#memspachat Archive
A chat for Principals, Administrators & Lead Educators. Come join the Collaboration and Learning THURSDAY'S at 8pm ET.
Thursday September 29, 2016
8:00 PM EDT
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- STARTING NOW, welcome! We will be discussing "Leading Change in Education"
Let's start with INTRO's
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Ben, El. Principal in Spring Arbor.
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Hello friends! Jon here, elementary principal from Livonia.
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Tim from Waverly... Hoping to last a little tonight... Glad to be here
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Michelle from St. Joe in SW Michigan. Great to see all my pals tonight! Thursday's rock!
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Rachel Card, principal at Belle River Elementary in Marine City.
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Jonathan, princiPAL of Pullman Elementary, and I'm not sick, I'm not sick, I'm not sick.
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How's that working for ya Jon? :)
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Doug Ammeraal -- Principal at Mona Shores Middle School
Great to be learning with some high-quality leaders.
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Missing again tonightโฆgroup project via Zoom for EdS class. Recommended read- SWITCH: How to Change Things When Change is Hard.
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Glad to see a great crew already checking into for tonight's chat, happening now!
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Questions starting in 1 minute. Lots of great minds on tonight's
"Leading Change in Education"
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Matt Severin, Principal of Dowagiac Middle School in the SW corner of MI.
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HI everyone. Bill from Yale. Multi-tasking tonight.
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Q1: What is something that youโd like to see changed in your building and/or district?
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A1: I'd like to see "pockets" of innovation turned into a full culture of innovation at building & district levels.
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Hattie from Durand - hoping to tune in for a few minutes tonight!
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I'd love to see leadership throughout the building and district at all employee levels.
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A1: opportunities for Ts and Ss to bring in their outside interests. Genius Hour has helped, but would to see more.
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A1: More job embedded time for PLC work - daily common planning time for teams! So much learning / sharing to do!
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Loaded Q
I wish we would be stronger with modifications & accommodations. I also wish we had more diversity.
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A2: would also love to see more peer observation. We are better together, we know this, but time is a factor & taking the plunge
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Craig McCalla, Principal of Cornerstone Elementary in Dexter.
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A1. The color on the walls! :) Every teacher Kagan trained.
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A1: Encourage Ts at all levels to work collaborativley to integrate the curriculum through project/problem-based learning & tech
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A1: Supt. is FOCUSED on improving district systems/protocols. This is will be a very positive change.
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Walls seem like an attainable project.
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I agree with this 1000% https://t.co/9I1Sy6DCXP
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A2: would also love to see more peer observation. We are better together, we know this, but time is a factor & taking the plunge
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A1: More teachers leading PD. I want the experts in our buildings feeling comfortable to share.
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Great thoughts, Tim. Empowering staff creates a strong culture.
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Nice focus. Important to remember it's always about people first.
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A1cont: Our staff is so focused on relationships, I'd like to get them all trained in Capturing Kids Hearts.
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Question 2 coming up on ...
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Every so often we'll have a T host staff/learning mtg in their room and share a strategy or resource to start.
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Love it!! https://t.co/GUkAyLg60r
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Every so often we'll have a T host staff/learning mtg in their room and share a strategy or resource to start.
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Without question; I wouldn't change where our focus is with that.
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Q2: How do you decide to delegate or lead an idea or initiative of change?
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A2: I surround myself w/ superior people of diverse talents cuz I ain't all that. ๐๐
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If I'm really honest I try not to delegate.I focus more on empowerment & opportunity. Letting someone take the lead shows trust.
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A2. T lead is always better. Try to let my Ts take the lead whenever possible.
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A2: Let the change be grown within. Then the T pick up and run with it.
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A2: Strategically positioning teacher leaders / teams and providing learning for them to lead us. P=seed planter. T=gardener.
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A1: Too much homework. I'd like to see a max of 30-60 mins. Kids need time to play! ๐๐
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A2: Depends. If my voice has been heard too often as of late I'd gladly delegate to T leaders to carry the message.
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A2: Always depends on passion, needed leadership, and impact of initiative. Some, we have to take-the-bull-by-the-horns.
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A2: watch, listen, reflect, decide - big changes need T buy in & support!
