#iaedchat Archive
Run by Iowa educators, #IAedchat is on Twitter the first, second, and third Sundays each month at 8:00pm CST. We have added #IAedchat LIVE to the fourth Sunday of the month at 8:00pm CST. This will take place in Google Hangout on Air. We will share the invitation and link to #IAedchat LIVE each month.
Sunday December 13, 2015
Good evening & welcome everyone! My tweets for the next hour are dedicated to
Our topic tonight is discussing “Faculty Handbooks”
Good evening, , Dan Butler, elementary principal of and in Western Dubuque.
Your co-moderators for tonight’s are &
Take a moment to introduce yourself, your role in schools, and where you are tweeting from tonight.
Good evening, . Devin Schoening, K-12 Instructional Technology Program Lead in Council Bluffs, IA. Glad to be back tonight!
Steve a Middle School Assistant Principal in Missouri
Welcome, Steve. Thank you for joining us.
Hello ! Todd, elem principal of in southern CA.
Good evening, Todd. Great to see you again.
Hello, ! Clint Heitz, HS English T & tech guy, from Bettendorf, IA. Looking forward to another great chat!
Good evening, and welcome, Todd!
Mark Gruwell, recovering higer education administrator, from Estherville.
Brendan in Raleigh, NC. Instructional Resource/Curriculum. Great to be here tonight!
You, too, sir. Always a pleasure!
Tyler Van Schepen: Middle School small group, TAG, and STEM. Pella, IA
Evening, Brendan. Thanks for joining us tonight.
Good evening, Mark. Thank you for being here.
Very Interested in the topic tonight!! Mark, HS AP from Texas.
Good evening ! Aaron, HS Principal, Fairfield.
Excellent! Thanks for joining us tonight!
Good evening, Mark. Thank you for being here.
Evening! Shaelynn, AEA267 Consultant: Literacy, Technology, and AIW. Hope everyone is well
Thanks Devin! Happy to be here...I always learn so much when I am with the crew!
Hello all! Bill, MS principal in Springfield, Mo checking in and out this evening
Hello all, , Adrian McKay, Special Education Consultant in Southeastern region of Iowa.
Great to see you, Shaelynn!
Welcome, Shaelynn! Great to have here again.
Hello, and welcome, Adrian. Glad to have you with us tonight.
Good evening, Adrian. Thank you for joining us on
Thanks for joining us from the great state of Texas!
Carol ELA Consultant from Long Island in for a bit. I'm guest moderating at at 10 on Using Mentor Text.
Thank you for being here this evening, Brian.
Scott Blum - Dean Of Students - Dallas Center-Grimes HS
Welcome, Mark. Glad you could join us from TX!
Good evening, Scott. Thank you for joining us on
Evening, Scott. Thanks for joining us tonight!
Heather Lightfoot, 7-12 Principal, English Valleys CSD, North English, Iowa
Q1 coming right up.... BTW feeling better tonight after a Packer win!
Good to see you again, Carol. Welcome to
Good evening ! Eric, Elementary Principal
w/ …looking forward to a great conversation & learning!
Great to see you again, Eric.
Evening all Henry HS principal from MA
Evening, Shaelynn. How's it going?
Hi Henry. Thanks for jumping in with us tonight.
great to be here…maybe soon we can actually meet!
hey Devin... going well, thanks!
Q1: What are the top items you find yourself revisiting time & time again you would suggest be included in all handbooks?
Marcia, from NE Iowa. I work with teaching and learning at Iowa Learning Online.
A great opportunity coming up on February 13: !
Good evening! Watching the Patriots game and chatting with awesome educators in
Hi everyone! Ted, Middle School Principal, from MO ready for
Good evening, Ted. Thank you for being with us again.
Hi everyone, Velia joining in , elementary VP excited to learn
Glad I missed that one...sounds like is wasn't a good day for the Cowboys.
Good evening . Asst. principal/AD from Waukon. Looking forward to this.
Elem. Assistant Principal & Dist. Instructional Tech. Coordinator, Wash. State., happy to be here!
Hi Velia! Thank you for being with us on this evening.
Hello PLN. Rosa Isiah, Elem school principal in Cali.
Excited to have you with us, Velia!. Welcome!
Good evening, Ryan and welcome!
So great to see you here, my friend!
Glad you could join us tonight, Rosa. Welcome!
Lately I've been dealing with several bus issues. I need to take a close look at our handbook on transportation policies.
Andrea - IC at Benton checking in to tonight!
