#mtedchat Archive

#MTedchat strengthens Montana's network of innovative and connected educators.

Tuesday March 27, 2018
10:00 PM EDT

  • MEMSPAchat Mar 27 @ 10:00 PM EDT
    Come join #MEMSPAchat - a leading ed chat on Thursday at 8pm EST @cristama #MTedchat Join the leading, learning & collaboration!
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:01 PM EDT
    Hi #MTedchat! Topic: "Bold Moves for Schools” based on book by @heidihayesjacob and @mariealcock Please Introduce yourself: name/role/position
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:01 PM EDT
    Check out the hub of all things #MTedchat here: https://t.co/MK3McLUKw8
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:02 PM EDT
    Hi everyone!! Crista Anderson, Dixon School Principal. Glad to be here!! #MTedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:03 PM EDT
    Your moderator and questions tonight will be coming from @cristama #MTedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:03 PM EDT
    Please! Jump in, if you can...and tag a friend!! #mtedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:04 PM EDT
    Chat will be a typical Q1, A1 format. Include #MTedchat on every post.
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:05 PM EDT
    Q1: What in your practice is antiquated (out-dated), classical (standard/timeless), and contemporary (happening/existing/belonging in the present)? #MTedchat
  • AmandaRapstad Mar 27 @ 10:05 PM EDT
    Hey everyone! Amanda, 4th grade teacher in Belgrade. #MTedchat
  • HeartlandLC Mar 27 @ 10:07 PM EDT
    Hi, Crista.This is Suzy from Heartland Learning Center.I'm a former HS English teacher,state literacy lead,literacy grant project director,& NOW co-founder of a passion project of mine: The Heartland Learning Center: https://t.co/KVg9i5nPUJ #mtedchat
  • Dale_Chu Mar 27 @ 10:08 PM EDT
    HAPPENING NOW: @cristama moderating a chat about bold moves for schools. Follow along at #mtedchat!
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:08 PM EDT
    Hi Susy!! Welcome!! Glad you could make it! #mtedchat
    In reply to @HeartlandLC
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:09 PM EDT
    Hi Amanda!! Good to see you! #mtedchat
    In reply to @AmandaRapstad
  • NVradenburg - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:09 PM EDT
    Hello #MTedchat Nikki, Teacher Ambassador for @MontanaPBS and tardy!
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:09 PM EDT
    Welcome Dale! Thanks for joining!! #mtedchat
    In reply to @Dale_Chu
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:09 PM EDT
    Hi Nikki! #mtedchat
    In reply to @NVradenburg, @MontanaPBS
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:10 PM EDT
    A1: We all likely have some antiquated strategies. I still oft fall into 'hands up' when calling on students.. So many better ways #mtedchat
  • NVradenburg - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:10 PM EDT
    A1 When I was teacher K-1 a couple of years ago I felt like my daily calendar time was pretty antiquated. I knew there had to be more effectives ways to teach those skills. #mtedchat
    • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:05 PM EDT
      Q1: What in your practice is antiquated (out-dated), classical (standard/timeless), and contemporary (happening/existing/belonging in the present)? #MTedchat
  • sarahraineytech Mar 27 @ 10:11 PM EDT
    Hello! Sarah, 6-8 Digital Literacy teacher in Billings. #mtedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:11 PM EDT
    A1: A classic strategy I use is to use quotes a lot through instruction.. To stimulate thinking, to use as writing prompt..etc. #mtedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:11 PM EDT
    Welcome Sarah!! Thanks for stopping in to talk with us!! #mtedchat
    In reply to @sarahraineytech
  • HeartlandLC Mar 27 @ 10:11 PM EDT
    For teacher professional learning... Antiquated: Whole group one-and-done, sit-and-get PD Classic: Professional Learning Communities, PLCs, PLNs Contemporary: Personalized learning for teachers. Teacher-driven instructional coaching focused on student learning goals #mtedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:12 PM EDT
    A1: Contemporary leadership technique I've recently used is blending our book study of Daily 5. Using @seesaw and LOVING it!! #mtedchat
  • Dale_Chu Mar 27 @ 10:12 PM EDT
    A1: Wait time is a classic. #mtedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:13 PM EDT
    Yes!! I so much prefer a workshop model that mixes delivery and collaboration through learning experience. #mtedchat
    In reply to @HeartlandLC
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:14 PM EDT
    Yes! Definitely... Proper wait time allows ALL students the opportunity to respond more confidently. #mtedchat
    In reply to @Dale_Chu
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:14 PM EDT
    Q2: How has the profession changed since you decided to be an educator? What are notable shifts you’ve made? #MTedchat
  • AmandaRapstad Mar 27 @ 10:14 PM EDT
    A1 I feel like as we’ve gotten closer to testing season I’ve relied on antiquated “test practicing” practices. Trying really hard to make our “test practice” authentic and based on good teaching but that’s been difficult. #MTedchat
  • AssignmentHelpN Mar 27 @ 10:15 PM EDT
    A Complete Guide on How to Write the Best Thesis Statement https://t.co/WclQX7BGyX #CathTheoEdChat #connectEDtl #Edbean #mntedu #MTedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:15 PM EDT