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Sometimes when you delegate it is perceived as "passing the buck." Empowering others lets them know you believe in them to lead.
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A2b: if an item is in a Ts interest or focus area then I'd go to them and present an opportunity for challenge/growth
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Amen! They are the real experts! We're their support team and cheerleaders! https://t.co/Rk24eYRwp2
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A2. T lead is always better. Try to let my Ts take the lead whenever possible.
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A2: collaboration as opposed to delegation. Buy in & ownership creates culture & anything is nothing w/o positive culture.
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A2: I like to plant the seed first with my T leaders. Most of the time, once they have but in, they run with the ides
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A2 Checking in A. McCaw I try not to operate in the "I" mode rather look at the "we" so natural delegation and sharing happens
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Especially when tackling beginning stages of substantive change. Definitely worth it but not for the weak!
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Question 3 is coming up on .
Great work everyone!!!
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A2: Modeling is key. When Ts see a new idea in action that solves a problem or increases success, they embrace & want to learn
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Agree, Grib. Start the engine and then let your Teachers take the wheel.
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Q3: Sometimes parents or teachers get confused with info. How do you ensure your message is clear & easy to understand?
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Syndee Malek, Wayne RESA...sorry I'm late
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I'm late. Julie Mytych from WWCSD. Hi!
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A3: Just like w/ kids - review info in diff ways (written, spoken, discussed).
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A3. Lay off the teacher lingo..send out in various formats to reach Ps in a way that works for them.
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A3: Drip it. Splash it. Flood it. Multiple methods. Multiple messages. Same point.
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A3: When emailing info on something new, I ask for a new set of eyes & ask if it makes sense. When presenting encourage Qs
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A3: Consistency in delivery & open door on clarity.
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Communication can be tricky. Try to be concise & share it multiple ways.
Critical as a leader to be accessible & approachable.
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A3: Simple message, 140 characters or less! Use - short email - website/blog posts - pics - LESS PAPER!!!
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A3: I totally need to get better at this. Provide info, follow up, follow up, and when you think all is good, 1 more time.
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Always a great idea. My secretary and clerk are champs at this! They make me better.
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A3: Avoid the void in communication as it will be filled with negativity and doubt.
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Yes, Jon. Assuming everyone has it can be dangerous. That final check in F2F is important.
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A3 If u have TRUST-stakeholders will clarify their confusion & others will also help share out the clarification
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A3: Unfortunately, your message is always up for interpretation. I try to make myself available/open door to answer questions.
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Yes- Growth mindset helps create shared vision!
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Here, here! Like winning a war: by land, by air, by sea. ๐๐
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A3: I try and keep information short, sweet and in consistent places. I also have people read it for clarity.
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A3: I connect frequently with a sampling of Ps and Ts to check for understanding. Their ?s inform & inspire my communications.
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A3: Have at least my assistant, teacher and parent take a look...even a fifth grader can help...typos! ๐
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Question 4 coming up on ...
Great collaboration happening now!
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Nice, Rachel. Being a good listener can help all of us figure out where the holes are.
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Q4: How often do you put something new out to community stakeholders? Does anyone proofread your work?
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So true. Excellent point.
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A3: Keep it simple and consistent.
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MIke Schulte, from Warren, just checking in after taking my son suit shopping for Homecoming
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A4: one thing at a time. Repeat. Repeat. The word "priority" cannot be made plural in Greek. ๐๐
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A4 Working at creating Family Leadership Team--they will be our proofreaders & "pulse" checkers
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A4: Any documents I send out are proofed, a couple times, by my secretary for sure. Often a clerk, AP, or colleague.
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A4: Other than our district newsletter and social media accounts, not much. Can't wait to hear from others on this!
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A4: I try to send weekly newsletter to the community. No proofreaders, and that is a mistake on my part.
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I try not to flood our community.
I aim to send a positive message that helps our community see our passion for kids.
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A4: YES! My math/sci seeks out the English Mjr to help me!!!
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A4: I send out a weekly blog to parents as update. The format remains the same so they know where to find info quickly
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A4 Thank goodness for my wife and secretary. They both double check my stuff pretty regularly.