A1: I recently have found myself looking at other handbooks for grading philosophies.
A1. Master Schedule, Alternate Bell Schedules, Character Connection Class partners and families.
A1 Digital Citizenship guidelines. As we increasingly use tech and social media in schools, we need to beef those up
Welcome, Andrea. Thanks for joining us tonight!
A1: School policies & student guidelines for various issues. PD opportunities. Time off guidelines. https://t.co/xksaGz9bCe
Q1: What are the top items you find yourself revisiting time & time again you would suggest be included in all handbooks?
A1: Definitions of good citizenship. Best ways to make discipline meaningful and educational
A1: I have not referenced our handbook for awhile, PBIS has helped on a number of fronts w/ issues that I would otherwise look at
A1. and my teacher evaluation cycle.
Welcome, Andrea. Thank you for being with us this evening.
A1: I think issues revolving around leaves is something that comes up quite often. Need to revisit for clarity.
A1:insight plz: “uniform” school & I see many Ss out of “code”, so much time to correct all.Is it worth it?
A1. Dress code for both faculty and students. Seems to be priority one.
I find myself thinking about the student voice in all of this.
Q1 again. https://t.co/yhUL6zq64s
Q1: What are the top items you find yourself revisiting time & time again you would suggest be included in all handbooks?
A1: Constantly looking at PBIS and re-evaluating the expectations in different areas of our school
Common theme for us includes attendance and how to get students involved more and like school better to get them here.
A1+: Resources for helping Ss, reaching out to parents, and connecting with coaches and other strong Ts as collaborators.
A1: One thing that I needs to be visited are the TRI responsibilities...gets lost in the shuffle if not.
I do this too. Homewk, weighted GPA or not, SBG, grad requirements, etc. Trying to find things that may help us.
A1: S Rights. I feel we still live in an era of T knows best. It's important to know what rights you may or may not be giving a S
A1, looking at the same, how to encorporate technology. Should this be in an online guide?
Exactly. That's the easy thing to do but the kids don't learn much from that except ways to bypass
A1: Parent/Volunteer expectations (incl. dress code, cell phones, privacy, etc.)
A1: Try to highlight and provide clarity with leaves and also collaborative time focus for teachers.
I think so. I know that has great resources. Our schools should be adopting them
I've even tabbed my "most visited" pages.
A1: Communication with stakeholders in the district
Principal in Katy, TX. A1-for students--visitor policies & bus! For employees-policies for absences & instructional nonnegotiable
A1: Keep revisiting social media policies, rights and responsibilities. Need to provide guidance without being prescriptive.
A1+ RTI / MTSS intervention scaffolds and guidelines. Make sure we know what is available & how students are referred effectively.
Dress code, that is always an interesting debate
A1 district policies are a hot topic. I want to make sure that my families are well informed.
A1: Expectations, but most of them are in there.
To many to put on paper as well. The unwritten culture and climate
Probably worth pointing out that not a lot of people read through handbooks. The people that need it most may not read it.
I used to always visit the "Meeting Dates" page, but now all meeting dates are on our Outlook Calendar.
A1: MISSION, MISSION, MISSION! Ts and admin should live it and breathe it...
Especially when it comes to parents...some forget that workout attire is not always appropriate for elem school!
Dress code for students, teachers, or both? Both are interesting...
Bingo, for a lot of ppl it either goes on the shelf or in the desk
A1 Technology use and dress code. I think many handbooks, however, aren't read. Just signed off on. https://t.co/JJq6p2DGcD
Q1: What are the top items you find yourself revisiting time & time again you would suggest be included in all handbooks?
Exactly right. So many teachable moments we pass up
I actually meant my parent volunteers!
A1 Hotlines for students who find themselves in need.
Another good reason to make sure handbook is reviewed each year with all staff & sign off required.
I think that's probably correct. I think most of us probably access them when we need them, not during the review.
Q2: What is your schools current staff/policy expectations on what/when info should be communicated to parents?
Agree, the culture is a piece worth thinking about. But how do you have a living document that is static paper?
I would agree with this wholeheartedly...esp. staff handbooks...but I don't want to ready it to them! https://t.co/KBF7WQNv2R
A1 Technology use and dress code. I think many handbooks, however, aren't read. Just signed off on. https://t.co/JJq6p2DGcD
Q1: What are the top items you find yourself revisiting time & time again you would suggest be included in all handbooks?
Haha... That would be an interesting one, too. I can only imagine since it's volunteer...
