Run by Iowa educators, #IAedchat is on Twitter the first, second, and third Sundays each month at 8:00pm CST. We have added #IAedchat LIVE to the fourth Sunday of the month at 8:00pm CST. This will take place in Google Hangout on Air. We will share the invitation and link to #IAedchat LIVE each month.
Honoring these people today and always, who were willing to risk the ultimate sacrifice. My grandpas - Korea and WWII veterans - and my grandma was a life-long Auxiliary member! I thank these, and many many others for their service. #IAedChat
Good evening! My name is Meghan Blakey and I’m a school counselor in Klein ISD (TX). I have the privilege of working with school staff that reimagines learning daily so I’m excited for this chat! #iaedchat
Good evening, everyone. Dan Butler, principal of #eesbobcats in Western Dubuque Schools. Excited to engage in the conversation with all of you tonight. #iaedchat
A1: Sitting still at our desks with full focus on the teacher(s). We still hold onto it because it’s easier to control the whole classroom when rules are applied at large, but I think we could see great differences if we allowed students to be more comfortable. #IAedChat
Hello! My name is Leah. I am a kindergarten teacher in MN. I'm looking forward to sharing and gaining a new perspective to see how learning is reimagined in other districts and states! #iaedchat
A1 that teachers have to be the keepers of the knowledge. One reason we haven’t let go of it is that adults aren’t completely ready to allow kids to direct the learnings and we still struggle with the power dynamic that exists when we think we control the content #iaedchat
A1: Traditional school calendar - 9 months on, three months off. It would upset the way we’ve always done things - but we could provide so much more to a great deal of kiddos in a number of atmospheres! #IAedChat
A1: In many ways the schedule and calendar. It's one of those "We've always done it this way" kind of things that we just keep it going. What if we had a variety of start and stop times, especially for HS and let kids build their day? #iaedchat
Q1: Industrial Mode of education - we need to let go of "consequences" aka a "pound of flesh" for students with behavioral needs. If detention changed behavior, why are the same kids always there? It is about meeting needs, connecting with kids - #relationships#iaedchat
A1: I think first about how we handle behavior. We still hold tight to the idea that punishment will change a kids’ behavior when years of research, info on the brain and a plethora of other things tell us different information. #IAedChat
A1: In many ways the schedule and calendar. It's one of those "We've always done it this way" kind of things that we just keep it going. What if we had a variety of start and stop times, especially for HS and let kids build their day? #iaedchat
A1: Discipline measures used to punish, rather than to teach and prevent the behavior from happening in the future. It's still done because that is what is known. Know better, do better. #iaedchat
A1: that student mastery of a topic is confined to a certain amount of time. We haven’t let it go b/c school is still set up on an age based, 9-10 mo schedule with no flexibility on S’s working at different paces/timelines over time #iaedchat
A1: I think first about how we handle behavior. We still hold tight to the idea that punishment will change a kids’ behavior when years of research, info on the brain and a plethora of other things tell us different information. #IAedChat
A1: We hold on to the concept of school and how we learned. We need to think outside the box: flexible seating, day start and ending times, calendar, teaching across grade levels, letter grades....#iaedchat
A1: Many teachers/parents grew up in a school system built of rote learning and found success doing so. This can lead to some teachers diverting from this because they found success learning this way. However, kids today are growing up differently than we did. #IAedchat
Yes, sadly. My colleague @JustinBlietz is a rockstar at restorative practices. We have to change how we look at behavior and our response to it. All behavior is communication. #iaedchat
A2: To me, #FutureReady means students are equipped to function and thrive in a world that doesn't yet exist. They are equipped to think deeply, problem solve, effectively collaborate and communicate through a variety of platforms, including face to face. #iaedchat
A2 to be future ready we need to teach students how to be problem solvers, ask questions , reflect and be adaptable. We must instill a passion for learning through a growth mindset. #iaedchat
A2. Embracing and accepting change. I think the biggest thing “we” can do is not get comfortable. There is concrete content to share but instruction shouldn’t be the same year to year. #IAedChat
A2: To be future ready means that kids have the skills and competencies to thrive in the future. It's much more about those "soft skills" that are essential skills- collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking among them. #iaedchat
A2 #IAedChat Preparing our students to be able to work with others, adapt to change, be problem solvers, and be able to take calculated risks while trying something new.
