We are so thrilled that you are joining #G2Great tonight to discuss this very important topic. It’s time we took back the chains that are binding and exacerbating our professional goals. Let’s do this friends!
@franmcveigh@hayhurst3@brennanamy
Welcome to our #G2Great chat tonight. Huge topic
Shades of gray . . . How good is good enough when we are talking about precious resources and student learning?
Welcome to #G2Great! We are so honored you are going to spend this hour with us! Tonight, we are calling publishers to task! What are we saying yes to? What are we saying no to? What materials do we need to help us keep student-centered? @franmcveigh@DrMaryHoward@brennanamy
I believe that we have a responsibility to call publishers and marketers to task. Anything that has the potential to usurp the time we need to do right by kids deserves to be called to task #G2Great
#G2GREAT Wondering, are publishers of these programs and sellers of the "stuff" on TPT aware that their practices are not best practices? What selling points make them so appealing to teachers? Why so many investments?
A1. We must ALWAYS ask how does this ADD value to student learning and is "this" the best use of our time, energy, and $. If it's too good to be true, call in the healthy skeptics???
WHY?
WHY NOW?
#G2Great
A1 We have to remember the ART of teaching. We have to want to design experiences for our students and do right by them. Following a program blindly doesn’t take a college degree, but designing wonderful experiences takes more. Want better, do better! #G2Great
A1 Until we can verbalize our WHY we will be open to any snake oil salesman looking for a sucker. If you can’t put your values into words, you probably don’t have them! #G2Great
#G2GREAT A1. I think that the words "easy" "fun" "cute" draw many teachers in who don't know any better. We know when to put up our shields, but how do we shield teachers from this junk who don't know any better?
Values must come before all else. When I was a new teacher, I thought I had to have the pretty worksheets. I spent hours on them! Now I know my kids need a great classroom library and writing notebooks. #g2great
A1. When I oversaw a city's literacy dept I did not in 5 years meet with publishers. I was far too busy working alongside teachers and principals. That's were I learned. I knew we could not buy our way out of the challenges before us. #G2Great
#G2GREAT A1. I think that the words "easy" "fun" "cute" draw many teachers in who don't know any better. We know when to put up our shields, but how do we shield teachers from this junk who don't know any better?
A1: Stock answer: keep kids in mind with all we do. But I do think it is more than that. We need to decide that their time is worth more than crappy stuff. #g2great
A1- What do we value? Children being busy? Compliant? Dutifully ticking boxes? What is more important at this moment in time? Will they remember this tomorrow? How will this serve them in the long term? #g2great
#G2GREAT A1 ... I think what bothers me the most is that when we point out that maybe some of these programs and materials aren't the best, instead of listening and thinking, too many teachers become DEFENSIVE and AGGRESSIVE. That is dangerous!
A1: A program will never know our students so how could any one resource meet their needs and interests. Convenience can’t rule over best practices #G2Great
#g2great It is essential that school communities-that means all involved-get clear on their core beliefs and values so they have a barometer to identify what aligns and what doesn’t. Being easy and accessible isn’t enough.
A1: Stock answer: keep kids in mind with all we do. But I do think it is more than that. We need to decide that their time is worth more than crappy stuff. #g2great
A1 Thoughtful reflection precedes AND follows all we do. When you truly have values, you see resource invitations through the lens of those value. Our beliefs protect us from losing our way. #G2Great
#G2GREAT A1. I think that the words "easy" "fun" "cute" draw many teachers in who don't know any better. We know when to put up our shields, but how do we shield teachers from this junk who don't know any better?
A1. When I oversaw a city's literacy dept I did not in 5 years meet with publishers. I was far too busy working alongside teachers and principals. That's were I learned. I knew we could not buy our way out of the challenges before us. #G2Great
#g2great Hi Jen, I think open hearted material that puts kids first is important. And I think it helps to have a knowledge base and it needs to be thoughtful and not “gimmicky”.
In reply to
@hayhurst3, @franmcveigh, @DrMaryHoward, @brennanamy
I love that so much Gravity. If we can’t verbalize those beliefs then how can we possible ensure that those things we choose to bring into our teaching will even be worthy of our kids? Our beliefs help us filter all that is available #G2Great
#g2great It is essential that school communities-that means all involved-get clear on their core beliefs and values so they have a barometer to identify what aligns and what doesn’t. Being easy and accessible isn’t enough.
#G2GREAT A1. Planning is backwards when teachers see a cute or fun unit on places like Pinterest or TPT and then design planning around it. Powerful instruction happens when we step back, and let student needs and questions drive the simulations/tasks we place before them.
A1 IMHO, Ts need 2 understand and explain their beliefs about teaching & learning. Once that’s clear in their minds, every decision about kids & T practice should be made w/that in mind. #g2great
A1 Thoughtful reflection precedes AND follows all we do. When you truly have values, you see resource invitations through the lens of those value. Our beliefs protect us from losing our way. #G2Great
A1 I get overwhelmed with the products and philosophies out there and so I love the question that gets me thinking about my values and what I know about best practice for children #g2great
A1 Our innermost beliefs hold us accountable. We can’t say we value authenticity and then invest our energies in a program riddled with shallow practices. Values give us courage to say “HELL NO” #G2Great
A1: Establishing beliefs that are rooted in our students' well-being and success. Staying true to our vision. Guiding students to growth with resources/ideas that engage them on a deep, personal level. Analyzing resources to determine efficacy in guiding and maintaining. #g2great
#g2great Hi Jen, I think open hearted material that puts kids first is important. And I think it helps to have a knowledge base and it needs to be thoughtful and not “gimmicky”.
