#edchat Archive
#Edchat is a hashtag, a movement—it is a weekly organized Twitter discussion of educators and people interested in education that meet virtually from all over the world. #Edchat serves as a conversation thread on Twitter and is also used for organized weekly discussions.
Tuesday September 20, 2016
tomwhitby: begins on the hour. Please Join us on the Chat.
Welcome to - Where are we really with the Common Core initiative? Has it gained local, State, or National acceptance? is it working?
Come join in as we pitch in KC next week! … Vía PledgeCents
Welcome to . Topic: Where are we really w/Common Core initiative? Has it gained local, State, or National acceptance? is it working?
Hello Mark here from Estes Park Colorado, co-moderating... let's get the party started!
How might we mess impeccable digression where fun meets function?
Now Topic: Where are we really with the Common Core initiative? Has it gained local, State, or National acceptance? is it working?
Hello everyone! Missy from York, PA.
PARTY TIME on = Let's all jump in! Meredith from SW FL
Hey there! Trish from NJ!
GA folded CC into state standards for math & ELA. Still pockets of push-back.
Hi Meredith... so how're you doing with Common Core? Working for you?
Now join - Where are we really with the Common Core initiative? Has it gained local, State, or National acceptance? Is it working?
I think the common core initiative has gained acceptance on all levels, but isn't quite the same in different areas
Hi Trish thanks for joining How's Common Core working for you? Students?
Hi Greg thanks for joining How's Common Core working for you? Students?
Jack Cox wrote in 1959 the need for "elasticity” to accommodate these changes
Is push back about the standards themselves, or about the tests associated w/ them?
CommonCore ... not in Florida, but they did do a great copy and paste into our standards.
As a math teacher, I see some areas of concern when it comes to Common Core. Basic facts in fifth grade to be specific.
tomwhitby: RT ShiftParadigm: Welcome to - Where are we really with the Common Core initiative? Has it gained local, State, or Natio…
Get Moving, Get Connected! A scavenger hunt in nature https://t.co/JHTVLuNcx9 Some fun ideas to get families outside together
We have a conspiracy theorist in our system who claims CC is all about indoctrination & spying on kids.
CC is a good roadmap, but think it should be a continuum of learning & not have grade level expectations. Continued progress model
Thanks for joining y'all follow each other?
In beginneing reading we trace the foundational skills as an explicit scope and sequence in phonemic awareness, phonics, etc is new
Do you agree w/ this thinking? What % agree with this thought? https://t.co/VzbCT3fvJn
We have a conspiracy theorist in our system who claims CC is all about indoctrination & spying on kids.
Hi everyone! Marisa from Miami!
Not sure if it is CommonCOre's fault, but it seems the more we test the less the kids can think critically.
I love co-hosting, you should give it a try! https://t.co/BIMrogRI81
Students! Educators! If you've participated in , you can co-host! Email steph.ng@ted.com if you're interested.
Good to know... how's it working for you? Helping?
Could anyone argue that the vertical alignment baked into the standards is a bad thing? Filled a big need IMO
Hello all! Jennie from WHS in NC!
I feel that the common core has not yet gained acceptance everywhere because educational standards vary from place to place.
Some think Common Core gives to much emphasis to tests. What do you think?
vertical alignment is good, but are we addressing the skills or just content?
Some think Common Core gives to much emphasis to tests. What do you think?
Analysis: 1 in 5 High Schoolers Is Chronically Absent. Here’s What Data Shows About Those Kids https://t.co/xKvEVp9WJc
I believe it’s more about the tests — faulty implementation by many places.
WOW! Marisa is here Some think Common Core gives to much emphasis to tests. What do you think?
I agree with that. It is too much emphasis on standardized tests
When I ask for examples to support objections, I usually get crappy vendor materials that aren’t really CC.
Hi Meredith Some think Common Core gives to much emphasis to tests. What do you think?
There are many methods to determine student mastery of subject matter. Tests are not the end all, be all!
School tests do not measure:
creativity
teamwork
integrity
grit
passion
empathy
loyalty
endurance
humility
compassion
CommonCore is the backbone of Learning the Muscle,Tendons and Skin are all shaped by the learner journey!Ou… https://t.co/PcC6qEap4d
Some think Common Core gives to much emphasis to tests. What do you think?
Also that the tests came just as new teacher evaluations came - and that they're baked in - contributes to CCs bad rep
Is common core consistently applied across schools? Classrooms?
I agree common core gives to much emphasis on testing.