You know, as I wrote that I realized that Polaroid is back at it (having bought a new Polaroid last year, I should have remembered). Guess I need a new disrupted company. Ha! #iaedchat
A2: #FutureReady, to me, means being open to the possibility of anything. New ways to teach & learn, new technologies to enhance learning, new structures to schools, new ideas that haven't been considered yet. Being open to a different way of educating. #iaedchat
A2: Let’s build in and teach the skills that transcend our buildings- team work, effective communication, all the SEL compentencies. These things will have a much better, long term impact for kids no matter what pathway they chose to go! #IAEdchat
A2: ❤️ this idea - we need to provide pathways to local economy, military and college, and global opportunity. Society may be different than it was 25 yrs ago, but we have to adapt so when students “play school” they are still reaching the expectations we have for them! #iaedchat
A2:future ready means adaptable, able to solve problems & being a team player.We help S’s become those things by providing problems to solve,offering encouragement & telling them the qualities of greatness we see in them so that they come to believe that is who they are #iaedchat
A2: #FutureReady means preparing students for an advancing world and helping them learn to adapt. We can help our students become critical thinkers/problem solvers while also emphasizing the importance of jobs that don’t require a college degree #IAedChat
A2: We need to be teaching 21st century skills, coding, and preparing kids for a future that looks different than ours did. WE need to be the guide. #iaedchat
Students need to be creative, problem solvers. Our world/technology is ever changing. Students who can think critically and creatively will adjust to this with more ease. #IAedChat
A2: Let’s build in and teach the skills that transcend our buildings- team work, effective communication, all the SEL compentencies. These things will have a much better, long term impact for kids no matter what pathway they chose to go! #IAEdchat
A2. To me preparing students to be future ready means we need to give them the flexibility and tools to be able to work in jobs or industries that may not be in existence in today's world. #iaedchat
Students need to be creative, problem solvers. Our world/technology is ever changing. Students who can think critically and creatively will adjust to this with more ease. #IAedChat
Our students need to know how to accept feedback, as well as learning to advocate for their needs, while conducting uncomfortable, but necessary conversations. These skills are timeless, but so necessary. #iaedchat
A2: To me, #FutureReady means students are equipped to function and thrive in a world that doesn't yet exist. They are equipped to think deeply, problem solve, effectively collaborate and communicate through a variety of platforms, including face to face. #iaedchat
A2: Future ready is guiding students to bridge the gap between gaining knowledge that is foundational and applying those skills which requires problem solving, collaboration, flexibility and perseverance. #IAedChat
A1 #iaedchat Classroom physical arrangement! If one is still in rows/desks, one needs to catch up! The Fundamental Five is a MUST read, check it out! Ss must collaborate/talk!
A2 "Future Ready" should examine the role of Ts, in addition to student preparation. What kind of preparation, time, pay, and voice do we entrust to the people who do this work as we move forward? #iaedchat
A3:
Spaces for student collaboration.
Spaces for teacher collaboration.
Flexible spaces that can change and grow throughout the years.
And, of course, lots of plug ins!