In reply to
@hayhurst3, @franmcveigh, @DrMaryHoward, @brennanamy
Better late than not at all, I hope! Teri Langlie, teacher educator from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. Looking forward to learning together tonight! #G2Great
I think that we tend to be very uncomfortable calling our THINGs to task, but when the stakes are so high (kids), why wouldn’t we be willing to put those things under a microscope rather than to blindly trust the creator? #G2Great
A1a When looking at our resources, we need to see what values our students. We can’t buy into programs that promise one answer to solve all problems. Our students need to be treated as individuals & we need resources that will develop teacher capacity to work with them. #g2great
I think we have to be in the driver's seat of our professional learning. We need to stay current so we have knowledge of effective practices so we aren't swayed by ineffective programs/resources. This means reading a lot of professional books, journals, etc...#g2great
A1b We need to remember that resources should not take away the reflection that educators need to think about what each child needs and deserves. Cute worksheets that “fit” for all students are rarely a good option. They usually are good as time fillers only. #g2great
A2. Computers cannot replace competent, qualified teachers.
Students most at risk need the MOST reading time.
All students need time to read & write daily
#G2Great
#G2GREAT Always go back to the goals and objectives- What do I want my students to KNOW and be able to DO... If my "activities" or final products don't align with my objectives, I'm throwing out everything that we learned in undergraduate studies!
Hi Friends, my friend Lindsay is our literacy coach. Please follow her on Twitter. Lindsay, please follow them back. @DrMaryHoward@hayhurst3@brennanamy@mrbgilson@ssvincent#g2great I know there are more to follow. If any of my friends see this please follow Lindsay.
Great question Lisa. We can’t say that every child is unique and thus has unique learning needs and then buy a program that treats them as if they are instructional clones. It doesn’t work that way #G2Great
A1: A program will never know our students so how could any one resource meet their needs and interests. Convenience can’t rule over best practices #G2Great
A2 Accelerated Reader is way high on my list. It boggles my mind that so many educators still applaud AR & refuse to call it to task. You can’t defend the indefensible and yet we surely do! #G2Great
A2 anything that promotes learning to read as a simple task - Anything heavily rooted in phonics as the only thing needed when teaching students to read. Or skills only instruction. They deserve comprehensive programs bc reading IS comprehensive even from day 1. #G2Great
I agree with you - it's really hard as a new teacher to figure out what our priorities should be... I think this fact should make us especially protective of the new teacher's in our spheres of influence! #g2great
It is hard and takes the courage that Dr. Mary Howard is referring to, but by following your heart and doing it “the right way” to meet students’ needs. Your peers will notice—eventually. It is SO worth it. And eventually some will come around!! #G2Great
#G2GREAT Dangerous traps that catch teachers:
Scripted curriculums
Accelerated Reader
"Class Dojo" and publicly shaming students for their behavior
Pinterest
Teachers Pay Teachers
I'm ready to shed light on WHAT'S WRONG with these, and put in the spotlight WHAT'S BETTER.
Quite honestly, when so called experts tell us that their basal program will cure all our ills, it not only makes me very uncomfortable but makes me distrust those experts. As long as they are cashing those program checks, I will listen far less. #G2Great
#g2great@light_lindsay Lindsay, I asked some of my friends to follow you and forgot to put your Twitter handle. Friends, here it is. @franmcveigh Fran, you and Lindsay follow each other right?
In reply to
@hayhurst3, @DrMaryHoward, @brennanamy, @mrbgilson, @ssvincent, @light_lindsay, @franmcveigh
A2: publishers danger zones to be aware of,,, whose stories are being told and whose stories are left out,,, what message does that send to students. #G2Great
A2. Publishers who condone and promulgate "scripts" for teachers to utter in front/alongside children represent colonizers.
That's a line in the proverbial sand. #G2Great
The main problem with scripted lessons (like the NYS modules) is that teachers feel the need to follow exactly as is. This turns a 100-page book into a 10-week unit. Our students don’t deserve that. They will develop a hatred for reading. #g2great
My wish for all Teacher Ed. programs is a required course (or 2) in UbD. Backwards planning means you start with the goals, not the book, not the activity. Coherent. Thoughtful. Planning.
#G2Great
A2: The ubiquitous phrase "research-based" and other qualifiers that make a program/script sound worthy of purchase. Based on what research? What company? Who was in the research group? What info is missing from your study? What qualifies as research? #g2great
A2 A danger zone is the “cute” worksheet that promises to fill time and to engage. A teacher is who will help engage. A resource should nourish the teacher and a PLC and group should help create the necessary tools that will support learning for students. #g2great
A2: publishers danger zones to be aware of,,, whose stories are being told and whose stories are left out,,, what message does that send to students. #G2Great
A2 Teachers Pay Teachers is a professional danger hotbed. Anything that can be package & downloaded should raise a red flag. 200 pages of awful is NOT a virtue. #G2Great
I don’t think we, as an educational entity, are training Ts to think critically about curriculum. We’re training them to follow a Ts Guide in many Teacher ed programs. #G2Great
A2: Quick fix programs that promise better test scores. Our students have had the love of learning tested out of them. Instead, be responsive to their interests, create community of learners in your class, and teach them to make learning goals. #g2great
A2. I’m not in love with anything that involves a timer or timing kids. I think the whole “fluency = speed” thing has taken us down the wrong path. #g2great
A2b One of the best support tools for learning is time for collaboration. We need to value the time that educators need to support their current students. Resources and strategies will always have to be adapted to the students in front of us. #g2great
#G2GREAT What's with the competitions of making the most "Pinterest worthy" classrooms? Teachers willing to spend hours decorating and adding cute things need to STOP and think about the message these rooms send to students, and where money can better be spent!
