#PatinsIcam Archive

A weekly half hour chat focused on improving access to education for PK-12 students through the use of Accessible Educational Materials (AEM), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Assistive Technology (AT).

Tuesday February 27, 2018
8:30 PM EST

  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:30 PM EST
    Welcome to tonight's chat! We are grateful you are joining us! Indiana educator? Grab a PGP for tonight's chat! A link will be tweeted at the end #PatinsIcam
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:30 PM EST
    Let's get ready to chat about ways to create and maintain a positive testing envirnment! #PatinsIcam
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:31 PM EST
    Who's joining us? Please introduce yourself. Don't forget to use the hashtag 4 each tweet! #PatinsIcam
  • Nwboilermaker Feb 27 @ 8:31 PM EST
    Jim Lambert, PATINS Specialist, from springlike and flooded NW IND #patinsicam
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:31 PM EST
    Hi Everyone! Rachel Herron Broadcasting live from Franklin tonight! Sending good vibes to the educators giving state standardized tests this week and reading to chat! #PatinsIcam
  • ksuding Feb 27 @ 8:31 PM EST
    Hi #PatinsIcam Kelli signing in...PATINS Specialist of ASD, Aspergers, SLD, AEM & AT, Chrome Accessibility. I'm an anxious tester.
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:31 PM EST
    Welcome Jim & Rachel! Hope you are managing to stay dry, Jim #PatinsIcam
  • VickiW823 Feb 27 @ 8:32 PM EST
    I'm Vicki, PATINS Specialist 4 DHH and Transition Primary Age. Practicing anti-anxiety test taking skills. Anxious to learn more! #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:32 PM EST
    Dry like his humor! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jlfahlbush
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:32 PM EST
    I'm Jena Fahlbush, the Data/Outreach Specialist 4 PATINS and I'll be your happy host tonight! #PatinsIcam
  • JulieHKuhn Feb 27 @ 8:32 PM EST
    Julie Kuhn, PATINS Specialist. My house is surrounded by a lake! OI Access to the Curriculum, AAC Devices, AT Team Development. #patinsicam
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:32 PM EST
    I wouldn't want it anyway else! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @RachelH872
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:32 PM EST
    We will post questions as Q1, Q2, etc. Please tweet your response with A1, A2, etc. Don't forget to add the hashtag to each tweet! #PatinsIcam
  • VimmeLearning Feb 27 @ 8:33 PM EST
    Hello #PatinsIcam Looking forward to the conversation!
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:33 PM EST
    Welcome! So glad you are here! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @VimmeLearning
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:33 PM EST
    Welcome @VimmeLearning! So glad you are here! #PatinsIcam
  • ss4122 Feb 27 @ 8:33 PM EST
    Sandy Stabenfeldt from ICAM joining in! #PatinsIcam
  • BevSharritt Feb 27 @ 8:33 PM EST
    Bev Sharritt here, PATINS specialist for BLV AT and AEM tweeting from Pendleton, IN #PatinsIcam
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:34 PM EST
    Excited for our chatters tonight! Let's get this thing started! #PatinsIcam
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:34 PM EST
    Q1: Why is creating a positive testing environment important? #PatinsIcam
  • Nwboilermaker Feb 27 @ 8:34 PM EST
    A1: want S to do their best on the test #patinsicam
  • BevSharritt Feb 27 @ 8:34 PM EST
    A1: kids will score higher if they are approaching the test feeling prepared and relaxed. Also a positive environment is good at all times. #PatinsIcam
  • VickiW823 Feb 27 @ 8:35 PM EST
    A1: Cause a negative and stressful environment doesn't work #PatinsIcam
  • ksuding Feb 27 @ 8:35 PM EST
    A1: State testing is is going to happen...let's keep it positive; for Ss can feel T frustration/negative vibe and the testing culture in the buildling. It should not feel like a burden to Ss & can create anxiety/behaviors. #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:35 PM EST
    A1: Testing can be an extremely stressful event for many students (and Ts) for many reasons. Finding the balance and creating a positive atmosphere can only help this! #PatinsIcam
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:35 PM EST
    A1: The power of positivity goes a long way! If you haven't caught the latest PATINS blog by Jeff, it couldn't demonstrate this any better! And his granddaughter is a cutie! https://t.co/nR033wjZhq #PatinsIcam
  • JulieHKuhn Feb 27 @ 8:36 PM EST
    A1: What is the point of a negative environment? how does that show what a student knows? #patinsicam
  • ksuding Feb 27 @ 8:36 PM EST
    Thanks for being here @VimmeLearning #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @VimmeLearning, @VimmeLearning
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:36 PM EST
