#vachat Archive
#vachat is a great way for Virginia educators to share teaching strategies, educational resources, and more.
Monday February 15, 2016
8:00 PM EST
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Looking forward to tonight at 8 p.m.
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Hello from Carroll/Patrick County VA! Joining for the 1st time.
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Excited to be a part of tonight!
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Excited to be a part of tonight!
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Good evening and welcome to asa we discuss Innovation in Education.
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looking forward to an interesting. discussion tonight.
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Good evening from Patrick County!
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I am new to this chat. Looking forward to the conversations. ;
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James joining from Patrick County Public Schools.
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Good evening. Just found out school is closed tomorrow. I teach 2nd
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Jacinda, K teacher from Patrick County!
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Please take a moment to introduce yourself.
Convo starter: How many snow days have you had?
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Jennie from Bridgewater, Va. Assistant Professor of Elementary Education
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welcome, glad to have you.
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Happy Monday! I'm Rebecca, an elementary principal from Henrico.
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Jay, AP in PWCS ready to talk innovation in Ed
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Summer Dir. and 4th teach, google fan, and new Dad!
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Christine. Elementary gifted. Charlottesville. Today was day 5, but it was a snow make-up day, so does it count?
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Scott Allen, Kettle Run High School - Math, Computer Science and iSTEM
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chat and enjoy a glass of wine!
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Thanks for joining us tonight
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Randy joining from Patrick County.
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Good evening ! Lyn, Elem principal in PWCS. I think tomorrow is the 8th day? Lost count!
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7 & 2/3, counting tomorrow's delay. Hoping this is the end of the snow!
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Great to have you along for the ride tonight
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Phil, Elem. A.P. in Williamsburg. 3 and 1/2
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Hello Helen is here tonight looking forward to the conversation
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Let's see what this chat adventure is all about! from a theatre arts guy in Patrick County
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John Bennett' Emeritus in Connecticut tonight!
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Reed, tonight's moderator. We'll be using Q1, Q2, Q3.
We've had 4 snow days
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renee in Patrick county...Is it 10 counting snow and flood?
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Q1: Innovation in education requires the use of methods to personalize education, especially use of technology as tool.
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Monica Kindergarten teacher from Patrick County. Snow day tomorrow!
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I know! I'm ready for warm weather!!
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Kris from Richmond Va. Lost count of snow days
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I've noticed. Pressure is on ME! Thanks for spreading the word!
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Bill from snowy Va. Proud superintendent in Patrick County
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...can't come soon enough!
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Great to have you! Would never want to be the decision maker for to go or not to go to school
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I want to openly invite to join educators here on to discuss why he feels charters are the only way to help schools.
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Anita Elgin
Excited to be a part of tonight.
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A1: Innovation-a different way of doing things that improve outcomes
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Good evening Margo Isabel Lower School head in Fauquier County
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Hi! Looking forward to the chat.
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I think we have at least 15 Patrick County people tonight! https://t.co/Vn6P1qqyoc
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I've noticed. Pressure is on ME! Thanks for spreading the word!
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Q1:
When we say INNOVATION in education, what do we mean?
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Q1: Application of a new idea, or an old idea in a new way, that will lead to student success! https://t.co/aBeJJJoFSL
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A1: always searching for a better way to reach our Ss and meet their needs, never allowing ourselves to become stagnant
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A1: Enhance instructional practices via technology that allow Ss to explore various avenues that cater to their learning
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A1:Innovation in education is always being driven find improved techniques and strategies for the betterment of our Ss.
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Innovation is a verb, not a noun. Not about the tech, its about the action
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A1 Thinking outside the box, or our "norm", to reach students and meet their needs.
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A1:21st century skills, trying new ideas in all areas
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A1 in edu means encouraging Ts & Ss to find new ways to teach & learn. New ways to approach old problems
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A1 Innovation is the discovery of a new, better way of effectively reaching our students in education.
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Agree - mindful of what was done
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A1: To me it means keeping your mind open and doing the best you can for your Ss. Teaching w/o knowing all the answers.
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A1: It also means not throwing the baby out with the bath water. Take what's good and make it better.
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Greetings from VA, Instructional Technology Resource Teacher.
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A1: Innovation: What is best for the students to start. It's new, it's better...Need not be tech related
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A1: In our case it's creating new opportunities for S's with no or even fewer additional resources. Challenging yet we've found ways
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You guys are representing!
