tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54723385806848979912024-03-10T23:46:29.458-07:00DigigogyFisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498370935470524251noreply@blogger.comBlogger752125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-87909943532146800312022-12-14T06:11:00.000-08:002022-12-14T06:11:27.581-08:00 Remembering Sandy Hook, 10 Years Later…<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SeOmOpBu7EC9bE3l9EMBaQInLrTHfRcm3WDZ6d9nWwnoyoZeHdo5XrcTEyXDpUEwK-NV7OUD8I_Fh4FfnAEpXrMCEivoK9-Jwl8MAOe_U6sl44DEGri9NJpXQzqOINFihEZ7A16Au315BYnjvVNQVZDEWVGtr5OxkVPs7P3E-3yJlKBrUa4IFFaB/s2880/Sandy_Hook_memorial.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2880" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SeOmOpBu7EC9bE3l9EMBaQInLrTHfRcm3WDZ6d9nWwnoyoZeHdo5XrcTEyXDpUEwK-NV7OUD8I_Fh4FfnAEpXrMCEivoK9-Jwl8MAOe_U6sl44DEGri9NJpXQzqOINFihEZ7A16Au315BYnjvVNQVZDEWVGtr5OxkVPs7P3E-3yJlKBrUa4IFFaB/w462-h307/Sandy_Hook_memorial.jpeg" width="462" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nine years ago, I asked friends and colleagues to write about one or more of the Sandy Hook souls whose lives were taken on December 14, 2012. I’m resharing their words on this tenth anniversary of the tragedy. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ce0d2c9f-7fff-c520-6f50-26f1619828f6"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I think of these kids often. I think of their principal. I wonder what they would be like today. Our oldest daughter is the same age these kids would be now and I wonder about all of the missed memories their families were never able to create. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wonder about the state of our country and the polarization and extremism that has led to more tragedy, specifically in schools, including Uvalde, Parkland, Santa Fe, and so many more that are, sadly, too numerous to name. I wonder how often these parents must bear old wounds every time another child is hurt or killed in school. It’s a heavy cross to carry.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On this tenth anniversary, I’m sharing the blogs that my friends and colleagues wrote, but I’m also sharing the link to the </span><a href="https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sandy Hook Promise</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> organization. They are doing a lot of work to help others take action to protect kids from the same types of tragedies and uniting people who value the protection of children, specifically in schools. Sandy Hook Promise is an organization that is promoting a national movement to prevent gun violence.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wherever there is darkness, I look for the light. For the hope. I know that when the night is the darkest, the stars are at their brightest. I know that grief is an enduring and unending love. I know that the memory of these souls should never dim. I know that we should all work together to prevent tragedies like this in the future. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I know that when we love each other, we can do great things.</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can view all of the </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CrWNaa9a0JOIJ9zawt-g_kUQkmpf8pQ4al__pgsrsJM/edit?usp=sharing" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TRIBUTE BLOG POSTS HERE</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many thanks to the following for their contributions:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/elizabethfisher" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Elizabeth Fisher</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Janet_Hale" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Janet Hale</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Pollita_23" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Linda Daniel</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/paulawhite" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Paula White</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/BeckyFisher73" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Becky Fisher</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Annabelle Howard</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/kristenswanson" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kristen Swanson</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/FredEnde" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fred Ende</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/curriculumblog" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Steven Weber</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/1PositiveSpirit" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Johni Cruse-Craig</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/allison_zmuda" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Allison Zmuda</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/mthornton78" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Michael