^DH#History Simulations main idea: put students in situations to understand why history happened. https://t.co/F3T1C8WYm0
And over-communicate the mission and purpose! :)
A1: trash in the hallway or classrooms
A2: We try to communicate constantly with Ps to tell our story, we use Facebook, twitter, and newsletters
We get a lot of yoga pants and sports tops...I've had to ask some to put on a jacket!
A2: We focus on weekly positive communication with at least one family. Minimum expectation. Multiple tools (high and low tech).
A2 Nothing except at end of quarter/trimester. I tell staff there should be no surprises. https://t.co/l9kuHNk0S9
Q2: What is your schools current staff/policy expectations on what/when info should be communicated to parents?
A2B: We expected all our Ts to contact Ps about there children in there class, contact Ps if students have Fs or multiple minors
A2 We do at least a weekly Monday Memo and also answer e-mails w/i 24 hrs. We communicate a lot.
A2. Expectation is that we communicate early and often.
A2: Depends on the info. Grades should be addressed especially when hitting Ds & Fs as a must. https://t.co/rFxc6LMa5L
Q2: What is your schools current staff/policy expectations on what/when info should be communicated to parents?
Change the format? Let them construct the meaning?
A1: Expectations for PBIS and how to make the language consistent from school to home. Also — listing avenues of communication.
A2: At a minimum Ps need to be contacted if a S is on the D & F list two consecutive weeks.
A1- Good Cond. as it relates to extra curricular vs. co-curricular.
A2- An unwritten policy to return calls, etc. within 48 hrs.
A2. Focus on positives both in school & community connections (small town) Communication is done early, often & various avenues
Since we frequently blog, parents see tons of what is going on in our classrooms. Transparency is key.
We talk a lot about shaping the message and telling our story. When people don't have information, they will make up their own.
A2-I initial all written communication. Each team creates newsletters, we tweet, FB. I send electronic newsletter weekly
we also are looking at developing a PLT- parent leadership team to give them a voice and help communicate positives to all.
A2: encourage any positive & any referral is supposed to be call, but trying to change some referrals to reteach & move on
A2: The week in which the S begins to fail or within 24 hours of a classroom issue.
A2: We can never go wrong with "over-communicating" (to ensure that we are communicating)!
A2. For grades, Ts are expected to contact Ps before a Mid Q or Q grade of :"D" or "F" can be assigned to grade book.
A2+ Personally, I begin contacting parents when start seeing a significant change for the pos. or neg. Must support & cheer
Communication is constant. Whether it's a phone call, emails, notes, or face to face, the priority is to keep families informed.
poor grades immediately, announcements as needed, positive communication as often as possible.
A2: Office blogs general announcements, Ts reinforce these and make specific announcements via blogs/email https://t.co/n7AvuXuj8W
Q2: What is your schools current staff/policy expectations on what/when info should be communicated to parents?
A2 we communicate weekly in a number of ways- email, phone blasts, phone app, fliers- though we'd like to go paperless
A2 expectations weekly Friday folders monthly newsletter SIS emails grades and attendance any discipline
Working on master's hw tonight, but still going to follow along! Looks like a great chat so far!
Nice summary! Kind of hits the main points. :-)
https://t.co/tpFRzal2Fc
poor grades immediately, announcements as needed, positive communication as often as possible.
That's it right there! Keep them informed and keep the surprises to a minimum! https://t.co/jDUBBl6pTb
Communication is constant. Whether it's a phone call, emails, notes, or face to face, the priority is to keep families informed.
I send weekly updates via Twitter, blog, email, & Remind. Same message via each medium
People do not respond well when they are surprised. Constant thoughout in our minds regarding communication efforts.
A2 Faculty have the autonomy to communicate as frequently as they need to in order to meet individual students needs.
Love it! Being connected and building those relationships is a must! https://t.co/giANtLL1Qo
Communication is constant. Whether it's a phone call, emails, notes, or face to face, the priority is to keep families informed.
You said it Ben! https://t.co/zfwYskSBOF
Communication is constant. Whether it's a phone call, emails, notes, or face to face, the priority is to keep families informed.
We should communicate in as many ways as possible. Ps may be in different places (SM, email, etc) and we have to cover them all
Same expectation of no surprises! https://t.co/yJiAyE2ttE
A2 Nothing except at end of quarter/trimester. I tell staff there should be no surprises. https://t.co/l9kuHNk0S9
Q2: What is your schools current staff/policy expectations on what/when info should be communicated to parents?