A2:first to come to mind are the so called “adaptive” online programs which are so prevalent in the realm of education. Take the assessment, do the prescribed online lessons and your students will succeed 🤦♀️. Waste of time and money 💰 #G2Great
A1. It really helped me to stay true to my values when I created a professional belief statement and philosophy of literacy education that I shared with my principal and the parents of my students. It was also on my webpage. Made me accountable too! #G2Great
I agree, especially 'gold standard research' as by its current definition does not include narratology, case study while it embraces causality. #G2Great
A2: The ubiquitous phrase "research-based" and other qualifiers that make a program/script sound worthy of purchase. Based on what research? What company? Who was in the research group? What info is missing from your study? What qualifies as research? #g2great
A 2 I see “danger” when I sense the educational program is too “slick” and it looks like money is the objective. Or if it’s too “pat” and “canned.” #g2great
And that can be so difficult for many of us. Just like the kids, we want to “fit in”. How can we feel like we belong while still staying true to our values? #g2great
Yes, Travis. We always need to ask this. I would suggest that if the person making the money on the program is the person who had a hand in the research (even from a distance)…. well maybe we ought to give it a second thought! #G2Great
A2: The ubiquitous phrase "research-based" and other qualifiers that make a program/script sound worthy of purchase. Based on what research? What company? Who was in the research group? What info is missing from your study? What qualifies as research? #g2great
A2: I remember when the CCSS/CCLS were abruptly rolled out, publishers were slapping a “CCSS” label all over their materials. Schools were buying into this marketing scheme because they were afraid of failing. We don’t teach standards, we teach children! #G2Great
Not my words, but THE THEME OF EVERY CLASSROOM SHOULD BE LEARNING! Not "Farm" or "Owls" or "Frogs" or whatever else may look cute. It's often cute for teachers, but students don't think it's "cute"- they'd much rather see their own work displayed! #G2GREAT
A2 Computer programs have burgeoned out of control & demean professional responsibility. Technology CAN BE a blessing, but instructional babysitters that applaud brainless clicking is educational malpractice. #G2Great
A2: Teachers Pay Teachers or Pinterest where ease and cuteness are touted as more important than authentic and engaging learning. It is easy to fall in this trap when your worn out, but this is not what’s best for students #G2Great
One of my core beliefs is that students need to read to get better at reading and write to get better at writing. For me any program/strategy/practice has to involve students in a lot of reading and writing in ways that are as authentic as possible. #g2great
I don’t think we, as an educational entity, are training Ts to think critically about curriculum. We’re training them to follow a Ts Guide in many Teacher ed programs. #G2Great
A2: I think Pinterest sits right up there next to TPT, except you don’t need to pay anything for charts that have been copied of downloaded from good curriculum & taken out of context. Pinterest is good for cute & home decorating. Not necessarily for teaching children. #G2Great
A2: Out of fear (or because of mandates), Ts may go in search of programs or resources that promise to improve reading scores. Reading causes an increase in reading ability--not programs. #g2great
A3. What does the research say? Who has used it?
What results did they get?
What professionals (reputable) support it w/o making a profit from it?
#G2Great
A2: @DrMaryHoward keeps bearing me to the post but everything she is saying is literacy truth. Computers replacing teachers and packaged print able workbooks replacing creativity are big concerns for me #g2great
Teachers are so willing to spend hundreds of dollars on TPT products, but don't take the time or money to buy professional books. The return on the investment for PD books is much better! #G2GREAT
A3 I like to have resources that will make me reflect and grow as an educator. If I truly believe in design thinking for my classroom, my students will drive the learning, not any resource or printable. I want resources to guide my work and collaboration. #g2great
A2 Missed Q2, but based on tweets assuming it’s about programs that clash w/our belief system or something like that. 4 me, it’s any program where T is told or tells herself that it must be followed w/fidelity. The best “programs” come from within & are co-created w/Ss. #g2great
Yes fear and mandates are big but sometimes ease or quick and simple is the lure as well. We have to acknowledge that teaching is complex, and thus cannot be reduced to what requires little thought (if any). #G2Great
A2: Out of fear (or because of mandates), Ts may go in search of programs or resources that promise to improve reading scores. Reading causes an increase in reading ability--not programs. #g2great
I called the head of a computer based assessment company out.