Agree! Many different ways to test mastery of CC standards, not just multiple choice testing
A bit hard to think otherwise when the number of tests / pre-tests have increased.
Driving questions for grade 2 ?
would you propose they be added in to fully encompass all content and skills needed? Or would that be overkill?
Joining a bit late, can't wait to learn!
ASK YOURSELF THIS... how would your teaching be different IF THERE WERE NO COMMON CORE?
Is COMMON CORE working... how the heck to sort the facts from fiction? Thoughts please...
I agree! I feel as though common core suppresses these, to support testing
Possibly--depends on goals and how a teacher strategically uses his/her time.
Standards don't emphasize the test - educators and stakeholders who may or may not like the results do. https://t.co/kSACwTZrNm
Hi Meredith Some think Common Core gives to much emphasis to tests. What do you think?
CCS define reading and math skills for grade levels. Development started in 2008. Class of 2016 was in fourth grade, how'd they do?
definitely! I think using more of those different methods would be really beneficial
True, however test data does shed some important light on learners.
Common Core is a nice concept, but local control is what I favor. From Indiana.
so Dr. J how often are other ways utilized?
not even close, IMO. I think curriculum guides consistency more than standards, and even there classes differ greatly
Or state tests. I would be more relaxed and be sure of mastery before moving on.
I agree. CC often gets the a bad rap for what others are doing with it, not because they’re bad on their own.
Depends of the classroom. I try to make it often in mine.
I have standards that create the framework of my class ... I don't care what you call them ... they're needed
I'm a fan of common core when the standards are embedded into meaningful learning experiences.
Would like to see it used more as a progression than matched to grade levels however.
Not as often as needed, but I believe more Ts are trying to give Ss multiple ways to show mastery
COMMON CORE is supposed to make it easier to compare standardized test scores between participating states. Curious, now possible?
so Destiny... what can we do to balance things out?
…and therein lies the key — embedding standards into meaningful learning experiences. https://t.co/9bRRlVTcl4
I'm a fan of common core when the standards are embedded into meaningful learning experiences.
I'm a fan too--as you say the standards provide a framework to build onto.
working at a private school, we don't follow common core. However, I think tests rarely paint a full picture.
Current Topic: Where are we really w/the Common Core initiative? Has it gained Local, State, or National acceptance? Is it working?
not sure ... been teaching 15 yrs ... the kids ability to think critically has been crushed ... shows in their writing
Thanks Nancy--I think that's the fun part too--designing meaningful learning experiences w/and for Ss
I think is beginning to achieve this goal. Take PARCC, for instance. You could easily compare NJ w/ Ohio. Helpful
OK, want to know, “What has CC forced all of us to do that we were dragging our heels to accomplish?” Anything?
I don't think it has gained acceptance in my state. Politicians in GA see it as too much federal control
MA is moving from PARCC back to MCAS but I suspect that the standards will stay mostly the same--not decided yet.
My standards tell me what I should be covering ... they don't tell me how to cover them.
that is sad to hear. Is it the standards or the curriculum supposedly aligned to the standards? Either way - not good!
This is the key to any successful learning! meaningful experiences
When I ask what specifically ppl object to in the standards, I don’t generally get an answer.
the critical thinking part wasn't part of the formula writing package ...
I use our district standards regardless, as that is what my evaluation is based on.
Agree tests never paint a full picture--multiple points of assessment, observation, reflection needed.
A3) children need to know their voices matter in their city!
What kind of a framework do you follow in your school?
Ditto. Many of us do use common core standards as our learning goals and to direct is https://t.co/papkMabSvk
working at a private school, we don't follow common core. However, I think tests rarely paint a full picture.
I think acceptance, esp among parents, depends on how teachers have handled it. varies widely from one person to the next
Yes, that's why I think curriculum has to relate to the context of the school, population.
tomwhitby: Current Topic: Where are we really w/the Common Core initiative? Has it gained Local, State, or National acceptance? Is…
Because it isn't based on the actual content in the standards. It's always been politically based
when end result is a multiple guess test how much time do you spend on writing vs test prep ...test score = 30% of eval
I think that we can balance things out by allowing each state to choose the material for their schools.
When will we worry more about the gains a child makes than how they compare to everyone else.
I like the flexibility of the standards that allow us to match standards to context.
Love the noise when it is math talk! Or
I like this. The goal is not the same as the work to reach it https://t.co/k4IWqePPTg
My standards tell me what I should be covering ... they don't tell me how to cover them.
Realize Pavlov tells us little about human and build & accordingly.
