#ALedchat Archive
#ALedchat is a weekly chat on Twitter about education topics. It is held each Monday from 9-10pmCST. While the discussion on #ALedchat continues on Twitter well beyond our weekly one-hour chat session, this platform affords us the opportunity to extend, expand and share the conversation with an even greater audience. Educators from across the state of Alabama, and the world, can come here to find encouragement, support, resources, professional growth opportunities and advice, while providing the same to their colleagues.
Monday May 23, 2016
Welcome to . Tonight we will discuss finishing strong which will lead to a strong start for the next school year.
Clay-Chalkville HS English teacher--I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts about starting strong next year!
Holly Sutherland, principal of Haleyville HS, Alabama. Co-moderator of this chat and . Welcome all!
Good evening PLN! Derek, Social Studies teacher from Iowa. Excited to with all of you!
Welcome to the chat, Emily!
Please introduce yourself and tell us where you are tweeting from tonight.
Christy Bice, AP at Haleyville Elementary and co-moderator for . Looking forward to learning with you all tonight.
Jimmy Shaw Florence City. Happy to be here...literally
Hey friend! Glad you are here!
Elaine Frix, 3rd grade at Haleyville Elementary
Glad you are here Elaine!
Jennifer Hogan, Hoover High AP. Co-founder of this chat & . Great to be here with everyone!
Interested in tonight's discussion. From Mobile, AL 2nd grade teacher
Hey Jen! Glad you are here!
Hey, Derek! Glad you're back with us tonight!
Welcome! Glad you joined us!
Elyse Aldridge; Haleyville HS
Taking notes tonight b/c nothing harder than starting and nothing more important than finishing. https://t.co/OaNDibwoTi
Hey friend! Glad you are here!
Hi, Emily! Glad you are here with us tonight! Maybe that boss of yours will join us, too! :-)
Welcome, Coach! Glad you're here!
Q1: We are always looking ahead. How important is end of the year reflection to improving practice for the next school year?
Looking forward to your topic tonight!
A1: End of the year reflection helps us to improve and set goals for the upcoming school year. What can we do better to be better,
A1: Reflection helps us to be more focused about where our next steps need to be.
A1:Spent part of today having Ss reflect on their successes & struggles this year. Will be sharing out tomorrow w/ them tomorrow!
A1: very important..need to be able to see what works vs. what doesn't. I have an ongoing Google doc with a to-do list for next yr.
A1: If we don't reflect, we can end up chasing the next shiny thing, which may or may not help us get better.
Hello ! Josh lead learner from NJ. Didn't forget you from last week. Glad that I have a few to chat.
I agree. We have to know our weaknesses to improve for the future.
Sorry I'm late...Melissa Mann Collaborative Teacher, Madison County Schools
Meeting with my leadership team on Thursday because I think it's important to reflect collectively. https://t.co/EWhOwizJgX
Q1: We are always looking ahead. How important is end of the year reflection to improving practice for the next school year?
A1: reflection allows for us to looks at the pros/cons and really fine tune what worked to better yourself for the coming year.
Hi all! Helen from Houston jumping in again!
Welcome back, Melissa! Jump right in!
A1. Helps us to see where we've been to know where we need to go.
Welcome, Helen. Glad you are with us.
Glad you are here Helen. Jump right in!
Grayson Lawrence, Assistant Principal, Winterboro High School, Talladega County sorry i’m late to the fun!
A1: Reflecting on what worked and what didn't helps to look ahead on what can be improved.
. Last week I started my end-of-year teacher eval meetings asking them to reflect on their year & share next steps.
A1. End of yr reflection has been crucial for me b/c I try to address my shortfalls from current school yr. Decreasing challenges!
A1.1: Personal and professional reflection is essential part of growing as a educator and leader.
It's a roadmap..must know where you are at all times to keep on course.
Big eye dont lie is what we used to say about film. Reflection is that mental film that allows you to get better.
Welcome, Grayson! Now the fun can begin!
A1: Ss' needs are ever-changing, so our plans have to be. Knowing what worked & what needs work is crucial https://t.co/aWiwgsuEHE
Q1: We are always looking ahead. How important is end of the year reflection to improving practice for the next school year?
A1 I give my Ss a survey. What was your favorite lesson, least fave, what should I keep doing, what should I nix?
I agree. Can help us from repeating mistakes. https://t.co/3VeMS2kRub
A1. Helps us to see where we've been to know where we need to go.
That is AWESOME! Kids really bought in to reflecting today. Been trying to make it a consistent aspect of my room.
Hey Helen! Glad you're with us tonight!
Love giving students voice! You will see this question tonight!
