A1: It is important so students stay in a routine the entire time they are in our presence. They always have something they can learn each day. Maximize their learning potential. #idedchat
R1: I believe Ss should be engaged Bell to Bell. We don’t have 180 instructional days for blowoff days at the end. Keep the engagement high. There are always things that relate to your subject or grade that is fun! #IDedchat
A1: It is important to continue focusing on learning to the #lastbell to model that learning is continuous. I get frustrated when "learning" stops after State testing is done. #IDedchat
Every S learns at different rates. Some need every minute we can get. Can’t waste it. A 1st grader I know had reading click in May. Changed her world. She needed May to make it happen! #IDedchat
A1: It is important to continue focusing on learning to the #lastbell to model that learning is continuous. I get frustrated when "learning" stops after State testing is done. #IDedchat
A1: So many reasons. That panic & mild regret you feel as you have a breakthrough late in year should guide you in future to push all year. I have 45 week yr & it isn't enough time. My body can't do much more but... #idedchat
A2: My one class is working on a project that is encompassing all of the major concepts that we learned throughout the year. Starting their own business. #idedchat
R1: I like giving a pre-final. It allows me to find the content my Ss aren’t sure about, meet their needs, and prepare them for that “final” final! #IDedchat
When you have HS Ss, they are DONE. I somewhat see this when our Ss finish the state wide test (ISTEP). They see this as their final assessment and nothing much more matters... #IDedchat
Haven’t done this since I left admin, but I might this year. I have multiple biology tests written from moons ago that cover exact content (standards are a little different) but would provide a great roadmap for the Ss and provide me with valuable info. #IDedchat
What does your pre-final look like? I usually see teachers just give a "study guide" but I don't know that they give any feedback to students. #IDedchat
It looks like their test. This is what I have done in the past—I created two versions of the final. Same standards, different questions. I took the Version A and chunked it throughout the semester giving feedback and showing growth throughout the semester. 1/2 #IDedchat
Choice in CREATION! I would love to see students creating things that are reflective of their learning for the year. Culmination or passion project! #IDedchat
I give that same “final” 2 wks before the end of the semester. It is graded in the LMS so Ss see what they scored. It gives me feedback on the content they don’t have a great grasp on. I then review that material and then give the version B the last day. 2/2 #IDedchat
A3: Through motivation on Twitter. Food, family, words of encouragement. Knowing that I can make an impact on these students for only a few more days and I want to make the most of it. #idedchat
oh agreed! There needs to be some commonality to it. Can't keep "teaching to the test" just to appease the state, etc. State testing always seems to be a headache for all. #idedchat
This is what I use to do differentiated instruction for the Ss. Some may struggle on Punnet Squares, others on meiosis, others on the nitrogen cycle. I do grouping, different activities for them, and for those that are good, they get something for enrichment #IDedchat
I'm wondering if students can choose to demonstrate learning (and share the process or journey they took to achieve mastery) as part of the "final" #IDedchat
I hate the teach to test mentality. I am almost to the point where my content and activities and engagement is more important than a test. If I have their interest via an authentic assessment (next tweet), the content standards will come. #IDedchat
#IDedchat A2 Mystery Skypes & Hangouts. Continuing to take our Ss beyond the walls of the classroom. We have been to Russia, Canada, Israel, Sweden, Argentina, Denmark, France and Mexico. Great opportunity to learn geography skills and share culture with our new friends.
Agreed. Since I don't have a state test, it's interesting hearing Ts talk in the hallways playing the guessing game of what was on it last year and if it would show up again. Finding any ways to improve the data. #idedchat
Authentic assessment is something the Ss create. Could be a @Flipgrid discussion, a @WeVideo shared on YouTube. It could be a paper pencil project. Something to show they know and understand the content. Like a portfolio project without the paper. #IDedchat
A4: By continuing to meet them where they are. Make the learning engaging, real world, and what they want to learn. Find ways to make connections and watch them become passionate about learning. #idedchat
A4: Really late in year time frees up. School wide activities change the sched. I pull Ss into projects that they are inclined towards. Tearing down computers, etc. #idedchat
R4: This is where I talk future with Ss. I pull Ss aside in the hall. Lastly, I write every one of my Ss a handwritten note on the last day. It’s based on how they have done, their attitude toward school, connection with other Ss, etc. #IDedchat
A4: I had a fantastic side conversation with a student today about transitioning to college, paying for college, med school and some of the differences with doctors, and how rewarding it is. #idedchat
Sorry I am joining in late. A4....at the end of the year I like to issue challenges to my “students”. Most recent 1) a right now math task 2) invite me in to co-teach before the end of the year 3) find and solve 25 problems over the summer. #IDedchat
I’m reading a book about focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses. This is a convo that I plan on having with my Ss. We really should have them focus on the areas of strength. We also need honest convos with Ss. A kid that is failing science prob won’t be a dr. #IDedchat
A5: What if (thinking of @_datagirl idea) we had students do a @Flipgrid about what they felt their biggest accomplishments for the year were... Reflection both for them and the teacher. #IDedchat
Not sure it was accurate for me. Said I was a leader... LOL. Goes back to my tweet to @WinkelerD last night. Poster boy for what not to do in ed. #IDedchat
In reply to
@averyteach, @WinkelerD, @wendymairclark, @WinkelerD
I didn't do it this year. When I was 8th gr Tr I would stat year & have Ss set a goal for the year. put it in envelope and staple high on the wall. We'd toast! #idedchat
Honestly, I’m man enough to say that I cry. I know that the kids will move on and be successful. I guess that’s why I write the letters to the kids wishing them well and giving a pep talk to them. #IDedchat
A5: Ok I will share one thing I have done. There is a video called share a cup of success (soul pancake I thin) and I brought in coffee and hot cocoa and we answered similar questions on napkins. #IDedchat
A6. Great time for them to wonder. One T I know would generate lists of Ss’ questions each year. Ss would come back the next fall and share their learning w/ her. #IDedchat
Had some BBQ chips while tweeting. Booked summer vacation, softball practice for my 8 yr old, and bed time for my girls tonight. Eat when you can what you can #IDedchat
Our topic next week will be about Innovation - using technology to tranform instruction! You won't want to miss interacting with @franceleeg and @paulkzimm#IDedchat