For example I'm about to embark on place value unit before we take virtual trip to Mars--we'll use space numbers in part.
the test in my state has a ton of writing - PARCC. The test it REPLACED had a ton of multiple choice. Where do u teach?
Have you found CCS and related tests to be fair to students with disabilities, EL learners, and children who live in poverty?
Let's hope so... takes time. But we shall see...
Yes, exactly--I try to match all math standards to context, info that interest students.
Still this can't be the only benefit. Test has to be good. Needs to assess real / important / relevant skills
What do we conclude when schools that focus on test prep fail the test? Are they failing students?
I think that sometimes a child may be a couple of years behind w/regard to standards and this can be difficult.
I am in Florida ... every class has an end of course test ... even electives ... Writing/LA/Math tests too
To gain a solid foundation, it would be better to start some Ss on earlier standards than grade level.
Online Data Tool Aims Chicago High Schoolers toward College: A new initiative is intended to close th... https://t.co/dp5f0DsFoP
well then... Maureen do you have the flexibility needed to do that?
Agree Ashley that is the key--progression, are you moving ahead and out. More important than comparisons.
Would CC have been better accepted w/a coordinated and funded PD initiative instead of leaving it up to dist's to do & pay for?
As an education student I think the Common Core is becoming more accepted by teachers, parents, etc. CC has pros&cons
Where I live people complain about PARCC, but there is no question it is better than the NJ tests it replaced. Other states?
Teaching to the test does not work. Teach Ss to Think
Also have to remember that learning is not linear, it's organic and moves often in unpredictable ways.
ss learning is interest dependent. Test prep is what it is, not interesting
I can only imagine that would have been laborious and created by people outside of education.
Powerful insight. Thanks.
any other states use the same assessment? All mult choice? If so I'd be afraid kids are leavening taught testing skills
Looking to provide students with an opportunity to show what they know in a unique way? Check out
I think it's best for school districts to grow CCSS by embedding into meaningful engaging units of study.
Retweeted Maureen Devlin ():
Joining a bit late, can't wait to learn!
Maybe Pearson PD for Common Core?
Yes and no--I'm try to employ what Jo Boaler discusses as floor-ceiling units that have range w/regard to standards.
I prefer for colleagues to move on when Ss are ready instead of being tied to a lock-step calendar
I would like to see our schools break down the grade level walls and truly help all Ss develop strong foundations.
ah, depends on the PD format and presenter!
nicely put... it is what it is, eh?
I would like to do this in meaningful, engaging ways--not remediation ways.
We need to teach conceptually, procedurally, and personally, not problematically.
Lauren, this makes so much sense...
Thanks .Looking forward to it--trying to help Ss understand that numbers can create context, understanding of distance.
Ok with me... what to do?
We can't count on assessment results to measure learning. It's like football. Any given Sunday
I think the best prep for future is 50% school learning and 50% passion learning.
okay, shawn... i hear you loud and clear. Thanks.
Problem we have with CC or any group is many Eds feel that it is a hijacking of Education by non-educators
Authentic assessments. Turn educational objectives into good questions. Use problems as textual evidence
in many places it was rolled out with PD. I think nail in coffin was making tests x% of T Eval
tomwhitby: Maybe Pearson PD for Common Core? lookforsun
Yet, some times a child can reach far in one year, so we have to be very thoughtful about the way we do this.
. Right! Learning can't be measured.
Schools that focus on test prep fail Ss, no matter how they perform. Concentrated test prep benefits no Ss
Have students explain how and why answers can be attained and explained
Would CommonCore have been better received if it came from your Ed tweeps rather than the politicians?
That wouldn't be my choice.
See why more teachers are finding value in using social media to improve classroom transparency. https://t.co/g3L0ODN1jW
from another perspective, this could be seen as stifling innovation and disregarding needs of ALL learners
State Ed-Tech Leaders Outline Ambitious Broadband Goals - Education Week (subscription): Educ... https://t.co/VrFr9e3dov
well guys.... things are really a mess, eh?
I'll bet I can top that: 4th grade Ss take an EOY test in PE, Music, and Art
Investigate interesting content allthetime https://t.co/Z3gIt8xIsn
We need to teach conceptually, procedurally, and personally, not problematically.
Rich standards w/so many great avenues for deep, meaningful learning.
cool... do you do this often? Get good results?
What if we measured expertise? Higher order thinking & depth of knowledge?
some things are better than others. Grades & homework issues continue to plague us.
And that is sometimes true-edu needs to be led by the learning community which includes almost everyone.