#IAEdchat
A3: Ask the students? A giant student wish list. That’d be interesting to see and discuss. Especially older students who have only experienced desks, rows, and assigned seating. #akaeducationalprison#IAedChat
A3: Ask the Ss for input; Partnerships with community for on-the-job learning; Flexible, non-traditional learning environment; Un-traditional calendar; Feedback & self-assessments for grading along the learning journey; Do more to support SEBMH needs. #IAedChat
A3: No more boxes connected by hallways. Design the learning and collaborative spaces to be acoustically pleasing as well as aesthetically pleasing. Lot's of natural light. The library as the hub of activity. Mobile, flexible, adjustable areas. #iaedchat
A3: Look at the data: achievement, discipline, staffing, economy, future projections of school community. Gather the data, talk to stakeholders and create a plan that has flexibility to address current needs with flexibility for what comes next. #iaedchat
A3: I think this truly starts with voices of the Ss and Ts. Voice and choice is so important - those who feel invested in their education - curriculum and environment - will work hard towards shared goals. #IAEdchat
A3 If school were reinvented how many of our current systems/classes would remain? I would get rid of the “stuff” that limits kids ability to play,create, and work together in an environment that is conducive to their growth and not our desire for quiet compliance #iaedchat
A3: innovative and collaborative learning environments, an ample collection of books, hands-on/interactive technology, various seating accommodations, integrated arts/music! #IAEdchat
A3: lots of windows (b/c nature grounds us), lots of flex space (so S’s can choose how they learn), a room for yoga/calming (so S’s learn a new way to handle stress) & then I’d fill it with incredible positive, solution-focused adults! #iaedchat
A3 start with people who will facilitate learning they must be risk takers communicators innovators & relationship builders. We would have classrooms that are learning spaces with alternative seating and plenty of opportunities in the schedule for students to explore #iaedchat
A3: I would create a school that encompasses pathways and options for Ss to learn content differently, responsibility, service learning, connections with members of the community, calendar and start/stop times...#iaedchat
A3: Interaction between multi-age students. Lots of designing, building, revising products for real-world purposes, with reflection and evaluation. Much more interaction with community members. Thoughtful decisions about skill sets and how best to develop them. #iaedchat
A3: Open spaces for collaboration, mobile labs & smart stations so learners have tools they need to work, classrooms with flexible learning spaces & libraries full off books. #iaedchat
A3: I would be considerate of how to best support kids impacted by trauma. I’ve seen sensory items built onto walls, patterns put on to floors so kids aren’t just walking in straight lines. More importantly I would bring in Ts that would do anything to help kids! #IAedChat
A2 #IAedChat Future ready means our Ss leave our school systems prepared to do ANYTHING they want to do as long as they put in the work. School systems MUST provide the necessary resources to make this possible! Technology is a key!
A3:
Spaces for student collaboration.
Spaces for teacher collaboration.
Flexible spaces that can change and grow throughout the years.
And, of course, lots of plug ins!
#IAEdchat
A3b plenty of open meeting spaces for collaboration, maker labs, STEM and coding labs, video production labs. Places for students to create their own projects with the tools and materials necessary to do so #iaedchat
A3: Open/flexible space w options for students and staff members. Curricular resources that are valid, reliable, and relevant to student learning. A caring and dedicated staff who embrace a trauma-responsive model. Strong accountability systems that also allow autonomy. #iaedchat
The new MS in my district is amazing! It has flexible classrooms and seats. There are student collaboration spaces and independent work areas, garage doors on classrooms, natural light, outdoor work spaces, & more! This is how I would love our elem. to be. #IAedchat
Just like to say, these are great questions but it’s a bit sad that most of these are hypothetical and not reality. How does it go from chat to reality? #wannawalkthewalk#IAedChat
A3: The first step for me would be deciding who surround myself with. If you don't have a team with similar goals and priorities who are willing to try new things and put kids first, even the most perfectly designed school will fail. #iaedchat
I think that collaboration is very important. Be sure that there are spaces for student collaboration and teacher collaboration. Also, getting input from students, teachers and the community to accommodate the needs of all. #iaedchat
Could be spaces for job training, STEM activities, cooking or basic life skills. As well as spaces for Parent education after the school day is over. Spaces need to be built to be multipurpose. #IAEdchat
Q4: Sometimes, there are barriers to change or doing things a new way. What is holding back schools from innovating and what can be done address these barriers? #IAedchat
A4:
$$$$$$$
Lawmakers and those who write policy that don't understand why we need to change.
Educate those who are making those decisions about why they are important changes.
