Hey #mnlead ! Chad Maxa here from Intermediate District 287 in Plymouth, MN. I'm the Ex. Director of Technology & Innovation. I am responsible for IT, Communications, SIS, Planning & Improvement, Innovation and I co-lead Teaching & Learning with @erogers187
Matt Carlstrom - Deer River Public Schools, Deer River High School Social Studies Teacher⌠#1 Personal Interest?? Holy Cow! I donât know how to answer that. 1 - my family 1A my students #mnlead
Hello! Finishing off birthday cake...and I teach Science in @SLP_Schools . My new personal interest is now learning about who I am. In the past 30 hours, I have gained new family, discovered AMAZING DNA information and cried for hours. #adopted#mnlead
Hi #mnlead, Melissa Brandenburg from Intermediate 287. Special Ed teacher in #NECc102, #ILoveMyJob my primary responsibilities are all things inclusive in my Fed Setting IV classroom.
Hi Everyone! I'm Bret, an elementary principal in Lakeville, MN. My #1 personal interest at this moment? The #Vikings! Love seeing their success. #mnlead
Jim Smith, live in Forest Lake. Taught social studies for many years in Centennial schools. Currently, an Assessment Associate for Solution Tree. Interest - Cross-country ski racing, LET IT SNOW! #mnlead
âCoherence is a shared depth of understanding about the purpose and nature of the work in the minds and actions individually and especially collectively.â Rate your school districtâs level of coherence? #mnlead
Really it rocked my entire universe. That is putting it mildly. It was a lot. I am so joyful and so blessed and learning anything about myself as an adopted child with little backstory is glorious. #mnlead
Q1: COHERENCE MAKING: We all have a lot of initiatives and innovations weâre working on in pockets throughout our districts. What are your districtâs strongest areas of coherence and what are their weakest? Why do you think that is? https://t.co/ZA66nTm0nm#mnlead
RT edu_match: RT bretdom: Hey #mnlead ers! Are you going to #TIES17? Next Sunday we will have a TIESeducation /MNLEAD/EDUMATCH Tweetup. Stay tuned for more information.
Hi #MNLead! Sarah here from the DC area. Iâm a Regional Technology Coordinator and my #1 personal interest is creating stuff. All kinds of stuff. Concrete stuff, abstract stuff, just...stuff.
Q1: COHERENCE MAKING: We all have a lot of initiatives and innovations weâre working on in pockets throughout our districts. What are your districtâs strongest areas of coherence and what are their weakest? Why do you think that is? https://t.co/ZA66nTm0nm#mnlead
Hey #mnlead! Jen, elem principal from HLWW joining you after an awesome weather weekend. My #1 outside of being a cheerleader for my kids is playing & watching volleyball. #Gophers won yesterday & advanced in NCAA bracket play!đ
Here's Q1: COHERENCE MAKING: We all have a lot of initiatives and innovations weâre working on in pockets throughout our districts. What are your districtâs strongest areas of coherence and what are their weakest? Why do you think that is? https://t.co/ZA66nTm0nm#mnlead
A1 We have strengths in a veteran teaching staff who knows many ways to reach students effectively. On the flipside, our student needs are changing beyond the academic level. We are not as equipped or skilled to handle some of the SEL and mental health pieces. #mnlead
RT edu_match: Hi #MNLead! Sarah here from the DC area. Iâm a Regional Technology Coordinator and my #1 personal interest is creating stuff. All kinds of stuff. Concrete stuff, abstract stuff, just...stuff. https://t.co/dHgoFKQhjZ
Here's Q1: COHERENCE MAKING: We all have a lot of initiatives and innovations weâre working on in pockets throughout our districts. What are your districtâs strongest areas of coherence and what are their weakest? Why do you think that is? https://t.co/ZA66nTm0nm#mnlead