How the computer could know st needs. If st gets a “main idea q” wrong how do you know main idea was the challenge and not the text or topic or misreading the q or vocab. He agreed it wasn’t foolproof #G2Great
A3 I always check authors, are they someone I know? Are they on Twitter? Do I agree with them philisophically? Alot of times - are they #ReadingRecovery trained? I trust resources that come from good publishers like @heinemannpub and @stenhousepub#G2Great#rrchat@rrcna_org
A3 Will this resource enrich the learning lives of our kids? In other words, is it even worthy of time, effort, and cost? If the answer is NO and we trust it anyway – SHAME ON US! #G2Great
A2 I love that words invited into our teaching! Programs that are not based in literacy reasearch. Programs that are not designed to be flexible. Programs that do not honor teachers' expertise. #G2Great
We don’t need technology to become another worksh*t. And especially when we use it for our more needy Ss, who really need ICU attention by professionals. #G2Great
A3- I rarely find one single resource that will benefit all of my students. There are many that enrich my teaching practice, which in turn allow me to better meet their needs on an individual level. #g2great
I LOVE that questions. Bottom line: It’s not about US! Our responsibility is clear and we need to keep our eyes on the real prize - the success of our kids! #G2Great
If I’m going to brin something into my classroom, it’s going to be proven practices that have worked for other English teachers with their kids. I don’t want a company’s program from someone who has never taught kids. #g2great
#G2GREAT Dangerous traps that catch teachers:
Scripted curriculums
Accelerated Reader
"Class Dojo" and publicly shaming students for their behavior
Pinterest
Teachers Pay Teachers
I'm ready to shed light on WHAT'S WRONG with these, and put in the spotlight WHAT'S BETTER.
A2b: Can’t stand the computer programs students are forced into when they fail a class. We send the message that learning is only about the right answer. #g2great
Missing out on #g2great since tonight was meet teacher night and I'm tired... but took joy in saying we'd be focusing on volume of good books read and not a program, a worksheet or a quiz system
#g2great I so agree! I know that many years ago when I was a student, we didn’t learn enough about curriculum and how to think critically about it. I had to learn when I was already a teacher. That’s hard for new teachers.
A3 Meaning, purpose and engagement are high on my criteria. Why would we ever want kids to be subjected to anything that is meaningless, purposeless & disengaging? #G2Great
I understand the need to fit in. It takes so much courage and the willingness to stand alone when you stand by your convictions on literacy education. But I can tell you from experience that eventually you will not be alone anymore! You can do it! #G2Great
A3:if it’s a worksheet - nope. Is it grounded in authenticity, developmentally appropriate, in line with current pedagogy- yes. Those are my first filters. #G2Great
A3: How does this resource benefit my students? How does it align with my core beliefs or push me to think in different ways that will help me meet their needs? #G2Great
I can feel the passion for this topic rising from my computer screen. We need to be this passionate in schools and have the same committed student centered conversations. It has become a pervasive problem and we need to put an end to an open door to marketing ploys #G2Great
#G2GREAT ...When I've asked teachers to reconsider some of these practices, their response is, "Well it's not harming the children." No, it's not, but if it is not the ABSOLUTE BEST you can give them, why do it? We OWE it to them to give them the BEST we have.
I have seen this with students as well as my own two boys. When the NYS modules are followed by the letter they suck all of the joy out of beautiful pieces of literature. #g2great
A3 If we are professionally responsible we will question ALL resources. Anything that attempts to mandate teaching is an insult. You can’t script good teaching. PERIOD! #G2Great
It is definitely not easy for new Ts. There is so much for them to do. What we need is better support systems for them and more PD that addresses the curricular needs in front of them. #G2Great
A3. My professional literacy instruction belief statement and philosophy that was shared with admin and the parents. If it didn’t fit that criteria, it didn’t happen in my room! I was blessed to have my principal trust me in this. #g2great
A2 Intervention materials that are so uninteresting I'm thinking to myself, "Poor kids, I'd rather have a root canal."
Confession: I don't make them read the c#$p, we use instruction applied to engaging books they get to choose. #G2Great
Rather than spending the time and money to create "pinterest classrooms" wouldn't it be more worthwhile to involve students in what goes up on the walls and bulletin boards? #g2great
A4. Daily Read Alouds
Daily reading for all
Daily writing for all
Students must read and write daily in order to be stronger readers and writers!