I'm anxious to compare stakeholder surveys to the feedback from a year ago.
A1: Reflection not only allows you to see areas of improvement, but also offers opportunities to define strengths.
A1: Reflection is my favorite time. Fix what needs fixed, and celebrate on what doesn’t, but always grow!!
This is a great way to validate growth or see shortcomings.
A1:I want to look back and see what I feel worked for my Ss and reflect on how to improve it for the next group.
Q2: How do you incorporate current student voice into improving your craft for the upcoming school year? Surveys, etc…?
Just popped in to . Carol ELA Consultant from Long Island here to talk with friends, Holly and .
Glad you are here Carol! We value your input!
Always love when you join us, Carol! https://t.co/1TLt75aTZ8
Just popped in to . Carol ELA Consultant from Long Island here to talk with friends, Holly and .
A2: My previous system encouraged S surveys for teachers eyes only. Allowed Ts to gain perspective without judgement of others.
A1: I go back over activities, test scores, notes, etc., to see what worked for different types of learners.
A2: We have “Culture Day” SLT and Teachers collaborate and plan for the upcoming year during the summer. https://t.co/t9wopgoZR1
Q2: How do you incorporate current student voice into improving your craft for the upcoming school year? Surveys, etc…?
A2:My Ss love google forms! They give honest feedback about what is going well & what could be improved. They know they are valued
A1. Reflection allows one to identify key strong areas and pinpoint challenging areas to become a better leader 4 Ts & Ss
A2: I think student surveys are huge. How else can a T know if he/she is"getting it right?"
A1: Surveys are nice, but creating an environment where kids always have a voice is even better. https://t.co/0jgBhgG2r3
Q2: How do you incorporate current student voice into improving your craft for the upcoming school year? Surveys, etc…?
A2: I do an end of year take away of things that really stuck with students. I like to hear what works and stays with them.
A2: Surveys are great. Create one online for students' anonymous feedback. How about a best of and a def not my fave chart?
There is nothing more important than the to look back, review, & plan next steps. A1
A2: AdvancED provides good student surveys. (And the students will tell it like it is in the open ended questions.:-/)
Love that southern charm...
Was able to change how I structured a close read in my history class thanks to a student survey.
Glad you are here Demeka! Jump right in!
A1 Reflection is paramount. It gives us an opportunity to improve upon our craft and make necessary adjustments accordingly.
A2. I was going to have Ss in my middle participate in committees like School Leadership Council (SLC) & Green Ribbon
A2: I've used surveys to get Ss reflection and thoughts; also, ask them after each major unit their thoughts.
A2: I like surveys that include a "+" and delta (triangle) chart. The good, as well as the things that need to change.
Welcome, Demeka! Great to have you! Remember to use the hashtag so we can all follow along. Jump on in!
A2 Exit tickets for honest, anonymous feedback throughout the year. EOY surveys: what should I keep & should throw out
I prefer face to face conversations. Surveys are good, but nothing is better than talking with Ss 1:1
Reflection allows us to see what is needed to bring about change. A2
A2 perspectives can be great. Eat the meat and throw away the bones but you must take both to get the meat
A2: Surveys should not turn into popularity contests.
Q3: How do you choose what your personal summer learning will include? What is the value of summer PD to you?
I love F2F, but often question if Ss feel as though they can be completely honest out of respect.
Absolutely not. They should be for the purpose of gaining feedback from the Ss about how the T is doing. https://t.co/Uugy52wVgp
A2: Surveys should not turn into popularity contests.
A2: "Exit interviews" can be used as well
I agree with you. Also, some ppl aren't so great at listening to constructive feedback. https://t.co/hUy3lYPf4H
I love F2F, but often question if Ss feel as though they can be completely honest out of respect.
A2:I gave my Ss a survey about 3rd grade. I asked the fave & least fave part of 3rd. It will change my teaching/planning 4 next yr.
Can someone send me a link to a sample survey? I teach HS English, but I'm open to see what anyone has. Thanks!
Glad you're back, Vinayak! We've been missing you!
A3: Summer is a great time to pick up a favorite book!
A3 Continuing my courses to become ed leader. Also will be moving to new district next year so big learning curve
A3: Something I need to learn more on and something I want to learn more about...This summer I'm doing some reading on dyslexia
Google surveys assist me in determining what could be done differently from the St. perspective; great tool to use.
A3 it's hard to sharpen the saw when your in the fire. The time to sharpen the saw is before you enter the fire. PD=Preperation
Gather samples, find commonalities, plan steps to bring out the best of . A2
I would love to know what you are reading & any resources.