A1 Strongest coherence is where there is a compelling WHY communicated through shared vision. For us, our TORCH program is one of those examples. https://t.co/0aZzzbsmOO#mnlead
Brandon, I teach at #starbasemn and my primary responsibility is to teach 4th and 5th graders in the areas of STEM, and my #1 personal interest is #CSforAll#mnlead
Here's Q1: COHERENCE MAKING: We all have a lot of initiatives and innovations weâre working on in pockets throughout our districts. What are your districtâs strongest areas of coherence and what are their weakest? Why do you think that is? https://t.co/ZA66nTm0nm#mnlead
A1 - Coherence⌠Iâm pretty proud to be Teaching in DR. As a K-12 T staff, I believe weâre pretty focused on Monitoring for Progress⌠I think weâre good about Transparency too, but weâre also working on Precision of Practice⌠#mnlead
A1:Ts w/in a gr. level share curriculum, instructional strategies, & assessments of S. Weakest is often that curriculum & assessments don't build seamlessly from one grade level to the next. #mnlead
A1 Strongest coherence is where there is a compelling WHY communicated through shared vision. For us, our TORCH program is one of those examples. https://t.co/0aZzzbsmOO#mnlead
A1: I do not have a "my" school right now but I work with many schools. What I see is when coherence is built through compliance and not a commitment to high level of learning for all, coherence and initiative alignment is difficult. #mnlead
âThe problem is not the absence of goals in districts and schools today but the presence of too many that are ad hoc, unconnected, and ever-changing..." On a scale of 1 to 10, how clear is your districtâs vision and strategy to everyone in your district? #mnlead
A1 Strongest coherence is where there is a compelling WHY communicated through shared vision. For us, our TORCH program is one of those examples. https://t.co/0aZzzbsmOO#mnlead
A1- we are a great team who works tirelessly for our âwhyâ ...the kids. Sometimes we tend to get sidetracked with âstuffâ though and forget to come back around to the why. Iâm guilty of it & need to get better. We have to lead with our why. #mnlead
#mnlead My principal is really good at identifying teachers and staff that do their jobs at a high level, while also choosing people who fit our unique environment.
Q2: FOCUSING DIRECTION: Many initiatives (& our day-to-day essential functions) underway in our districts are not clearly connected to our purpose for staff. What can we do visually and in words to make sense of all our systems of student supports?
https://t.co/8PqWzF5avb#mnlead
Yes we do, although I can't speak to how well this has been implemented. I am speaking specifically about physical safety due to the Ss we serve #mnlead
And itâs so easy for Dist and Schools to get overwhelmed with the next âNew and Improvedâ thing that we start too many initiatives and then collapse under the weight of them or end up doing none of them well, if at all. #mnlead
In a recent district staff survey, 89.9% rated their understand our strategic plan and the role they play in its success as a 3 or 4 on a 4-point Likert scale. #mnlead
âThe problem is not the absence of goals in districts and schools today but the presence of too many that are ad hoc, unconnected, and ever-changing..." On a scale of 1 to 10, how clear is your districtâs vision and strategy to everyone in your district? #mnlead
Q2: FOCUSING DIRECTION: Many initiatives (& our day-to-day essential functions) underway in our districts are not clearly connected to our purpose for staff. What can we do visually and in words to make sense of all our systems of student supports?
