Principals, allow teachers to vent without labeling them as negative. When teachers are allowed to feel ALL their emotions, problem solving and innovation flourish in schools. #teacher#Education#sundaymotivation#sunchat
My poor husband just had to listen to me gush for 30 minutes about all the exciting adventures & opportunities I have coming up in the next 3 months at school, #edtech, my career.... I’m feeling pretty honkin’ ecstatic this morning! 🤗 #sunchat
Thanks for joining, Tim! A message to pre-service teachers on this chat - you'll want to follow @historycomics Tim Smyth - he is a master at incorporating comics and graphic novels into his classroom curriculum to grab those reluctant readers - and he has great success! #sunchat
Morning, #sunchat. I'm Brian. I teach middle-school students English in CO. My answers are, "Sometimes, only if we insist stubbornly, & I don't see why not."
Are we talking about mastery in education? Not sure I know what is meant by competence based... so much jargon and acronyms - like being in the military! I just want to teach! #sunchat
I like your answer to the first question. I have had complete backing by my admin on all the things I do. Kids fold on me like dominos when I make them demonstrate at high levels what they know. #sunchat
As a pre-service teacher, I've seen it a lot in the elem. classes I've visited. These classes promote student choice and flexibility, which makes it far easier. My HS experience was far too structured for CBE. #sunchat
Competency Based Learning: Transitioning away from seat time, in favor of a structure that creates flexibility, allows students to progress as they demonstrate mastery of academic content, regardless of time, place, or pace of learning. #sunchat
Hey St. Louis! While you're enjoying your coffee this morning, take a minute to RSVP for #CoffeeEDU!
Join us May 5 at @SpiralCoffee to reflect on the year, share successes, and look ahead! Hope to see you there!
#LearningSTL#moedchat#sunchat
Thanks for joining, Tim! A message to pre-service teachers on this chat - you'll want to follow @historycomics Tim Smyth - he is a master at incorporating comics and graphic novels into his classroom curriculum to grab those reluctant readers - and he has great success! #sunchat
Hey St. Louis! While you're enjoying your coffee this morning, take a minute to RSVP for #CoffeeEDU!
Join us May 5 at @SpiralCoffee to reflect on the year, share successes, and look ahead! Hope to see you there!
#LearningSTL#moedchat#sunchat
Standards Based Grading goes hand-in-hand with this. It can only be effective if the numbers are meaningful and not inflated, and if the students can retry to prove mastery. #sunchat
I'm with you, Brian. My room isn't really well-equipped for it. I would need a bit more space, access to chrome books or iPads daily (which I don't), or a much bigger copying budget. #sunchat
Morning, #sunchat. I'm Brian. I teach middle-school students English in CO. My answers are, "Sometimes, only if we insist stubbornly, & I don't see why not."
This year is formative vs summarize, mastery, 2nd Chance learning, differentiation, plus all the new tech, current events, and, oh, right - content, engagement, and exciting/meaningful lessons! #Sunchat
I just stumbled into this. I'm a fourth grade teacher, instructional tech guy, and future admin from central Illinois. Is this an open-ended discussion? #sunchat
Competency based instruction required systems in place for assessment, instruction, grading, and reporting that indicate Ss have acquired specific knowledge and skills. #sunchat
@ChrisWeissCT Check out this year’s Train Like A Martian Challenge! A great event (and educational too) for all ages: https://t.co/6rIyX8rZMm
I hope you will join with your students and share too!
Competency Based Learning: Transitioning away from seat time, in favor of a structure that creates flexibility, allows students to progress as they demonstrate mastery of academic content, regardless of time, place, or pace of learning. #sunchat
I've experienced a mix of support & (not unwarranted) challenges. I'm wondering about the domino metaphor: Are you pointing to a worthy chain reaction, or the need for stronger student responses to sussing out mastery? #sunchat
I work at a K-12 public school. Our high school has dual enrollment opportunities partnered with our local college. We also have credit recovery courses for those in danger of failing. #EDL577UM#UMedTech#PeopleSkills#sunchat
They focus on class rank and Ts using ‘consistently proficient’ vs ‘proficient’ can mean a difference in ranking. Mindset shifts always take time. #sunchat
Totally agree! And for that to happen, our grading systems need to support it (as well as our learning physical environment). I keep it in mind while planning, but executing is difficult for me. It's a dream and goal, though... #sunchat
Standards Based Grading goes hand-in-hand with this. It can only be effective if the numbers are meaningful and not inflated, and if the students can retry to prove mastery. #sunchat
As arts teachers (band for me), we live this type of instruction everyday. Try, try again ... then try again. Multiple strengths in each class. Each student with their own needs moving in congruent but asymetric ways. #sunchat
#sunchat as a college student myself, I study often about educators who are striving away from the typical sit-down classroom setting and towards a flexible, student-based learning system #Gen2108
I would love to see more flexibility from classrooms. As a SPED T working to get S needs met based on how they grow & develop and needing to move them around as their needs change can be a challenge. Any thoughts on how to better support #sunchat?