    I think the biggest thing that has changed has been the professional collaboration expectation. PLCS were a huge part of that for me. I found my voice through these opportunities. Online networks help, SO much!! #mtedchat
    • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:14 PM EDT
      Q2: How has the profession changed since you decided to be an educator? What are notable shifts you’ve made? #MTedchat
  • NVradenburg - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:16 PM EDT
    A2 A notable shift for me was ditching homework after years of sending it home because I thought that I had to. My principal really supported the shift. Ps and Ss loved it. #mtedchat
    • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:14 PM EDT
      Q2: How has the profession changed since you decided to be an educator? What are notable shifts you’ve made? #MTedchat
  • AmandaRapstad Mar 27 @ 10:16 PM EDT
    A1 cont. classic - reading authentic books chosen by the student based on their interests and schema will always be a classic. I will NEVER give up my independent reading time with conferences to help readers grow. #MTedchat
  • Dale_Chu Mar 27 @ 10:17 PM EDT
    A2: I thought the job was hard, but it seems like it’s only become more demanding. As a country, we place so much on the shoulders of our educators. #mtedchat
  • NVradenburg - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:17 PM EDT
    Very true! #MTedchat
    • Dale_Chu Mar 27 @ 10:17 PM EDT
      A2: I thought the job was hard, but it seems like it’s only become more demanding. As a country, we place so much on the shoulders of our educators. #mtedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:17 PM EDT
    Do you feel like you have been pressured into making that shift? Self-pressure? Curious why that happens to so many. I felt like I had to, but realized I really didn't. Wasted much time. #mtedchat
    In reply to @AmandaRapstad
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:19 PM EDT
    We do have a lot on our shoulders. Do you feel that by staying connected it eases some of the pressure? I feel the more efficient our systems are, the more effective we can be. So much needless red-tape. #mtedchat
    In reply to @Dale_Chu
  • sarahraineytech Mar 27 @ 10:19 PM EDT
    A2: Education has changed dramatically since I started teaching 16 years ago. The shift in teaching practices that I have seen would have made me a much more engaged student. I have moved away from homework and now focus on project-based learning. #mtedchat
    In reply to @cristama
  • HeartlandLC Mar 27 @ 10:19 PM EDT
    A2) I wish I could say it has changed a lot more than it has. The shift to 1:1 has been pretty monumental, I think. It has forced many teachers to think differently about how they use class time...me included...which I think is a good thing. #mtedchat
  • Dale_Chu Mar 27 @ 10:20 PM EDT
    Yes and no. There are structural issues that need to be addressed too. As an example: https://t.co/9IL3Cjm7xl #mtedchat
    In reply to @cristama
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:21 PM EDT
    I agree... I came into teaching right when many schools were making the shift from basal reading programs to literature circle/reader's/writer's workshop. That was HUGE shift for many. Lucky to have not really known differently #mtedchat
    In reply to @HeartlandLC
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:22 PM EDT
    So many happy feelings from this tweet. I know I was guilty of posting names of students with late work, holding them in from recess, etc. We know what we know. Glad I learned to do better #mtedchat
    In reply to @sarahraineytech
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:22 PM EDT
    Q3: How does your school/system monitor curriculum development now? What is the process to refine and evolve? #MTedchat
  • AmandaRapstad Mar 27 @ 10:24 PM EDT
    A2 when I started my district was in a teach to fidelity out of a textbook. Thank god that quickly changed. I think my biggest change came after reading The Book Whisperer and completely overhauling my reading practices. #mtedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:25 PM EDT
    Ah yes... I've seen this one make the rounds... I empathize with the situation... There are many structural issues.. many that can be resolved or at least prevented/minimized through strategic collaboration w/building/district leadership #mtedchat
    In reply to @Dale_Chu
  • AmandaRapstad Mar 27 @ 10:26 PM EDT
    A3 our district is in the process of developing curriculum and standards based assessments right now. We have a team working on them and get input from our grade level teams. #mtedchat
  • Dale_Chu Mar 27 @ 10:27 PM EDT
    Well said, Crista. Greater collaboration and communication is key. #mtedchat
    In reply to @cristama
  • lorilovesbooks Mar 27 @ 10:27 PM EDT
    A1 antiquated: a busywork worksheet on the desk first thing in the morning. Long gone. #MTedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:28 PM EDT
    Smiling at this! This is SO my experience... My shifts began with @lrobbteacher Then @donalynbooks continued my journey. Thank goodness for those who share their knowledge and experience beyond the classroom. #mtedchat
    In reply to @AmandaRapstad, @LRobbTeacher, @donalynbooks
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:29 PM EDT