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A1: Pushing the limits, thinking outside-of-the-box to come up with higher level, thought-provoking, challenging, meaninful lessons
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A1: Thinking outside the box to address learning for all.
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A1: Innovation = revolution, upheaval, transformation, metamorphosis...mighty strong words.
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A1 to be innovative you have to think beyond a "starting point," cleanse your mind to spark a new idea. Easier said then done!
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I was just thinking this. It may be knowing when new is needed to meet student needs.
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Managing resources is always a challenge ... providing the best for Ss through innovative ideas! https://t.co/5s98yuLdGs
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A1: In our case it's creating new opportunities for S's with no or even fewer additional resources. Challenging yet we've found ways
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Pushing students to continue to grow. Innovation doesn't look the same for all students.
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can simply mean "going back to the drawing board" Old material in formats, or new material in old formats
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A1: Look @ what the needs of Ss are and find new ways to meet them.
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A1 Innovation is realizing that a S may have a better idea and letting it reroute a daily plan
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We innovate everyday, we just need to be open and, embrace student needs
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I think we can easily replace "students" with "educators" in this statement too
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exactly. All students have different learning styles.
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Yes, please! https://t.co/2xn49bbskT
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I think we can easily replace "students" with "educators" in this statement too
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A1: What is not = skill & drill - boring, mundane, straight up PPT....
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Innovation: Changes that lead to more Effective Learning. https://t.co/0kuQG0uHbo
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Q1:
When we say INNOVATION in education, what do we mean?
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Innovation means being open to the Ss driving the learning bus!
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Love it! Have to know where you want to go & create innovative paths for getting there!
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Keep the goal in mind! https://t.co/VScqNpbhNQ
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Love it! Have to know where you want to go & create innovative paths for getting there!
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This is why we differentiate.
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Lots of tweets mentioning the need for teachers to relinquish "power" if we desire innovation
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Lots of tweets mentioning the need for teachers to relinquish "power" if we desire innovation
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We have to think differently about what we do every day - reflection is key
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Learning to corral my control issues made me a better teacher in so many ways.
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Getting ready for Question 2 on on Innovation in Education
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A1: what innovation isn't... as I call it "Cemetery teaching" were they sit in rows and are deathly quiet .
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A1 Moving from a based environment to a 1. PROBLEM-SEEKING 2. PROBLEM-SOLVING environment-working collaboratively.
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Innovation can be changing classroom environment - flexible seating, etc.
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I see that too - does that mean more of a "guide on the side" role for Ts? OR demand for Ts to be innovators?
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Yes! Rethinking our learning spaces for Ss https://t.co/ZGC6v1QB7J
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Innovation can be changing classroom environment - flexible seating, etc.
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And Just starting his book on Innovator's Mindset
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control... We know he who does the talking does the learning. Who is talking the most in your classroom?
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Q2: What is one thing we need to change immediately in the traditional school model?
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compliance is highly valued isn't it, sadly.
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Let students have control of their learning
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My 4th block is deathly quiet. They will hardly make a sound. I keep trying though.
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A2 Learning environments - more S centered
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This is so important to keep in mind! https://t.co/KRGEvfqXsc
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control... We know he who does the talking does the learning. Who is talking the most in your classroom?
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A2: Provide an environ. that focuses more on quality of instructional delivery & less on data. Eliminate over assessing
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A2: Go big or go home: Age-based grades. Ss don't learn at the same pace, stop making them.
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A2: Less teacher talk, more student lead learning.
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A2: already mentioned the need to get rid of drilling and worthless memorization
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Yes! Giving up control takes up out of our comfort zone - but that is when GREAT things happen! https://t.co/0Rw0Oe3sFN
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Give up power! scary#vachat
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A1: Innovation is about trying to effectively predict the future needs while keeping an eye on the practicality of today.
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A2 - We must remove "We'll we've always done it..." and re imagine Ss experience and Parent exp.
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A2 Students connected to Internet/given access to technology throughout the school building, not just the Computer Lab
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A2 What do we need to change immediately? State mandated assessments that don’t articulate Ss true academic prowess.
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A2 More student choice in how a task/project is completed. Teacher can still have a set objective with student choice built in
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Still need to keep goals/standards in mind
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A2 going with on this one. Stop seeking student compliance, seek student engagement.