It seems to me that the only way to have true conpetency-based learning would be to do away with age-based cohorts in schools. Students should advance once they've demonstrated proficiency, not once they've completed a trip around the sun. #sunchat
I believe it does, maybe not in every class all the time but it’s there. Standards based grading, project/problem based learning, marker spaces are all parts of this. Some Ts may not use specifically but elements are still employed. It can be used across all areas. #Sunchat
I was just in the middle of typing something like this - music really lends itself to this type of education. But it also means that we have to stray away from "participation grades" that have been prevalent in arts classes in the past. #sunchat
As arts teachers (band for me), we live this type of instruction everyday. Try, try again ... then try again. Multiple strengths in each class. Each student with their own needs moving in congruent but asymetric ways. #sunchat
Forgot to say, I always love your phrasing. “(not unwarranted) challenges” brought a smile to my face. One day when I grow up, I am going to be a great wordsmith like you. #sunchat
I think that it could refer to small group/station as long as the stations are true to each individual child's learning. Programs that create individual learning paths are competence-based learning. #EDL577UM#UMedTech#PeopleSkills#sunchat
I can't take credit - I originally got it online, and it's my go-to now for this topic. It's one I can easily understand in this world of edu! #sunchat
#Sunchat I’m not too sure all classrooms are structured for CBE but I do see how it’s easier to implement in some subjects (English) rather than others (upper-level math) #Gen2108
Standards Based Grading goes hand-in-hand with this. It can only be effective if the numbers are meaningful and not inflated, and if the students can retry to prove mastery. #sunchat
What I like about CBE or Standards Based Grading is that we know exactly where our students are academically. An 85 means they know 85% of the materials - it's not arbitrary. I don't think parents would like the idea of their students not getting grade boosters. #sunchat
I felt you even with the incorrect word. You were very conservative on the list!! It is really interesting when the definition changes based upon who you talk too!!! #sunchat
Yes, I assumed that was the issue. Same with standards based grading - no way to tell who is #1! Seems like the whole system needs an overhaul, @Dr_LMR ! #sunchat
They focus on class rank and Ts using ‘consistently proficient’ vs ‘proficient’ can mean a difference in ranking. Mindset shifts always take time. #sunchat
So important to have an admin who sets the tone that we need to be flexible - we are working with kids, not robots who always follow a linear path. #sunchat
#TRUTH! Students may sit in different seats, play different parts, have different needs. BUT, they still participate at a level appropriate for them and earn grades based on their level of performance iwth music that is approproiate for them. #sunchat
This is and interesting concept Alex, I’ve read a lot about projects incorporating multiple aged students together .. it would be interesting to see different aged students to learn together .... I agree with you here #SunChat#gen2108
The more I learn about the history and development of our 100+ years old system, the more frustrated I get. Why aren't we changing to adapt to the better practices we know are out there?! #sunchat
Yes! Our district is looking into grades K-2 using standards-based grading instead of letter grades. Standards-based grading seems to be a more accurate assessment of Ss actually meeting objectives and standards. #EDL577UM#UMedTech#PeopleSkills#sunchat
We are working on that in my district with a grading practices subcommittee leading the way at all levels. Including all stakeholders in the process too! #sunchat
It’s not impossible to create in the yearly classroom, but it does require significant personalization. When you invest the time to create that system, it works magic #sunchat
We need to be taking notes from the arts. I attended @Edcampgcc and we talked about this in a session on the arts. I have a professor in Spec. Ed. who says "Every child has special needs" and she is so right! These kids need different ways to interact with the material! #sunchat
Has anybody brought up how much this way of learning requires the students to know how to learn and communicate understanding well? Working on how to do this well. Not great success at it this year. Anyone got some strategies they love? #sunchat
Not just trying to self-promote, but there is an amazing blog post by guest blogger @Erinsmayer scheduled to go up on https://t.co/SV31Y2r6bi about this very topic! I will tweet it to this hashtag and highly encourage you all to check it out! Just wish it was live now... #sunchat
Me too! I'm also pre-service, and we talk a lot about student choice and flexible classrooms. I love the idea of putting the learning in the hands of my students. #sunchat
Hey St. Louis! While you're enjoying your coffee this morning, take a minute to RSVP for #CoffeeEDU!