https://t.co/8PqWzF5avb#mnlead
Sometimes I feel like what we start getting good at during the year is reacting and responding. Sometimes we lose sight of the goals in order to manage day to day. #mnlead
I think this ties into what I believe one of the most important things an Admin is do, hire not only good ppl, but the right ppl for the culture of the building⌠#mnlead
In a recent district staff survey, 89.9% rated their understand our strategic plan and the role they play in its success as a 3 or 4 on a 4-point Likert scale. #mnlead
âThe problem is not the absence of goals in districts and schools today but the presence of too many that are ad hoc, unconnected, and ever-changing..." On a scale of 1 to 10, how clear is your districtâs vision and strategy to everyone in your district? #mnlead
Sometimes I feel like what we start getting good at during the year is reacting and responding. Sometimes we lose sight of the goals in order to manage day to day. #mnlead
The key is being able to clearly state, "If we are adding something to the plate, what is coming off?" Having that vision and plan gets people open to changes. #mnlead
Yes, we can get caught up in whatâs âshinyâ or getting the most pressâŚ.or tweets. Itâs good to have trialsâŚbut if it isnât meeting your strategic plan or vision, we must have the courage to say âno thanks.â #mnlead
And itâs so easy for Dist and Schools to get overwhelmed with the next âNew and Improvedâ thing that we start too many initiatives and then collapse under the weight of them or end up doing none of them well, if at all. #mnlead
A2: You MUST have a vibrant strategic plan not only at the district level, but at each site too. Not just on paper, but REAL, PRESENT, and MEANINGFUL. Understood by all. Here are our building tactics that drive our every action. #mnlead
A2: accountability is huge. If thousands of dollars are spent on PD for specific programs and they are not being used in the classroom, how can we hold those Ts accountable for their valuable knowledge? #mnlead
A2: In schools I train, I often hear Ts say theyâre faced with a fragmented array of SI initiatives. I encourage schools to focus on their mission and value statements to ensure all initiatives address what they stand for #mnlead
As a Supt, i made sure on every agenda of either Cabinet, Principals or Board, our mission & value statements headed the page along with the goals for implementing #mnlead
The key is being able to clearly state, "If we are adding something to the plate, what is coming off?" Having that vision and plan gets people open to changes. #mnlead
This is well stated (as usual) by my friend @chris_bussmann. People (students, staff, community) have to see the plan and how their classroom plays a role in its success. #mnlead
A2: You MUST have a vibrant strategic plan not only at the district level, but at each site too. Not just on paper, but REAL, PRESENT, and MEANINGFUL. Understood by all. Here are our building tactics that drive our every action. #mnlead
A2: You MUST have a vibrant strategic plan not only at the district level, but at each site too. Not just on paper, but REAL, PRESENT, and MEANINGFUL. Understood by all. Here are our building tactics that drive our every action. #mnlead
A2: In schools I train, I often hear Ts say theyâre faced with a fragmented array of SI initiatives. I encourage schools to focus on their mission and value statements to ensure all initiatives address what they stand for #mnlead
Yes, we can get caught up in whatâs âshinyâ or getting the most pressâŚ.or tweets. Itâs good to have trialsâŚbut if it isnât meeting your strategic plan or vision, we must have the courage to say âno thanks.â #mnlead
And itâs so easy for Dist and Schools to get overwhelmed with the next âNew and Improvedâ thing that we start too many initiatives and then collapse under the weight of them or end up doing none of them well, if at all. #mnlead
â...we need leaders who...know how to engage the hearts and minds of everyone; and focus their collective intelligence, talent, and commitment to shaping a new path.â On a scale of 1 to 10, do your schools do this in conjunction with your district office? #mnlead
I second that, I hear this all the time. Often I am brought in by admin to work with the teachers - then I have to navigate between the two. It can be very challenging. #mnlead
Q3: CULTIVATING COLLABORATIVE CULTURES: Strategic plans may be valued by external stakeholders, so what can we do to ensure our plans are contextualized for our school staff that have to actually execute our plans? https://t.co/3zeksz1dzP#mnlead
Perfectly said! This is just part of our jobs. How often can things stay "the same" when we are working in a setting that is always in flux. It's a people business teaching material that needs to be adapted for each individual. #mnlead
A3: Make sure that staff at every level of experience is involved in the process of creating it, and do not allow new teachers to avoid contributing. #mnlead
A3: We need to make sure our Ts and their staff understand the plan entirely and what is really at stake. How many times Ts have some to my room to ask for clarification and how it will affect their job? #mnlead
A3 This is important. Our approach is PLCs with goals that align to building school improvement plan which is aligned to the districtâs strategic plan. We still have work to do on tighter alignment. #mnlead
A3 again... build, build, build Yes, build relationships with your Ss but also all the staff. Our principal works her tail off trying to connect but there is so much on her plate, it can get hard. #mnlead
