"I think it’s just as damaging to show a kid he or she is beyond their grade level as it is to show them they are behind...You have taken away everything that is “them” about their learning. You have reduced them to a standard." https://t.co/vUOWzTdysK#edreimagined#sunchat
Asking “How come you don’t teach anything?” comes from a sage-on-the-stage image of what “school” is. Students might not realize the pervasiveness of that image or that it doesn’t benefit them. #HackLearning
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For years I've been wanting to do a hands-on activity mixing colors to explore ratios, but could never figure out the practical logistics. Then today I came across this interactive in @IllustrateMath - mind blown! @openupresources#mtbos#iteachmath
I am so proud of students right now. I feel like it is the 60s again. They are our future and should exercise their democracy as soon as possible #sunchat
We need to pay less attention to political leanings and a lot closer attention to what students are saying about the current crisis of violence in our schools. https://t.co/oKozJqr4T3
Morning, #sunchat. I'm Brian. I teach MS students English in CO. I see your 1st question & raise you: Is anything *more important* than student voice? Might that be the chief way -- directly or indirectly -- we as educators evaluate our success & adjust our approaches? #sunchat
We need to pay less attention to political leanings and a lot closer attention to what students are saying about the current crisis of violence in our schools. https://t.co/oKozJqr4T3
Student voice - a topic that goes well with #hacklearning's chat about being a Guide on the Side. Here's one formal way I asked for student voice: https://t.co/RZppW1zZ7p#sunchat
I agree! Though I'm upset wtih schools that punish Ss for walking out. When I was in high school, the Ss were unhappy with something & although our Ts disagreed they taught us how to walk out & have a sit-in until the mayor came to talk to us. #SunChat
I find it interesting how teachers/adults complain about student apathy and then start complaining because they start talking about something important ... especially if we don't agree with what they are saying #sunchat
I truly believe that it is our job as American citizens to take part in our democratic practices. Regardless of my own political leanings, I am impressed with these students learning more about how government works and their own rights. #sunchat
I am so proud of students right now. I feel like it is the 60s again. They are our future and should exercise their democracy as soon as possible #sunchat
Students are, and always will be, the largest group of stakeholders in our school. They have unique, ever evolving views. To thoroughly understand all angles of issues involving in our schools we must acknowledge their seat at the table and be willing to listen #sunchat
My students had a lot to say about the issue. The political sides that are being thrown around need to be taken into account, but problem solving has to happen. My students realized a fully-funded school budget would get them more school security... They did something. #sunchat
Always struggle with making sure Student Voice doesn't take us so off track from the Core path. But then, why shouldn't it? Eventually the paths should cross, right? Real world tells us they do. So don't be so quick to rein it in. (yes, rein, not reign...) #sunchat
Student voice in the classroom is NOT about giving up control it IS about giving the students the opportunity to work out thier ideas, questions, thoughts, feelings, in a safe environment where they struggle and problem solve rather than memorize and regurgitate. #sunchat
This makes a great deal of sense to me. What Ss need is to be encouraged to take an active role in their democracy (key word being "their") by understanding the issue, (not just having an opinion) and then being able to effectively communicate to others! #sunchat
We need to pay less attention to political leanings and a lot closer attention to what students are saying about the current crisis of violence in our schools. https://t.co/oKozJqr4T3
It's been interesting to watch this play out from an #EdLAW perspective. Schools can limit political demonstrations if they believe they will cause a substantial disruption, but, as always, how are those schools defining that? #sunchat
I agree! Though I'm upset wtih schools that punish Ss for walking out. When I was in high school, the Ss were unhappy with something & although our Ts disagreed they taught us how to walk out & have a sit-in until the mayor came to talk to us. #SunChat
Student voice needs to drive our high school graduation requirements. We place such a heavy emphasis on #collegeready that we disregard the needs of our #careerready students when deciding what courses are needed for a diploma. This leads to high levels of disengagement #sunchat
We often talk about walkouts/protests as separate from curriculum. We need to adapt to student voice like this and integrate it to the actual teaching & learning #sunchat
And speaking of that era, I just saw best- picture winner "The Shape of Water" -- a movie about (among other things) voice. Made me think repeatedly of Margaret Mead's words, too. #sunchat
Students are, and always will be, the largest group of stakeholders in our school. They have unique, ever evolving views. To thoroughly understand all angles of issues involving in our schools we must acknowledge their seat at the table and be willing to listen #sunchat
We are reading the amazing March Trikogy in class. We are discussing SNCC (the student run arm of the movement) and making connections to what we are seeing today. Amazing. #sunchat my generation did not have this voice.