T's need to lead, in part, but we also have to listen to those outside of schools. .
How deeply do you know & understand something & how extensively can you transfer & use it?
I think we can assess expertise and learning, but we can't measure it.
Perhaps when educators make the decisions for S learning instead of mandates
"how extensively can you transfer it?" Love that
Ugh to homework! BTW - is a friend. Looking fwd to her book
Fortunately we don't have grades at 5th grade and hmwk can be guided by parents if desired.
Who are “those outside of schools?” just curious
Yes, is going to be huge. has been a godsend to .
Had to go look up who actually wrote them. I was surprised with the results. https://t.co/60jT2KiTcc
Would CommonCore have been better received if it came from your Ed tweeps rather than the politicians?
Common Core helped me ask how students can apply knowledge though.
Agree. The emphasis on testing in conjunction with CCSS turned Ts against it, IMO https://t.co/snhYmKd5Xp
in many places it was rolled out with PD. I think nail in coffin was making tests x% of T Eval
Depends on what you are teaching.We bring in experts in fields that teach Ss & T's -helpful.
Parents have valuable perspectives from their work fields, lives, experiences.
recommended that we spend time teaching kids how to break down questions (please note without using test prep)
AND without the emphasis on standardized tests, I think so.
Local organizations offer great perspectives, education too.
I think it would have been received very differently.
so if I’m teaching fifth grade math..who tells me how to teach it?
I find that having Ss create questions and then answer them helps with this too.
I look to experts in the field from K through college and industry for this.
but when our eval system is created by politicians with minimal Ed feedback there are problems.
Agreed but that gives insight but do they tell me how to teach?
One of my best resources was a MOOC I took in part from Stanford for 12th graders.
Our curriculum emphasizes.. Interdisciplinary, exploratory and a lot of collaboration. We have a lot of tests, quizzes, HW.
I worked w a district in which we countered standardized assessments w authentic assessments
Tom, interesting idea... curious, in education has their ever been a nationwide PD effort? You may be on to something.
True, must say that MA eval system elements are really great--some finer pts not interpreted well by sys.
just because Pearson sells textbooks and hires teachers does not mean they have best interest of kids
While I have always thought we have an intense and demanding curriculum our students leave well rounded and prepared for college
No, but must say this is best year yet given all the positive changes--we keep developing.
turned the ed obj of stds into good questions, Ss examine & explain, & use the curr as textual evidence
Not in GA and other states that disagree with Nat'l control https://t.co/ylvplmKOmd
Tom, interesting idea... curious, in education has their ever been a nationwide PD effort? You may be on to something.
How might we order knobby exigent / -ncy of the future?
Great visitors & willing to learn. I do feel qualified after 24 years of learning.
Perhaps if it's about their child and we're troubleshooting, setting goals together.
Yet knowledge begets knowledge and the standards are knowledge points, they don't tell how to teach.
PD shld be contextual and driven by needs of learners, not deficit driven,which a national effort would be
Best interests of kids is usually those closest to Ss--we have to advocate for our Ss.
Pumped up students + Alexander the Great = one awesome class!
15 minutes until chat. Join us!
most schools are "standards driven" and that's a problem. Instead "learner driven, standards informed"
A ntnl PD effort would be great, but I think it wld have to start w/ backward design & not just giving standards. Yeah?
Good point, but how can Gov't mandate Nationwide standards w/o standardizing & supporting w/$$$ PD?
tomwhitby: Good point, but how can Gov't mandate Nationwide standards w/o standardizing & supporting w/$$$ PD? mritzius ShiftParadi…
Love the way you use language and lead education, Mike.
unfortunately Im feeling that in order for my voice to be truly heard I need to be elected to an office
maybe they should stop doing that or else get social unrest - national opt-out, CCSS an election liability
We especially need to advocate for Ss when the Ps can't (EL, poor Ss, for example)
RT TeachingIdeasHQ " News: Christie Pushes to Re-write New Jersey Education Funding Formula https://t.co/nJfzPHe0G7 …
So much of that money gets wasted. That's why I'm not a fan--there are better ways.
Voice for teachers is too often a distant dream--that's one of the biggest problems in education.
Too much deficit thinking in education at present time
Problems in Ed are local. The problem in Ed reform is we've been prescribing national solutions. Why we get nowhere!
so is it time to un-rested?
PD has been dismal for so long--best use of $ create opportunities for distributive leadership.
...would we stop holding our children acct? would we stop wanting high expectations? would we just T w/out rigor? NO!