A3 This is important. Our approach is PLCs with goals that align to building school improvement plan which is aligned to the districtâs strategic plan. We still have work to do on tighter alignment. #mnlead
Just curious. How do the Ts feel about PLCs? I'm going to be very honest and say that I get such mixed reviews about PLCs and whether or not they are effective. #MNLead
If there is a problem lets throw an initiative at it and then measure it with a standardized test. Unless backed up by collaboration, action research, and actionable responses there is little progress. Visualize - What does the evidence of success look like? #mnlead
A3 Having a clear map of what our goals our. Although we are responsible for creating a SCIP, ensuring all stakeholders know the what, how and why is the only way we get true success...and active engagement in it's execution. #mnlead
Just curious. How do the Ts feel about PLCs? I'm going to be very honest and say that I get such mixed reviews about PLCs and whether or not they are effective. #MNLead
This is a great example. I hope this is posted in each class, emblazoned on all agendas, included in all publications. We need to be repetitive & pervasive #mnlead
Clarity is key! And it canât be something like âWill work to support kidsâ While nice, it doesnât give a direction. Map must be clear and progress measurable.#mnlead
A3- I think we need to continue to be transparent about what is working and what isnât. Invite community in...share our learning...ask for input and be an ear. As long as we have a specific focus that surrounds positive impact for students, we all win. #mnlead
Clarity is key! And it canât be something like âWill work to support kidsâ While nice, it doesnât give a direction. Map must be clear and progress measurable.#mnlead
I have seen very effective PLC's and weak ones. Many T's who feel they aren't effective don't have norms, use data and assessments as much as they need. I think having that makes a difference. #mnlead
Maybe. From what I've heard, it's that they are too focused-Ts feel so limited in what they can talk about during PLC time. And then whether or not PLCs should be grade level teams or something else. #MNLead
3) We are entering into a culture of extreme change where Ss will be needing our support both inside and outside the walls of the classroom. Itâs up to districts to be more proactive in creating mission statements that tailor to all learners. #mnlead
THIS!! And I wonder why those Ts are still teaching. Weâre in a time of great change in Eduction, or should be. Buckle Up or leave so someone else can try. #mnlead
In reply to
@patrickjwiggin, @korytellers, @clmaxa
A1 We are very strong at keeping the poverty lens up in any initiative that we work on. I feel sometimes we have too many systems that get in the way of one another and it makes it difficult to prioritize. #mnlead
Q4: DEEPENING LEARNING: Before teachers can use technology as an accelerator for learning, they need pedagogical partnerships with their peers, Ss and families. How can we truly build this capacity across our districts? https://t.co/t20sMHn62A#mnlead
I've always heard similar things, yet, we should be focused and sustain our most important work. If Ts don't believe their PLC work is impactful, we need to dig into that. #mnlead
Maybe. From what I've heard, it's that they are too focused-Ts feel so limited in what they can talk about during PLC time. And then whether or not PLCs should be grade level teams or something else. #MNLead
Norms and expectations for Ts and PLCâs and they must be reviewed often⌠If youâre not using Data and Assessments to drive PLCâs, its just a coffee clatch⌠or as many teachers feel a âwaste of timeâ Good PLCâs, create by in! #mnlead
Bret hit it on the head. PLC has become the "handle" any time a "team" of teachers meet. It really is the entire school, building a comprehensive learning community, responding collaboratively to evidence of learning. #mnlead
I have seen very effective PLC's and weak ones. Many T's who feel they aren't effective don't have norms, use data and assessments as much as they need. I think having that makes a difference. #mnlead
Rhetorical questions, wonder how many schools have "raising standardized test scores" as a strategic plan action step? And how that fits with mission/core values? #mnlead
A4 Building this capacity across districts requires a different mindset. Using @twitter, attending EdCamps, specific trainings, conferences, etc. In other words, we all must âsharpen our sawsâ regularly. #mnlead
I think that the best practice to do is to have tech nights for families. The interface of things like Schoology/Campus/Skyward/Fee Pay is complicated for some and shuts people out. Let's host not just info nights but practice nights too. #mnlead A4
A4 I think with this one it all comes back to the Why. Ts need to know Why we are doing what we are doing. That is the ONLY way you can try to get everyone on board at the same time. And if they don't understand they Why, figure out how to clarify things. #MNLead
Maybe that's it. I think a lot of Ts feel as though PLCs ARE admin driven, that they don't have much ownership in them. They are basically told what they have to do during the PLC time. #MNLead
A4- weâve got to find time for them to collaborate more, & in that time be both critical & reflective (safely of course) to allow for risk taking & learning. Too often we strand ourselves on the island w/worry or judgment. Itâs time to help each other back to the boat. #mnlead
