#UrbanEdChat Archive
#UrbanEd chat is a twitter chat for educators. Topics relevant to the subject of urban education will be discussed, but all educators are encouraged to join the conversation. The chats will be moderated by Ben and Neil, founders of Engaging Educators and elementary school teachers in Detroit, MI.
Thursday July 21, 2016
Welcome to ! Today we’re going to be discussing Reaching out to the Urban Community.
Please introduce yourself, what grade you teach or position, and your location!
Michelle, Houston, 5th grade
Hello everyone, Reba from Dallas Educ. Consultant w/ Houghton-Mifflin-Harcourt
hi all Bradford Harris, iTech Houston , Tx
I'm Jane, Director at KIDS LIKE US, an urban literacy non-profit in Chicago
Welcome Renee! Are you ready to go back to school?
Hi Jane glad you could make it tonight!
Robert here from Los Angels. Middle school English.
SOOOOOO READY! I can't say that enough. Usually I am not, but this year-SO READY!
Hi! I'm Emily from NY. I wear many hats at an EdTech Start up , our mission is to close the achievement gap
Before we start find somebody new to follow to grow your PLN
Hello Demeka and Welcome!
Let's welcome our guest host & member of UrbanEdChat
hi are we talking Huntsville, Tx?
follows a Q & A Format. Q1/A1 Q2/A2
HI guys I'm so excited to discuss this topic with all of you
First Question coming up in 1 min
It's okay...we are all on different chapters of the book, right? I validate your feelings!
Same!! Love an AP who can use a good GIF!!
A1 Most important fact to convey to all parents: the teacher agenda = student agenda = parent agenda. We share common goals!
A1: Many urban parents haven't had good experiences with schools themselves.
A1: When you take the time to build trust/relationships, working together for the common goal of the child is much easier.
yes it is very important that the campus community and the urban community speak the same language
A1: Trust is the basis for a relationship...they need to know that you are sincere and care abt them and their child
This! We can help change the perception for a community if we are intentional with showing we care https://t.co/Hs2LJWea01
A1: Many urban parents haven't had good experiences with schools themselves.
Those parents may have had bad experiences themselves & brings that hurt into the new T-P relationship https://t.co/C196Fmo3ew
A1: Many urban parents haven't had good experiences with schools themselves.
Parent & teacher goals are simple but crucial: Provide every kid with balanced leadership, love, laughter, & learning.
Q1- from my perspective to have their support as well as their trust so they feel like they are part of the school culture
A2: Respect how hard the Ps work...is there a common company many work for...could there be an employee partnership?
how do we "win" them over if Ps are coming in with distrust?
PDs on college readiness & helping students transition have less attendance when there is a lack of communication/parent trust
A2.1: Learn what works for each parent. Some want calls, some want texts, some want emails. Meet them where they are.
A2) Use blogs to show Ss work to keep them involved, email, have open door policy to make availability when they are free
This is my main goal, Bradford. To truly, finally have all parents be allies in education. https://t.co/woOc8NMpxK
yes it is very important that the campus community and the urban community speak the same language
i like that make the companies that they work for district and campus partners
A2.2: I've met parents in public places on weekends for conferences or late evenings. It shows I care/validates them.
In the past I had to let them express their distrust & say & work at building that new trust. It does take time.
Q2- host events in the evening (flexible timing)send out pamphlets seeking their insight, and keep the school marquee updated
Yes! And I had parents loving Twitter and seeing their kids throughout the day. https://t.co/ms7bBvWk3q
A2) Use blogs to show Ss work to keep them involved, email, have open door policy to make availability when they are free
A2: Have to think outside box when scheduling events, conferences, etc. Providing range rather than "one time" options
A2: what about a Facebook page for the classroom? Ps already use FB!
A2 Ps stay involved & informed from home by having frequent, pleasant, & supportive conversations with their kids about school.
A2: Some schools have weekend events like Math Night or Techy Nights - Fun engagement for families. https://t.co/3hTR7kqvCR
that's my goal this year make them feel like stakeholders and investors through media
A3: We offer AM and PM convo times monthly for Ps to discuss concerns as a group...daily create welcoming campus use social med
A2: Then during those weekend events, the Principals has a short meeting to discuss school items.
A3) Invite parents them in, seek their input, show you value them. Find ways to involve in learning. Build relationships
my school does this to connect with ps
A3: BUILD RELATIONSHIPS-let them know we are on the same team, THROUGH ACTIONS. They have so many ways to get in touch with me.
A3: Be consistent with your actions.
WatchDog Program, Read to the class, hang out for a bit, teach us about your job/passion/skill! https://t.co/FhqSJKFQPF
A3) Invite parents them in, seek their input, show you value them. Find ways to involve in learning. Build relationships
What are your thoughts about having Saturday conferences maybe once or twice in the year
A3 Parent voice is vital but I think Ps actually are more concerned that their kids have a voice. Ps want Ts who inspire & lead
We have to be willing to take up challenging conversations. Students need opps to work through concerns abt world/media
A4: (1/2) We are hoping for mystery readers, gardeners, vols for , Ps to help with hikes at local parks, etc.
A4: Back to school events, open up the campus, BBQs, get churches involved (yea, I said it) community walks-shake hands!!
Q4: Social media is one way to get parents involved.
Say what you mean, mean what you say. WALK THE TALK!!!! https://t.co/5flTzqexWy
A3: Be consistent with your actions.