#IAEdchat
Q4: Sometimes, there are barriers to change or doing things a new way. What is holding back schools from innovating and what can be done address these barriers? #IAedchat
A3: We just did this in Johnston over the past year at Wallace Elementary. We really focused on our district Mission and Vision and what we believed our students needed to be successful. From structure to standards - from social skills and mental health. #iaedchat
A5: I would make a whole lot of money if I had a solution or solid game plan to overcome the barriers...but where do I begin? Oh that’s right: #fundingfundingfunding#IAedChat
A3 #IAedChat Instead of inflexible classrooms, build them with collaborative spaces. Not necessarily an open-concept but the flexibility to open things up for groups of students and/or specific collab spaces built in. Very high-tech. One-to-one devices.
A4: People need to see the purpose and the part they play. It's about understanding the journey and why. Leadership that is immovable or unwilling to model risk taking or trying something new can underscore the belief that status quo is the way to go. #iaedchat
A4: I believe the greatest barriers are our own mental models and educational paradigms. I believe both can be shifted through dialogue, learning, and time. #iaedchat
A4 Two things that hold us back are funding and the traditional model of school. We have to educate and sell the idea and benefits of innovation and technology to our patrons because many of them have believes grounded in the traditional school model. #iaedchat
A4: access to tech, prescribed curriculums and testing all get in the way of freedom of education. How do you provide equal access to everything for S’s when access to funding isn’t equitable across schools? Even within the same district... #iaedchat
A4: Funding and support (from community or otherwise) - involve them in the planning and thoroughly communicate the plan - be willing to take risks together to do what’s best for students. #IAedChat
A4: funding, bureaucracy, politics. As a double major in El Ed and Political Science, I understand the struggles that schools have in regards to innovation and barriers. Identify solutions, lobby your local reps, and ask for solutions! #IAEdchat
A4: mindset, lack of resources, reliving what used to be, unrealistic teacher workload and expectations. We’ve all seen the 1800’s teacher requirements. Can’t forget that T’s have families, lives, and loyalties outside of school. #iaedchat
Time and trust are big factors. Scripted mandates interfere with hard discussions and decisions by on-the-ground stakeholders. Time to plan and trust to try things and make mistakes are critical - and it models this messy, necessary process for Ss in diff contexts #iaedchat
A4: Fear of the unknown. Feeling comfort and a certain level of predictability allows schools to feel safe. Change is necessary, but also hard. #IAedChat
A4: Educating staff to help create a sense of urgency & buy in. Educate families do they understand the change & will advocate for it. Educate lawmakers on the changes needed to support learners today. & a strong visionary leader who can do all this for their learners. #iaedchat
A4 #IAedchat What is holding us back? Lack of resources and support. We need more funds to have the materials to teach our students, more staff to support our students, and more time to get everything done.
Change can be uncomfortable. When leaders encourage their teachers to try new things, even if it means failing hard, they put more emphasis on process over product. #IAedchat
Liberty High School in Iowa City is an excellent example of a new school (2 years) positive focus - student focus - great opportunity & growth mindset!
#IAedChat
A4 #IAedchat I think there might be a certain amount of fear of failure! We need to model risk-taking for our teachers, even if it means failure! We learn from our mistakes and should encourage teachers to take educationally sound chances, follow their guts!
A4: So often our mindsets/fear of the unknown hold us back as it’s easier to do what we know than stand up for what is right. So many stakeholders are comfortable w/how Ss should play school & obtain grades vs gain knowledge to apply to a successful life beyond school #iaedchat
A4 Too often we forget “why” we do what we do. A large barrier is when we forget our chief purpose is to serve kids and do what is best for them on a daily basis. Don’t let adult problems get in the way from changing a kids life each day! #IAedchat
Agreed, Jake! Fear can be paralyzing. We stay in our comfort zones, even though we know it's not good for kids but it's less painful than risking something. #iaedchat
A4 #IAedchat I think there might be a certain amount of fear of failure! We need to model risk-taking for our teachers, even if it means failure! We learn from our mistakes and should encourage teachers to take educationally sound chances, follow their guts!
