#memspachat Archive
A chat for Principals, Administrators & Lead Educators. Come join the Collaboration and Learning THURSDAY'S at 8pm ET.
Thursday April 21, 2016
8:00 PM EDT
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Let’s kick it off with introductions! I am your guest moderator tonight – David Simpson-Principal of Central Woodlands
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Evan from VA middle school-- Happy to be hear
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Glad to have you joining us!
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Get on up! is starting NOW!
Moderating tonight is going to be great!
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has started! Welcome to all! Lurkers…let’s join in tonight!
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Evening all...Matt from IL...elem lead learner
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Betty from Harvest Elementary. Looking forward to a great chat!
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Mike Domagalski
Excited to be participating tonight on . Elementary Principal and Curriculum Coordinator
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Hello everyone, Jon here from Livonia. Looking forward to a great hosted by
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Kaarin Averill tweeting for Oakland University School of Ed. Former MS Principal
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Heading from concert 2 dinner. Sad to miss this conversation. Look forward to catching up later!
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There is always next time! Catch the recap…it will be transformational!
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Hope the concert goes well!!
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Diane Peneycad Teacher Leader at Central Woodlands 5/6 in Forest Hills
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Love to have another leader from my school on tonight!
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Q1 is coming up! Tonight will challenge and extend our thinking!
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Doug Ammeraal -- Principal at Mona Shores Middle School
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Hello everyone! Eric from Besser Elementary in Alpena - multi tasking tonight - but here for
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So glad to be back with my friends tonight on ! Michelle Allen- principal at EP Clarke in St. Joseph Michigan
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I am glad you could make it! Looking forward to a great
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Q1: How do we make all of our schools “passion based?”
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Rachel Card, principal of Belle River Elementary in Marine City.
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Checking in from Vicksburg!@davidsimpson512
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A1: Passion Based for Ts when they bring their passions into classroom.Passion Based for Ss when we Empower them & give Choice!
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A1: Give S's and T's a reason to care. Model passion, model emotion, model the need to unite and innovate
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A1 Encourage creativity and risk taking through daily speaking and stories!
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A1. Embrace PBL and problem based learning, fight for retaining electives/specials, model passion and hire passion!
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How do you give freedom to teachers with standards and requirements?
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A1-find a way to solicit T and S voice in program planning and decision making
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A1: We listen and learn about the passions of those around us . . . them empower them and get out of their way!
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A1: Continually tap into the what drives & motivates our staff & students...the WHY. Refresh their purpose. Affirmations.
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How do you support teachers interested in jumping in with PBL?
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Amie McCaw- Principal of Sunset Lake in Vicksburg
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A1: Develop opportunities for Ss to apply knowledge and skills in areas of interest and through preferred modes of learning.
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So many ways teachers can cover material...infuse their experiences & interests into content.
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Affirmations are key! Any great ideas to share for
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Model Passion! Exactly. Love it!
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A1: By finding out what our Ss are excited about and get excited about it too! It's about relationships.
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Congratulations Eric- glad to see you tonight!
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I like how some are saying giving voice! That's so key in A1 and having schools be passion based! How do you do this?
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In large school, what ways do you learn about their passions?
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A1 -through communication encourage teachers to try new methods- make them feel safe to try!
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great point...no learning will ever flourish without the relationships!
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You can't have Voice without Choice!
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Got to talk w/ Ss. Sit w/them @ lunch, be present in the class, ask what they are doing!
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Tons of resources and show examples like www.bcsbees.com@bie.org is a good resource
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A1: Igniting passion in our Ss, giving them the guidance and tools as well as opportunities to use their voice
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A1: Success Equation: Shared vision = Passion based
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Love the thinking behind the answers to Q1! Passion from student voice and teacher passion! Q2 coming up
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I recently included S on hiring committee, plan to have them on leadership committee for building next year
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Absolutely! Refresh their purpose. Love it!
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Q2: What problem do you want to solve?
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I plan to start as young as 3rd grade
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modeling is doing! We need to be the example!!