Communication is key Rosa. Educators must remain transparent to stakeholders to build community trust. A2
A2: Remember that contacting P's should not always be about providing info. Welcome calls & intros 2 cultivate relationships.
A2. We have our daily eNews taht goes. "All parent" emails also go out. School Newsletter via is monthly.
Many tools and methods for communication. We offer what I call a buffet: FB, Twitter, , notes, website, home visits.
Really trying to identify potential issues early on. Experience has taught me that letting things go often blows up later on.
Open communication is key, window into the classroom
Cking out . Sorry I am late! Lisa, MS Principal in NY
We have similar expectations. Found that has energized teachers to contact parents for positive reasons.
Well said, Ben. Earlier the better in almost every case. https://t.co/V3BVqO0Va5
Really trying to identify potential issues early on. Experience has taught me that letting things go often blows up later on.
A2: "Bad" news, though, should be communicate via F2F or phone, not email, to avoid misperceptions of tone.
Social Media is also a very powerful communication tool for schools to use.
Agreed! Ive also had great success with good calls home. Ps are always pleasantly surprised
Q3: What is your school’s staff policy/expectations regarding students who cheat/plagiarize on a paper/test, etc.?
Absolutely! Throw the kitchen sink - more methods of communication the better chance it'll get home effectively
A2: School webpage FB Twitter Newsletter
And the key is to meet your stakeholders where they are. What is their preferred platform? https://t.co/mBkSLGCNSa
Social Media is also a very powerful communication tool for schools to use.
A3 I'm not sure about our school policy. I make the kids redo anything they plagiarize or cheat on. I want their work.
A3: We went with zero tolerance but amended it so a student can redo it for half-credit for a first offense...
A3: We make our Ss redo the assignment or an alternative test, call home and explain this to Ps, they usually support Ts
Hilsabeck Yes! transparency builds trust, relationships, open the virtual door to your Ts classrooms
teachers are professionals and should be treated with that status when considering communication policies
A3: First time cheating is a teacher decision for consequence. After that could include suspension
A3: It was largely left to the discretion of the instructor, and I had mixed feelings about that.
A3: We do not have specific policies in my elem setting. It is about reteaching, and a conversation about doing the right thing.
A3- at Elem so we try to use as a learning experience. Consequence & re-test. Ultimately need data on what the S knows.
A3: Many T's want to resort to giving zero's. Always believed we should get to root cause of why before failing student.
Agreed, not sure a one size fits all policy on communication works.
A3 Families are contacted. Redo for partial credit. Discussion of future consequences in HS/college. https://t.co/plIRulTwIL
Q3: What is your school’s staff policy/expectations regarding students who cheat/plagiarize on a paper/test, etc.?
A3- Ss receives 0 on assign. P/T/S meeting. A second time results in failing. Just set new policy on Ss giving work to be copied.
A3: I believe it is a zero tolerance policy. I do allow students to re-do work for half credit.
Q3: Open ended policy as "loss of credit" that ramps up to drops and suspensions if necessary. https://t.co/jr2pZMGLUD
Q3: What is your school’s staff policy/expectations regarding students who cheat/plagiarize on a paper/test, etc.?
Too funny, I found you need to go and support what Ts are willing to learn and apply, one shoe does not fit all
A3: I believe it begins w expectations and teaching the law of the land. can't hold a S accountable for something they don't know
A3: is the ole educational go to "depends" acceptable?
A2: Communication is very important, but getting the positive out needs to be at the forefront......even the little things.
A3: Student learning most important, have assignment redo or alternate assignment giving
I don't take off points or give a zero. I talk to the kiddo about cheating and have them redo the assignment.
Teacher discretion is a must. They deal with the students daily. We only get involved at last resort dealing with cheating.
A3: Not sure we have specific district-wide policy; left mostly to teachers. Hopefully we're teaching how to create and not cheat.
redo for partial credit & contact family, conference to explain severity/repercussions in higher education (loss of scholarships)
A3. Through elementary lens - district has specific policies in place & we reinforce. Thankfully nonissue really at our level.
I agree. Not that it is ever acceptable but why did they do it is a bigger question. https://t.co/tX80uRhEVt
A3: Many T's want to resort to giving zero's. Always believed we should get to root cause of why before failing student.
A3: Personally, plagiarism at the early grades shouldn't be an automatic zero if not required. Arguable for Jrs & Srs?
I agree, but sometimes tough to build this capacity. Crunchy conversation opportunity for P, T, and S. https://t.co/NkPibrWObR
A3: Student learning most important, have assignment redo or alternate assignment giving
what would be a reason that would not lead to a zero in your opinion?