ABSOLUTELY!! It is a MUST if we care about our working parents and their involvement. https://t.co/wB78zDUsdA
What are your thoughts about having Saturday conferences maybe once or twice in the year
A3.Schools are anchors of the community, whose leadership and dialogues, projects, service trips, and art positively impact all
I should be there for that? What ideas do you have on the campus level
A4: (2/2) Want 2 offer service learning proj to benefit community &have planned a dinner theater for Ps to have free date night
A4: Invite family members with range of expertise be educators, advisors, supporters of programs
A3: dig in and build organizational knowledge! Use "Teaching with Poverty in Mind" and powerful, current video clips
A4: We have had parents who are great seamstresses, expert carpenters, and quilters come to teach, support projects
A5: Their experiences, race of Ss vs race of Ts.
A5: Prior experience & media coverage cause distrust...Ss are most precious commodity 2 families--we show we understand that
A5: Because the system was set up to fail them from the beginning. It's an issue so much bigger than you and I
A5: It comes from their own experiences as Ss. That feeling can only B shook w/a trusting campus & Ts https://t.co/nOFAGjWxc1
A5: Long history of inequities, disproportionate school closings, scarce resources, deficit views of families among some
A5) Really show they don't think they're better or out to get them. Show by actions really believe Ss are just as capable
A5.2: Govt- "Hey ur free, but can't go to school, Hey you can go to school over here, but not there, Hey now you can go there"
A4: Listen to what parents want. Ours loved our math, literacy and science nights with take-home activities.
A5: I try show them that I really care abt their child before anything else
A5: School-level change: Build trusting relationships. Honor what parents bring. Make school a welcoming and inclusive environ
A6: I take a lot of pictures to show the parent how good their child is in math and the benefits.
A5 Bottom line: Parents trust individual teachers who do right by their kids. This can't be faked, so Ts must earn that trust.
A6: Connect it to jobs...career fairs that highlight Ps jobs...had so many Ps come and share what they do for a living this yr
Q6: We were an Urban NASA STEM school & we brought in STEM professionals from the community as partners. Role Models!!!!
A6: When you share Ss work on social media connect it to STEM...explain what they are learning
THE ABSOLUTE BOTTOM LINE! It's individualized. It cannot be faked! https://t.co/56AibZSjs1
A5 Bottom line: Parents trust individual teachers who do right by their kids. This can't be faked, so Ts must earn that trust.
I think making connections with churches, community centers and other venues to meet families in the community
gr8 idea they need to see people like them
A6) Educate them, have STEM nights. With anything show the relevance. This is for all parents, not only urban
A5 Far more important to get Ps to embrace that social, emotional, soulful, & academic learning are equal & intertwined.
A4: block parties!! We come together annually before summer to kick off summer and invite orgs that offer programming 4 kids
A5. Economic inequalities created obstacles and distrust. Civic engagement & open dialogues are essential for trust building
A6: Sometime parents won't believe how smart their child is until you prove it!
I like that idea block party over here!!!!
A6: I am going to sit out this one and take notes, as I do not have the answer. :)
A6: Engage students in STEM projects affecting community and families eg., our tchers did investigations re FLINT lead & in CPS
A6: First step is teaching organizational skills, notetaking, study skills, discuss colleges...huge proponent of
A7: It's a lot about "heart work"-getting them to see that education is a gift and their ticket to ANYTHING! Cycle breaking
A6. STE(A)M Fairs & books about professionals from same place or background show: 1. Our kids can do it 2. Others paved the way
A7 All kids need to progress in reading, writing, & speaking with eloquence, articulation, & acuity. Words are power & passion!
A7: I teach them how to be good digital citizens/use technology when necessary.
A7) Expose & provide opportunities, visit 4 & 2 yr college, vocational, have conversations with Ps about strengths & interests
A7: With math they can do anything!
A6: prepare S's to showcase their 21st skills, invite P's in to learn from their children!!
The experiences changed a lot of the Ss choices 4 careers & it lowered their fears of Science & Math. https://t.co/Jj3KuiHNfr
A8: Be authentic and be yourself
A STEAM Fair is a great chance to showcase STEM projects! Participants get a free trip to Disney, winners get scholarship funds
A8: Be authentic...listen more than u talk...remember even though Ps may not have a lot of time it doesn't mean they don't care
A8: Sincerity is key. Folks of low SES can spot a fake a mile away-it's honed skill. Gotta be TRILL -True+Real
Be a good listener meet them where they are at
A8: Spend time in the neighborhd, attend events, catch family members as often as poss at drop off/pick up, make "good" calls
A8 I treat every parent the same. I exude confidence, caring, & charisma. They know their child is in good, capable hands.
A8) Don't discount ability, have high expectations & always believe. Get them to believe in themselves. Confidence is powerful
A8: Be a good listener. As single parent sometimes we have weight of the world on our shoulders.
Be sure to tune in next Thurs at 7:00PM CST for another great conversation where our guest host will be !
I always follow the Golden Rule and remember we are more alike than different. We want good for our kids.
Q8: Make sure your classroom reflects and values children and families - incl family pictures, imp items, cult relevant texts
A8: If not authentic - Then there comes the distrust again. https://t.co/lbp3m2l73B
A8: Be authentic...listen more than u talk...remember even though Ps may not have a lot of time it doesn't mean they don't care
Since you are all allies in education, please keep an eye out for my upcoming book for parents. https://t.co/6OXyTd3vZo
Thank you for joining us for ! A very special thanks to for moderating.
flew by! Thanks and . Looking forward to next week!
Enjoyed the chat session again and again. Thanks for bringing about important issues in education. https://t.co/EHYmVKUSsU
Thank you for joining us for ! A very special thanks to for moderating.
Thank you all for a wonderful!
I appreciate chatting with you guys. I heard some great ideas. Let's keep the energy going all year in our schools
