#TeachersAtED Archive
Our chat is once a month on the third Tuesday at 7:00 EST. These chats are hosted by teachers working at the US Department of Education as Teaching Ambassador Fellows in order to hear from teachers on policy issues and share resources. More about our program at: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/teacherfellowship/index.html
Tuesday September 20, 2016
Excited! Made it home in time for chat! Might be a topic my friends would be interested in! Danielle K Tchr in AZ!
I’m Anna Baldwin, teach HS English on the Flathead Reservation in Western Montana. Glad to be here!
Question 1 on “A Well-Rounded Education” is up in 1 minute!
A1: Lauren from Los Angeles, 8th ELA
Hello I'm Kam, a middle school special educator who teaches tier 3 reading intervention from Hardin, MT
A1. Mister E, NYC public high school social studies teacher 2016 USDOE Teacher Fellow
A1: Stacey Johnston HS Eng T from Las Vegas, NV & current Teaching Ambassador Fellow at US Dept. of Ed. 😊
A2: Saw this in a school last week. Well-rounded ed is one where kids have tools to author own story. https://t.co/UDxKdMG5z7
Amanda Z, Chem Teacher in Saranac Lake NY
A2: A well-rounded education means creating students who are prepared to enter the world as global citizens
A2: A 'well-rounded education' means all Ss engage in a wide variety of learning, from languages to arts to traditional "core"
A2. It sets students up to be successful in any endeavor beyond HS. Various knowledges taught
A2: A well-rounded ed is one where all kids have tools to pursue their unique passions through relevant learning experiences.
A2: Also, I'd like to see this start to be defined by students identities, interests and inquiries defining learning paths
A2. Well rounded focuses on meeting all need of Ss. Focusing on the whole learner, beyond academics.
do you have a single strategy you might highlight to do that?
great, Sean. Do you have any tried-and-true approaches for that?
A2. A well rounded education promotes & engages stakeholders in conversations about safety & health.
I love it! Do you have any resources to share?
Megan Learning Experience Designer Design39Campus in San Diego
great, Ptrick! Do you have any sure strategies to suggest?
A2. WRE focuses on the whole child, not just ELA and Math scores, & includes arts, civics, socio-emo, sports, clubs, interests
how do you work on that with your little ones, Danielle?
Robert from Los Angeles here. Middle school English.
A2. A well rounded education supports Ts to support Ss. This includes training, professional learning opps. etc.
Snehal from Nevada & I love
A2:Well rounded means not teaching in silos but integrating disciplines. Whole brain, whole child learning/teaching.
Thanks for joining, Robert! We are just sharing our definition of a well-rounded education.
thanks for joining, Snehal!
. I love what's coming out of Tacoma's Whole Child Initiative. Acct. data around extra-curricular enrollment
A2 A well-rounded education means the whole child is honored- social, emotional, soulful, & academic learning valued equally
do you have an example from a high school English classroom, Dallas?
Question 3 on “A Well-Rounded Education” is up in 1 minute!
A2.2 I agree with on the importance of interdisciplinary work. Provides a more holistic view of how things connect!
Q3: What does your school or district do well to ensure a well-rounded education for all students? https://t.co/9opuEqt0KM
yes! So important to think of entire school as a learning organization. An endeavor of mutual growth.
Whatever it is, write about it,talk about it,paint it,build it,film it,analyze it,dance it. It can be done.
A3: Most important element of well-rounded ed is great programs like !
What a great can-do attitude! https://t.co/Xg8V4HzvG4
Whatever it is, write about it,talk about it,paint it,build it,film it,analyze it,dance it. It can be done.
A3. Opportunities for Ss to participate in clubs/extracurriculars with low/no cost.
Kyle, learning strategist & technology coordinator from Las Vegas joining a bit late!
A3. Education that involves the stakeholders to share their expertise.
A-3 one thing we do is exposing kids to many areas AND also give opportunities to pursue & deepen passion areas
A3: Not enough, but I do like our new STEM program, which has STEM push in K-5 and electives in 6-8.
That's such a great idea! https://t.co/JoXbliRdOG
A3. Opportunities for Ss to participate in clubs/extracurriculars with low/no cost.
A2: Well rounded edu means addressing Ss interests with intentions of molding for the future, not simply teaching to a test
A3: Great arts programs are key, and not b/c they contribute 2 better achievement in other subjects. They matter for own sake.
so glad you could make it!