#G2Great
A3. When I check out a professional resource, I check out the theory base of the author. If they don’t seem to have one, that’s a problem..... And if they have one that I’m opposed to, that’s a problem too..... Although I DO read from varying theories - we need to . #G2Great
It’s where kids’ scores on assessments are posted in the classroom for all to see. It’s supposed to be an incentive so kids work harder to get a better score the next time around. I’ve seen Ts do this w/ MAP scores. Right to privacy? #g2great
A4 I consider teachers a professional resource so knowledgeable teachers are #1 on my go-to list. I can’t think of anything that is more needed than that. #G2Great
A4 F&P’s Guided Reading, it was my first professional text and it will stay with me forever. It always has answers. The updated edition spans more grade levels so it is great when working with teachers k-6. I almost always go to that for an answer! #G2Great
A4 Resources that will remind how we need to put my students & their hearts/needs first are always a good place to start. Books like Culturize & Kids Deserve It. Many @dbc_inc books and @HeinemannPub books help me create my own professional practices to support students. #g2great
Yes! Is there any actual evidence that what they're selling works? Certain program developers have a crafty way of twisting the research they base their material on to fit their needs. #g2great
Where do we get the idea that the activities or practice opportunities we provide need to be thematic or seasonal?Students can work hard learning CVC words with plain magnetic letters year round- No need to use letters printed on Santas bought from TPT at Christmas time. #G2GREAT
A4 Resources that will remind how we need to put my students & their hearts/needs first are always a good place to start. Books like Culturize & Kids Deserve It. Many @dbc_inc books and @HeinemannPub books help me create my own professional practices to support students. #g2great
A 4 I love things that come from TC. One of the things I love about their curriculum is that they are constantly growing, improving, and learning from first hand classroom experience. They are so bright and have heart! I go to their Institutes a lot. #g2great
A3:are kids growingas learners and deep thinkers or working on cutting and pasting skills? Fine motor is important, but better taught through authentic art and creative projects. #G2Great
A 4 I love things that come from TC. One of the things I love about their curriculum is that they are constantly growing, improving, and learning from first hand classroom experience. They are so bright and have heart! I go to their Institutes a lot. #g2great
A4 I begin with observing my students and then I read PROFESSIONAL BOOKS from publishers like @CorwinPress@HeinemannPub@stenhousepub@Scholastic and learn with Literacy Leaders. That takes time and effort but Ss are worth it I'm a professional teacher. #G2Great
Valinda, that made me chuckle! It's also a pet peeve of mine because the theme is usually teacher chosen and that seems to say it's the teacher's classroom rather than everyone's classroom. #g2great
A4 Books, books, books and more books! You can never have too many beautiful books. Our passion question is to shower kids in the wonder of incredible texts all day. #G2Great
A4 I consider teachers a professional resource so knowledgeable teachers are #1 on my go-to list. I can’t think of anything that is more needed than that. #G2Great
A4. My Reading Recovery resource books. They are filled with rich literacy interventions, but require the teacher to observe the student as a first step. #G2Great
A couple publishers with known authors have been there for me from the beginning. Donald Graves, Tom Newkirk, Don Murray, Constance Weaver. They led me to Nancie Atwell and workshop. They provided the whys. #G2Great@HeinemannPub@stenhousepub
Teachers need to continue to learn along with their students. I will always aim to learn with other English teachers that are readers and writers themselves. #g2great
A3 My go-to #1 question came from @regieroutman
Are these authentic reader/writer tasks I'm asking kids to engage in?
If the answer is no, I think very carefully. Making puppets on a craft stick is something I've never done as an adult reader. #thinkaboutit#G2Great
The problem with the term research-based is that their is not one definition in the education realm. Plus, any “program” using even 1 strategy that is RB can call the whole thing Researched-based. Confusing and deceiving #g2great
A3 If we are professionally responsible we will question ALL resources. Anything that attempts to mandate teaching is an insult. You can’t script good teaching. PERIOD! #G2Great
A: Right now The Writing Strategies Book and The Reading Strategies Book by Jen Serravallo , Wonderous Words by Katie Wood Ray, Poems are Teachers by Amy Ludwig Vanderwater and Anything from Fountas and Pinnell #G2Great
A4 Awareness and presence with learners is the MOST important resource in my teaching. Then a good learning partner to shine a light on what I don’t yet see. Sometimes the learning partners are authors and books. #G2Great
Amen!
Mic Drop!
Actually - making it seasonal could be shaming for the kiddo still working on list 1 at Christmas when others learned it at Halloween witches & witches' fingers!
#g2great
Where do we get the idea that the activities or practice opportunities we provide need to be thematic or seasonal?Students can work hard learning CVC words with plain magnetic letters year round- No need to use letters printed on Santas bought from TPT at Christmas time. #G2GREAT
A4 Authors, authors, authors & more authors! Authors offer a powerful reading/writing merger for a partnership that can strengthen our efforts tenfold! #G2Great
A4: Professional texts like The Reading and Writing Strategies books from @JSerravallo. Books that give tips and suggestions, but allow teachers to use as a jumping off point to meet the needs of the students sitting before them! #G2Great
A couple publishers with known authors have been there for me from the beginning. Donald Graves, Tom Newkirk, Don Murray, Constance Weaver. They led me to Nancie Atwell and workshop. They provided the whys. #G2Great@HeinemannPub@stenhousepub
Not fitting in is tough - but when the cost of fitting in is not doing what I feel is best for Ss learning, it makes it much easier for me to be counter-culture. Find your people - Twitter has helped me connect with like minded educators & not feel alone! #g2great
#G2GREAT Dangerous traps that catch teachers:
Scripted curriculums
Accelerated Reader
"Class Dojo" and publicly shaming students for their behavior
Pinterest
Teachers Pay Teachers
I'm ready to shed light on WHAT'S WRONG with these, and put in the spotlight WHAT'S BETTER.
A5. Admins & Ts must have conversations before $ are spent. Resources need to be 'piloted' in the building before purchased. New folks can not create "whiplash" by purchasing NEW stuff they used in previous bldgs. They may have already been tried before!