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A2: Providing every teacher with the time and resources to effectively individualize and personalize learning for each student.
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Time is essential…still trying to figure that one out!
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A2. How to free T's from perceived limits on what/how they can teach
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Their perceived limits or others perceptions?
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A2-how to provide individualized, high-quality education for all my S
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A2: How do we break the mold of teacher centered (focus on teaching) & turn into student centered schools (focus on learning)?
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A2: Easy answer, time.., but I'd say cross-curricular integration. I'd like to start looking at models of this.
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You should check out Road trip?
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A2: Right now it is time, staffing, classes, PD for next year, and...getting my own kids to stay in their OWN bed at night! ;)
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A2- Scheduling for the most effective instructional day
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Are we there for teaching or learning? Right on!
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A2: Providing sustained mental health support for students and families that feel they are wandering in a maze all alone.
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sometimes I wonder if time is the issue or our ability to prioritize, thoughts?
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Great question! Any thoughts
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Time is a constant...how we use it makes all the difference!
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completely agree! I would love for my building to serve as a service hub for the building community
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So true-- we may never have enough time-what are we doing w/ it-
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If we focus on the how, we lose sight of the why!
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A2: Would love to visit and discuss K-5 buildings that integrate Science/SS into ELA curriculum. How it's done, materials, etc.
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Time is definitely A HUGE factor
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A2: Engourging Ts to teach to Ss passions in the age of never ending assessment & evaluation.
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I believe the PBL transition will be changing schools to that format. The problem MSTEP concerns
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Q3 is coming up! I love to see the learning that is happening with each other!
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I think this is related/integrated with non-fiction reading
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me too! We're K-3 but going to looking at this beginning this fall! I'll let you know how it goes. Starting small.
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Q3: Generation Z is global, social, visual, and technological. How do we meet their needs?
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totally agree but i have found that only focusing on why gets me off task
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Great question. I think you are on to something we add and never take away.
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Helping staff and community heal in the wake of tragedy by being a strong, caring and resilient leader
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How about infusing LA into science/SS, instead? https://t.co/1b4KY1z94S
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A2: Would love to visit and discuss K-5 buildings that integrate Science/SS into ELA curriculum. How it's done, materials, etc.
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You're right, tonight is stretching us...
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A3: Empower and Trust our teachers to implement STEAM based ideas from curriclulm
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A3: We need to meet them Where they are, not where we wish they were or where we think they should be....or where we are
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A3: Infuse blended & cooperative learning in inst. Use design thinking process to create student-centered learning experiences.
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really focusing @ our building level right. We are focusing on being Future Ready.
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While you are thinking about Q3, make sure you sign up for Summer Inst. on Mackinaw Island in August!
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A3-accept our changing role, reprioritize our processes, get out of their way and learn with them
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Couldn't have said it better!
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A3- More student goal setting and student tracking of learning
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It's going to be a blast!!
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How are you supporting students with goal setting?
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How do you support teachers who want to do that?
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A3: Continue to learn, question, and challenge in those areas. Learn from others, set goals. Push and challenge.
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A3: By listening to understand . . . and then using our experience and wisdom to provide resources and support.
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A3: Let our Ss tell us how they learn best & how they want to show us how/what they are learning.
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What ways have you found best to listen to Ss? I am thinking of having focus groups?
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Yes! Aligning to district goals our Sup is support us pressing on, ready to fail forward.
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A2 Use this simple question- Is what we are doing good for kids?
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It is so powerful to be transparent and say I am learning too and this may not work!
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So important to learn from others. We are smarter together than alone.
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Best way to get voice from students and listen to them??? Lunch recess in focus group? Before/After school? Any ideas?
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A3: Let Ss drive & monitor their learning toward educational goals.
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Student Leadership Team as voices and team reaches out to classrooms. Student "Clubs" based on student input
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Q4: Are we making their thinking visible? How can we (or do you) provide for ?
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Feeling heard goes along way…same holds true for teachers!