I would think teaching them how to exercise their voice in a civil way would be more important than just having voice. The loss of civility is concerning me. The world is getting very ugly #sunchat
I agree Brian. Not only is student voice incredibly important, Ts and Ss collaborating to help Ss find their voice and the learning journey that takes them through is also critical. #sunchat
As a country we have forgotten how to have valuable political debates, and I hope we can teach our students better. It's not my job to indoctrinate anyone's child with my own views, but I should teach them about the power of meaningful discourse #sunchat
That is so powerful and necessary to remember. We too often think it is only 1 person or a large group that makes change. Over and over again it is just a small team #sunchat
I am currently conducting Project be a Voice with my kiddos. I want them to help them find and use their voices to compel others to listen. I want them to do better than most adults, who seem content to be noise. #sunchat
I find it interesting how teachers/adults complain about student apathy and then start complaining because they start talking about something important ... especially if we don't agree with what they are saying #sunchat
My perpetually working theory: When we're at our best, dialogue between students & me as well as students & each other makes our classroom along with the learning that takes place therein what we want it (need it?) to be. #sunchat
Q2: What are some resources Guides on the Ride can use to help facilitate the transition from a teacher-centered clasroom to a learner-centered one?
#hacklearning
I have been shocked by the various responses. Was sadden by punishments and I also have seen some say Ss were forced to walk out. Both are not proper ways to teach or support voice and choice #sunchat
Yes. We can (and should) moderate debates without giving our opinion on the subject. I like to play devil's advocate if they're all in agreement. #SunChat
I would think teaching them how to exercise their voice in a civil way would be more important than just having voice. The loss of civility is concerning me. The world is getting very ugly #sunchat
#sunchat It was great that schools supported the #walkout almost 100%. Question: Can/should school support a walkout by some on other issues? Let's say 32 minutes to protest the 32 states that still have the death penalty. Or 44 minutes to protest 44 years of Roe V Wade?
We need to pay less attention to political leanings and a lot closer attention to what students are saying about the current crisis of violence in our schools. https://t.co/oKozJqr4T3
I find it interesting how teachers/adults complain about student apathy and then start complaining because they start talking about something important ... especially if we don't agree with what they are saying #sunchat
As a Social Studies teacher I have the luxury of teaching kids about protesting throughout history ... my goal is to get them thinking ... to empower them to say something NOT tell them what to say. #sunchat
We have numerous groups where students can advocate for themselves (Superintendent's student advisory council, student council, etc...). This week we are setting aside a large chunk of Friday for all Ss to collaborate with Ts with workshops of open and honest dialogue #sunchat
Student voice exceeds the academic and needs to also address the SEL of our kids. I start every period of every day with Smiles and Frowns. Kids won’t find much less speak their true voices if they don’t feel like others listen or care. Listening cannot be conditional #sunchat
We have an opportunity everyday to teach civil discussion, respectful disagreement, listening and so much more without a political bias. Students can learn in everyclass to value opinions and still choose something different. It should be a priority. #sunchat
Have a bad experience with a cousin who’s child was being really ugly. They said they wanted their child to have a “voice” so they allowed them to say whatever however. I have found what we think is right is probably to far to one end. Middle is often the sweet spot. #sunchat
I agree 100%! Students need time to discover and answer their own questions instead of the teacher always providing them. This takes some adjusting for both students and teachers but is well worth it! #sunchat
Kids need to have that voice at a young age;) they need to know they matter! #empowerment it’s their education and they need to LOVE s the journey and together we fail enthusiastically together;) #sunchat
#sunchat We have to be careful about conflating "democracy" with freedom of speech. Protesting, speaking, and assembling is a demonstration of our 1st Amendment rights. Voting is "taking part in a democracy." They are not the same.
I truly believe that it is our job as American citizens to take part in our democratic practices. Regardless of my own political leanings, I am impressed with these students learning more about how government works and their own rights. #sunchat
I am so proud of students right now. I feel like it is the 60s again. They are our future and should exercise their democracy as soon as possible #sunchat
The article makes the claim that for most of these students, gun violence is not a political issue but a safety issue. I.e. - we are the ones politicizing it. The issue isn't Democrat or Republican - it's our students don't feel safe in school. #sunchat
We need to pay less attention to political leanings and a lot closer attention to what students are saying about the current crisis of violence in our schools. https://t.co/oKozJqr4T3
LOTS of opposition and suppression from schools out there, wasn’t there? And yes, they should support walkouts of any kind unless for some reason students try to make this a daily thing and avoid school entirely. But I don’t think they’re taking advantage like that. #sunchat
#sunchat It was great that schools supported the #walkout almost 100%. Question: Can/should school support a walkout by some on other issues? Let's say 32 minutes to protest the 32 states that still have the death penalty. Or 44 minutes to protest 44 years of Roe V Wade?