Join us May 5 at @SpiralCoffee to reflect on the year, share successes, and look ahead! Hope to see you there!
#LearningSTL#moedchat#sunchat
Sounds like utopia, right Kevin? Wait til you try to implement it. Lots of extra planning involved, and I've found that sometimes it is overwhelming for one teacher to implement at times. Lots of kids needing guidance... especially in elementary and MS. #sunchat
Here, I've got a different take: it's still kind of arbitrary, but it's an arbitrary I can get behind & defend, which didn't feel as tenable in traditional grading systems. When I'm communicating well, expected grade symbols carry more transparent meaning. #sunchat
What I like about CBE or Standards Based Grading is that we know exactly where our students are academically. An 85 means they know 85% of the materials - it's not arbitrary. I don't think parents would like the idea of their students not getting grade boosters. #sunchat
This can be challenging for me as a resource teacher. In my district we grade ( beginning, below basic, basic, proficient, and mastery). Many of my kids fall in the first categories. They may have made progress but parents only focus on the terminology #sunchat#TED9190
It starts with policy—on the district, state, and federal level. If we want to change the game, we have to find ways to be part of the discussions. #sunchat
The more I learn about the history and development of our 100+ years old system, the more frustrated I get. Why aren't we changing to adapt to the better practices we know are out there?! #sunchat
It does exist; just not in every classroom or even in every school. Technology and resources have a lot to do with how each classroom is structured and what kind of learning takes place. #EDL577UM#UMedTech#PeopleSkills#sunchat
Hmmm... Particularly in SPED, that's quite the challenge since many of your students students are likely to thrive on routine. Allowing more student choice, or promoting flexible seating could be a great start. Student leadership, too. #sunchat
It seems to me that the only way to have true conpetency-based learning would be to do away with age-based cohorts in schools. Students should advance once they've demonstrated proficiency, not once they've completed a trip around the sun. #sunchat
Wow. I never even considered this. It makes a lot of sense, though, and I'd be super interested to read some studies about this. Have you seen this done anywhere? #sunchat
Oh yeah, I've seen that peer pressure build. Mob mentality is not just for middle schoolers, but it's sure something to see in their hands. (p.s. Thanks, also for compliment.) #sunchat
Talk. Keep them in the loop. Reach out early and often, not just when things go poorly. Brainstorm crazy creative ideas together, then figure out what is realistic & best for the student. It requires time, so that can be a barrier, but it's SO important! #sunchat
Work on blended learning environment that lets you work more with each kid or small groups on specific skills while others are working on their skill set.