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A2: The separation of disciplines--we need much interdisciplinary exploration.
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A2: Give Ss choices, make them WANT to learn, you won't need to trick them into learning.
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A2: Need to focus more on students strengths. Our deficit model doesn't work for us or them
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A2: Fewer standards so we can go deeper.
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A2: 1/2 Traditional school schedule and calendar. Can't set time restraints per subject or this many days to learn
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We do have a positive move toward performance based assessments https://t.co/cOcHfdwWUp
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A2 What do we need to change immediately? State mandated assessments that don’t articulate Ss true academic prowess.
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A2: Teacher control must be replaced by student control! https://t.co/ChuMfH8rG3
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Q2: What is one thing we need to change immediately in the traditional school model?
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Yes! This!! https://t.co/MCCVSLlzFf
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A2: Need to focus more on students strengths. Our deficit model doesn't work for us or them
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have you read Most Likely to Succeed by Tony Wagner?
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A2: Gotta go with high stakes testing. Cookie cutter achievement model has thwarted innovation, especially in challenged schools.
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"mental" age based grades
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A2 schedule needs revamping to ensure open exploration; student directed learning; break down those walls!
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Yes, Reflection allows us to be innovators for our Ss by realizing what works & what doesn't. https://t.co/qwK2kRnt1E
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We have to think differently about what we do every day - reflection is key
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A2 have students more engaged in setting learning goals. I have a K teacher that does this incredibly well!
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I completely agree. There has to be a better way.
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A2: 2/2 as well as 1yr=1 grade promotion. Only teach this to 4th grade and this to 5th grade. Teach what Ss are ready to learn
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Eh. I said it's not innovative, but has a need at certain times. Repetition can be helpful but has to be used carefully
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This is so true! We've been wrong about focusing for so long on weaknesses in Ss. https://t.co/bK7B3NM57z
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A2: Need to focus more on students strengths. Our deficit model doesn't work for us or them
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A2: Some need to realize that quiet students don't necessarily mean learning is happening.
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A2 Make students think for themselves. Don't be so fast in giving them the answers
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Love the schedule angle - exploring passions and skills vs content?
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Q2: We need to work toward more personalized learning. Must move out of the comfort zone to accomplish great things.
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I'm reading it now which is why Q2 struck me.
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teachers need to know this does not mean an out of control classroom.
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A2: Students learn best when content is integrated! We are get hung up on instructional minutes in the one content per class model.
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Great call is doing great things with Innovators Lab at AASA
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another darn book to add to my list!
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Ss need to be active in their learning
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Exactly, it's stepping away & trying something new to meet the needs of our Ss
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A2 Teaching Standards that are not developmentally appropriate.
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A2: Destroying the barriers between "subjects" - needs to work more seamless across disciplines
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yes, as well as integrated learning through a natural process
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I think I'm keeping 's ability to keep the Washington Post afloat with all my purchases
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Ss also need guidance to follow passions - Ps need to know Ts put Ss first - confusion blurs the mission!
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A2 (cont): We are trying to be innovative with our new iSTEM class (https://t.co/g09LE8ssTj). Great things have been observed
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I know we have a couple of schools here in doing just this Need more inter-disciplinary too
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A2: Right now it is crucial that we develop independent learners by:
"Facilitating Instruction" instead of "Giving Instructions"
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A2 Allow more student choice
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A2: Please quit preparing students to take tests, that is not "real world." There are school systems in VA doing this!
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Q2: Opportunities for exercise & physical activity throughout the day. Too much sitting now.
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integrated learning that allows personalized learn while meeting Student needs
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Have to be careful on that - not all students know what they want and still need guidance
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Yes education researcher (John Goodland) in 1980s found that 80% of classrom time was "Chalk and Talk" ?
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And it's been forced down teachers' and students' throats so that we don't know any other way
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A2: I'd like to see new and better ways to have Ss show learning/understanding. Fewer standardized tests & none at lower levels.
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But doing this right means exposing Ss to what they don't yet know. There has to be scaffolded choice.
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Very true. Have teach this to children - not just let them loose.
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Benchmarks, pacing guides, test prep, and multiple choice are OLD SCHOOL! None of these are valued in workforce.