Right! The big thing is for them to have one. Too many times people don’t stand for anything. That is the real danger. I will fight for everyone’s right to have whatever they believe. Just believe something! #sunchat
We also spoke about using your voice to let others know when you or someone you know needs help. We need to be a community. Students made a quick connection to two powerful books in my room. #sunchat
I have been shocked by the various responses. Was sadden by punishments and I also have seen some say Ss were forced to walk out. Both are not proper ways to teach or support voice and choice #sunchat
Our Ss have marched to protest a variety of issues - environmental & political corruption. Our 2nd graders protested when some of our protected dunes were going to be losing that status. When the companies that wantd to exploit the area lost, our Ss felt so empowered! #sunchat
As a country we have forgotten how to have valuable political debates, and I hope we can teach our students better. It's not my job to indoctrinate anyone's child with my own views, but I should teach them about the power of meaningful discourse #sunchat
We should be listening to the most compelling ideas. This dynamic is a great opportunity to teach students how to refine their ideas and elevate their voice in a professional and productive way. Teachers need to be the students agents and help ensure their voice is heard #sunchat
We need to pay less attention to political leanings and a lot closer attention to what students are saying about the current crisis of violence in our schools. https://t.co/oKozJqr4T3
Like you, I like the middle. I realize it takes a lot of course correcting to get there & then stay there :) And that requires a lot conversation among stakeholders -- the more civil, the better, though not necessarily always comfortable. #sunchat
#sunchat I may not be reading the same articles. I saw a lot of variety in how schools and Ss carried out the #walkout. And yes, some are advocating for more walkouts about all kinds of social injustices.
I have signs in my room, and often throw a question out to let them take sides and debate. It's their favorite thing in 6th grade to do. They love when they convince someone from the other side of the room to "change sides". #sunchat#handsonlearning
but in reality, more than 50 million kids go to school everyday and return safely home ... is it a school issue or a society issue? Are we asking the right questions? ... a large chunk of school money next year will go to making schools "safer" taking away from learning #sunchat
Too many logistics. Who's watching the ones who won't participate? Who's making sure they don't wander away? I can imagine the reasons they'd say "no." #sunchat
I allow my students to choose the topic for their research papers. They will be spending months on it, so I want it to be of interest and to share their voice. I learn so much! #sunchat
My 8th grader’s school had a walkout and she grumbled that the “popular kids” did all the speechifying. How do you all ensure that every opportunity for student voice raises the voices of all, including the quietest? #sunchat
We have numerous groups where students can advocate for themselves (Superintendent's student advisory council, student council, etc...). This week we are setting aside a large chunk of Friday for all Ss to collaborate with Ts with workshops of open and honest dialogue #sunchat
I think we need to be comfortable acting on what Ss bring to the table as well - even if it is not 100% in line with adult views. Ss voice should be in all areas of schools - we should be teaching them to share ALL their ideas - and how to dialogue about them.