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Yes more than once is always a good idea!
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What's an AP? Do some of you have those? https://t.co/NyeJ1vSTRh
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A4: Any documents I send out are proofed, a couple times, by my secretary for sure. Often a clerk, AP, or colleague.
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Great comments and collaboration on
Question 5 in 1 minute....
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A4: I do a weekly Sunday evening Robo call to Ps. No proofreading. :)
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I am with . I try to keep it simple. I do a post weekly but it is me interviewing Ss.
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Just FYI for folks, the folks are talking positive behavior strategies right now if you're curious.
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A4: I have two teachers I always proof my stuff before it goes out. I even run it by my Sup.
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Q5: How do you get information to non-teachers? Do you provide them PD in any way?
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A4. Monthly and Facebook posts as needed. Using dojo now too.
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Good Q, Mike! No AP at Warner. That's why building up Teacher Leaders is a priority.
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Thank goodness for our amazing secretaries and teacher leaders! What would we do without them?? https://t.co/rcD1juCvLv
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Yea - Mike an AP is definitely rare in our Elem world :)
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A4. I have communication proofread by a trusted member of the intended audience. Controversial or unfamiliar is best in person.
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A4: At least every other day, school information is shared via Facebook to target a wide range of people in the community.
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A4: I use a weekly newsletter. Different color paper catches their attention. My secretary always proofs.
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RE-POST:
Q5: How do you get information to non-teachers? Do you provide them PD in any way?
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A4: some on paper sent with kids, posts to Fbook, school messenger. Depends on priority and nature of info.
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A5: Scheduled meetings with Cust/Maint., Paras come to PD once/month, face-to-face, email lists.
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Communication with staff is intended to be 100% transparent. I invite ALL staff to meetings & everyone gets my weekly post.
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A4. I am a horible speler! Everyone knows it!! On going joke in my building. EVERYTHING is proofed for me.
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A4: The Grammerly extension on Chrome is a useful tool for proofreading.
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A5: My non-instructional staff are on my email list. They get the same emails that my Ts do. RTI teachers are at all Ts P.D.
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A5: I encourage our support staff to attend PLC's in the building.
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A5: I'm biased b/c I'm a speaker & lead lots of PD, but I feel EVERYONE on team needs PD (faculty, staff, parents).
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A5 Finally found a way- Created Google Classroom to share with ALL staff a one- stop-shop for information. Late start for PD
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A5: I set date 3rd Tue of month, lunch w/paras, lunch moms & occas bus drvs all maj communicators of school
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A5: Staff newsletters go to everyone. All welcome to BLT meetings, we provide PD where it fits in the calendar.
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Question 6 coming in quick on ...
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A5: Our school blog and Google docs / file sharing! What a wonderful world google has created!!
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Q6: How to you survey your staff, students, and/or community for strengths and weaknesses - what is done with this info?
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I meet with lunch moms monthly, to check in, listen to them, and grow with them. https://t.co/uEefYOGBRl
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A5: I set date 3rd Tue of month, lunch w/paras, lunch moms & occas bus drvs all maj communicators of school
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A6: solicit Post-Its on Posterboard; praise patrol - ask folks to share their best practices; let team shine
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I've surveyed staff & families multiple times. This year I'm going to send out in January.I want to be able to adjust if needed.
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A6: Variety of formal/informal feedback from staff. Survey of Frosh at end of year on HS preparation. Drip feedback to staff.
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A6: Google forms, district online surveys, and focus groups. Ideas and trend data are used for school improvement & initiatives.
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A6: Google Forms!! (and before that SurveyMonkey) Both work great. Limiting to 1-2 questions is key.
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Love time with bus drivers-- I need to implement that! Great work
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Q6: stakeholder surveys go out quarterly and reviewed w/ SI team, PTO, school Board, etc
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A6: We use district created surveys. Ss survey Ts, Ts survey Ps, Ps survey Central Office. Community surveys every few years.
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A6: Anonymous surveys. However if an issue arises, I want names to solve it!
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We use a Goorgle Form and the AdvancEd survey every year. Spend an entire T-meeting breaking down the data and use in the plan
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AGREED! We need all stakeholders on same page. It takes a village.