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Give Ss choice & ability 2 make decisions; show them we trust their learning https://t.co/g19wi7FN2D
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A2: How do we break the mold of teacher centered (focus on teaching) & turn into student centered schools (focus on learning)?
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This is really how we learn best! https://t.co/hSZTrLx6GW
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It is so powerful to be transparent and say I am learning too and this may not work!
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A4: An important next step for our school. Looking forward to your ideas.
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A4- Want to learn more-still have thought of road trip to your school!
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A4: Expecting S's to talk/show what they know, what they want to know, and what they have learned as part of a unit of study.
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We need to integrate content and blend when possible. I'd rather teach the "essentials" well then cover everything.
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A4-great question, I am beginning to think it is all hinged on how we have S demonstrate their learning
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A4: Value thinking! Make it a priority to create opportunities for Ss to think and then make the thinking of all Ss visible.
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A4: Teach language and routines of thinking. Design activities that foster thinking. Develop metacognition in students.
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We would love to have you! would open up her classroom
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A4: Talk, collaborate, create, write, display, and reflect. I want to grow and challenge building. Value, appreciate thinking.
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A4: Great ? It's going to be part of our summer retreat for my staff! I think it's our next step for Ss to grow as learners.
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A great way to reframe that is how to we allow for students to demonstrate their thinking
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Can you share some examples with the group?
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A4 Great point Genius Hour- PBL- Inquiry B.L. All give opportunity for deep learning!
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How do you show others that you value thinking?
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A5. Need consistent use of VT protocols or discussion protocols that include all Ss and provide artifacts of student learning
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Absolutely!!! https://t.co/MHq6p9pE8c
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A4-great question, I am beginning to think it is all hinged on how we have S demonstrate their learning
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agreed, I also feel that we must actively push thinking through conferencing on learning
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Let’s extend our thinking on Q4- What does deep learning mean to you?
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The doors at CW are open! Our CW thinkers would be happy to have you visit! https://t.co/yFWUrqH93U
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We would love to have you! would open up her classroom
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So important to understand the thinking behind their learning. https://t.co/xMchKR9gHx
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A4: Expecting S's to talk/show what they know, what they want to know, and what they have learned as part of a unit of study.
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Need to do better--ask why to u think, how did u get there, what led u, what did u learn, where can u improve?
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Q4: Deep Learning = we go beyond the what's, & we focus on the if's and why's, prove our findings, and help model to others
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All of that takes time…how do you support teachers who feel rushed? https://t.co/xkY2oymLEy
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Need to do better--ask why to u think, how did u get there, what led u, what did u learn, where can u improve?
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A4: Sharing latest book, blog, articles etc.. Deep learning=questions, questions, questions
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Great thinking on that! Thanks for pushing me on that!
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Yes! Let them tell us more. Let Ss know their thinking matters.
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Deep learning is different based on each S and the goal of the learning process, how will we need that skill or concept
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what about letting Ss ask more questions? Beyond just the answer?
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You bring up a great point of the differentiated need with deep learning! Great thinking!
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And learn how to ask each other questions so the teacher is not just a vessel of knowledge! https://t.co/1gqvX2CcAg
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what about letting Ss ask more questions? Beyond just the answer?
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remind Ts that more isn't always better, but deeper can be!
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Q5 coming up! Challenge your own thinking tonight!
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A4: Using new knowledge to redefine, strengthen or change old knowledge. Being able to do something bold & creative w/ the new
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A4 Great point- learning or defining who we are is not found in the"what" it will be found in the "why"
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Q5: How do we create equity in opportunities for all of our students?
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A5: By training and empowering our teachers through intentional PD, so they can create opportunity for all learners
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Thank you members. 1st Thurs night I've been home in a while & needed batteries recharged! You are the best! Duty calls.
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A5: Every child must have an adult advocate in the bldg & leader role. Future goal for Sunset!