The Parkland shootings had a far reach. MY students were talking about it in Canada and they are grade 4-6 students. They were upset about safety and the fact that it happened at all ☹️ we had a lot of discussion #sunchat
Student voice exceeds the academic and needs to also address the SEL of our kids. I start every period of every day with Smiles and Frowns. Kids won’t find much less speak their true voices if they don’t feel like others listen or care. Listening cannot be conditional #sunchat
Student voice is a vital aspect in creating a healthy classroom environment. Educators should consider student concerns/real life questions while promoting conversation among students. To create future learners we must promote abstract and real life thinkers #sunchat#PSUElemEd
I have always felt that interviews for students exiting our buildings are beneficial & truly informative. I also think creating student advisory/leadership teams can work at ALL levels. #studentvoice#studentchoice#perspective#Sunchat
#sunchat This begs another question. Bluntly: at what age is it clear that Ss (people) really own their viewpoints vs. parroting what adults tell them? I know, some adults aren't capable of this :)
Yes, some schools and educators see taking ANY side as too “political.” Advocacy is a foundation of the democracy that students are purportedly in our schools to learn. #sunchat
This makes a great deal of sense to me. What Ss need is to be encouraged to take an active role in their democracy (key word being "their") by understanding the issue, (not just having an opinion) and then being able to effectively communicate to others! #sunchat
We need to pay less attention to political leanings and a lot closer attention to what students are saying about the current crisis of violence in our schools. https://t.co/oKozJqr4T3
A1: My students are conditioned to think that education is not an effective use of their time and will not lead to economic success. It is a injustice that takes years to correct for. Minority students from low income communities need to feel like they belong in education #WokeEd
I think this is a major issue. We attempt to allow student voice through numerous modes that range from individual to large group, and we strive for diversity in group make-up but I agree that the larger the group the more it can deteriorate into popularity. Suggestions? #sunchat
Student exit interviews upon graduation - LOVE that idea! Makes sense - and I'd LOVE to see that happen in the transition from Middle to High School! #sunchat@owens_teach
I have always felt that interviews for students exiting our buildings are beneficial & truly informative. I also think creating student advisory/leadership teams can work at ALL levels. #studentvoice#studentchoice#perspective#Sunchat
Giving voice to the quiet is a hard one. I do somethings by survey and anonymous notes. However, I do tell my Ss at some point everyone will talk out loud. Scares the heck out of my shy ones but I love them through it. #sunchat
True. We teach Ss that when they debate they have to give evidence for their opinions & "because my parent said so at dinner last night" doesn't count. Through research they get pretty good at formulating their own opinions, #sunchat
When an event such as Parkland occurs, we as techers are in a very vulnerable place. Ts have to have the right to speak our own opinion but we also have a responibility to value our Ss opinions & not unduely influence them but rather provide space for discussion. #sunchat
This speaks to larger issues about our school budgets. I’ve grown up in the age of school shootings and lost a friend to one. Had another witness his teacher shot. And just because a school doesn’t have a shooting, doesn’t mean it’s safe #sunchat
but in reality, more than 50 million kids go to school everyday and return safely home ... is it a school issue or a society issue? Are we asking the right questions? ... a large chunk of school money next year will go to making schools "safer" taking away from learning #sunchat
Didn’t read anything about the threats of suspension? Twitter itself has revealed a variety of responses to these kids. Read between the lines for those who claim most students in their schools didn’t “want” to protest. #sunchat
It is a decision but I think we can create conditions that help it be something people will take. The main reason why people don’t is because of fear of rejection. If that is shown to not be a possibility, it can move people to take the leap #sunchat
Great quote from Patrick on St. Patrick's day! "Daily I expect to be murdered or betrayed or reduced to slavery. … But I fear nothing, because of the promises of Heaven.” That sounds like a way to live!
Potential starting point for subsequent decisions & dispositions: Open windows of opportunity to practice; build safe spaces to reflect & debrief how it went. #sunchat
S voice w/my Band Ss appears in impromptu discussions relating to what we're working on; helping decide some concert music; having input into our playing/performance; suggestions on various topics; sharing thoughts on our practice lockdowns & more. Student voice is huge. #sunchat
#sunchat Twitter and reading between the lines are, IMO, dangerous ways to interpret reality. There is a place for them, but it's also possible to believe whatever I already made up my mind to believe with those two "sources." #sunchat
What is atheism? False philosophy, deception & man's false religion. "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ" Col 2:8
It's part of the learning process. Rejection happens every day in real life. They need to know that it will happen and how to react appropriately to it. Either let it deter you, or forge ahead. #sunchat
In reply to
@DingleTeach, @thnorfar, @brianrozinsky
Good point, but based on the last several years, they know it will happen again somewhere and they don’t know where. How scary is that? Statistics don’t comfort. They’re saying don’t allow this to happen anywhere, and that the responsibility of safety ISN’T the schools. #sunchat