A3: When I taught in high school, I gave my students a choice: fess up to the principal to receive lesser sanction.
I'd be concerned that this sets up some teachers or creates issues of inequities 4 S's if not addressed consistently.
Some kids try to use writing projects from previous year. Thanks go Google Revision History on Docs, we can see it
A3 Why do Ss cheat? Often I see Ss copy handouts they deem meaningless. Do Ss cheat what they do not value?
A3: Time management, or the lack thereof, is often a cause of plagiarism.
Do we see students cheat when they are truly actively engaged in learning? I would be hard pressed to think so.
Definitely part of the reason. Often hear about too much pressure, parents, busy schedules, etc. https://t.co/v7g0Nq2Ml9
A3 Why do Ss cheat? Often I see Ss copy handouts they deem meaningless. Do Ss cheat what they do not value?
A3: Agreed. Think that we sometimes may just "tell" kids "don't cheat" w/out teaching strategies to help.
A3: I always think to myself if we have taught them HOW to summarize, paraphrase, or cite correctly?
The only time I see it is when the student struggles with time management...important to get to the root of the issue!
A3B:Communicating with Ps about major tests/assignments will help cut down, because Ps will be asking their child about assignment
Cheating raises questions. I want to understand why. Has the teacher developed an atmosphere of failure is part of learning?
unfortunately students cheat on papers as well. Could be a number of reasons why, including stress.
Think there r different levels of cheating. Prefer 2 focus on teachable moment. Want S's 2 learn so work 2gether & re-do
Very true! These are the issues that definitely shouldn't be auto-zero. But what about the 100% copy? https://t.co/vkd8ELer2j
A3: I always think to myself if we have taught them HOW to summarize, paraphrase, or cite correctly?
what role does point chasing play in students’ incentive to cheat?
I tend to agree with this sentiment. And have we taught students exactly what's appropriate, and how to cite, etc.
A3: In early ed., the child copying should be a pretty big red flag alert..they may be completely lost! Go help em get 'unlost':)
Cheating has a lot to do w/class climate. If kids have a stake in the learning and see the learning as "theirs", they don't cheat
Doesn't that depend on the educational philosophy of the school and if the student is intrinsically motivated?
I think a pretty big role. If they are demonstrating learning or meeting a standard, this reduces. https://t.co/lQa9BvBrGb
what role does point chasing play in students’ incentive to cheat?
100% copy has to be looked at differently than a student not able to find their voice
I would say a lot. Yet, there would still be some that would resort 2 it. Would want 2 focus on why in order 2 correct
agree with teachable moment. Too often plagiarism is due to overly worked and stress. Redos don’t always work.
I think for some it is a real thing. For others: didn't know, don't care, or easier.
A3: At lower elem. — focus on making it a teachable moment. Copying or cheating isn’t showing what they know.
should schools base their grading practices on whether or not students are intrinsically motivated?
A3: do you see as much cheating w/ SRG? At elementary level not as frequent, wonder if SRG brings down more w/ STANDARD not GRADE
I often believe in understanding first. Sad thing is it can be difficult to always get an honest answer.
I think it depends on how we approach the re-dos. Working w/student & family can have + impact. Key is relationship bldg
Agreed, but in what way? Want to be compassionate, but seems "worse" in some way... Total re-do with supervision?
If homework/practice does not count towards final grade, how many Ss would copy and why?
That is a fabulous question. Isn't intrinsic learning the goal of a 21st century learner?
Q4: What is your school’s current behavioral referral policy/expectations when S’s disrupt the classroom environment?
A3. Cheating and plagiarism at the middle level can be a zero on teh first incidence. "Can" is the operarative word.
That's a tough question...We have many who simply don't do it then... different problem. :-/
https://t.co/YhzKwXg9jZ
If homework/practice does not count towards final grade, how many Ss would copy and why?
Tough Q, Matt. So much of what we do "grades" Ss on things that aren't evidence of learning.
and if goal is intrinsic learning, what structures can we put in place to encourage this mindset?
Relationships are key! Absolutely
A3: I really like the question "why are kids cheating in the first place?" Not engaged, missing skills, unmotivated, uninterested?
A4: We have a discipline flow chart, majors is office handled, minors are classroom handled, 3 minors in a week =a ODR
A3. For the first incident I prefer to work to learn the reason behind the incident. Then move forward with consequences.
Curious that if they cheat on major project or exam, can S's ever recover? In some cases could mean failure, no?