    Q4: Often we think of challenges with time, schedule, resources… Think solutions! How do you advocate and/or improvise to provide what you know is best for students? #MTedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:30 PM EDT
    Hi Lori!!!! Yes! Great example!! I also don't have students copy my notes from an outline anymore... #mtedchat
    In reply to @lorilovesbooks
  • lorilovesbooks Mar 27 @ 10:30 PM EDT
    A2 Stilted writing prompts to a vibrant and engaging writing workshop with choice, goals, and 1-on-1 conferring. #mtedchat
  • sarahraineytech Mar 27 @ 10:31 PM EDT
    The PLC philosophy was the nudge that I needed to start changing. Now, in my current PLCs it find it difficult to shut my mouth when antiquated practices are being mentioned. #mtedchat
    In reply to @cristama
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:31 PM EDT
    Oh my, RIGHT?!?! I had @mnokleby ... She pushed my thinking and encouraged me to take risks. What I did in my classroom did not look like what others did... and that was okay. I found Twitter pretty quickly though and things just grew and grew. #mtedchat
    In reply to @AmandaRapstad, @mnokleby
  • lorilovesbooks Mar 27 @ 10:31 PM EDT
    A1 My first year (many years ago) we taught a letter a week in K. Poor babies. We didn't know any better. #mtedchat
  • NVradenburg - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:32 PM EDT
    A4 Now that I work w/Ts I find that modeling and sharing examples of best practices is the most effective for making changes in the classroom. Takes time though! Baby steps! #mtedchat
    • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:29 PM EDT
      Q4: Often we think of challenges with time, schedule, resources… Think solutions! How do you advocate and/or improvise to provide what you know is best for students? #MTedchat
  • sarahraineytech Mar 27 @ 10:32 PM EDT
    Yes! And allowing for #Sketchnoting or however else the Ss want to take their notes! #mtedchat
    In reply to @cristama, @lorilovesbooks
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:33 PM EDT
    Yep. Me too... I actually remember thinking that was a genius idea. I don't say that in any judgement of those who still use that as common practice. We need to do better supporting teachers with alternative methods. #mtedchat
    In reply to @AmandaRapstad, @sarahraineytech
  • Dale_Chu Mar 27 @ 10:33 PM EDT
    A4: Creativity is important, as are relationships with rainmakers who can make things happen. #mtedchat
  • HeartlandLC Mar 27 @ 10:34 PM EDT
    A4) Challenges with time, money,& geographical isolation are EXACTLY what inspired me to create HLC. It's a way for ALL teachers to access teacher-driven, student-learning-focused personalized PD.The challenge for US now is convincing educators of its value. Ha. #mtedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:34 PM EDT
    Ha!!! Ohhhhh that is hilarious. Had a friend explain how frustrated she was when document cameras came out. "What will I do with my transparencies!" (Project them if they are good!!) #mtedchat
    In reply to @HeartlandLC
  • AmandaRapstad Mar 27 @ 10:35 PM EDT
    A4 I have my students do whatever classroom jobs or tasks they possibly can so I can maximize my time helping. I try to make our classroom as student led as possible. For example, students can run a number talk while I work with a student one on one #mtedchat
  • NVradenburg - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:36 PM EDT
    Terrific example! I really want to come and visit your classroom! #MTedchat
    • AmandaRapstad Mar 27 @ 10:35 PM EDT
      A4 I have my students do whatever classroom jobs or tasks they possibly can so I can maximize my time helping. I try to make our classroom as student led as possible. For example, students can run a number talk while I work with a student one on one #mtedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:36 PM EDT
    A3: We have adopted a new understanding that curriculum development is a constant and dynamic part of our program. We don't wait 5 years for a cycle to go around. We need to be more flexible based on student need and what is happening in the world #mtedchat
    • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:22 PM EDT
      Q3: How does your school/system monitor curriculum development now? What is the process to refine and evolve? #MTedchat
  • sarahraineytech Mar 27 @ 10:37 PM EDT
    A4: In my experience professional communities (like this group) to connect with, help with time, schedule, and resources. They also empower you to learn to advocate for yourself and your Ss..#MTedchat
  • NVradenburg - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:38 PM EDT
    Agree! Being a part of #mtedchat improved my confidence which improved my practice. Having peers was HUGE for me as the only K-1 T in a small rural school
    • sarahraineytech Mar 27 @ 10:37 PM EDT
      A4: In my experience professional communities (like this group) to connect with, help with time, schedule, and resources. They also empower you to learn to advocate for yourself and your Ss..#MTedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:38 PM EDT
    A4: I was fortunate to have a district leader recruit me into participating on curriculum review committees. Those were my first real steps as a district leader. Then I realized as a classroom teacher, I could lead from the ground. Lead by example. #mtedchat
    • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:29 PM EDT