    Glad you mentioned the "testing culture." We need to make sure it is a positive one! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @ksuding
  • danielgmcnulty Feb 27 @ 8:37 PM EST
    Made it! ...sorry I'm a little late! Daniel, Dir. @PATINSPROJECT #PatinsIcam
  • ksuding Feb 27 @ 8:37 PM EST
    Often times, the power of positivity can take you and everyone around you ALL the way even. #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jlfahlbush
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:37 PM EST
    Winning more bees with honey than vinegar! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @JulieHKuhn
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:37 PM EST
    What a great point, Julie! It can be difficult to remain positive during challenging times, but we have to remember our Ss depend on us #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @JulieHKuhn
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:37 PM EST
    Huzzah! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @danielgmcnulty, @PATINSPROJECT
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:37 PM EST
    Q2: What behaviors can be seen when a student struggles with test anxiety? #PatinsIcam
  • ksuding Feb 27 @ 8:38 PM EST
  • Nwboilermaker Feb 27 @ 8:38 PM EST
    A2: figgetty, acting out, low self esteem #patinsicam
  • BevSharritt Feb 27 @ 8:38 PM EST
    A2: avoidance, forgetting their supplies, rushing through the test, creating disruptions, tears, shutting down #PatinsIcam
  • ss4122 Feb 27 @ 8:38 PM EST
    A1: Hopefully everyday is positive not just testing days! #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:38 PM EST
    A2: Refusal, tears...I worked in an alternative setting for years and I always knew when testing week was there because there were tears and outbursts. #PatinsIcam
  • jconradslp Feb 27 @ 8:39 PM EST
    Hi (sorry, late) but I can still answer all the questions because if the #PatinsIcam chat was a test, it would be flexible, positive, and helpful!
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:39 PM EST
    I TOTALLY relate to this! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @ksuding
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:39 PM EST
    Nailed it! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jconradslp
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:39 PM EST
    Q3: What strategies do you use to create a calm and positive atmosphere? #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:39 PM EST
    You win the Twitter Chat tonight! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jconradslp
  • danielgmcnulty Feb 27 @ 8:39 PM EST
    A1: Research has shown that when the testing situation differs, emotionally, physically, tactile, olfactory, etc., from that in which the material was learned that scores are effected. So, both environments should be positive and similar. #PatinsIcam
  • Nwboilermaker Feb 27 @ 8:39 PM EST
    A3: make sure every1 is relaxed, gross motor activity to get blood flowing #patinsicam
  • ksuding Feb 27 @ 8:39 PM EST
    A2: The constant feeling of failing "another thing" backs Ss in a corner & can create aggressive, isolated behaviors #PatinsIcam
  • BevSharritt Feb 27 @ 8:40 PM EST
    we'll accept your late means of expression #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jconradslp
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:40 PM EST
    Yes, ideally it would be almost just another day in the classroom with a "simple" shift in schedule #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @danielgmcnulty
  • BevSharritt Feb 27 @ 8:41 PM EST
    A3: keep things simple and uncluttered. Have a plan B for technology fails. Don't complain about the tests in front of the kids #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:41 PM EST
    A3: Pre-test snacks and midline crossing exercises, soft lighting, flexible seating... #PatinsIcam
  • ksuding Feb 27 @ 8:41 PM EST
    A3: The atmosphere should be what the Ss is use to being in daily. Removing them from room of what they know/comfort can create barriers in a ton of different ways #PatinsIcam
  • danielgmcnulty Feb 27 @ 8:41 PM EST
    A2: tired...many students don't sleep well for nights before. Anxious fidgeting, either talking more or less than typical for that S.#PatinsIcam
  • VimmeLearning Feb 27 @ 8:42 PM EST
    A3 - Staying calm, praising their hard work. Children follow a a teacher's lead. If a teacher is calm - children feel the same. #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:42 PM EST
    This is huge. Ts have so much riding on the test it is hard to not to do these things...sometimes in front of the Ss. Great point! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @BevSharritt
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:42 PM EST
    A3: Sharing positive notes with Ss, keeping bellies full, supporting Ss needs with an open mind and diligence #PatinsIcam
  • ksuding Feb 27 @ 8:42 PM EST
    A3: I wonder how a Ss testing world would change if we just removed the word "test." #PatinsIcam It can be the simplest of things...