but in reality, more than 50 million kids go to school everyday and return safely home ... is it a school issue or a society issue? Are we asking the right questions? ... a large chunk of school money next year will go to making schools "safer" taking away from learning #sunchat
The rejection fear is more about them as a person rather than their idea. It is about establishing I can reject your idea and not you as a person. There is always something that connect us and we can lean on that while we disagree about beliefs #sunchat
In reading your revision to the question, Megan, made me think about being mindful of word choice: my [or your] classroom versus our [or the] classroom. Pronouns matter.™ They can invite or inhibit voice. #sunchat
We absolutely need to teach students how to elevate their voice professionally and respectfully. But we also need make sure that we have a clear definition of what civil means and ensure we do not allow prejudice to influence it #sunchat
The article makes the claim that for most of these students, gun violence is not a political issue but a safety issue. I.e. - we are the ones politicizing it. The issue isn't Democrat or Republican - it's our students don't feel safe in school. #sunchat
We need to pay less attention to political leanings and a lot closer attention to what students are saying about the current crisis of violence in our schools. https://t.co/oKozJqr4T3
There are developmental hurdles to clear (or sidestep) here, too. Relationship between ideas & identities often -- not always -- looks different at different ages. Also, chronological ages don't always align with how we act :) #sunchat
Yes. And if it’s about them as people, then it’s not about us making it more comfortable, but about their own evolution so they can be ok with taking that risk, no? #sunchat
@geniushour is another great avenue to promote student passions-give them voice and choice and have him/her teach us! Kids created rubric which includes QR code on @Flipgrid for reflections before, during/after presentation- also kids have to include a hands on activity #sunchat
In moments like this, encouraging active citizenship is so crucial; teachable moments for sure. But I think we can also stress the responsibility of voice- supporting your opinion with reasonable evidence, being willing to listen as much as talk #sunchat
I think we also have to encourage voice in general. Consider grouping strategies- grouping the alpha Ss together and the quiet Ss together. Encourages the loud to listen and the quiet to talk #sunchat
Thank you for the suggestions; I am a fan of @Flipgrid and the possibilities of tech in general. Incidentally, unlike me (voted quietest kid in high school), my daughter is social and not shy. But she perceives that certain kids monopolize the conversation. #sunchat
I have always felt that interviews for students exiting our buildings are beneficial & truly informative. I also think creating student advisory/leadership teams can work at ALL levels. #studentvoice#studentchoice#perspective#Sunchat
Powerful disucssion this morning. Challenging ideas, respectful dialogue/agreement/disagreement! Now, let's take that to heart and to school! Have a great week #sunchat PLN!
Yes, one important message could be that the most “dramatic” expressions, such as a walkout, are not the most important opportunities to find their voice. #sunchat
#sunchat I completely agree! Rejection is inevitable in the real world, so we should be teaching students how to build grit and persevere in times of potential rejection> Growth mindset and the belief that every negative experience is an opportunity to improve! #PSUElemEd
In reply to
@susankotch, @DingleTeach, @thnorfar, @brianrozinsky
This is a really powerful discussion #sunchat Pls check out the piece--there are dozens of student voices here from all perspectives. Some got in touch w/ me on their own but majority through belief & encouragement of their teacher...thank you, thank you, thank you for that
Sometimes, it might just be about us, acknowledging in a sensitive classroom moment, "This makes me feel a little uncomfortable," explaining why & why that's okay. Modeling risk-taking of a sort. #sunchat
I keep thinking “How many Ss are asked their opinion on school issues? How many Ss would honestly answer ‘yes’ if asked if they feel like a stakeholder in their school?” #sunchat
Right, but I’m talking about those who disagree with me. I’m questioning that we can say with certainty that “nearly 100%” of schools supported the kids. How are we defining support? #sunchat
When we elevate student voice we need to be elevating a diverse set up of opinions. Teachers are susceptible to bias too. We need to be intentional about amplifying variety of positions. This can be very difficult when those opinions are not in line with our own #sunchat#edchat
Ss voices are so important. They’re our future and vastly underrepresented in society. I think this week was a great expression of their resolve. As Ts and Admin, helping them learn that they have a voice and that it matter is one of our premium duties! #sunchat
I keep thinking “How many Ss are asked their opinion on school issues? How many Ss would honestly answer ‘yes’ if asked if they feel like a stakeholder in their school?” #sunchat
Hi, Courtney. We were originally talking about adult fear of rejection, but regarding Ss, you think grit is a factor? Do you see any difference between the response of SOC and non-SOC to the possibility of rejection? #sunchat
In reply to
@Courtney_PSU, @susankotch, @thnorfar, @brianrozinsky
This is a really powerful discussion #sunchat Pls check out the piece--there are dozens of student voices here from all perspectives. Some got in touch w/ me on their own but majority through belief & encouragement of their teacher...thank you, thank you, thank you for that
I don’t think we can make any estimate at all. If schools feel obligated to allow their students to walk out but individual teachers disrespect their students for it, is that “support”? That said, facing that type of opposition is a learning experience for kids too. #sunchat
HMW better support edus across all impact areas to enhance T agency? Expertise is present at every school but not everyone is willing or able to engage. #edcamp#edcampbos#edchat#sunchat