A3: Our high school has 1/3 of Ss in arts magnet, but all students can participate/audition. Many find that calling after gr9.
great point. Well rounded must be based in equity.
A3: I also like competitive ballroom dancing in grade 5!
Prioritize non-core subjects. Encourage s involvement n clubs/organizations. Starting to promote inter-disciplinary classes.
A3: We offer arts Ed in all schools in come capacity and choices like magnet and CTE.
A3: Not enuf, but requires foreign language, science, social studies, math, and English for grads,
is now trending in USA, ranking 48
Also clubs are available that focus on health, tech integration, & positive self image! https://t.co/uEks02rblJ
That's such a great idea! https://t.co/JoXbliRdOG
A3. Opportunities for Ss to participate in clubs/extracurriculars with low/no cost.
would be nice if assessments were designed to fit curriculum instead of the other way around!
A3: has many magnet and schools to address Ss interests and needs beyond a basic college prep
I love the idea of molding for the future!
A3 I see more balance in education. Parents & teachers waking up to the essential needs of all Ss, not only rigor & "results."
WHy I am a big fan of , something is absolutely great at!
A3 we have after school programs at no charge for S's and stipends for T's i.e. Media club science club robotics ceramics etc
A3: Many factors here req advocacy at district/state policy level--credit reqs, recruitment of tchrs, staffing levels
Bob Gerye, former prin of Las Vegas academy of the arts....Stacey's old principal
A3: Also requires electives in arts for graduation and offers PSAL sports teams, clubs, and student government
essential needs vs academic needs - great point!
makes content more meaningful and allows for more creativity in learning and applying
Was the driving force behind opening our 1st Arts Magnet school in 1993! Game changer! 🎼🎭🎻🎨
Is "required" a good thing in this arena? https://t.co/zbBqXJVKTn
A3: Many factors here req advocacy at district/state policy level--credit reqs, recruitment of tchrs, staffing levels
Question 4 on “A Well-Rounded Education” is up in 1 minute!
and require community service requirements as well....
Q4: Which topics and skills need to be included as part of instruction in a well-rounded classroom? https://t.co/yOfn30Zy8w
Would be hard but a national standard of choice of community or military service for all would be amazing
A4: As a social studies T, I'm a bit biased. BUT, well-rounded ed MUST include quality civics education.
Are you guys getting all this great discourse on A Well Rounded Ed? Retweet Us!
Agreed 100%! will also agree! https://t.co/QzgKSxsDDI
A4: As a social studies T, I'm a bit biased. BUT, well-rounded ed MUST include quality civics education.
A4: Geography! My 8th graders don't know anything beyond their city, and don't have a grasp of the world because of it
A4. I believe topics of growth mindset, intrinsic motivation, and opportunities to take risks & explore.
A4:I personally miss home ec,auto/wood shop. Life skills are still important and sometimes forgotten.
A4: I am also former social studies like but to add, financial literacy should be a HUGE part of every S education
A4. A huge topic taught in K, how we all contribute to the greater community!
A4: The basis for knowledge Madison spoke about is firm foundation in history and political processes. https://t.co/50ZNw2MJI6
A4- Collaboration, how to really communicate, problem solving, resourcefulness, global connections, grit
Why I like the setup of the magnet and schools, they tend to offer those choices of electives
oh I misunderstood your original statement! Agree!
. Teaching in silos is how HS was structured 150'yrs ago to develop a disciplined workforce
He was short in stature, but tall on the knowledge!
A4. More and more I really think s's would benefit from verbal/written communication skills, civics, how to handle others.
A4.5 And that fact that they do MATTER in the broader community and can institute improvements.
People are too comfortable with status quo at secondary. Reform/ redesign is too threatening.
A4 If a T cultivates a classroom filled with willingness, wisdom, wonder, & worth, the topics/skills will meet Ss' true needs
Check out the school I helped create. https://t.co/GWH8uY4wOm Public school changing the way kids experience learning
Students & Teachers have changed so much--education needs to catch up.
Much agreed. Home ec was actually a more valuable class for me that even I would benefit from again!
Our world has changed but schools resist
team building is essential in today's world.
A4: So over the false dichotomy of academic v. vocation. Can't we teach practical vocational training AND academic excellence?