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:42 PM EST
    Right? I think this goes for all age groups! Leading by example and keeping things light is key! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @VimmeLearning
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:43 PM EST
    Q4: How can students support one another when it comes time to testing? #PatinsIcam
  • Nwboilermaker Feb 27 @ 8:43 PM EST
    A4: have an understanding that like learning styles everyone has unique testing styles #patinsicam
  • ksuding Feb 27 @ 8:43 PM EST
    Yes, yes, yes. Agreed. #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @VimmeLearning
  • BevSharritt Feb 27 @ 8:43 PM EST
    A4: write each other notes of encouragement to be on their desks on test day. Refrain from comparing performance or time taken on the test #PatinsIcam
  • jconradslp Feb 27 @ 8:43 PM EST
    it's funny you say that, I've done 100+ "tests" for sped evals, but when I say "we're just learning how you learn best" suddenly the anxiety is gone #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @ksuding
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:44 PM EST
    For ALL things...I am currently spinning with new names for Driving Test, National Teachers Exam...Loving this! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @ksuding
  • JulieHKuhn Feb 27 @ 8:44 PM EST
    By any other name, it is still a 4 letter word for some kids. #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @ksuding
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:45 PM EST
    Q5: What are your favorite apps or extensions to support students who may be feeling anxious? #PatinsIcam
  • Nwboilermaker Feb 27 @ 8:45 PM EST
    A5: anything that will bring down anxiety levels #patinsicam
  • ksuding Feb 27 @ 8:45 PM EST
    I bet we could have a running list of POSITIVE 4 letter words. #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @JulieHKuhn
  • BevSharritt Feb 27 @ 8:45 PM EST
    A5: Anything fun or light. MSQRD, Super Power FX for getting pumped up, meditation apps for calming #PatinsIcam
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:46 PM EST
    The ISTEP Best... too similar? :) #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @ksuding, @JulieHKuhn
  • danielgmcnulty Feb 27 @ 8:46 PM EST
    Possibly. but, I think we've created certain feelings that are immediately associated with certain words. "TEST" is surely one of them. #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @JulieHKuhn, @ksuding
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:46 PM EST
    A5: I like apps that don't take too much brain power yet are relaxing and fun like Thisissand, gravitarium, Fluid2 #PatinsIcam
  • jconradslp Feb 27 @ 8:46 PM EST
    A5: anything that let me review my notes, I always wanted to write them by hand and then stare at them to put me in the right mindset #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:47 PM EST
    This just made me spit out my drink! HAHAHA #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jlfahlbush, @ksuding, @JulieHKuhn
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:47 PM EST
    You have a great list of calming apps! I totally pictured myself washing away some feelings using ThisIsSand #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @RachelH872
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:48 PM EST
    Q6: How can you gain parent/guardian support for creating a positive perspective of testing at home? #PatinsIcam
  • Nwboilermaker Feb 27 @ 8:48 PM EST
    A6: have them keep homelife positive and feed S a good breakfast #patinsicam
  • VickiW823 Feb 27 @ 8:48 PM EST
    A5: Maybe no apps, just plain Karaoke... #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:48 PM EST
    yesssss....Wave...bubbles...#PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jlfahlbush
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:48 PM EST
    Hit me with your best shot! Kids would love that! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @VickiW823
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:48 PM EST
    You know Pat Benatar, I mean I'll be there #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @VickiW823
  • ksuding Feb 27 @ 8:49 PM EST
    A4: Tough becuz majority Ss feel like they R in the same boat...those who struggle don't want to admit it...& it's a vicious cycle. Perhaps some PRE test survey just "getting real" with how Ss feel. Back channels like Padlet #PatinsIcam Take time 4 the HUMAN element of testing.