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A5: all staff email, weekly newsletter, ind. convos.
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Toughest part with surveys is some throw darts to simply throw darts.I wish people would be willing to sit down & problem solve.
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A6: I used a Kahoot.it survey at Meet the Teacher Night, to model instructional technology. thanks Derek
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Question 7 is one we could talk about for an hour....
I'm posting it next on
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Mike, we've done surveys that have been 100 Q's and others closer to 25 Q's. This year it'll be 10-20 total.
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You both have sold me on Google forms. ๐๐
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Off to buy meds and get horizontal early tonight. Thanks and the tribe! Lucky to learn fโฆ https://t.co/IqpuMkXP82
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A6 part 2...focus groups are also a feedback loop...parents, Ss, T, etc
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, that's one thing that keeps me up at night. I want to fix it.
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Get well soon, my friend!
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QUESTION 7 coming up next on . It's about technology...
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Good idea. Are you willing to share your survey?
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Q7: What is technology change that has benefited your school or district that other leaders could โborrowโ from you?
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A6: Anonymous surveys; info shared with BLT and then out to staff; part of improvement plans; discussed at parent group meetings
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yep, Adv Ed survey and break it down with all stakeholders
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Tech Change worth "stealing?"
I would encourage leaders to do Student Podcasts, Video Announcements and Blogging.
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A7: Google world has transformed what we do. educators are utilizing tech for assess., collaboration, lit., engagement, etc.
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A7 Google collaboration has transformed our work. Google Classroom for building and teams. Use Remind app for teachers
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A7: Zoom is an awesome tool for connecting.
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Q7: Tough one! Tools for learning & collaboration are our focus. Our LMS, google, blog,& social media combine with +devices.
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A7: Going wireless 2 years ago was huge! Now using BYOD in many classes & chromebooks. Just taking the plunge into Tech world!
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I'm late and lurking! Can't wait to read the thread and catch up!
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As leaders become more comfortable with Tech think about ways to showcase learning: 3D printers, Drone EDU, MakerSpace, STEAM...
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A7: Twit has opened my mind to new Prof Lrn Possibilities I got that from
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A7. Chromebooks have been great. Happy to add our 5th cart soon!
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A7: That is what is all about. Sign up to be a part of SIG Admin
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A7cont: Quizizz has been a great tool for kids this year in ELA. Nice change of pace from Kahoot...check it out.
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This year the Warner teachers are running with and
Nice to see the initiative.
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Random ? Anyone out there using MAISA reading and Writing units?
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love learning all the new tech stuff from you at the RESA principal meetings.
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A7: Being 1 to1 and having appleTVs allow T to show S work quickly. S feel empowered.
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A7: I also like the Genius scan app to save folks from filing papers. ๐๐
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A7: Our Supt.'s challenge to go paperless inspired me to use Smore for digital school newsletter & digital staff bulletin.
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Last question on , coming up next...
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Yes. Third year with writing and second with reading. Just starting Readers Workshop this year.
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A7: Twitter chats, STEM beebots drones
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Q8: What is an initiative that you have planned for change in your building or district?
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I LOVE SMORE for my family newsletters and they love it too!
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Hey gang just got home! Sorry I missed an awesome chat!
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I also use SMORE for parent newsletter. Good feed back so far. https://t.co/P60bTtrO2B
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I LOVE SMORE for my family newsletters and they love it too!
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A8: Lots going on now...Implementing 5D, PLCs, and Priority Curriculum Project (Reading & Math focus). District wide
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A8 Sunset Lake is in 1st year Leader in Me-=lifetime change
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The target at Warner is to continue to innovate & also strengthen instruction. Vital to develop students that can problem solve.
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A8: I am hoping to bring a 5-10 minute technology tip to each PD.
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Use UR iPad 2 take photos of docs quickly that you can upload. I'm trying to eliminate all paper. ๐๐
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I use my green screen every day
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A8: Implementing 5D+ Teacher Eval. Changing T mindsets for a "gotcha" eval tool, to a "growth mindset" tool
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-Will check it out, thanks!
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A8: We are finally going all in with Lucy Calkins Units of Study. Gotta get me a green screen!