A2: You MUST have a vibrant strategic plan not only at the district level, but at each site too. Not just on paper, but REAL, PRESENT, and MEANINGFUL. Understood by all. Here are our building tactics that drive our every action. #mnlead
We need to treat our district and school site PLC time and PD days likes itâs the Super Bowl... too many times these days are not purposeful enough. How can we change this culture to reflect importance and relevance? #mnlead
Maybe that's it. I think a lot of Ts feel as though PLCs ARE admin driven, that they don't have much ownership in them. They are basically told what they have to do during the PLC time. #MNLead
BOOM. Lets look at the formative evidence that learning happened - then create an instructional agile response and the have the endurance to ensure ALL student learn. THIS is PLC. #mnlead
In reply to
@mcarlstromDR, @bretdom, @korytellers, @clmaxa
I'm chuckling. I think a lot of elem Ts feel as though too much data and assessment talk don't let them really talk about the students all that much, they are just talking the numbers, not the kid. #MNLead
I remember one ghastly meeting with 7 "roll-outs" and it was so confusing as to what the priority was. Conflict arose because of course we want to do our best, but when we don't know what were doing or why...how can we? #mnlead A4
We need to treat our district and school site PLC time and PD days likes itâs the Super Bowl... too many times these days are not purposeful enough. How can we change this culture to reflect importance and relevance? #mnlead
Kory, R the Teachers leading the PLCâs? If so, they should have a say in how the grouping is done. Some of our PLCs are by subject matter, others by grade group & every once in a great while, when weâre together K-12, we intentionally mix Ts to build culture/collegiality #mnlead
And now that we're 7-8 years into the PLC process, many T's just consider it a team meeting that they are forced to do. Looking at data and planning around it should not be a choice. Our S's depend on it. #mnlead
I hope it is soon. I won't be at TIES this year. I had to pull out of presenting, but that is okay! We should do a meet up like we used to do #backintheday#mnlead
In reply to
@bretdom, @mcarlstromDR, @clmaxa, @SLP_Schools
A4 communication is key when concerning accelerated learning through technology. Technology can be a great and befeficial way of teach and making that evident to peers and families can help build the capacity. #EDCI365#mnlead
A4: Time. Provide staff the time to truly engage in explore. We are fortunate that our Tt have 90 minutes daily to collaborate with grade level colleagues. #mnlead
We did this for the first time this year. Our new principal @mrsnesvig did an excellent job creating a #Schoology event for all our families. Very successful. #mnlead
I think that the best practice to do is to have tech nights for families. The interface of things like Schoology/Campus/Skyward/Fee Pay is complicated for some and shuts people out. Let's host not just info nights but practice nights too. #mnlead A4
We are having a F2F next Sunday at 5:30 at the Conference. I hope some #mnlead ers can come. @cyndy8412 will be tweeting more about it. #mnlead is partnering up with #edumatch for this tweetup.
In reply to
@khurdhorst, @mcarlstromDR, @clmaxa, @SLP_Schools, @cyndy8412
A4: Time. Provide staff the time to truly engage in explore. We are fortunate that our Tt have 90 minutes daily to collaborate with grade level colleagues. #mnlead
Q5: SECURING ACCOUNTABILITY: We canât control our external accountability pressures, but can control our internal ones. What structures does your district employ to raise the bar of internal accountability amongst teachers? https://t.co/ASefs41xzw#mnlead
Not in a direct response to any of these questions, but I also know that in our district, and probably most others, we struggle with implementation in general. We could all use some solid training in implementation science! #mnlead
Can that be the outcome of developing good pedagogy with the staff and focused instruction with Ss? Or do you think it needs to be written? Our scores are up, but we donât have that written⌠Weâre focusing on Pedagogy and focused instruction #mnlead
Great Idea! And have a night or two, weâre Ss and Ts share how theyâre using technology in the classrooms! We do this in the Spring⌠Itâs big hit! #mnlead
A5: I used FlipGrid last week to have staff respond to a prompt I posted about how you use what you know to influence/motivate the learning of individual students. So powerful were the responses. #mnlead
A5 This is importantâŚdeveloping the intrinsic motivation to set goals aligned to strategic plan, measure what matters, analyze outcomes and then say âWhatâs Next?â #continuousimprovement#mnlead
Q5: In my past life the accountability piece was using common assessments on a limited basis AND responding as a team to the results. Small scale. The accountability for improvement happened during the collaboration. It was about the learning journey not the numbers. #mnlead
That's the most important part of @Flipgrid. When we respond to the comments, we create deeper dialogue...and learning. It's like creating the twitter thread. #mnlead
In reply to
@khurdhorst, @chris_bussmann, @Flipgrid, @Flipgrid
We had that⌠It wasnât working for us either⌠New admin⌠Shared leadership⌠We drive the PLCâs, each bldg has a leadership team and they 100% run/develop/plan the PLCâs. The leadership tams also seek input from peers. #mnlead
#MNLead A5: The science department has all district PLC meetings 3 times a year. Each PLC presents their results and what they did. Powerful to learn from each other. Accountable to present to peers.