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A couple of our elementary schools have gotten rid of grade levels
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I understand the need for some test prep... But I hate when people think this I the way to,prepare Ss for "success"
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awesome! Would love to see Schls get away from traditional scheduling and course structure
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Extremely important to break this mold! Problem is we have two generations of T's warped by meeting testing benchmarks
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We're moving right along!
Q3 coming up
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I do Daily 5 and it is all about scaffolding Ss to prepare for making appropriate choices
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A3: Attach learning goals to real life experiences and/or critical thinking situations
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A3: Connect instruction to things that interest them. Keep instruct. aligned to standards by implementing their interest
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A3: allowing Ss to work collabaratively, higher level questions relating to relevant topics to the Ss.
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A2: Total pet peeve: pep rallies for SOL tests. NO. Let's get them excited about learning.
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Yes however I've seen great interdisciplinary teaching that I would not label as innovative
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Student choice & voice is key https://t.co/j22QIxMw9F
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I do Daily 5 and it is all about scaffolding Ss to prepare for making appropriate choices
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A2 Assessing orGrading? Grading a tool to punish/reward for industrial school. Assessment is ongoing, student involved.
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I love the standing desks that are beginning to show up in classrooms.
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A3: How do we create learning opportunities and experiences for students that empower them?
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A3 providing more experiences where S can share what they know & teach/empower fellow S even their T. I love learning from my S
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A3 Allow Ss to be a part of the decision making process, offer opportunities for the Ss to give feedback
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A3: Give them small opportunities for success, for making choices on their own and then build on them.
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Bold leaders are breaking the mold. Bold leaders value learners first, then the learning.
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A3 Daily 5 and flexible seating. I so want to do flexible seating in my classroom
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Yes! There is a natural grace to Ts/classes that transcend the innovative/trad. continuum
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We use this my building also... Love Ts that have moved this model to math stations also.
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A3: I work with K-4 so this is something I'm trying to work out. How to build that in appropriately, at all levels.
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Just read about authentic assessments such as web sites, presentations, papers, documentaries, exhibits & performances.
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A3: Students must feel they have some say in what they do, but it can be hard for them - not used to it.
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A3 Find ways to engage Ss put the learning in their hands...high interest topics/problem solving
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I'd love to hear more about math stations. Teaching math for the first time this year!
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Q3: Ask them what they want to learn and connect it to what they need to learn. Ask them how they would like to learn.
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I have struggled with this in math but keep trying to make it work.
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hey look my name in,print! And not even in the
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. Yup. Some teachers also let stus stand at their desks. And students also need more opps to be outside.
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Nikki from Patrick Co. Little late and just lurking. New to chat!
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Testing 24/7 isn't so in all districts. Some leaders embrace vision & learners, & let the SOLs take care of themselves.
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Ts/Courses that combine room for Ss to explore with boundaries for accountabilit
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A3: Some "obvious" answers: PBL, Inquiry-based learning, portfolios, makerspace
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A3: By students controlling the addressing of real-life situations aligned with standards. https://t.co/Mj1KxGcbOa
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A3: How do we create learning opportunities and experiences for students that empower them?
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Daily 5 has a math section called Math Daily 3
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DM your email and I'll shoot you some pictures and descriptions.
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This would make such a diff 4 Ss with test anxiety, younger Ss (elem age), & give Ts opp 2 build on Ss understanding!
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Q1 - Innovation in teaching means research and development of practice to meet the needs of individual Ss.
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Is there an in this area?
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Simple strategy: Tell students what the objective/target is and let them figure out how they want to learn about it
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A3: Ss choice, experiential learning in the real world. Get them out there and doing the things we teach them.
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A3: Gibe S's choice and control. Also just read about allowing them some input in designing assessment formats & test questions
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Can Ss sit in collaborative groups? Esp powerful for Ss from distressed backgrounds.
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A3 Recognize their successes and efforts every step of the way..high expectations
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A3: We need to make sure our PSs in VA are fully racially & socio-economically integrated, especially at the class/classroom level.
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combining the "Want" and "need" is key. Ts need more training to balance those elements
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Yes, expectations are a key component in student success! https://t.co/mPceBS01w9
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A3 Recognize their successes and efforts every step of the way..high expectations
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A3 We need to set high expectations and make student think on their own.
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I have them in pairs for many things and small groups for others
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Training is needed on how to balance and how to integrate. We can find ways to do both together.