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A5: By creating mindful program for all students (high, low, in-between) to challenge their thinking and innovate
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“intentional” is key! We have to be intentional for Ss so everyone has an opportunity to think and learn deeply
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A5: Make sure Ss get access to the supports they need in order to access the same opportunities. MTSS/RtI. Great Ts are key.
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A5 All higher learning activities- well created can work for all
Lower level kids need not be left out
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A5: Equity...each student gets what he/she needs for learning, success, and growth. Challenge to move EACH student "one" step!
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A5-we need to actively learn about our S, where they are, what they need and then building learning plans and paths
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Right on! too often expectations are lowered!
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A5: Extended Learning Opportunities for kids (before & after computer or homework clubs) Give all kids space & time to create
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A5: Provide Ts with tools to meet needs of individuals and supports for Ss that do the same.
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Q5 extension-how are we monitoring for equity?
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Love this! Take advantage of time!! https://t.co/n6kRHhZByR
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A5: Extended Learning Opportunities for kids (before & after computer or homework clubs) Give all kids space & time to create
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A5 extension: Conversations, walk through, suggestions, evaluations, modeling, building buy-in, expectation
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why wait for after school? Why not build that into their schedule?
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I think making sure we are talking about equity of opportunity with staff will support! https://t.co/D5SHe2GE3g
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A5 extension: Conversations, walk through, suggestions, evaluations, modeling, building buy-in, expectation
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Get into classrooms - structures/opportunities for success, academics and behavior. https://t.co/Pra7mHIwHU
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Q5 extension-how are we monitoring for equity?
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Was thinking of kids who don't have computers or homework support/space at home. want to give same oppotunties
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This is deep thinking twitter chat! Q6 on coming up!
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Solution Tree Book- Simplifying RTI- great book for data tracking on this topic
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A5: We must be present throughout the building. Not just for observation. It's in the small moments.
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Student growth and success based on their individual goals. Different for each student.
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They have the most important voice!
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Awesome conversation tonight…need to pack. Headed to NYC to visit my son. Thanks for the thought provoking ?s
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Q6: Without constraints, what would your school look like in 5 years?
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Here's my plug...
Join next week (April 28).
We partner with to moderate a chat on technology! JOIN US!!!
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had this convo with staff, we decided we needed to build time in the day to ensure equity-our innovation hour
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Students must feel they are valued and heard in this model! Great thinking!
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A6: Google based, curriculum fully integrated, students' measured on growth and not grades.
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What steps will you take in the coming year to realize this?
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A6-Blue Ribbon school rooted in individual learning plans for all S. A school meeting every S need in and out of school!
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A6: Project driven, Ss choose direction of own learning. Ss shared across grades/classrooms.
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A6Student murals, bright colors, student artwork, inspiring quotes, student leaders and HAPPY PEOPLE everywhere
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Do you have learning plans or if not, what do you envision? Would love to learn from you!
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A6: A hub of innovation, success, and love of learning for Ss and Ts. All stakeholders continually plan, implement, & evaluate.
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I hadn’t thought about murals, etc. Great ideas!
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YES! Growth not grades. All students are not created = but ALL can learn @ high levels.
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we have started doing this with our lower performing S, they move around building and grades to meet needs
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would like to do this for all S focused on needs and desires for future
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A6: Tech as tool in all areas, literacy vs. specific content, , enhanced/growth in best practices, continue on path.
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Karen Abraham, principal of Lincoln Park- Mona Shores
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Love your wording as tech as a tool!
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Karen, so glad to see you! Hope the CREW is all doing well.
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Awesome! Let's not forget about the arts.
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Tremendous tonight! Commit to following up on your vision! Last question will be a fun one! Use it in an interview!
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Michael Johnson of Ann Arbor Public School's Carpenter Elem. School and Future Cougar Cub Addison checking in...late! But here.
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Q7If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be & why?
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A7: "Jump Around" by House of Pain. I just smile, jump, and love it every time!!!
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A7: You Can Count on Me by Bruno Mars! Here's a tip of the cap to my mentors and
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Pack it up…pack it in…let me begin!