Not in a direct response to any of these questions, but I also know that in our district, and probably most others, we struggle with implementation in general. We could all use some solid training in implementation science! #mnlead
No doubt about it; we have to work within the traditional structures in addition to all the new stuff. Too many things to implement just works against the principles of project mgmt and #impsci#mnlead
Not in a direct response to any of these questions, but I also know that in our district, and probably most others, we struggle with implementation in general. We could all use some solid training in implementation science! #mnlead
A5 I think making sure everyone is on the same page and pursuing the same goal by allowing meetings and communication. Teamwork is the dreamwork. #EDCI365#mnlead
THIS is a Great point! Right now, weâre looking at Each Studentâs STAR Math an Reading scores as they align to MCAâs, So itâs student focused data⌠That helps. Rather than the bldg/dist level data, which can be overwhelming. #mnlead
Can that be the outcome of developing good pedagogy with the staff and focused instruction with Ss? Or do you think it needs to be written? Our scores are up, but we donât have that written⌠Weâre focusing on Pedagogy and focused instruction #mnlead
That's the most important part of @Flipgrid. When we respond to the comments, we create deeper dialogue...and learning. It's like creating the twitter thread. #mnlead
In reply to
@khurdhorst, @chris_bussmann, @Flipgrid, @Flipgrid
The profile data we have from foursight also indicates that most of the personalities we have in our district just don't do well with implementation. #mnlead
A6 Once you have folks say they are sick about hearing about ârelationships," the âstrategic plan,â and âalignment,â then we are about halfway there. #keepthefocus#mnlead
A6 Once you have folks say they are sick of hearing about ârelationships," the âstrategic plan,â and âalignment,â then we are about halfway there. #keepthefocus#mnlead
Not sure what the Q was but maybe involve Ss in the PLCâs or create advisors and have individual conversation with each Ss about their data results or do both. #MNLead
A6: #mnlead participating in #Observeme and encouraging my peers to participate. Continuing to be open to new ideas while strengthening my skills within my classroom.
No Limits - educators do incredible work and just as there is no limit to what we expect our students to achieve, we should not limit ourselves as educators. #mnlead
CTA There are schools out there that are doing some things really well. Find out which schools those are. Go visit them, talk to all parties involved and figure out what makes it work. Then bring that back to your own school and make it fit for you. #MNLead
A6 Once you have folks say they are sick of hearing about ârelationships," the âstrategic plan,â and âalignment,â then we are about halfway there. #keepthefocus#mnlead
Chad, do you think larger urban districts have a greater problem with implementation - due to scale, the smaller, rural districts or does it depend on the district? #mnlead
A6: I really enjoyed looking at our work through the lens of "Coherence". Thanks @clmaxa for stretching my thinking and giving me a few more tools. Well done. #mnlead
Great question Matt, and I do think larger districts struggle more due to their size and sometimes, decentralized structure. No doubt about it in my opinion. #mnlead
Chad, do you think larger urban districts have a greater problem with implementation - due to scale, the smaller, rural districts or does it depend on the district? #mnlead
The profile data we have from foursight also indicates that most of the personalities we have in our district just don't do well with implementation. #mnlead