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T's aren't used to it yet either. We all need some coaching up!
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Definitely. Include the student in the setting expectation process--small, manageable goals for "strugglers"
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there have been a couple in. Baltimore, and a few in NOVA and VA beach area.
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A3: Hands on learning . The more Ss can do, the better!
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yes! builds a solid relationship btw Ts/Ss and Boom! you got real learning going on!
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A3: give Ts permission to collaborate w/ peers & start genius hours. Many Ts are hesitant bc they see lost “instructional time”.
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Be an ADVOCATE! is being crafted! Input has been requested, we must provide feedback for the next bandwagon.. & make it right!
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that's why I was wondering if there are any in our area.
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Testing = too much bottom line/shareholder thinking. Gaming the system!
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I'd love to get one going in C-ville but still new to the area. Maybe a coffee/beer/wine get together
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Q4:
What are the barriers to innovation? How do we overcome these?
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We are testing in 2nd grade bc it is tied to Ts evaluations
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I bet you'd get some good attendance! :)
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if there is a desire/initiative from my staff, I say go for it!
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A3: Also, we need sufficiently small class sizes so that Ts can form relationships w/ Ss & be able to grant them more independence.
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I'd totally be in on this.
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Can strive to create real solutions to real community problems. Allows choice & builds on prior knowledge.
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A3: Choice! Instead of "We know best" climate, allow choice in all of Ed. including testing. Turn divisions into communities.
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either smaller size or more Ta's
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A4: Old habits are one barrier to innovation. Fear. Lack of training.
Lack of time. So many things.
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Three Notch Brewery has some good space and South Street Brewery could work for us!
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Agreed! Also, VA is looking into alternative assessments and feedback can be given. https://t.co/OVF09r2HtG
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Be an ADVOCATE! is being crafted! Input has been requested, we must provide feedback for the next bandwagon.. & make it right!
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A4: Lack of resources & funding. Connect/reach out to the school community for assist. Share within the sch. division
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A4 Lack of parental support, lack of resources, T turnover: Ts cont. to impress with creative ways to accommodate Ss
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The ESSA document that replaces NCLB has been signed by President Obama. It's up to the states/local gov't to tweak.
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Smaller class size please . I am at 25 and it is alot of little ones
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Smaller class size please . I am at 25 and it is alot of little ones
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A4: All within walking distance Champion Brewery too
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Champion Brewery would likely work too or Bold Rock.
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A4 The biggest barrier to innovation I think is fear of the unknown
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A4: Barriers - leaders who see $$$, Ts who see "more work", and aSchl culture that needs change but wont change
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A4 Govt & higher ed is the biggest barrier for . , , & even want to innovate, but have their hands tied
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A4: A barrier to innovation can be that folks in edu s/times don't look at history and at what works well already & what hasn't.
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A2: Changing the trad. school model would mean embracing PBA and bringing back full circle how Ss were taught years ago.
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A4: Buy-in. That's what we've always done. Fear: I/we need x scores or we're doomed - there are no guarantees.
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I agree. Even as a building leader so much is beyond my control.
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A4 Time and collab is often a barrier. I am a special educator and the need for support is a barrier. Use of peer supports is great.
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A4: Things that are seen as innovative are often seen as a fad
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barrier we have always done it that way... you need to embrace change
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fear was a thought for,me too.
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A4 T evaluations being tied to S test scores
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A4: Mandates and policies that are not Ss focused. We need to have as many educators talking w/ DOE and politicians. Speak up!
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A4: Time. I think the word “innovation” is loaded. Many Ts won’t take risks bc they feel to be innovative they MUST be successful!
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A4: Ts that STILL - quote - "Don't do email". It's 2016!
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Definitely. Builds upon 's early point about test prep. Been there, done that.
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I am going with exhaustion. I see such tiredness this time of year.
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A4: Not enough T support/coaching. Here is a new thing for T to figure out - no PD
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A4: Many of the "requirements" we place on Ts and classrooms
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A4: S/times that "trad" way of doing things in combo w/an innovation is the best way. Doesn't always have to be new & shiny.
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has requested nominations for a rule-making committee, due 2-26. Great opportunity to advocate.
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A4: Time and pressure of curriculum schedule. Have to leave space for innovation. Kids are great at it if we let them!