A5: It should be an essential component. If we focus on learning rather than delivering content we should be able to ensure students are proficient in standards while pursuing their passions. #iaedchat
A5: I think helping kids find a passion area or even something they are curious about is hugely important. Asking questions & finding ways to solve problems is a life skill that goes far beyond the school. #iaedchat
A5: If we are not designing learning around student interests and passions, we're missing a huge opportunity for kids to have some ownership of their learning. It is going to require us to know the kids well and find many ways to match standards w/ interest. #iaedchat
A5: It fits incredibly well - especially in the future of today’s schools. We need to honor student interest and passion in order to evoke creativity and problem solving. #IAedChat
A5: I’ve seen a version of this in the Chicago Public Schools when I spent two summers there. I think it’s an interesting technique and we should definitely allow more student choice in learning #IAEdchat
A5: I think it should be part of the school day, sort of like how S’s rotate through PE, music and art, they could rotate through a project based learning time throughout their regular school day #iaedchat
A4 #IAedchat I think there might be a certain amount of fear of failure! We need to model risk-taking for our teachers, even if it means failure! We learn from our mistakes and should encourage teachers to take educationally sound chances, follow their guts!
A5: I used to be vehemently all about this. Switched schools and saw a huge difference in math and science competency; so I know it can't be all choice all the time, but in most cases, we need a lot more of this. I mean, a lot more. #iaedchat
A5: It should be a part of school each and everyday. Students will take more interest and effort into things that they are passionate about or interested in. Why not let them learn the skills they need for the future, on topics and ideas they are curious about.
#IAEdchat
A5: There are lots of ways to do this and I think student buy in around the curriculum is a good start. What do kids want to know/learn in that content and how can we use the curriculum as a vehicle to get them that information? #IAedChat
Let's look at supermarkets - they have gluten free, vegan, Spanish, Italian, Mexican food sections - they get it! We need to change how we think, create & provide educational opportunities for kids, families & involve communities! #IAedChat
A5 #IAedchat When students are excited and passionate about what they are learning, they push themselves to do more and work harder; just like adults. Making those connections to learning will help our students be successful.
A5: Interest and passion need to be a part of our schools. It should be part of an ongoing process like genius hour/PBL/Community connections. #iaedchat
A5 It better be the heart of our schools and their mission. We need more student led classrooms & learning opportunities, students need to be able to collaborate and share their ideas and stories and explore their interests. People passionate about what the do succeed #iaedchat
A5: It should be an essential component. If we focus on learning rather than delivering content we should be able to ensure students are proficient in standards while pursuing their passions. #iaedchat
At the elem. level, Genius Hour has led to some great interest-based learning, as well as PBL. At the HS level, we need to give Ss more opportunities to explore potential career paths. Get the community and businesses involved. #IAedchat
If their guts are telling them to stick to their guns, we have to figure out how to navigate that fear. Me failing can just make me look incompetent as a leader, which doesn’t help anyone else branch out. #iaedchat
A5: Ss Intrest & Passion based learning is authentic and will always provide opportunities for growth and purposeful learning. Doing otherwise misinforma stakeholders that we as Ts are the holders of knowledge and info can only be obtained through 1 process. #IAedChat
A6: the core subjects (literacy, social studies, science, and math) are incredibly important but life skills classes/knowledge have been a critical component to my success at @northerniowa. We need family sciences, financial literacy, social skills, etc. #IAEdchat
A6 Budgeting/Finance 101, collaboration,community service, public speaking. Saying this how much of what we currently require truly prepares kids for life beyond school? #IAedchat
A6: There are certain standards that all graduating seniors should be upheld to. The way in which they reach those standards don’t have to be ‘standard’. #IAedChat
A6: The core competencies as well as the ability to work well with others, being able to produce and not always consume knowledge, the ability to be a responsible/respectful citizen, and a contributor to the community. #iaedchat
A6: There are certain standards that all graduating seniors should be upheld to. The ways in which they reach those standards don’t have to be ‘standard’. #IAedChat