#sunchat
Oh! Oh! Oh! How do we move fine arts out participation focus? We had challenges with them a couple of years ago when we moved to the same weighted categories as a school. They were fighting for participation. #sunchat
It takes a lot of thought and planning to implement but totally worth it. Once it’s set up, you have a template and only need to tweak it. I teach HS science and I have never seen even the least engaged student as engaged since I switched. #SunChat
It works for many, but not all. And then those who are behind their cohort get further and further behind. Couple this with too-large class sizes, outdated materials, too many mandates on teaching time, etc. and we have a system designed to fail some of our kiddos. #sunchat
That is awesome! Our students can prove what they know at their own pace. No one learns at the same rate. Even in one lesson, if 10 kids get it in one go, they clicked at different moments in the lesson. Give them their time and tools, and they will master it! #sunchat
In reply to
@brianrozinsky, @MsVenturino, @JoyKirr
Tough though - we have students years apart in terms of mastery. How old is too old for elementary? So much of this discussion sounds amazing in a perfect world - so complicated. Great topic! #Sunchat
I can usually get my Ss to flex with change better than my Ts. I feel that the more some things change it helps Ss to adapt better. I'm really working toward giving more choice for the Ss too. #sunchat
I think that admin sets the culture in the building. When Ts don't listen, that is a professional practices issue. But...what are the barriers the teachers see? What is holding them back? Listen first? (That's the first idea that comes to mind.) #sunchat
I am a resource teacher and I feel that collaboration between general education teachers and special ed. Teachers is so important! Special education teachers play a big role and helping make sure that the students are getting the appropriate differentiation! #sunchat#TED9190
A colleague and I are trying to figure that out. Some Ts are set in their ways. We are hoping pineapple charts will be one way to address. I have gotten 3 teachers and our intensive services teachers to switch to a standards based approach this year. Takes time. #Sunchat
Work on blended learning environment that lets you work more with each kid or small groups on specific skills while others are working on their skill set.
#sunchat
Absolutely. When i was approached about SBG, I was asked, "What is a 90%?" "The kid knows his stuff." "What is an 89%?" and we were all baffled. With SBG, these numbers MEAN something. #sunchat
I like it because it clearly shows areas of strength and areas needing more practice. Ts at that level do amazing things with their Ss each day! #sunchat
Answer: I think relationships are important because he helps the student have the confidence to collaborate and connect in the areas they need to explore with others.#sunchat
I know, like my hamster George who use to play in that wheel in his cage, we just keep going around and around doing the same things all the time. We need to jump out of that wheel! #sunchat
Participation IS important, but it does not equal mastery. If you do not participate, you will not show mastery. But the flipside is not necessarily true - if you do participate, it does not mean you automatically show mastery. #sunchat
Do it! They have standards. They have curriculum. They know that. BUT they also know an artist doesn't develop in a 6-9 week exploratory. So, they fall back on participate because they know others have a hard time when they see two very different works w/ the same grade. #sunchat
Another tangent of this topic: Universal Design for Learning. There can be many paths to demonstrate competence & mastery. How we as instructors invite/plan for that variety can prove powerful. Related resources via @CAST_UDL: https://t.co/duuEYOi4oR#sunchat
Hard one. I think it starts w/PD. I think it should focus on Ts first experiencing not having a dire need met & then connecting it to their SPED students. From there regularly showing them proper strategies to support including changing the setting. #sunchat
I think it stems from the fact that assessing creative work is not as straightforward as, for example, a math problem. But there are still standards. There are non-negotiables. #sunchat
Because I value each of you so much and the vast wealth of knowledge you bring to each chat, please consider helping me with some research on improving teacher prep programs. If you are willing to share you wisdom, click below #sunchathttps://t.co/38lSZ8TXj2
That is great! I've had to tell my fourth graders alot lately to learn the material for "themselves" and not for a "grade". Memorizing to pass a test is becoming more common and is getting nothing accomplished. #EDL577UM#UMedTech#PeopleSkills#sunchat
My district has been used standards-based grading for at least the seven years I've been here, but I worry that too many still use the old system of grading and just use the new words. Better understanding is clearly needed! #sunchat
I saw a secondary teacher actually combine them: He'd have a rubric from 1-10 on mastery, and when the students tested, it'd be one problem targeting the specific standard. They'd get their number, and they could retest infinite times throughout the year. #sunchat
answer: Hi...I am new to this chat...but small group is vital for students to move through learning and then to collaborations and sharing...I like the SAMR model....small groups and student centered learning is happening...#sunchat
I'll be working at a new PK-5 campus next yr w this CBE, project-based, standard-based grading focus. Struggles are expected supporting Ts & Ss w/ this change. Our community tends to be traditional & conservative, but our district is making great innovative headway. #sunchat
Worthy opportunities in setting these standards *with* students rather than *for* them. Prepositions matter.™
Maybe those non-negotiables are really co-negotiables? :) #sunchat
I think it stems from the fact that assessing creative work is not as straightforward as, for example, a math problem. But there are still standards. There are non-negotiables. #sunchat
https://t.co/glj8gL7d46
I think this video on education reform is pretty relevant to the topic. I highly recommend checking it out when you get a chance (about 5 min) #sunchat#gen2108
Peer pressure is so HUGE. Sometimes I am able to use it for my good. However, when it turns bad boy is it hard to rake in. You have a special crown in heaven for teaching middle school #sunchat
Sounds awesome! I hope our district decides to do this for grades K-2 but eventually I'd like to see K-12 to go to standards-based grading. #EDL577UM#UMedTech#PeopleSkills#sunchat
Regardless, I'm head over heels for SBG. I want to know exactly what my students know. I don't need to trick or challenge the students barely grasping it. Future placements will be so much clearer since admin. and future teachers will know exactly what their Ss know #sunchat
Also focus on personalizing. In my primary math classes I had stopped teaching a whole group lesson. Whole group was for math talks, everything else was personalized by skills #sunchat
In my class it worked for all. Wish I had recorded them. Personalizing learning & eliminating the idea that they need to be at point x on day y matters.