#G2Great
A3 If we are professionally responsible we will question ALL resources. Anything that attempts to mandate teaching is an insult. You can’t script good teaching. PERIOD! #G2Great
A4. This was going to be my answer as well. Anything written by the genius Marie Clay will always inform my teaching. Not easy reading — you’ve got to want to learn to read her books. #g2great
A4. My Reading Recovery resource books. They are filled with rich literacy interventions, but require the teacher to observe the student as a first step. #G2Great
A5 Blind expenditure is an insult to our profession & it is hurting kids. Why would we allow anything creep into our learning spaces without careful thought? Answer: WE DON’T! #G2Great
The @owpmu is an amazing resource for anyone in the southwestern Ohio region! Thank you @BethRimer for all you guys do! Anything @TannyMcG@pennykittle@mburnsmath We don't need worksheets- we need good professional development #G2Great
A5 Learning & teaching is a collaborative effort. We need our resources to complement and deepen our collective learning. If resources focus on a teacher doing something alone in the classroom with their students, this defeats the purpose of working and growing together. #g2great
So important Amy! Fitting in is never worth selling out so we find those who fill our professional hearts day after day (not suck the life out of them) #G2Great
Not fitting in is tough - but when the cost of fitting in is not doing what I feel is best for Ss learning, it makes it much easier for me to be counter-culture. Find your people - Twitter has helped me connect with like minded educators & not feel alone! #g2great
A5: the amount of money that has been wasted on programs bought to “support” me without every even asking if the support was needed. I can’t even image all the books I could have bought. #G2Great
When it comes to spending money on resources we have to consider what our shared vision is - that is one reason (of many) why I loved @DrMaryHoward book from @HeinemannPub and why #G2great was born. She stressed having a vision first.
Absolutely-when edus follow a script they lose their voice and become robotic. We need passionate, joyfilled edus who passionately impact teaching and learning. #G2Great
A5- Any money that is misspent is a travesty. When I'm buying pencils for students and thousands of dollars are being spent on one-size-fits-all programs, something is broken. #g2great
When this happens to me, I turn to my Ss. They never fail to rejuvenate me and remind me of what’s important. The rest is petty and not worth my time. And, yes, some days it’s easier to ignore this than others. Have to keep going. #G2Great
In reply to
@hayhurst3, @amynicolebettis, @tlanglie, @DrMaryHoward
A5. When we understand curriculum as complicated conversation that happens among learners--the need for collective conversations is more a given & a foundation #g2great
A3 Criteria: are kids reading?
Are kids writing in response (age appropriate) to the reading?
Are kids reading a lot?
Are kids working on strategy transfer or is T mostly doing the work?
Is the bulk of time spent on kids doing the real work of readers and writers? #G2Great
A5 We must identify what we value & engage in dialogue that cautiously weighs resources through the lens of our innermost beliefs. If they’re at cross purposes then we send kids (& teachers) mixed messages. #G2Great
Absolutely-when edus follow a script they lose their voice and become robotic. We need passionate, joyfilled edus who passionately impact teaching and learning. #G2Great
A5: All resources need to be evaluated to see how they meet the needs of our students and support their interests. Not how will this improve test scores or will this being something easily implemented without spending more money on PD! #G2Great
A4: My list of “go to” resources & authors are endless. Quite honestly, Twitter has been a major resource for me. I have a knowledgeable PLN that I can count on to answer any question and/or be a thinking partner with me. My colleagues are also my greatest resource! #G2Great
Often the go-to in intervention bc schools have to do something and don’t know where to go. So much $$ in this area. Plus, there’s now a resource to score your running records for you. 😱🤬#g2great
A 5 Too often Ts are asked to vote on and pick between one or two curricular programs instead of getting more insight from Ts from the beginning. More decisions should come from the Ts and not from people farther away from Ss and classrooms. #g2great
It is so fascinating thinking about some school purchases that require an in-depth justification (and are sometimes denied!) ... But at the same time, administration hands out money with the other hand to buy units on TPT. #G2GREAT
A5 Not to simplify it but our conversations begin with what we want for kids and THEN how that “thing” can help us to accomplish that. Kids better be in the discussion mix or we’re missing the point. #G2Great
A5 With collective teacher efficacy having an effect size of 1.57 we should definitely be meeting and talking before spending $. What moves learning forward and how do you know? Looking at the evidence matters. #g2great
A5: the amount of money that has been wasted on programs bought to “support” me without every even asking if the support was needed. I can’t even image all the books I could have bought. #G2Great
A5: Encourage teachers to expand their practice by sending them to professional events. The cost is worth the investment. It also unifies Ts and tells them they are valued. Put yourself in the kids shoes. Do the work you ask. If you’re bored - look out! #g2great
A5: We need to stop throwing money at resources and really evaluate what we believe about said content area- just because something I is expensive doesn't mean it's going to inspire- we need to remember the main thing and keep it the main thing inspiring kids #g2great
A5 One of the joys in life is the nudge from tacit to code to (un)code as we make sense of the world. Programs usurp our human need to make marks. #g2great
If you want to touch raw nerves, challenge someone having their students use plastic WITCH FINGERS to point. A hill some are willing to die on. We can probably say this for many ridiculous practices! @DrMaryHoward#G2GREAT
Yes too much money exchanges hands without any kind of discussion, and usually those checks are written by people who know little to nothing about effective literacy practices. Time to take the check book away. #G2Great
A5 With collective teacher efficacy having an effect size of 1.57 we should definitely be meeting and talking before spending $. What moves learning forward and how do you know? Looking at the evidence matters. #g2great
A 5 Too often Ts are asked to vote on and pick between one or two curricular programs instead of getting more insight from Ts from the beginning. More decisions should come from the Ts and not from people farther away from Ss and classrooms. #g2great
A6. Collective Teacher Efficacy
Hattie
Effect Size 1.57
Almost 4 years growth.
Invest in PD.
Invest in Ts.
Invest in books kids can and want to read.