Literacy, research, written and spoken communication, numeracy, multi-step problem-solving, organizing and prioritizing to complete projects and tasks, being open-minded, service learning, govt, select foundations in history & science #iaedchat
I think getting to a culture that approves of failure as a part of learning, you have to change this paradigm. I totally agree with you Mande, and making that connection for folks is something I struggle with. #iaedchat
A6: In addition to core content standards: social/emotional competencies, financial literacy, some component of service learning/volunteer hours. Silly, but how to effectively read to learn independently. #iaedchat
At the elem. level, Genius Hour has led to some great interest-based learning, as well as PBL. At the HS level, we need to give Ss more opportunities to explore potential career paths. Get the community and businesses involved. #IAedchat
A6: As im sure most districts are doing the same - I believe we need to guide our Ss in building competencies beyond the academic realm. Proud of my district as we have outlined those to make them a priority with our mission and vision. #futureready#iaedchat
Let's support kids in high school to understand that college isn't everything - let's help them learn to connect, relate & problem solve to find their passions! This will increase graduation & secondary opportunities for all students! #iaedchat
I think it’s too bad that we have to shift the culture to recognize that we we are human, we screw up, we continue to learn, and all of that is okay. #iaedchat
Absolutely, Terese! Graduate with a plan and a pathway. Help kids see that college isn't the only answer. Don't spiral in to debt to get a degree you don't want and might not use. #iaedchat
A7: Vary content, process, and product so learners can demonstrate what they know while showcasing their strengths. Resource: https://t.co/ZfMX1AaXeQ#iaedchat
A7 we have to ask students what they want make them a part of the conversation it has to be their school their education not ours we must partner together for their future not try to force kids into the same box #iaedchat
Student Voice needs to be heard in our goal of positive school & climate. How do we hear from our students to protect targets of bullying? To increase positive climates? To increase student achievement? Include them in the conversation!
#iaedchat
A7: I’m going to be really blunt now: educators/“the adults” simply need to shut up and listen. You want to foster #stuvoice? then we have to ask, listen, and value our students and their voice. #IAedChat
A7: on my first day of teaching, I want to spend a significant amount of time creating a classroom culture and climate that fosters collaboration and peer learning. I will be my student’s teacher, but my students will have so much to teach me. #IAEdchat
A7: We have to encourageage Ss to take risks and share opinions in a safe environment. Then, we have to model how to use their feedback to make decisions. Empowerment of voice and choice takes us giving up control and encouraging perspective from all stakeholders. #IAedChat
A7: We have to initially value student voice to encourage it! Then for some it's just a conscious effort and change of practice to create ways to invite them in. #iaedchat
A7 Give students opportunities to share feedback/suggestions about THEIR learning experiences. I grow the most as a leader when I ask kids “what do you like how your learning? What would you change and how? “ don’t forget who you serve! #IAedchat
Make time to pursue the things on our wonder walls. Stop overwhelming Ts with so many specific standards and do big-picture instruction more effectively, including time for individual student curiosities, interests, excursions, guest speakers, and project iterations. #iaedchat
A7: allow S’s the opportunity to have a say in how they reach expectations via classroom assessments. Talk to S’s about their prior experience and bring their outside of school lives into their learning. #iaedchat
A7: Student voice and choice isn't an event. It is ongoing and fluid. We provide opportunities for failure and growth. We help Ss work toward the possibilities of an ever changing world. #iaedchat
Boom! There it is. Mic drop. We also need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Just because I have worksheets that I've used for the last 18 years doesn't mean I'm doing good stuff. Hear the kids!!! #iaedchat
A7: Simple enough, but ask them. How do you learn best. How can I best support your learning. What interests you? Do you feel that you have an adult in school that is connected to you? #iaedchat
Thanks to tonight's participants and my partners in moderating @danpbutler and @duffysclassroom!
Don’t forget to bookmark our #IAedChat google site which houses an archive of these chats, our live chats, and resources! https://t.co/q8mtcjVIo3
What a team of rock stars tonight. That hour flew! You folks are amazing for the work you do every day for kids. Keep pushing, keep growing, keep #iaedchat -ing.
Q7: when setting up an intervention or accommodation for a student, ask them what their ideas are to best help them learn and grow. Student have amazed me with their responses. Collaboration with our students is key. #IAedChat