free resources & materials that we can work out the difference. Can’t pretend those problems disappear w/o age based classes
Thanks for that tip. I think my biggest challenge is how to teach kids what to do in any setting that requires them to do something without me telling them what to do every step of the way. Any suggestions for that? #sunchat
Nothing will get rid of all the problems. There is no magic bullet for education, whether personalised learning, small groups, workshops, ending age-based grades. But when we keep on doing what we've been doing and keep on expecting different results, it is maddening. #sunchat
I think that integration of technology in the classroom can help towards CBE ... students can work at their own pace from anywhere... at this moment I’m participating in this chat from an airport in St. Louis #sunchat#Gen2108
I truly believe in growth vs proficiency. Some students don’t have to work hard to be “proficient” but on the other hand some students work the butt off to make growth but still aren’t proficient! One should not trump the other #sunchat#ted9190
Hey, if any of you went to Columbia University and recall Barack Obama as a student there, would you please respond with a tweet and a pic of him at Columbia? Thanks.
That is a great way to say it. Our assistant principal said something similar that finally helped the fine arts. It helped he was a music teacher before admin as well. As a consultant, I run into this challenge and always struggle with the right words. #sunchat
Hey, if any of you went to Columbia University and recall Barack Obama as a student there, would you please respond with a tweet and a pic of him at Columbia? Thanks.
It’s based off of @robertjmarzano scales with some adaptations. Using things I read/heard from experts I developed it. Ss contributed to it too. #Sunchat
In reply to
@GiuliaPucciEDU, @KevLynch98, @robertjmarzano
It only fails them if you don’t adjust. Most of us have the ability to make changes within our own classrooms that can find more of those missed by the system. It doesn’t require getting rid of ages, it requires understanding kids and personalizing learning #Sunchat
Did this come to mind for anyone else? Especially the edu assembly line portion @ 6:30 in...Changing education paradigms (Ken Robinson | RSA Animate) https://t.co/tIt0USbkcJ#sunchat
They won’t learn until you start making them do it. It can be painful st first. I give them videos that explain things, ask a friend, watch the video, look it up! #sunchat
This is what I love about standards-based grading if done well. Teachers, students, and parents can see both the progression toward competency/proficiency/mastery AND the growth from marking period to marking period. #sunchat
Ahh.Thanks for that background into why they do it. I am not sure all of them know they have standards or curriculum (said in a whisper). I usually have to help them with this understanding. I’ve gotten good with that part #sunchat
Hey #sunchat! I've seen a lot of questions about Standards Based Grading. If you ever want to learn more, reach out to @JustinAion! I learned everything I know from him!
Then stop doing that. Show people you work with a better way. Time to start effecting change through showing people a better way. Maddening is wanting it to change and feeling like you have no power to change it. We all do. #sunchat
Took a back seat role in today’s #Sunchat. Thank you to everyone who shared. I’m learning a lot about a topic I’m not well versed in. No limits to the power of a good #pln!
That is what I have started doing. I even model what I do so they can have some strategies. Its sometimes painful to watch them flounder. I wish all of their Ts did it. Think it would be easier to get them on board if they were forced all day. #sunchat
Media politicizes a one-time strike and hit-back for the barbarous attack on innocents.
This should not be a partisan issue—it was a humanitarian issue.
4-Star Marine Sec Mattis:
‘I am confident we have the Intelligence Assad used chemical weapons.’
