes absolutely. Look at what has happened to Detroit due to Michigan being the educational "Wild West" https://t.co/z4bJmLm09F #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:33 PM EST
    This is a key point to remember! #vachat
    In reply to @pkoch9999
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:34 PM EST
    With ow low some state standards are, is this good thing? #vachat
    In reply to @sarannwrap01
  • JMcKeanK12 Jan 30 @ 8:35 PM EST
    NEW PODCAST! Hosted by @MikeRoccoK12 and myself on #perspectivesined Check it out! https://t.co/1VPAtZvz9u #NJEAchat #vachat #neisdpln
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:35 PM EST
    Q4; If you could see a fundamental change for the positive in education in the next 10 years what would it be? #vachat
  • EspoLearns Jan 30 @ 8:36 PM EST
    A4: Lettings Ts meet Ss where they are and move them forward, across the board. Making growth the focus. #vachat
  • Hawks_Chris Jan 30 @ 8:37 PM EST
    A4: Less standardized testing, more authentic learning opportunties #vachat
  • pkoch9999 Jan 30 @ 8:38 PM EST
    A4 - Ss portfolio, and defense of it, to replace grades, testing. #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:39 PM EST
    Great story showing our abilities as educators to overcome, help our students reach their dreams https://t.co/yf8OL680bG @brewerhm #vachat
    In reply to @brewerhm
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:39 PM EST
    Great story showing our abilities as educators to overcome, help our students reach their dreams https://t.co/5LwzPjq2qU @brewerhm #vachat
    In reply to @brewerhm
  • wadewhitehead Jan 30 @ 8:39 PM EST
    A4: Cultivation of working conditions that will attract and retain the best teachers of all time to our public school classrooms #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:39 PM EST
    A4: I think a swing towards creation and project based learning. You can accomplish standards without worksheets and drill & kill! #vachat
  • KamiSchools Jan 30 @ 8:39 PM EST
    A4: Giving T power over the policies that enter their classroom. Not sure what the best system to do this would be, however #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:40 PM EST
    Culminating or capstone projects showing 4 years of TRUE learning AND experiences #vachat
    In reply to @pkoch9999
  • wadewhitehead Jan 30 @ 8:40 PM EST
    A4: Aggressive pruning of standardized testing, the kudzu of public education #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:41 PM EST
    Agreed, VA has high standards... but not all do. #vachat
    In reply to @sarannwrap01
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:41 PM EST
    Q5: a favorite of mine tonight... Fads come and go, what is currenty a fad that will end in the next 10 years? #vachat
  • wadewhitehead Jan 30 @ 8:41 PM EST
    A4: A professional hierarchy that places students first and that leverages itself to support the work of their teachers and families #vachat
  • CardwellTeachMe Jan 30 @ 8:42 PM EST
    Authentic learning experiences will stick with kids but they won't remember a standardized test. #vachat
  • ErinWest_ITRT Jan 30 @ 8:42 PM EST
    A4 admin and Ts embracing standards as a continuum, more vertical alignment. #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:43 PM EST
    kudzu of public ed, I like that analogy as it tends to choke higher level skills and a love of learning. #vachat
    In reply to @wadewhitehead
  • kavester Jan 30 @ 8:43 PM EST
    A4 deeper teaching instead of broad teaching #vachat
  • freiterh Jan 30 @ 8:44 PM EST
    A5 - standardized testing that is for ranking and sorting schools *all fingers and toes crossed* #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:45 PM EST
    I think the fad of teach for America type teachers with no experience and knowledge will finally die off. #vachat
  • kavester Jan 30 @ 8:46 PM EST
    A5 I remember veteran Ts telling me SOLs were just a fad when I started teaching. I hope that comes true one day. #vachat
  • wadewhitehead Jan 30 @ 8:46 PM EST
    A5: Two incorrect assumptions: (1) everything that can be counted matters and (2) everything that matters can be counted #vachat
  • wadewhitehead Jan 30 @ 8:47 PM EST
    A5: The myth that schools can be run “like businesses” #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:47 PM EST
    A5: Current education fads: BYOD and edtech gadgetry...These are no match for teacher-student interaction/relationships #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:47 PM EST