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:49 PM EST
    A6: I think this comes back to how the teacher views the best (I mean test) and modeling a calm, do you best attitude. It's their time to shine #PatinsIcam
  • jconradslp Feb 27 @ 8:49 PM EST
    A6: I wish as adults we stopped saying someone is "not good test taker" and use it as some given innate quality, like "brown hair" Test taking is a skill, can be accomodated, modified, taught not some genetic trait #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:49 PM EST
    A6: I think taking the time for a phone call home with some suggestions of how to relieve test anxiety would be good! #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:50 PM EST
    Seriously still laughing #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jlfahlbush
  • ksuding Feb 27 @ 8:50 PM EST
    I'm riding your wave this evening...YES! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @VimmeLearning
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:50 PM EST
    Definitely open the lines of communication #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @RachelH872
  • danielgmcnulty Feb 27 @ 8:50 PM EST
    Q6: Encourage preparation, but also time to relax and/or refocus with activities that have nothing to do with testing...forcing the mind & body elsewhere temporarily. #PatinsIcam
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:50 PM EST
    Q7: What strategies and accommodations have you been implementing throughout the year to improve your students' confidence and access to the curriculum, thus improving test scores? #PatinsIcam
  • VickiW823 Feb 27 @ 8:51 PM EST
    Amen! #PatinsIcam
    • jconradslp Feb 27 @ 8:49 PM EST
      A6: I wish as adults we stopped saying someone is "not good test taker" and use it as some given innate quality, like "brown hair" Test taking is a skill, can be accomodated, modified, taught not some genetic trait #PatinsIcam
  • BevSharritt Feb 27 @ 8:51 PM EST
    A7: hopefully, all strategies and accommodations are thoughtfully planned in light of the curriculum, and in light of each student's strengths and interests. #PatinsIcam
  • ksuding Feb 27 @ 8:51 PM EST
    A6: Communicate and offer considerations for how to handle test anxiety #PatinsIcam Always offer solutions to a negative.
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:51 PM EST
    RIGHT! My biggest concern with out of school work is not ever being able to move out of the stress. I think the best home strategy is not forcing extra hours of work and letting them enjoy the time off! Get out side...ride a bike! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @danielgmcnulty
  • ksuding Feb 27 @ 8:52 PM EST
    Oh nice...that tune stuck in my head for the night. #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jlfahlbush, @VickiW823
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:52 PM EST
    A7: Hopefully the right accommodations have been provided all year even if they are not allowed on ISTEP #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:53 PM EST
    A7: If it is happening on the SS Tests it should be happening across all testing situations all year so it is not a surprise and you know how it works for the kiddo! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jlfahlbush
  • possbeth Feb 27 @ 8:53 PM EST
    Work life balance is critical! For kids and teachers! #patinsicam
    In reply to @danielgmcnulty
  • danielgmcnulty Feb 27 @ 8:53 PM EST
    Indeed.... ride a bike works for my test anxiety like nothing else ;) #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @RachelH872
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:53 PM EST
    Hit me with your best shot should totally have been the testing motto in my classroom... Man, hindsight gets me every time #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @ksuding, @VickiW823
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:53 PM EST
    Thanks for popping in! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @possbeth, @danielgmcnulty
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:53 PM EST
    Now THAT is no surprise :) #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @danielgmcnulty
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:54 PM EST
    Oh HOORAY! Hi Beth! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @possbeth, @danielgmcnulty
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:54 PM EST
    Q8: How can goal setting factor in to helping a struggling child feel successful with ISTEP #PatinsIcam
  • ksuding Feb 27 @ 8:54 PM EST
    A7: NOT making ISTEP or any test the PRIMARY beginning of conversations student. Ever. #PatinsIcam Did I say ever yet? Always make them know & feel who & what they are matter more than any test.