A4: Well-rounded ed should equip kids w/ skills to engage in healthy discourse and debate, where disagreement can be civil.
agreed schools need to change, but not all resistance is school based. Ts often blocked from implementing change.
taught at a academy for 6 years, they may not get careers in their program, but they have a life skill now!
Totally. Changing tradition is difficult but CAN be done!
Living in a remote rural district I find it MIND-BOGGLING! Even initiating baby steps is quite the task!
Question 5 on “A Well-Rounded Education” is up in 1 minute!
Old habits dies hard, unfortunately, especially when change is drastic and often times untested
Unfortunately schools are governed by many who know no change lit or methods.
Wow, look how quickly A4 splintered in dozens of directions. No wonder it's hard to legislate/guide/define.
Q5: What component of a well-rounded education do you think is most commonly missing in schools? https://t.co/xi8R7KaEF8
Much hesitation comes from teachers. How do we as a US Ed system continue to promote the need for change?
A5: Consumer literacy. We don't do a good enough job preparing kids for real world of savings, credit, insurance, etc.
A5: At MS, character ed - we forget to teach kids to be good humans
especially important in an election, yes?
We empower teachers to be able to lead be more more than "just" teachers.
A5: Civic/financial education, PE are required, but emphasis is more on getting through, more emphasis would go a long way
is there a theme emerging?
A5. Agreed! Also in elementary school! Also WHY it's important to have good character! https://t.co/DqJd6mMWEr
A5: At MS, character ed - we forget to teach kids to be good humans
Q5: Going beyond an IEP to understand the relationship between mental health and pedagogical practice.
if we've been lacking a well-rounded ed, then maybe it can help with the current toxic political discourse!
A5: interdisciplinary application. Great things happening in indiv. rooms but not being tied together. Need PBL all around.
We are definitely on the same wavelength here... teachers UNITE!
A5. The actual step of initiating the change. Sometimes there is lots of talk/head ndding but no outcome.
A5: W/o financial literacy, students face risk of not enjoying full benefits of the rest of their education.
A5 I advocate for love, laughter & learning but see leadership lacking in classrooms today. All Ss need structure & stability
real-world skills are crucial!
You all are the leaders..the great minds and motivators of change. So how do u move up to a position to effect change?
You are too kind! Look forward to chatting with you more in person.
maybe the LACK of test is missing from a well-rounded ed. Hard to build standardized test for well-rounded!
Q5: A missing component is a parental infusion on lesson development/completion. Well rounded means school and home.
A5.2 In our HS it is an emphasis on the 'big picture' and executing collaborative/open lessons.
Well-rounded ed means addressing physical, emotional, intellectual, & cognitive needs.
Agreed! That's the whole point. We have to believe...take a leap of faith based on info that we are doing it.
A5: Pursuing an interest for the LOVE of it. We're so mired in scores, algorithm, practicality, cost-benefit. Where'a the love
Teacher ed programs address instructional preparedness, but fail to offer mental health counseling strategies.
maybe that's wrong question. Maybe question should be how do we worry less about "position" and more about ability>
A5.3 Agree I do think in some ways we miss actually hitting the emotional needs. Lots of stuff but little movement
Even is small our voices are mighty, just initiating the convo is a great start!
How can we be effective teachers, leaders, and advocates without understanding the cognitive health needs of our children?
Thank you, yes. I've gained much patience and how to measure small success in the past 11 years! Voice is needed.
A5: I actually think it may be civic action. Teach gov't theory, but meaning is in application. Maybe most imp subj in all edu
Question 6 on “A Well-Rounded Education” is up in 1 minute!
Q5: A significant component is the opportunity for therapeutic services as a part of the school day.
can you describe an open lesson
problem is that we assess the theory, not the application. Education values are seen in assessments!
Preach, my colleague! Leadership, LOVE, laughter, & learning are all equally vital. https://t.co/ITxsjOXHKQ
A5: Pursuing an interest for the LOVE of it. We're so mired in scores, algorithm, practicality, cost-benefit. Where'a the love
A5- Play, time in the natural world, and the encouragement to question/criticize "truths"
Q6: How can schools invite parents/community to partner in a well-rounded education for students? https://t.co/Tv41nrxmq6
BRING BACK THE LOVE YO!!!!!!