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Feb is the low point for sure. Few Ts make changes this late in the year
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Yes! https://t.co/mxbjbvfBf2
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Paula and I were just conversing about this today. It would be fantastic to implement this for Ts
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A4: Time: Being told do "one" more thing but never take anything off T plate
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Have to provide time for exploration and collaboration. Let teachers--they're the experts--figure it out.
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now this is where Ts are afraid. Nervous it could,impact their employment.
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Yes! I made a deal w/ myself when I started teaching that I'd never make big decisions in February or March.
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A4: People who tell us why something won't work. We are doing way more with far less than ever for S's & F's! It can be done!
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A4: Time prep for Standardized tests. Fear of relinquishing control and/or taking risks. https://t.co/tJ9EOGcDer
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Q4:
What are the barriers to innovation? How do we overcome these?
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Or "That's not how we do things here. We've never done it that way."
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Fear of Failure due to the high stakes. We need to say yes more than we do!
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Good point TIME is a barrier to innovation as it is a barrier to almost all things in education Not enough
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Sadly, too many urban school tchrs have 35 and 40. Just saying reigns
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A4: teachers are student focused, now everyone else needs to jump on board.
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A4: Totally agree w/many here who are saying that lack of time & resources and pressures from testing & mandates hamper innovation.
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A4: Reluctance to share control w/ community members & agencies. They are our resources, & they are usually free!
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Have to be careful - often means more T work and same or less pay. Ts cannot continue to do more w/less. T burnout
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A3: I agree PBL and inquiry based learning, add relevancy and application to real-life situations.
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There is so much at stake for students and teachers, it's hard to take risks
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Yes! I love working somewhere I can say, "Let's give it a try."
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Great chat! Gotta go change my 4 week old's diaper! Thanks so much!
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A4: Taking design thinking class. All the big companies are creating space for innovative thinking. Shouldn't schools?
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A4: fear. Funding. Resources. Failure. Innovation is always risk/reward What are you willing to risk to engage Ss?
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Getting ready for what I think is the toughest question of the night. Q5 coming up
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I "feel ya'" We have become a of testing. No that the tchr is doing the job.
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I also know other Ts in my district have more. Not complaining - everything is harder w/more Ss.
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A4: Stop fear based practices starting from Gov. down. Learn from one another no matter what label. Respect equally $ will follow.
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absolutely! We have to continue to change/reduce the silo mentality.
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Q5:
What is 1 thing you can do immediately to help move closer to the new vision for learning?
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#5 want to try out flexible seating
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Indeed! And isn't innovation the manifestation of doing something we've never done before in ways we've never tried?
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A5: Be patient, let Ss discover and talk less! Let them explain their thinking!
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A5 Keep an open mind & accept change as needed: the ed. world is always evolving
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A5: Live the growth mindset every day. Think twice before I say "I can't." Still working on giving Ss control.
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A5: Connect w/other educators globally. Seek avenues that allow you as an educator to broaden instructional practices.
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A5: Give Ts space to take a risk to innovate and try something new for their Ss.
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A5: Teachers talking less, students talking more!
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A5: Trying out , want to explore makerspace
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A5 Drop bread crumbs. Share resources. Always say YES to new ideas that are doable
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I didn't want to become a teacher because of the pay.
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A5 The best thing I/we can do is be an advocate for change among our Ss to make the message louder for gov to hear. Empower Ss & Ps
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The power of twitter, blogs, , etc -make it easy to steal and collaborate
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A4: Observe a lot of K-4 classrooms for ways to make mine more S friendly, more innovative, more learner-focused.
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A5: I'd love to get rid of our computer lab and make it a PBL/innovation room.
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A5: Be courageous! Except that change is inevitable!
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Has anyone used ? I know the kids would love - want to learn more
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A5: Trying new things like taking a class called Twitter for Educators is one I'm doing right now. Looking for ideas.
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Awesome! We are helpers by nature. Give space for struggle. https://t.co/pDODDQDoB1
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A5: Be patient, let Ss discover and talk less! Let them explain their thinking!
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A5: Talk less and invite students to talk more.
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A5: One thing I can remove from my Ts to allow them to feel able to innovate. More time, less mtgs,
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I agree entirely, but I haven't noticed a choice to do more w/ more; & doing less isn't an option.
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Yes! Yes! Yes! So PROUD of our Ts! https://t.co/fZeKoSmRni
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A5: Trying new things like taking a class called Twitter for Educators is one I'm doing right now. Looking for ideas.