  • Nwboilermaker Feb 27 @ 8:54 PM EST
    A8: allows them to achieve baby steps to feel good about testing #patinsicam
  • VimmeLearning Feb 27 @ 8:54 PM EST
    A7 - The rhythm of: Teach, Test, Remediate - REPEAT has been going on all year. ISTEP is just game time. Nothing new for our students. #PatinsIcam
  • danielgmcnulty Feb 27 @ 8:55 PM EST
    Yes, yes, yes. ...or perhaps not balance, but specific driven purpose. Someone wise told me that you fall off the fulcrum. #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @possbeth
  • jconradslp Feb 27 @ 8:55 PM EST
    Always retweeting this #PatinsIcam
    • jconradslp Nov 1 @ 8:38 PM EDT
      A1: what days will make the difference, instructional days w/ the tool or 5 testing days without #patinsicam
  • possbeth Feb 27 @ 8:55 PM EST
    A7 using digital annotation tools! Learning how to pick@out the main idea, and find the text evidence to answer a question #patinsicam
    In reply to @jlfahlbush
  • danielgmcnulty Feb 27 @ 8:55 PM EST
    That sounds familiar ;) #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jconradslp
  • VimmeLearning Feb 27 @ 8:56 PM EST
    A7 - We've been incorporating RIGOR - ramping up skills all year long. Now students get to show off their depth of understanding Math concepts. #PatinsIcam
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:56 PM EST
    What a fantastic acronym! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @VimmeLearning
  • jconradslp Feb 27 @ 8:57 PM EST
    never gets old! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @danielgmcnulty
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:57 PM EST
    I like that you used the phrase "show off!" This indicates that the test is a prideful moment where they get the chance to really win! Love it! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @VimmeLearning
  • possbeth Feb 27 @ 8:57 PM EST
    Better late than never! #patinsicam
    In reply to @jlfahlbush, @danielgmcnulty
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:57 PM EST
    Q9: Does teacher stress feed into student anxiety about a test? How do you take care of yourself? #PatinsIcam
  • Nwboilermaker Feb 27 @ 8:57 PM EST
    A9: T are being tested on iStep also so T has skin in the game for good scores #patinsicam
  • jlfahlbush Feb 27 @ 8:58 PM EST
    Thankful to have you anytime! Hope things are going well in Maryland #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @possbeth, @danielgmcnulty
  • VimmeLearning Feb 27 @ 8:58 PM EST
    A8: Goal setting helps children take ownership of their education. No longer force feeding. Children what to reach personal academic goals. #PatinsIcam
  • ksuding Feb 27 @ 8:58 PM EST
    A8: Allow them to make their own goals...letting them start where THEY are. It could be just a goal of not eloping! Use https://t.co/7tBXSSMvXf for daily/weekly goal setting #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Feb 27 @ 8:59 PM EST
    A9: I think that most Ts are really feeling the pressure with so much that personally affects them tied into results. Admin should be doing some terrific things too..spa day in the T lounge, breakfast before the big test, PTO sponsored lunch. Ts Deserve it! #PatinsIcam
  • danielgmcnulty Feb 27 @ 8:59 PM EST
    A9: T anxiety plays an enormous role in Ss stress. Ss pick up on even very subtle differences in Ts demeanor, behavior, appearance, smell... #PatinsIcam
  • BevSharritt Feb 27 @ 8:59 PM EST
    eloping? That would be an extreme act of test avoidance #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @ksuding