A4 We send the kid to the office if we can't handle it in class ourselves. That is very rare though. Like to handle in class
A4: Implementing this yr. Using a data-tracking system called SWIS which allows Ts to record issues & strategies tried
A4: have gone to 4 levels & provided “definitions” to what those levels look/sound like, only 2 levels in past
We have handled differently depending on circumstances. Zero, parent meeting, detention, or redo with a score reduction.
Certainly depends on severity, frequency & steps taken prior to referral https://t.co/LnuNRcbKXS
Q4: What is your school’s current behavioral referral policy/expectations when S’s disrupt the classroom environment?
A4: Different levels of infractions have different consequences. Ideally, handle in classroom 1st. https://t.co/17JPlH3gUA
Q4: What is your school’s current behavioral referral policy/expectations when S’s disrupt the classroom environment?
Some models are asking this as they emulate guilds and apprenticeships. EQ and relevance front and center
Q4.- We want teachers to be able to manage their classroom, yet disruptions of others learning is not tolerated.
A3. Plagiarism at the middle level can be very "confusing" to Ss if not carefully explained.
A4: Manage in room first. If other Ss can't learn b/c of the behavior, we send them out. We have a team of teachers for this
Agree. Those are great strategies.
A4- Tt tries mult. ideas first before referral goes to office. Then a Ss assis. team discusses if problem is ongoing to find sol.
Grateful for an amazing staff! T's deal with vast majority of issues. If a student comes my way the teacher has exhausted efforts.
A4+ Depends on the issue, but a T should be able to have relationships that allow for them to respond on their own 1st.
: A4B: Our discipline flow chart has a list and description of each type of behavior problem, has helped w/ some discussions b/w Ts
A4: Reteach expectations NOC. 4NOC in a day referral. All NOC sent home to P. Notice Of Concern
A4 Handle in classroom and moves to office if needed. Families are contacted and consequences determined. https://t.co/74AselRUW6
Q4: What is your school’s current behavioral referral policy/expectations when S’s disrupt the classroom environment?
how about starting in a traditional school by eliminating points for practice/homework?
#4 systems thinking, Glaser theory both have sliding scales based on magnitude of infractions.
Awesome! I love when admin trust their staff to know this is the case. Staff must earn that trust, too. https://t.co/VNKGFUX4Nf
Grateful for an amazing staff! T's deal with vast majority of issues. If a student comes my way the teacher has exhausted efforts.
we are working with young people. We give them opportunities to correct behaviors. We may need to get to root of issue also
A4: We have created behavioral matricies & flow chart that lays out the process with student struggles. Goal is to keep in class.
A4: Often hear that T's should handle problems 1st. As admin, I prefer we work 2gether on issues. Partner 2gether - no judgement.
Q4- If students are sent to office, they make up lost time with teacher as assigned.
A4: Teachers can handle disruptions on their own if they wish, but administrators should be willing to help if needed.
A4 Our admin created a more detailed referral form to account for Ts classroom behavior strategies. Referrals were cut in half.
A4: Depends… Ts try to manage w/i classroom first, remove if danger to self or others. https://t.co/ySXXH4wCGX
Q4: What is your school’s current behavioral referral policy/expectations when S’s disrupt the classroom environment?
That's how it happens in our school, too, . Hope all is well. https://t.co/U5txIgkhCm
Grateful for an amazing staff! T's deal with vast majority of issues. If a student comes my way the teacher has exhausted efforts.
Cheating at that level can be devastating. This is a very sensitive issue with Ts, Ss, & Ps. https://t.co/rx4MPDTtea
A3. Cheating and plagiarism at the middle level can be a zero on teh first incidence. "Can" is the operarative word.
A4B: Our struggle is what to do for Tier 2 and 3, we are at Prep Phase. We just don't have the processes set up yet. But we will
Thanks for the listening in to . Off to prepare to moderate .
A4:when staff realize they have the most “power”,and that “power” is lost when admin called quickly&often,is when I’ve seen change
We have a few frequent flyers. These are our kids that we meet & brainstorm solutions. Sometimes additional supports are needed.
We appreciate you being here, Carol. Have a great week!
Agree. Formative assess is practice. Challenge for teacher is to encourage thinking, as worksheets often = compliance.
A4 common agreements, PBIS approach. We have support of a full time soc worker/counselors. We want 2get to the root of behavior
A4: Minor/Major referrals defined thru PBIS forms. Those with multiple referrals, may join our behavior 'WIN'-What I Need room.