A3: Summer is a time to learn and explore new ideas/strategies when you have time to think about implementation.
Me too!! After our spring training, I want to know more! Let me know if you find a good resource.
A3: Summer PD allows for growth; try to find PD that encourages growth in areas I'm not so comfortable with.
A3. I choose summer PD based on topics I can gain most the exposure and access without the school year stress like topics at ISTE.
A3: Reflection fosters summer learning. I will then collaborate with principal to develop PD for implementation.
lets help out. I know many of you have surveys in your Google drives https://t.co/qg4tpLwcUt
Can someone send me a link to a sample survey? I teach HS English, but I'm open to see what anyone has. Thanks!
A3: I think summer is a great time to dig deeply into a topic. It should be a springboard for action in the next school yr.
A3 These chats will continue I hope! I bought some books, Teach like a pirate, Gift of Failure and https://t.co/EogncpYTqz
I teach in higher ed and as part of course and program assessment we do exit interviews with students.
true, relationships and advisory committees are important! Ts select Ss they have a relationship with to advise.
A3: As a summer study, my staff could choose to participate in book studies: Drive by Daniel Pink or Mindset by Dweck.
Exactly! Hoping to dive in to learn more about Passion project and Genius Hour!
A3. Summer PD is like putting gas in the tank to get you to your next great adventure.
Summer PD will be filled with prof reading to help learners amplify voice through choice. A3
A3: I pick PD that I want to grow in. My school is very tech driven so anything to keep me ahead of the game I try to attend.
Yes, it's a great time to take the first step out of the box. Get comfortable with it b4 game time.
We chat all summer. Great way to keep growing and learning during the summer.
Q4: Do you discuss how you can improve for the next school year with a mentor or administrator? Is this valuable?
Sounds interesting Grayson. Tell us more. A2
After assessing data noting strengths&areas of improvement. The PD will be centered around areas of impro https://t.co/XrpfPISDFd
Q3: How do you choose what your personal summer learning will include? What is the value of summer PD to you?
Have your teachers learned about Read and Write for Google?
A4: I discuss with boss, peers, and students.
A2 Student voice begins the minute they set foot on campus. Their voice assists w/ next steps, along w/ reflection from Ss & Ts
A4: Yes! When I discuss w-a mentor, I am more committed to making it happen!
A4 Someone needs to share in your growth journey to keep pushing your thinking. Have open dialogue w/ mentors, admin, or even PLN!
A4: I am always discussing educational topics and decisions with . Growing even through hard discussions.
Planning to do a couple of Smores and blog posts this summer with all that I discover. Will definitely share
basically a time for T’s and S’s to hash out what didn’t work and what did all while developing a new plan for the yr.
Of course. I like to pair reading with writing. I am going to try some sketchnoting during the conferences I attend. A3
Message me with more info, please!
A4: I haven't but should; it would allow a different viewpoint.Admin/mentors have a diff. views and can be valuable in learning.
I like this idea. It builds community and allows all parties to reflect together.
A4 accountability partners are huge. The reality of it is, it is rare that anyone will ever have a true talk w/ U, about U2 help U
A4: I discuss with a few ppl that will give me honest feedback. Helps w/accountability & having a fresh perspective.
Good luck in your new home!
I feel that you discuss curriculum and learning a lot with other teachers. Maybe not formally, but collaboratively.
Amen! Appreciate support even when opinions differ.
A4. Since I meet w/ supt at end of each yr, I review fdbk he provides along w/ my reflection & compose an action 4 next school yr.
I always communicate with other admin and teachers from diff. places. The only way to grow is to collaborate with others
Accountability is a critical part in learning. Set standards & surround yourself with people who will help you get there.
have to be willing to hear what may be uncomfortable. We have to be willing to hear what we don't want to hear!
A4 No one grows in isolation. It's important to find a colleague to bounce ideas off of.
A4: we get a planning day in the summer where my grade level team discusses what worked to prep for the coming year
yes! Must be willing to hear/discuss varying viewpoints.
Follow the tweets from . My team is presenting on Transforming Writer’s Lives with Digital Tools...
A4. I also discuss & reflect on my actions & challenges for each yr with fellow admin. Then we discuss ideas for the following yr.
A5 My partner & I are already planning next yr. Tweaking our routines, management. We can only get better! Yes, this is vital.
A4:We get a grade level planning day to plan for the next school year.
A4: My principal and I are constantly throwing ideas back and forth. How can we be better? We call it "rust prevention!!!"
A4. Discussing reflection points with peers is also very valuable, especially if you respect their input.