#G2Great
Programs so often epitomize Bakhtin's notion of epic. They forward a word that is sealed off from the here and now, the moment with learners.
The end is always the same. #g2great
A6 We build our collective knowledge before we even consider a basal. Otherwise we’re just blindly following the advice of those who don’t have a clue who our kids are. That’s a dangerous proposition at best. #G2Great
I have heard "My mentor teacher printed her entire school year curriculum for every subject from Teachers Pay Teachers. She swears by it." I'd love to sit down and examine the materials and have an honest conversation about this stuff with the teacher. #G2GREAT
I think it’s worth adding that it’s not just the basal programs that are suspect but the people doing the training. One just this week told a room full of teachers that they didn’t read the right “research” (according to who?) #G2Great
Teachers are normal people - we can easily get into a mob mentality. I’ve seen this happen at so many schools, and good teachers end up leaving. We are just big kids in many ways. #g2great
In reply to
@hayhurst3, @amynicolebettis, @tlanglie, @ElisaW5, @DrMaryHoward
A5 It's important to have awareness and buy in as much as possible, adopting new curriculum is always a very emotional and heated debate in our district #G2Great
Teachers are normal people - we can easily get into a mob mentality. I’ve seen this happen at so many schools, and good teachers end up leaving. We are just big kids in many ways. #g2great
In reply to
@hayhurst3, @amynicolebettis, @tlanglie, @ElisaW5, @DrMaryHoward
We all struggle w/this. That’s why Twitter chats like this one are so valuable for making connections and having a convo that makes sense, inspires and makes you feel like you’re not alone. #G2great
In reply to
@LiteracyPages, @tlanglie, @DrMaryHoward
A6 Say no to the one-size-fits-all approach. Unless we can see benefits where the same medicine would be used to treat ALL ailments, we cannot pretend that a resource or program should be used for ALL students. It is morally wrong for us to approach learning in this way. #g2great
At @ILAToday#ILA18 I heard many teachers say "It's my first time here!" They wandered the exhibit hall and were easily sucked in to the promises made by some of the basal companies. Why are we allowing these companies in the hall? #G2GREAT
A5a I heard @donalynbooks recently say, "Tell your principal you're committed to research backed resources and could they share the research base (using this product, from outside sources), all this in an effort to continue learning as a professional. #G2Great
A6: I have never had a principal tell me I HAD to follow a mandate that I didn't agree with if I met with him/her and explained my concerns. I also came prepared with a plan for how to teach students the same objectives using best practice. #G2Great
I think it’s human nature to want to fit in. The problem with that is though that what we choose to fit into is going to impact the lives of kids for better or worse. That should be the antidote to playing follow the leader. #G2Great
A6. What gives rise to scripts becomes an important question. Distrust of teachers' capacity to reason is at the center of this. It is the distrust and the engineering of distrust that we most need to address. #G2Great
A6 Let’s encourage Ts to “argue with the publisher.” It says this but is that a good use of time? What else would be a better option? What is missing? What should we to alleviate? #G2Great
A5b When they are not able to produce research, then that should end the conversation about purchasing a product that is not growing readers and writers in authentic ways." #g2great
A6: In these cases the best teachers stay true to what they know. Then they continually work to read, write, risk, and share their findings. Parental permission can outweigh the fear of compliance. #g2great
Ack. A little bit of information is a dangerous thing. I’m beginning to think this is a big issue. We have a little knowledge or experience and all of a sudden, we’re experts. #g2great
The fact that we are trending on twitter tonight speaks loud and clear. There is a growing circle of educators are no longer willing to sit back and complacently watch our schools fill with dribble. We have a responsibility to stand up for this profession! #G2Great
#g2great Salesmen come in and know the points to hit with teachers and the promises to make... This aligns with these standards! This makes it easier for you! All you need is wrapped up in this guide! ... And when teachers are wise consumers, they buy right in.
Dylan, it has improved Pearson used to be printed on every item in the hall.
I wonder how many Ts know what their district/state policies are for "gifts".
LOL
#g2great
A6: We need to teach our teachers about authentic ways to teach reading and writing that way no matter what's curricula comes their way the will know what to do and what to teach- we have so many wonderful humans who have showed us the way @NCTM@owpmu#g2great
Why is it that marketers are so bold and brazen about selling their products but so many educators and schools are standing silently by? It’s time to talk back to these publishers and fight for what is worthy of our kids. #G2Great
A6 Doing the bidding of others is passive compliance, not good teaching. Basals are only effective when the person using it has a place of honor at the decision-making table. #G2Great
A6 The issue is “fidelity to a resource or program.” I’ve seen excellent resources become pacing charts & the teacher’s guide (from extremely valuable resources) in teachers’ laps as they read from them. I appreciate the expert’s example, but teach using my own voice. #G2Great
Yes- Witch fingers are but one example of a practice that is CONTRARY to research. But teachers will become SUPER defensive and ignore the research. It seems research doesn't matter to some. #g2great
#G2GREAT@ReneeDHouser & I helped many schools move away from basals & the key is investing the time to help people learn- leaders, teachers, parents, students how things are changing & why. Sometimes we just need patience, logic, and to model the impact of a practice with kids
And for me one of the best curricular sources of all would be literature- beautiful fiction books that Ss can learn from. And let’s not forget fabulous nonfiction. The more money that goes into that- the better. #G2Great
A7. Tech is one tool.