I view our frequent flyers as job security. :)
Great seeing you in the chat tonight, Jay! Thought of you this weekend as I racked up 16 miles over two days.
Great 2 have relationship w/ admin 2 be able 2 do this. Dont be afraid to ask for help on the tough ones. https://t.co/6Es5pQDqC1
A4: Often hear that T's should handle problems 1st. As admin, I prefer we work 2gether on issues. Partner 2gether - no judgement.
I'm lurking while I multitask....can't wait to go back and read through! Just can't miss a Sunday chat! 😀
Q5: What types of duties does your school assign to teachers that go beyond classroom teaching responsibilities?
A4: Minor/Major referrals defined thru PBIS forms. Those with multiple referrals, may join our behavior 'WIN'-What I Need program.
A4. Ts can assign warnings, hold a conf, or assign a detention for this. The first step is to talk w/ the S.
That was twice my weekend miles. Need to get refocused for the last two weeks of December.
A7 Student edcamps in school can be one solution. Kids want to learn to code on a regular basis. We run occasional student edcamps
Typically lunch and break duty. Teachers also cover homeroom during our activity block
A5- Lunch Duty and Ticket Taking.
A5: We have parking lot or playground duty before or after school...I got rid of recess duty which they greatly appreciated!
A5: We have outside duty before and after school, breakfast and lunch duty, and expect all Ts to be in hall when bell rings
A5: All Ts help with some type of arrival/dismissal sup on rotation. Also, all staff join a team (committee) to share leadership.
A5: Ts rotate weekly duties at common areas (doors, locker bays, B4/after school)/ 10 minute "shifts" https://t.co/2saDjwbb5X
Q5: What types of duties does your school assign to teachers that go beyond classroom teaching responsibilities?
will be starting in 15m, stop on by
A5. All teachers have before/after school supervision responsibilities.
A5 Hallway supervision and weekly grade level meetings are the only added responsibilities. https://t.co/ynRSFUZZia
Q5: What types of duties does your school assign to teachers that go beyond classroom teaching responsibilities?
we have T's sign up for detention duty in hopes of them building relationships with different students that they may not have.
Major focus on shared leadership and building teacher capacity. Staff support is critical at beginning and end of the school day.
A5: bus hall gym dance cafeteria 6 weeks per year average
morning only cafeteria, gym, library, hallway, & busses. These are areas our students stay from 7:30-7:53. Monitor hall btw class
For us, lunch duty is taken care ob by Cafe Aides,Principals, Counselors, and our SRO. https://t.co/hR0JIYNIdI
A5- Lunch Duty and Ticket Taking.
A5: Lunchroom, hall, ticket taking, line judging, scoreboard, Ts wear many hats :D
A5: At my former high school, mostly lunch duty, some committee work, and parent visit/orientation days.
A5: Recess duties, break duties, required to be on 3 committees within the school--> great distributive leadership
A5+ Have had schools w/ study halls, lunch duty, resource room, etc. Usually in 8 period situations you have duty 1 & have 1 off
A5- Sorry staff, Forgot the Dance, Homecoming and Graduation Duties. :)
A5 Our three high schools have no additional duties assigned to Ts. We have an adjunct duty, loosely administered
A5:I try not to assign classroom Ts any “additional” duties…others on staff do AM or PM & cafeteria…always a puzzle!
A5: All Ts pitch in for hallway supervision and have rotation of 2 recess duties each week & committees https://t.co/xLe7eUC8bz
Q5: What types of duties does your school assign to teachers that go beyond classroom teaching responsibilities?
A5 Hall duty. Also, each team is expected to offer some after school study sessions. We do two days per week.
Thought - should all teachers have extra assigned duties as part of their responsibilities or should focus be teaching only?
I actually enjoyed doing detention duty more often than not. You can connect w/ Ss & build relationships. https://t.co/9CNdO6jNOL
we have T's sign up for detention duty in hopes of them building relationships with different students that they may not have.
A5: While we don't require it, I love that most of my staff go to PTA, dads' group events to show support and say thanks!
A5: Would love to see what other schools do for duties that are learning focused.
Q6: What is included in your policies for approving/denying professional leaves for staff. What type of PD is supported?
Would love to have to only focus on teaching, but those relationships and being "out there" is valuable! https://t.co/MyU4hzINvG
Thought - should all teachers have extra assigned duties as part of their responsibilities or should focus be teaching only?
A5. Teachers volunteer to supervise at after school and evening events (Concerts, plays, musicals, talent show, etc).