A6: Include Ps/community in reform decisions, open doors to visitors, communicate in as many formats as possible to reach out
A6: We do a Fun Run, which promotes S health as well as allows community partners to particpate as well
new teachers often struggle with elements outside their discipline
A6: Invite community into school to serve as mentors. Teams will be doing GREAT work in this space at this weekend!
this cross country coach LOVES that idea!
A6:Erase the idea of 1x open house or conference for - only. Open doors & create community. It will be a shift for all but...
A6 Since parents & Ts share common goals, their approaches to children should mirror each other. Consistency & shared purpose!
A6. Invite Ps & comm. in with intention. Leverage their skills. Make your needs explicit for why you need P/comm. involvement.
A6: Saw a great model of community school here in LV.Every class had a volunteer(s) in EVERY day. Amazing!
Great idea. Schools should be a central part of community. Have to be open to make that happen! https://t.co/cGD2kKFf4y
A6:Erase the idea of 1x open house or conference for - only. Open doors & create community. It will be a shift for all but...
A6. We bring in community employers to talk w/ sophomores and juniors abt employment + college items.
🛫🛫 Wheels up for me, ya'll. Good chattin!
well rounded edu applied to parents to
A6: I love the idea of community schools that offer wrap around services for all community members...?
I think you hit a key missing part. Many parents WANT to help, but don't know how. Schools must have clear tasks.
We do open houses, parent teacher conferences. Any suggestions on increasing participation?
We are public schools right? Collaboration with community is key. https://t.co/0whzyJWNzR
A6:Erase the idea of 1x open house or conference for - only. Open doors & create community. It will be a shift for all but...
A6 Educate parents that kids need rules&routines, sympathy&support, passion&purpose, & scaffolds&strategies at home & school.
I love this! who is being mentored in that scenario?
just like any good educational experience, ALL parties should be able to learn!
Question 7 on “A Well-Rounded Education” is up in 1 minute!
passion is super important in edu!
This is a great idea! https://t.co/sbAQMmmH77
A lesson where students get time to explore anything THEY want on a topic. I started this last year working w/ a tech teacher.
Thanks for the chat! Need to take care of the kiddos before comes on!
Q7: What non-instructional programs/supports are needed to ensure a well-rounded education? https://t.co/Ee6OZ1EJ29
Great ? In primary we tend to have lots of P involvement. I wonder what changes for primary to HS. https://t.co/drq2Fcmwgb
We do open houses, parent teacher conferences. Any suggestions on increasing participation?
thanks for joining, Kyle!
Q6:Meet parents where they are! After calls home, newsletters, and emails, show up when it matters. Give time 2 get their time
A7: More staff trained in social/emotional support. 1.6 mill Ss have school security but no counselor. https://t.co/d4gbkU0x7X
A7: opportunity, community involvement,parent involvement,clear communication.
Everyone on staff is a leader!
I agree with . Resources like time and money. Of course these are easily tweeted....
Q7: Community WiFi to expand digital learning in low income environments
that says something about our priorities.
That has been my $100 question.
A7: Have to make sure basic needs of kids are met in order for them to make most of well-rounded ed. https://t.co/UcyFUuqBK1
A7. Supports could include social/emotional training. Also training in how to work effectively with Ps.
Yes Robert. We engage in a similar method. Serve a dinner for families. Minimal turnout at best!
Excellent point. 21st century well-rounded ed. should be accessible to Ss at ALL times, not just school day.
yes, and just like the message sent by focus on standardized testing, I don't like the message.
many new teachers need guidance in forming partnerships with parents
favorite Joe Biden quote "Don't tell me your values. Show me your budget; I'll tell you your values."
In so many school systems, so true. https://t.co/vQoZGeFC7Z
favorite Joe Biden quote "Don't tell me your values. Show me your budget; I'll tell you your values."
A7. I feel as though it extends beyond simple $. An environment that encourages innovation, outreach, connection.
very true. $ alone can't be the only possible fix...we can' wait that long to make needed changes!
Wish I could have made ! Loved the topic - hate the time... my kids just don't want to cooperate when we have great weather!
Thank you for joining tonight’s chat. We look forward our next chat, the third Tuesday of each month from 7-8 pm EST!
Sometimes the culture of a district is what has to evolve. https://t.co/3upQa7PuGN
A7. I feel as though it extends beyond simple $. An environment that encourages innovation, outreach, connection.