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One barrier to innovation in schools is a lack of participation in open government by many teachers/school leaders. Input = impact
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My wife's elem school has used Lego stuff - has a lab dedicated to Lego robotics and storyboarding
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A5: Be courageous! Accept that change is inevitable!
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Don't allow schedules to dictate specific learning opportunities. https://t.co/SYWchhoUSZ
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Q5:
What is 1 thing you can do immediately to help move closer to the new vision for learning?
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I've heard of this and did some research on it. Ss want to find out for themselves how to do things.
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A5: Well "immediately" is hard. But convince decision-makers & leaders of need for new vision & thus for the resources to implement.
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So very true at all levels. Not sure what the answer is - budgets are what they are
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I read and appreciated this article earlier this week.
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A5: Explore concepts and big ideas first and save algorithms and procedures for last.
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A5 Be brave try something new..if that doesn't work try something else
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Not only Ts but Admin as well. Can't innovate w/ fear
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A5: Refuse to engage or otherwise validate anyone who does better when kids do worse.
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Working on the master schedule: Does your schedule match your school's mission?
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A5: Funding, Staffing, Red-tape at central office, class size, politics, SOL exams...need I keep going?
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5A: Find your tribe and block out the haters. Build a supportive professional environment and take risks.
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Getting out of my comfort zone! https://t.co/aG70lN79i4
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A5: Trying new things like taking a class called Twitter for Educators is one I'm doing right now. Looking for ideas.
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A5: Participate in Twitter chats to build PLNs, get input to Consider, & to test understanding. https://t.co/NPIpVC2mTK
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Q5:
What is 1 thing you can do immediately to help move closer to the new vision for learning?
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A5: Honest reflection of lessons and units. Assessing my own methods and habits. Surveying my Ss for their feedback.
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A5: as an administrator, giving honest, genuine, and authentic feedback to the teachers.
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A5: Empower those w/ the vision, talent & will to achieve it. Give em what they need and get out of their way!
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I'd love to see how you and Drew are running your classes. Exactly what I'd love to do w/my Ss.
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Gain Ts perspective, say YES, talk less...listen more.
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Yes, Twitter PLN! And chats like
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Yes! I agree! Twitter extends our thinking https://t.co/KfCmL7L7lo
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A5: Participate in Twitter chats to build PLNs, get input to Consider, & to test understanding. https://t.co/NPIpVC2mTK
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Q5:
What is 1 thing you can do immediately to help move closer to the new vision for learning?
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A5 Just listen. Then do what ever it takes to help a student learn.
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I keep hearing what Ts are doing wrong. Should ask how can we help them succeed?
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very true... I seem to have lost this fear recently. if not me than who?
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A5: Be transparent, lead, and eliminate any hypocrisy in my actions. Allow Sts to become part of the process instead of just result.
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Love this thought Helen! Need to practice this more often. https://t.co/jUX8Pku2D0
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A5 Just listen. Then do what ever it takes to help a student learn.
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RT A5: as an administrator, giving honest, genuine, and authentic feedback to the teachers.
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Some great answers to Q5. has a growth and innovator's mindset
Q6 coming up
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We need to teach growth mindset to Ss
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Q6:
How do we move from isolated examples of innovation to a culture of innovation?
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A5: Think about the students' needs. It may be uncomfortable to change your ways but sometimes change is best!
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Resources cannot be what stops you - just slows you down
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A5: Need more tech-savy, innovators/builders in schools. Colleagues ask me to build programs to help their students
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Sometimes all you need to do is ask "How can I help you?"
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I'm agree Scott. Come see at Kettle Run. The kids blow our minds daily. https://t.co/COMzVUaZZo
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A5: Funding, Staffing, Red-tape at central office, class size, politics, SOL exams...need I keep going?
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Also, like we have said tonight about Ss, what are Ts doing right? Build up instead of tear down https://t.co/lVGZcmA15o
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I keep hearing what Ts are doing wrong. Should ask how can we help them succeed?
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Yes and always help Ts to keep that fire burning.