Great perspective, Clint. Love the fact that you relish this time with kids that need the most support.
Extra duties shows shared leadership - takes a village and builds community!
A6: Currently, we do not have any policies in this regard; however, it's time. Many great opps, but not unlimited budget.
A6: We have to have PD forms turned in to our head of PD and they sign off, we have to make sure we have enough subs
Because education is more than just teaching, yes, extra assigned duties should be expected.
A6- Staff are allowed 2 leaves by choice but may attend other events by admin request.
A6: I am actually not 100% sure. I think anything approved by admins is supported
A6: All external Professional Learning has to be a shareable topic and shared with other colleagues.
I think by requiring additional duties, helps change mindset from MY students to OUR students. Helps us connect w/other students.
You're going to make me go back and review this policy. I'm not 100% sure.
A6.2: Big question that needs to be answered is, "How will this learning tie into what we are trying to accomplish?"
A6. At the building level, Ts apply to our PD Committee. Their PD request must support our School Improvement Plan (4 goal areas).
A6B: We recently allowed Twitter Chats to count as PD, great opportunity to connect and grow with what you need
A6: Not sure policy is in place. Believe it’s at discretion of admin. Looking forward to seeing responses https://t.co/jwlEzwqj23
Q6: What is included in your policies for approving/denying professional leaves for staff. What type of PD is supported?
A6: PD is greatly supported! Great way to help a team connect, share our school excellence, & learn. https://t.co/r2Qr5bhytT
Q6: What is included in your policies for approving/denying professional leaves for staff. What type of PD is supported?
Q6- We look at what type of PD is going to help the T expand their collective capacity even if out of their core area.
A6: 2- All PD needs to be relevant. If the PD isn't something that will directly benifit MY classroom, I wouldn't even ask
A6: principal and PDC committee approval
Expectations to follow PD Plan approved in first part of the year
A6: Teachers are required to make 3 professional growth goals for each year and have checkups with admin throughout the year
A6: Many staff attending a learning series at and are being asked to bring learning back this year to all staff.
Fortunate that our district has a PD budget, has PD days & sends multiple teachers to . Professional learning is a priority.
A6. Our PD Committee determines whether or not to fully fund the PD requests. Ts can also apply for District level funding.
A6 In my time in current district, no staff have applied for professional leave. Unsure of policy. https://t.co/UG6hCGtJk0
Q6: What is included in your policies for approving/denying professional leaves for staff. What type of PD is supported?
Stick around. Join co-mods & to talk The Courage to Innovate w . Starts in 2min.
Thanks Have a great night!
Do you do a lot of in-house learning?
Appreciate you joining us, Henry. Have a great week.
Regardless of policy, my hope is that admin is supporting professional learning. So important for growth & development of our T's.
Well, , I am hitting the dusty trail. Thanks for a great chat, as always. Be awesome! Keep learning & keep the kids as your focus!
Q7: After participating in tonight’s chat, what recommendations would you make for changes to your faculty handbook?
There are a number of opportunities for in-house learning. Playdates, grad classes, Twitter Thursdays.
A6- I like min.of two staff to go to trainings so they can bounce ideas off each other.
A7: We need to have something clear cut regarding professional leave. Need to review thread to see some other thoughts.
A7: Make sure that it is not forgotten on a shelf or in a desk, that it is an essential read for our school!
goodnight all. 'Twas the week before break. . . & all through the school students were anxious & some acted a fool. Gotta rest up
We have a pretty detailed format. We survey Ts on how they want to spend/allocate our PD funds each year. https://t.co/9kQ5NBVYx3
Regardless of policy, my hope is that admin is supporting professional learning. So important for growth & development of our T's.
A7 Need to check leave requests and communication requirements. https://t.co/RmePzML6Mg
Q7: After participating in tonight’s chat, what recommendations would you make for changes to your faculty handbook?
Thank you 4 your insight & push back Henry. Appreciate you & what you bring 2 the chat each week. Make it a great week!
Have a great week, my man. Thank you for being here.
A7: Wondering if we could rename it the "Faculty Teambook"? Handbook sounds so "compliance" oriented.
A7: examples of best practices and not just policies
I like where you're going with this thought, Mark. Commitment over compliance. Always. https://t.co/qXY0nffQGf
A7: Wondering if we could rename it the "Faculty Teambook"? Handbook sounds so "compliance" oriented.
Thanks Clint. See you tomorrow my man!
Thinking of different ways to communicate info with families. Handbook is important, but I may need to get creative with sharing.
Thanks Have a great night!