Thinking is required for reading and writing. Ss need to do the work & not just do worksheets online w/ tech bc it is available.
Instruction is required.
Equity = access for all!
#g2great
A6 Must be very careful of literacy in a box. Scripted programs take away from authentic teacher voice.Valid research is needed 2 substantiate use-field work lets us know if resources work. PD must be ongoing so that teaching becomes a deeper process #G2great
In reply to
@DrMaryHoward, @franmcveigh, @hayhurst3, @brennanamy
A6: This has become a reality in my district. I joined committees, made my voice loud, and supported my “opinions” with facts. When my district bought a program I refused to give up best practices or put my kids needs/interests on the back burner even during observations #G2Great
I love that so much Gravity. We need more schools willing to make that commitment. our teachers are worth investing in and we don’t do that by simply writing a check for a program. #G2Great
#G2GREAT@ReneeDHouser & I helped many schools move away from basals & the key is investing the time to help people learn- leaders, teachers, parents, students how things are changing & why. Sometimes we just need patience, logic, and to model the impact of a practice with kids
A7 Put kids before the technology. It’s a blessing to have so much at our fingertips, but unless we use it wisely it’s just empty stuff. Start with kids and THEN look at the technology & see how (or if) it fits. #G2Great
A6 Don’t do it & if you get caught, say you’re sorry? That you thought it was just a resource 2 use or not as you were hired 2 think. And, since we’re talking about this, come into my class 2 see how much my Ss love 2 read & write the amazing things they’re doing. #g2great
A7: By remembering that it's a tool- embracing technology is a beautiful thing but so is writing in writers notebooks and reading physical books everything in moderation and balance #G2Great
A6: This has become a reality in my district. I joined committees, made my voice loud, and supported my “opinions” with facts. When my district bought a program I refused to give up best practices or put my kids needs/interests on the back burner even during observations #G2Great
I heard Jim Knight say, "The teacher sits in the big chair." When was the last time teachers were really valued as the expert when it came to purchasing what kids need to be proficient readers? #G2Great
A7 Technology should only help amplify/deepen learning. It should never be used as a replacement. Ss & Ts should be designing their learning experiences & conferencing. Technology can help enable collaboration. The human heart is number 1. Lead & teach with kindness #g2great
That is the million $ question. I remember one year @ #NCTE there was a small, but vigorous protest against Pearson, I think. What is it that we use to say: Don’t cry, organize! Or something like that. #g2great
#g2great Sorry so late to the table - bedtime routines have been getting late this summer!
A7 - Books, books, and more books...taking the time and finding the funds to make sure we have extensive, diverse, and rich classroom libraries can help keep reading about reading:).
A7 Verbalize your instructional WHY and then view technology in terms of how it can bring our WHY to life. If it will, consider how to use it in the most effective ways. If it won’t, kick it to the curb! #G2Great
Representatives from a company were using Richard Allington's name to promote their product and we soooo wanted to contact him and provide written evidence to the contrary. #g2great
I love the practice of technologies that connect people, create possibilities for affinity groups to rise up.
What they make 'there' is a human endeavor. #g2great
Goes back to the question of Why. Why are we teaching this? In this way? In this order? To whom? Who are the Ss sitting in front of us? What are their needs? Are their needs dif from those Ss we taught last year? Have their needs changed from earlier this year? #G2Great
Sad the current mindset of engagement is equated with keeping Ss busy through tasks and paper pencil skill /drill when true engagement is time spent doing what one loves. Instill book love and you’ve won the first battle. Trust kids to know themselves. Be their guide #G2Great
A7: Ask, How is the technology deepening student learning or helping collaboration? It shouldn’t be another bell or whistle. A worksheet done on a Smart board is still a worksheet! #G2Great
A7 Use technology purposefully so it won’t replace those experiences that are not technologically based. We need a balance where both worlds can co-exist in peaceful harmony. Why wouldn’t we? #G2Great
A7: I ❤️ Technology! Multimodal, Media Literacy, Healthy Skepticism, Real Audience, authentic voice & purpose... be cautious of technology to diagnose or substitute a teacher. #g2great
I’ve seen that SO many times! Also authors have allowed their books to be placed in basals and were horrified by the way they were cropped, reworded and basically RUINED. No matter how beautiful that’s not a real book - but a banalized version that pales in comparison! #G2Great
Representatives from a company were using Richard Allington's name to promote their product and we soooo wanted to contact him and provide written evidence to the contrary. #g2great
Perhaps the real issue is the absence of high quality PD. We must invest in developing expertise in others. That along with lots of “teacher talk” @regieroutman Regie’s article is still a favorite! #G2Great
That is the million $ question. I remember one year @ #NCTE there was a small, but vigorous protest against Pearson, I think. What is it that we use to say: Don’t cry, organize! Or something like that. #g2great
They were to using pieces a particular article to support their program and neglecting the pieces that put their program in a very negative light. #g2great
A7 I'm going to say this in the most straightforward way I know how--nothing, NOTHING, will ever replace a qualified, innovative, well-informed professional educator. Clear enough?
#G2Great
We need to get in the habit of doing this more often friends. NO is often the most important word because it gives us the time we need for the YESes that really matter! #G2Great
Gravity, It does take strong advocacy to deepen teaching and learning with practices and resources that are proven to work by research and in the field expertise. #g2great