Great read! Good idea to share not only the goal, but also what the "I do, we do, you do" of the lesson will entail
Work from ground up, let T's, staff determine what they need, collaborate, work w/families, Ss
yep, it's paternal, imperious, and other not nice words...
Ha! I feel like I need to win the lottery and become a full-time, state-capitol-protester
So true & so difficult to do-we still don't have good policies to bridge opportunity gap.
For too many Ss, the stories are like a Dickens story.
very few experience real PD - developing their profession. Co-creation and shared leading
Strengths based teaching is so energizing, potent, amazing.
Agree w/ about our need to greatly improve prof learning. Will closely read your post for ideas. https://t.co/ywsRrp4e6q
Thanks for joining tonight. What fun we had. Learned lots! A big shout out to my fellow co-mods
I seek out my own PD for my needs but not all do
As long as we look to the Dept of Ed for Ed Reform (or state depts of ED) we're going to come up empty-handed with no success.
Super chat--really important topic. Thanks to all who participated.
No, and current political climate is widening the gap for my Ss
Thx to all who participated in & to co-mods:
In MA it's imperative--you can't keep your job if you don't keep learning.
I call that professional learning, not PD. PD is cogenerative and in context
Critical issue--seeing things and hearing about things I never thought would occur.
Makes Ss who struggle finally feel competent when focus on strengths
Go further! Teachers must have a hand continually renewing school. Prof learning just 1 part https://t.co/q0jwLi45f5
Teachers must have a voice in determining PD focus...and experience leading PD sessions
No reason for a country like the USA to accept the conditions that some children endure.
Thanks out from my lonely hotel Rm in LA to The team of moderators and all who participated.
Absolutely true and rarely to never occurs.
Saw this in action today--beautiful to see.
Many thanks for moderating this chat topic.
...and the teachers who are forced to burn the candle at both ends just to be "effective"
tomwhitby: RT blairteach: REMINDER: Transcripts for conversations can be found at https://t.co/DaCm6TGbP2 (Thanks to jswiatek)
tomwhitby: Thanks out from my lonely hotel Rm in LA to The team of moderators ShiftParadigm blairteach lookforsun and all who parti…
....or work a second job just to make ends meet....
Reasonable expectations are important. Just wrote a post about that today.
but do they make decisions on how the school is organized and run? That's the PD
Please join for in 5 MINUTES! We're discussing his new book: Instant Relevance.
It's really THE problem. Looking at Ss as test scores or $$ instead of children
Terrific! It's both learning from within and learning from without--finding right balance for each T. https://t.co/G2zZ7MfkMV
Our school is focused on providing opportunities for Ts to lead PD...growing teacher leaders
But do they design the school? Is administration beholden to those designs? That's the real development https://t.co/C7O80dbKW0
We developed a PD model and a PD team to make a lg change in our school culture. Teacher design is #1 on our rules. https://t.co/cw0Q43ASlA
Very true.Our sys has made some good changes, still room for growth, but right direction.
True! As P& T at my school, it's very tough. Something is very wrong with current system
Okay now I have to review approximately 150 papers. Thanks for a great
design school? No, I wish. Admin a part of model design and actively engaged in PD team! We have great support and buy-in.
Some aspects in right direction. Some moving backwards
Current articles about organizational success point to autonomy, mastery, and purpose.
Thanks to for tonight's ! Spirited discussion!
buy-in is paternal and deficit driven. Ownership through co-creation is where the PD happens
how is the school/district changed after PD? What tangible aspects have shifted?
thanks so much!! Can't wait for VR to come to my class! https://t.co/05GQS8N770
If any of my friends think project is a good thing feel free to help them out.
9th grade teacher in search of a for next Thursday and Friday (9/29 and 9/30).
Our calendars are filling up with exciting conferences. Which ones can we see you at in the coming months?
Looking to brainstorm on creativity? Half hour 'till tonight's . https://t.co/K1a2vQPVoo
Tonight is a hard hitting expose on creativity
What is creativity? Love this answer!! https://t.co/Rn8kLSl2pD
A1 it looks like engagement, smells like something different, sounds like noise, lots of noise https://t.co/H4qSnaEAcC
Q1 How do you know what creativity is if it is so hard to define?
We are starting an with our 4th grade students. Any tips for a first timer?
REQUEST: I need articles about how to deal with your kids when you work at their school. ThankYou!
In need of 45 min science projects for MS. I want them innovating and involved.
A3 I want to attend & conferences for their innovative ideas & great speakers
I totally failed at today. Was going to jump in and then got called into a meeting. Next time!