    No other FAds in education? really? #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:48 PM EST
    Ok, Q6 in a moment.. #vachat
  • Hawks_Chris Jan 30 @ 8:48 PM EST
    A5: Is it wishful thinking that "fads" will go away entirely? Renewed focus on best practices, rather than flavor-of-the-month idea #vachat
  • pkoch9999 Jan 30 @ 8:49 PM EST
    A5 the myth(maybe just an LCPS thing) that formative = doesn't count and summative = counts. #vachat
  • _AndyJacks Jan 30 @ 8:50 PM EST
    If you can accept educational fads for what they are, you can use them to create excitement & keep positive momentum moving forward. #vachat
  • wadewhitehead Jan 30 @ 8:50 PM EST
    A5: Micro-evaluation of classroom teachers, which has no bearing on efficacy or actual professional growth #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:50 PM EST
    Q6: Look deep into future, With there increasing levels of technology/connectivity, will there continue to be school in the future? #vachat
  • MelanyStowe Jan 30 @ 8:50 PM EST
    FADS: I also call them facades. Like differentiation, yet we have daily curriculum guides and vary nothing in assessment. #vachat
  • kavester Jan 30 @ 8:52 PM EST
    A6 there will always be school just not sure what form it will take #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:52 PM EST
    I wonder about competency-based instruction...what will it be in 20 years #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:52 PM EST
    Wow... strong, but appropriate criticisms. So how do we change these? #vachat
    In reply to @MelanyStowe
  • Hawks_Chris Jan 30 @ 8:53 PM EST
    A6: Yes, but they won't resemble today's model #vachat
  • EduGladiators Jan 30 @ 8:54 PM EST
    🗽February #EduGladiators kicks off NEW series: We are Family! @mathieu_w leads convo on diversity & trust! #vachat #formativechat #neisdpln
  • MelanyStowe Jan 30 @ 8:54 PM EST
    We measure what we value at a local level. And BELIEVE/KNOW that our values will more than support state assessments. #vachat
    In reply to @philgriffins
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:54 PM EST
    Last Qfor the night in 1 minute ... want to squeeze it in... #vachat
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:54 PM EST
    A6: As teachers we must realize we've lost our monopoly on information #vachat
  • ErinWest_ITRT Jan 30 @ 8:54 PM EST
    A5 all the buzzwords "rigor...fidelity...etc" concepts that aren't fads, but the repetition makes it feel fad-y (totally a word) #vachat
  • pkoch9999 Jan 30 @ 8:54 PM EST
    A6 I think so. Relationships with Ss is our most impactful role/responsibility. Best part of my job; that disappears, I go too #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:55 PM EST
    Q7 What skills will increase in importance over the next 10 years? How can we better prepare ur students for the future? #vachat
  • ErinWest_ITRT Jan 30 @ 8:56 PM EST
    A6 if school is equated to brick and mortar calendar based learnong...probably not. HOWEVER learning will always occur in some form #vachat
  • Hawks_Chris Jan 30 @ 8:56 PM EST
    Agree - We just have to make sure students are getting correct/valuable information, even if it's not from us #vachat
    In reply to @rggillespie
  • rggillespie - Moderator Jan 30 @ 8:57 PM EST
    A7: The challenge is identifying those skills 10 years in advance #vachat
  • KamiSchools Jan 30 @ 8:57 PM EST
    A6: Great question. I think schools and teachers will always be relevant, just the skills taught will evolve. #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:58 PM EST
    No... alternative facts? #vachat
    In reply to @Hawks_Chris, @rggillespie
  • MelanyStowe Jan 30 @ 8:58 PM EST
    A7: Realize significance of tech and #automation in jobs. Prepare students to build and monitor robots. #vachat https://t.co/l671D5Blo6
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:59 PM EST
    in my mind many current teachers tended to do well in the old school model, many don't see a need to change. #vachat
  • Hawks_Chris Jan 30 @ 8:59 PM EST
    A7: preparing students to be responsible consumers of information #vachat
  • philgriffins Jan 30 @ 8:59 PM EST
    A7: the ability to comprehend, learn new skills, and work with groups will be a focus #vachat
  • KamiSchools Jan 30 @ 9:00 PM EST
    Even when/if AI is taking everyone's jobs, T + schools will remain vital. Ss always need peers and leaders (T) #vachat
    In reply to @KamiSchools