You don't know what you don't know that you don't know https://t.co/4L1d61Yf3C
I always communicate with other admin and teachers from diff. places. The only way to grow is to collaborate with others
A4 Since I am a consultant, I plan with a colleague and we bounce ideas off of each other.
Love rust prevention. I know some that are just stuck!
Q5: How do you balance finishing the current school year with planning and looking ahead to the future?
A4 Yes. We move forward as a team. We not only learn from one another but we also have difficult conversations. Remove elephant.
A5: I try to make lists of what I need to focus on in June. This allows me to keep working in present while also starting to plan.
A5: I'm a list maker.Weigh what has to be finished now cause what can wait until the year is over. Keep adding to the master list.
Nothing better than having a partner in progress https://t.co/fbanyYfn9S
A4: My principal and I are constantly throwing ideas back and forth. How can we be better? We call it "rust prevention!!!"
A5 has helped keep Ss focused on finishing out the year strong! Also being able to start planning for August.
A5: Must have a prioritized checklist of tasks. Complete them & move on. Reflect. Plan. Prepare.
Q5: as I clean my classroom for summer I organize papers/projects that worked and toss the assignments that weren't beneficial
A5 Finishing strong to the is so important. I think we need to stay in the moment but have an eye on the future.
A5: The importance of a list! A list with timelines even.. https://t.co/y71FXvURAK
Q5: How do you balance finishing the current school year with planning and looking ahead to the future?
A5: It's important to be present in the moment & not push aside current needs in anticipation of the new year.
Spend as little time as possible on the things that don't add value. Don't bog down in administrivia. https://t.co/2r271MMu42
Q5: How do you balance finishing the current school year with planning and looking ahead to the future?
I like to use my acronym MOP always maximize, stay organize,&prioritize. The three traits keep me balance https://t.co/2LIpDYSaR3
Q5: How do you balance finishing the current school year with planning and looking ahead to the future?
A5 It is all a progression. The longer I do this no year is the same but you big rocks go in a certain order. Success has an order
Yes! A table in a Google Doc works great for me! https://t.co/MzaoAKZWqB
A5: The importance of a list! A list with timelines even.. https://t.co/y71FXvURAK
Q5: How do you balance finishing the current school year with planning and looking ahead to the future?
Kismet-that is what I just said in a diff way. Agree totally. A5
A5: If we do not finish strong, we are unable to start strong. Do not miss an opportunity bc you are looking ahead.
A5. Usually I'm very good at completing most of nxt school yr requirements b4 summer starts. This was a difficult yr. So delegate!
absolutely!!! My favorite! Oddly enough it never get’s shorter ;)
A5:I keep a list on my phone of items that need 2 be changed.Take pic & holding a sticky in front of pic that says "change"helps.
Yes! Lists for when inspiration strikes, but you're trying to stay present! You are my people, https://t.co/SyQZfPj6UI
Q5: How do you balance finishing the current school year with planning and looking ahead to the future?
https://t.co/VlYFuSKdap
A5: If we do not finish strong, we are unable to start strong. Do not miss an opportunity bc you are looking ahead.
A5: It's a balance in wrapping up the year while still enjoying the moments that are left with the Ss.
A5: "A goal without a plan...is just a wish." :)
love lists! Allows me to see progress.
A5 Time is carved out throughout the year in order to tweak/revise lessons, pacing calendars, etc.This helps w/ prep for next year
Q5. I'm definitely a list and calendar person.
Even though I'm starting to think y'all don't really have surveys... ;)
A5 Finishing strong to is so imp. I think we need to stay in the moment but have an eye on the future.
Can I steal this? https://t.co/R8la27JKkp
I like to use my acronym MOP always maximize, stay organize,&prioritize. The three traits keep me balance https://t.co/2LIpDYSaR3
Q5: How do you balance finishing the current school year with planning and looking ahead to the future?
A5: Use Tasks and Calendar in Outlook
Q6: Seasoned educators- how do you continue to stay passionate and fresh when you could just recycle for the upcoming year?
Recycling doesn't work unless there is reflection & improvement. Need fresh perspectives to activate learning. A6
A6: In an ever-changing field such as Computer Science, you can't afford to stay complacent
A6: "If you do what you’ve always done, you get what you’ve always got." Must innovate and collaborate for fresh new ideas.
A6: PRIDE ... We don't aspire to mediocrity ... we aspire to AWESOMENESS!
A6: must stay up-to-date with content; remember each class/child is different. Can always better yourself.
A6: Material may be same but teaching techniques must evolve every year
A6: I teach several sections of history...I have to realize even though content is the same I may have to change approach.
A6: Being a connected educator..if I didn't have a PLN outside of my own system & inside too.. burn out would have already set in
A6: We are all here bc we wanted to make a difference.Keep your drive by knowing your Ss & what they need.