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I would say yes. Our "schedule" is student-centered as is the school mission. Master schedules are a challenge
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A6: By having the entire sch. community on board, Admin., Faculty/Staff, Ss, & Parents! Innovation will be evident
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A6: Keep our doors open to everyone, other Ts, admin, Ps. Share ideas w/others
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Have you seen documentary Finland Phenomenon -Food for thought since they are No ! in the world. https://t.co/2EaPKDTrXQ
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A5: Altho s/times you need to push ahead w/new vision & then community & decision-makers get on board when they see the positives.
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Give T feedback in an area they request. Help Ts reach their goals as learners as well.
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Focused & purposeful for what is best for Ss https://t.co/xv7JhLPP1o
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A6: By having the entire sch. community on board, Admin., Faculty/Staff, Ss, & Parents! Innovation will be evident
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A6: Central offices need to embrace innovation and take leap-of-faith and be spontaneous - not drag feet, needs more $
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A6 I think you have to have a Visionary leader who really is able to set direction Very tough
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Amen! I know a few that keep great ideas to themselves
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A6: Seeing it right here. Move outside the walls of our bldg and share w/others https://t.co/b8ocEbfoot
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Q6:
How do we move from isolated examples of innovation to a culture of innovation?
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I tweet out picture of innovation and engaging activities
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A6 Innovative Ts will support, assist, & inspire one another. This must happen for an innovative culture to be made.
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Even more importantly we need to tear down the walls of our schools
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Bonus: Innovators are leaders & listeners. They take ideas & hit the ground running with them. Innovators seek results.
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RT Cookie cutter approach doesn't work for Ts or Ss https://t.co/WIhePlGnve
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A2: Gotta go with high stakes testing. Cookie cutter achievement model has thwarted innovation, especially in challenged schools.
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A6 I have been sharing GHOs and other things I have been doing w/ts that are interested. Love for GHO
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Share.... Don't be an island
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ask the S's how they'd solve the problem and see what happens :) They might surprise you!
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Visit each other... See what other schools are doing. Don"t stand on formality or wait for an invite.
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A6: celebrate risks! As an admin give shoutouts when you see Ts doing something different.
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Appreciate the recognition. Congratulations on your book!!!
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A6: Creating a shared vision (What's best for our students) and constantly reflecting
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Extends our PLN. The world is flat.
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yes! Get the staff and Ss out to see what is going on or bring it to them
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A6 Is it bad to say that when we had this snow day, I checked my twitter for chats? haha
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A6: By cultivating Twitter chat participation, PLN discussion, EdCamps, and working to eliminate mandates. https://t.co/wIZseaiqkc
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Q6:
How do we move from isolated examples of innovation to a culture of innovation?
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A6: I still say we should convene the First Annual Summit (world's most innovative one-day share fair). Who's in?
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My admin has been open to Ts visiting each Ts classrooms, provide coverage for Ts if needed
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Yes, this helps build the culture of risk taking. And as an admin, we need to take risks too.
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A6: Talk to other Ts. Some of my best ideas have come out of a random conversation w/a colleague.
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A6 When I was in elementary school I was a guinea pig for schools w/ot walls, a new science program, new self paced math All Failed
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A6: Principals play such an important role in the democratization of innovation.
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A6: Share!!! Thoughts, feelings, lessons, discoveries, lessons, just simply share! Too many have competitive mindset stifles prog.
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A6: People have to be willing to give up some power, ignore their biases, to sit with some discomfort.
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I was also in an open classroom without walls. There are walls now.
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A6: Advocate firsthand, fiercely, and on behalf of kids with the Committee.
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A6: Recognize, celebrate & reward innovation!
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Let's do it! Earlier we were discussing breweries in Cville for this But we can be more professional
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I was a S in an open classroom environment - fail for me, hated it
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A6: A culture of innovation must be built one great teacher at a time
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OK so I guess the reflection is, it is OK to fail, something will be learned in the process. Good point!
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Bummed to have only caught the tail end of - shout-out to all the innovative educators out there!
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This flew by. I've got some re-reading to do and some people to follow.
You are all difference makers!
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Completely agree. I've seen successes in the past for thinking-outside-the-box get squashed https://t.co/hAhJsGrbli
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A6: Recognize, celebrate & reward innovation!
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A4:We must be careful that "innovation" (w/out resources) doesn't become another mandate on educators on top of everything else.
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Thanks for inspiring us to create, out of the elements around us, that which does not already exist
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A4: St mandates and dist reqmts of consant data review inhibit Ts abil to do what they love which is teach creatively.