#MediaBuzz#FNS#Sunchat
It is sad :(. I work in a high poverty school and I feel like they have so many “labels” given to them already and then they come to school and hear “ You’re a reading level B... You’re a “below basic”.... You’re a resource student” etc. #sunchat#ted9190
Tool I've started using this year in effort to simplify/clarify mastery-learning efforts: single-point rubric. (For the record, it's neither simple nor clear yet, but inching that way.) More here: https://t.co/zmHqGn4eRb#sunchat
In reply to
@DanKos3, @GiuliaPucciEDU, @hcmatson24
When I say "we" I mean every teacher, administrator, policymaker, etc. I can change what I do in my classroom but one pebble in the river isn't going to turn it back. That's not going to stop me from doing all I can, but we all need to work together to make real changes. #sunchat
I'm told it takes a long time to develop, which should be reassuring to students, too. They're taking the journey with you and they probably have a lot of say into what works and what doesn't! Even if they aren't vocalizing, your observations probably tell alot! #sunchat
I think because "art" seems so subjective to the audience, it can be difficult to defend a grading process. However, they know. Just keep good records, define the process, reinforce and communicate like crazy. #sunchat
My Margaret Mead reflex just kicked: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." #sunchat
Indeed! I hope that chats like these will result in more people being thoughtful, committed citizens when it comes to changing the status quo in education! #sunchat
I just sent an end-of-marking period reflection sheet home to parents asking what progress they've specifically noticed in their child's work. Looking forward to the responses. Do they notice? Or are they only looking at grades? WE SHALL SEE! #sunchat
IBM’s Hiring 25% of P-TECH Brooklyn's August 2015 Black and Hispanic Graduates in New York City's College Readiness Index is Equity in Action https://t.co/HQZPNgAOFt#sunchat
Gotta go, #sunchat. Thanks for discussing mastery/competence/standards-based learning this morning. I suspect this is one of those cases where journey, rather than destination, represents the prize.
All I’ve ever known my district to do is standard based grading. What other forms are there? Although I am more for growth than proficiency, how would we have consistency across the board grading other wise? #sunchat#ted9190
agreed! We need to completely change the vernacular. Can you imagine trying to get that past everyone involved in education? Students, parents, teachers, admin, and the PUBLIC?? Yeesh! What an undertaking that would be! #sunchat
Returning to the original point where we started, none of this requires or necessarily benefits from “ageless” classrooms and they can come with other issues.
Either way, keep doing what you do and spread it around! #sunchat
That's the problem - there is no consistency. I call it "Arbitrary Grading". Teachers decide how to grade, and then when you include bonus/participation/other random points, suddenly you have a meaningless number. Then we have no clue where these students really are. #sunchat
Maybe we keep similar ages together in a building but they can be learning material that is far beyond their age. Instead of them moving by classes, they can be with one teacher the entire age length who is more of an advisor/facilitator #sunchat
Our district has always done letter grades. A=90-100 B=80-89 C=70-79 D=60-69 F=0-59. This is how we determine who passes or fails. Basically all of their graded work is averaged together. We need to go to SBG! We need change! #EDL577UM#UMedTech#PeopleSkills#sunchat
Yes, and I had the students respond as well on the same sheet so the parents can see what their child wrote. It's 6th grade, so I got a lot of "I write better now"... lol But some were VERY reflective. I'll keep you posted. #sunchat
In reply to
@alextvalencic, @KevLynch98, @MahalaJankowski
Let's put an end to "buzzword PD." Let us lead your school through personalized development that values true progressive, student-centered learning. Send us a message and we'll analyze and develop a plan that works best for you! #edchat#sunchat#leadlap#restorehumanity
I know - lightning speed! Now you need a good hour to go back through the feed to really read the responses and dig into the side conversations. #goodstuff#thatsgoldbaby#sunchat
Thanks for welcoming me so readily, friends! Time to go wake the wife, walk the dog, make the brekkie, and get ready for church! Same time next week? #sunchat
As resource teachers we do progress reports where we “grade” them on if they are making progress on their IEP goals! I think this can be more beneficial for them than being graded on grade level standards, since many of them are not on grade level. #sunchat#ted9190
In reply to
@alextvalencic, @KevLynch98, @susankotch