I don't. On my summer to-learn list. Along with Slack.
A6: If you are doing the same thing every year, it is about you and not the students. We have develop content based on Ss.
A6 I always try something new each year, usually technology. This year was Google classroom, Kahoot. Next yr, more QR codes
I’m with you!!! accountability partner!
A6 the struggle os@real but so is the passion. When you still think you can impact the world w/ touching 1 more kid, U can't stop
A6. I really like this question. Curious to see the different responses.
YES! https://t.co/QVnYvb4sY8
A6: We are all here bc we wanted to make a difference.Keep your drive by knowing your Ss & what they need.
Me too! Retweet all you see. https://t.co/XRAmPUpgCN
A6. I really like this question. Curious to see the different responses.
A6 I am always learning and experimenting with my teaching. I try out new things because that is fun.
A6 As a lifelong learner I'm continually reading, learning w/colleagues, my PLN, researching. I want to be the best version of me
Q7: Once you get your class list for the upcoming school year, how do you start to build relationships before the first bell?
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 https://t.co/yPeLVjnomY
A6 As a lifelong learner I'm continually reading, learning w/colleagues, my PLN, researching. I want to be the best version of me
A7: I always sent handwritten postcards to all my upcoming students. I also made phone calls to the parents during the summer.
A6: NEVER stop learning. It keeps ME excited about the newest tools so of course I try them out with my students! Everyone wins.
A7: I send letters home introducing myself, my class, & expectations for the year. Saw several Ss who kept it in binder.
A7: Ask students to introduce themselves on a discussion board thread
A7 New district next year so ALL Ss will be new. Will try to communicate to Ss and Ps before school year to introduce myself.
A7: we get our lists the day before students come so relationship building is hard to accomplish ahead of time.
Must get some sleep. Have a great night everyone! I didn't forget what I promised & . Ttyl!
A7: Sending notes and making a contact at open house etc.
Thanks for being here tonight! Thanks!
A7:I mail out postcards or a letter to Ss. I send home an All About Me to the parents telling them about myself.
Thanks for being here, Carol! Have a great week!
Im patient 🤗 https://t.co/3Iv7pMcXx5
Must get some sleep. Have a great night everyone! I didn't forget what I promised & . Ttyl!
When do you believe is the best time to release class list for time to build relationships and not form perceptions about Ss?
You too. JOIN next Monday at 8 pmEST w/
A8: It's about MINDSET. Make a decision, then take the first step.
A8: The mindset of a school has to be constant growth. When we become satisfied with where we are, growth stops.
A8: we have to intentionally want to get better. By recognizing we need to improve we are improving.
Awesome! I will try, since it will be Memorial Day!
A8: It's not just about the steps you take but the paths you form for your students.
A8: great quote from a fascinating person that I admire
A8: There is no standing still. You are either moving forward or backward.
A8 Growth Mindset all the way. What is best for Ss? How do we continue to grow and get better? How do we become great?
A8:Best predictor of future behavior is past-Dr. Phil. Choose to improve and move forward.
A8: The first step is always the hardest...but moving forward benefits everyone (Ts and Ss)
It's about all the ppl that u-c, things u do, places Uwill impact&the ideas U will share along the journey https://t.co/ZkM90HnPlW
A7 We're sending out postcards to current Ss to remind them to read. "How r u? What r u reading? Learning?" Prevent summer slide
A8 We can't be afraid of change or the journey.
A8: This would comfort my seniors because they don't need to know the destination to start the right path https://t.co/D9gPY0MaTm
A8 Never remain stagnant. We must push ourselves and think outside the box. Fuel our mind, continue to learn. Make time to reflect
A8: Don't stop moving forward
A8 Necessity is the mother of invention. The will and drive is imperative to change.
*****Final Q coming up*****
That is a sermon in and of itself https://t.co/wzKczrX0Y7
A8: It's about MINDSET. Make a decision, then take the first step.
FQ: What will you do differently next year to ensure you are always improving?
thanks! Got the idea from a how to prevent summer slide chat.
FQ: plan on a checklist for each S from the COS...ind. learning and being more organized. More aware of Ss needs.
FA Become more transparent with my accountability partner. And then, trust them and their perspective
FA: Making the time to stay connected with other educators a priority. We have to take time to pour into ourselves professional...
FA Continue to challenge myself to continual growth. Surround myself w/ those that will push my thinking forward. Never settle.
FA: apply the PD I learn over the summer and plan with my team over the summer.
Listen more, talk less, be reflective and continue to learn from my mistakes and others!