      Q4: Often we think of challenges with time, schedule, resources… Think solutions! How do you advocate and/or improvise to provide what you know is best for students? #MTedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:38 PM EDT
    Q5a: Do you know your school’s mission statement? Is it current and does it reinforce INNOVATION for all community members? How? #MTedchat
  • lorilovesbooks Mar 27 @ 10:40 PM EDT
    A5 "Successfully preparing all students for their futures." mtedchat #mtedchat
    In reply to @cristama
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:42 PM EDT
    Please read this Tweet... So much of what we do is because of the system/structure we walked into. If it doesn't 'feel' right.. make a change. Always lead with what is best for students in mind. #mtedchat (Make sure you can always articulate the purpose of why you do what you do)
    • AmandaRapstad Mar 27 @ 10:37 PM EDT
      I think the thing that gets me is I didn’t even have a thought on why I did it. The teacher I first worked with gave me one and told me to use it so I did. Now, I try very hard to know the reasons behind why I do what I do in my classroom instead of blindly following someone else
      In reply to @cristama, @sarahraineytech
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:45 PM EDT
    A5: It is okay to google it if you don't know it! ;) I have done that before too ;) #mtedchat
    • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:38 PM EDT
      Q5a: Do you know your school’s mission statement? Is it current and does it reinforce INNOVATION for all community members? How? #MTedchat
  • sarahraineytech Mar 27 @ 10:45 PM EDT
    A5a: Our mission statement is new this year. I find it is lacking in the innovation for all. I think that often mission statements are based on Ss but I also think that Ts need to be included and held accountable to the statement. #MTedchat
    • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:38 PM EDT
      Q5a: Do you know your school’s mission statement? Is it current and does it reinforce INNOVATION for all community members? How? #MTedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:46 PM EDT
    A5: "Our Vision is to provide a quality edu for all students. Our goal is to provide the necessary academic, behavioral, and creative thinking skills that will allow all students to be successful through their school career and life." (Not innovative...Rewriting..." #mtedchat
    • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:38 PM EDT
      Q5a: Do you know your school’s mission statement? Is it current and does it reinforce INNOVATION for all community members? How? #MTedchat
  • lorilovesbooks Mar 27 @ 10:46 PM EDT
    A5 I would love to hear some really powerful mission statements. Ours feels a little benign. #mtedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:47 PM EDT
    Q6: What kinds of networking is supported in your organization? Is it formal, informal, both? #MTedchat
  • AmandaRapstad Mar 27 @ 10:48 PM EDT
    A5 our school district has a pretty lengthy mission statement. Doesn’t mention innovation. #mtedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:48 PM EDT
    We are reworking ours this next year. With me and many staff members new the last few years, feel we are in a good place to write something locally relevant. Excited for the process. #mtedchat
    In reply to @sarahraineytech
  • lorilovesbooks Mar 27 @ 10:50 PM EDT
    A6 Strong grade level teams, plc's, support from our principal who is a leader, and a coach who is a literacy leader. #mtedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:52 PM EDT
    A6: As a rural school...it had been hard to find teaming time for Ts. We don't have the ability to do common prep time, etc. Find benchmark opportunities for retreat-like professional development that brings us all together. Better than short/rushed times #mtedchat
  • sarahraineytech Mar 27 @ 10:54 PM EDT
    A6: curricular and grade level PLCs and summer staff days for collaboration. #mtedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:54 PM EDT
    Q7: Who is leading my profession? How can I participate in the dialogue and decision making process within my profession (locally, regionally, nationally)? #MTedchat
  • lorilovesbooks Mar 27 @ 10:55 PM EDT
    Sorry, I have to go. So glad I could pop in for a few minutes tonight. #mtedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:58 PM EDT
    A7: Think about the voices driving what we do... I'm definitely very connected to my go-to leaders at the state level @cbartow @CMockStutz and regional influencers @robwatson406 @annaebaldwin @denisejuneau (Learning to add my own voice more and more) #mtedchat
    • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:54 PM EDT
      Q7: Who is leading my profession? How can I participate in the dialogue and decision making process within my profession (locally, regionally, nationally)? #MTedchat
  • sarahraineytech Mar 27 @ 10:58 PM EDT
    A7: We are! It starts with us, in our classrooms, grows to our PLCs/PLNs, our buildings and our districts. #mtedchat
    • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:54 PM EDT
      Q7: Who is leading my profession? How can I participate in the dialogue and decision making process within my profession (locally, regionally, nationally)? #MTedchat
  • cristama - Moderator Mar 27 @ 10:58 PM EDT
    Thanks to @MontanaPBS, we have been approved to award OPI Renewal Units for PD! https://t.co/DgIzOztd6T #MTedchat