Thornton</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/HeidiHayesJacob" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heidi Hayes Jacobs</span></a></p><br /></span><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Image credit:</span></div><div><ul class="mw-mmv-image-links" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; list-style-image: url("/w/skins/Vector/resources/common/images/bullet-icon.svg?d4515"); margin: 0px 20px; padding: 0px; word-break: break-word;"><li class="mw-mmv-license-li cc-license" style="font-size: 0.85em; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><a class="mw-mmv-license" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-align: right; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">CC BY-SA 2.0</a><span class="mw-mmv-restrictions" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 14px;"></span></li><li class="mw-mmv-filename-li" style="font-size: 0.85em; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span class="mw-mmv-filename-prefix" style="cursor: text; padding-right: 4px;">File:</span><span class="mw-mmv-filename">Sandy Hook memorial.jpg</span></li><li class="mw-mmv-datetime-li" style="font-size: 0.85em; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span class="mw-mmv-datetime">Created: 18 November 2022</span></li></ul></div>MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-19309057736642465792021-03-10T10:09:00.002-08:002021-03-12T05:04:36.357-08:00 In tribute to my friend, Silvia Rosenthal Tolisano (@langwitches) <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgux06NfWZQ_Z5wQWu42VhELm62wLZIxnQSpk3cc1nDlPoxQbEVTz7y6zNUBNHR3VhPm7ExWdm5nDByeQJpenftVnEIq1Ju-fz3ncRAg_rP9OxgfycGbalwNxpzYB0ba4LLSZ8CXvzjks8/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgux06NfWZQ_Z5wQWu42VhELm62wLZIxnQSpk3cc1nDlPoxQbEVTz7y6zNUBNHR3VhPm7ExWdm5nDByeQJpenftVnEIq1Ju-fz3ncRAg_rP9OxgfycGbalwNxpzYB0ba4LLSZ8CXvzjks8/" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />There is no better way to understand your own biases than to travel. Traveling gives you insight into perspectives you might have never considered. It opens your mind to new opportunities for humanity and connection. It gives you experiences that are indelible and lifelong.</span><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-95ef77aa-7fff-536e-e9b7-f68fc3a39a83"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bruce Chatwin, author of </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Songlines</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, wrote that “</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Travel doesn't merely broaden the mind. It makes the mind.” </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Songlines </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">resonated with me and helped me understand my identity in the world and why it mattered that I belonged to a community of people, a community that was made up of the entire planet on which we all live. Experiences matter. Perspectives matter. And I must invite those experiences and perspectives into understanding my own purpose.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I first met Silvia Rosenthal Tolisano, @langwiches to many of you, at the annual Curriculum Mapping conference in Saratoga Springs, NY many years ago. We were quick friends and documentarians, sharing our experiences with documenting learning and pushing teachers to connect, collaborate, and create. Silvia called herself a Third Culture Kid...born in Germany, raised in Argentina, and settling in America. She was really an All Culture Kid--a child of the world...the whole world.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYx7GgnGz5deeqTbfj9yj51j9AW_A8EU4YN4qqBO3sTxsgzvFaPL-G9uM3kRti6MlLJLB0IB0qYNSVlwKnLM1w8PwstXBiRlAr_dJKP_uMjHMOYX6HRQ0LF78Qf9E-UDvrJQw-04Q6I7c/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYx7GgnGz5deeqTbfj9yj51j9AW_A8EU4YN4qqBO3sTxsgzvFaPL-G9uM3kRti6MlLJLB0IB0qYNSVlwKnLM1w8PwstXBiRlAr_dJKP_uMjHMOYX6HRQ0LF78Qf9E-UDvrJQw-04Q6I7c/" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve traveled internationally with her several times as well as around the United States and Canada on many occasions. She’s a great travel partner--open to all perspectives and actively seeking opportunities to experience the world’s point of view on our work. How does the world inform what we do? That essential question has driven my own work for years. Silvia got it. She knew that enlightenment came from experiences. She knew that to fully realize the awesomeness of humanity, we had to experience what it meant to be human in a multitude of circumstances. </span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being a global citizen didn’t mean just knowing about the world. That was a strong prerequisite but not the thing itself. Being a global citizen meant being an experiencer of what the world has to offer. It meant learning WITH the world rather than just about it. And Silvia was adamant that this was a focal point for education. Math and Language weren’t the most important subjects, Geography was. Understanding Geography was a pathway to understanding all other subjects better. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUV9q2vw4od4WD5q78RdKPdr1V6yHwkBV75o1kfOsKg8JB0ejJSFykZ9Ij2_PQQCvhTmBO9tri-sb8JgCPpiDqG2x0NjcVssSNlz8AH5er0TN11G8YGKw5SzVAO3hxsvx3uYD4f80MBk/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="512" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUV9q2vw4od4WD5q78RdKPdr1V6yHwkBV75o1kfOsKg8JB0ejJSFykZ9Ij2_PQQCvhTmBO9tri-sb8JgCPpiDqG2x0NjcVssSNlz8AH5er0TN11G8YGKw5SzVAO3hxsvx3uYD4f80MBk/" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We can’t be better people if we only interact with small slices of populations. Experiences that are similar to our own don’t challenge our thinking, they reinforce our biases. To open our minds and hearts we have to open our passports. </span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is an old African proverb that has been bouncing around in my brain for the last few days… “when a person dies, a library is lost.” I’m paraphrasing, but I’m thinking about this in relation to Silvia and realizing that her library will never close. She documented everything she did for the benefit of teachers and learners. She shared in so many ways that her library will forever be open. Her contribution to the collective efficacy of all of us remains available online--a fitting legacy for someone I consider to be a true global media specialist.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m going to miss my friend as she travels on to places I can’t yet go. I’m going to miss her pragmatic ideas on what the must-do’s are in education in relation to globalizing learning and learners. I’m going to miss the challenge of blending experiences with priorities in educational endeavors. She was a really good thought partner.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29RTAgzOvQBcgO2SrlhwYHX-8J9HZTLBE5a_eCIeDhEuZgaID5wJKTfYqdguZGDArmFKWEXdTBXz0t-ATZ6jLLu7R77xCTFdKULKWPzPB2cdJ7yenAJIDIoC_uD_UWWIv5d5LHfWzocg/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29RTAgzOvQBcgO2SrlhwYHX-8J9HZTLBE5a_eCIeDhEuZgaID5wJKTfYqdguZGDArmFKWEXdTBXz0t-ATZ6jLLu7R77xCTFdKULKWPzPB2cdJ7yenAJIDIoC_uD_UWWIv5d5LHfWzocg/" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Songlines</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Bruce Chatwin introduced me to The Dreamtime, the Aboriginal stories of how everything came to be. He wrote of his experiences to understand and explore The Dreamtime and how reluctant the Aboriginal people were to talk to him about it. He was documenting his journey, for sure, but he was also sending a message: Just because we want the knowledge doesn’t mean we deserve it. In a larger sense, I think he was telling me, as the reader, that it’s not enough to just be interested. You have to be immersed. Immersion and the willingness to journey beyond your comfort builds trust and camaraderie and forges relationships built on shared understanding. Silvia was my globally connected mentor for this and I’m so sorry that the world has lost her.</span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I intend to lift her lamp. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I want her light to continue to shine. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope others will do the same.</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Into the West, by Annie Lennox:</span></div></span>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HvF31-2bVNE" width="560"></iframe>MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-29858800393143019582021-02-03T07:28:00.007-08:002021-02-03T07:28:54.159-08:00Going Forward: Snow Days or Online Days?<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last weekend, I shared the following tweet:</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e3d5a3ae-7fff-744d-8de6-d62ba785c73e"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 154px; overflow: hidden; width: 442px;"><img height="154" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/z3wVtFNsiHZLuwJBEbYQd0sSvqqH5-fv1UN9Fh9IePsvSwltgojqJApCCXE7nP8hcPNauB0e81F6xtK6_1mdbcOZSlH6KQWYw6pcMZHzaMHrb5v9rEaQnjIkiBDnwIRsevYLRbTq" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="442" /></span></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While I knew I was in a provocative space with this statement, I also wanted to know what others thought about it. I received a slew of responses from folks that ran the gamut of sentimentality and social/emotional awareness to quality of work to accessing essential tools and planning to pull this off. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My stance, going into this conversation, was about our capabilities...an extension of my </span><a href="https://digigogy.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-kids-will-be-alright-and-we-can.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">last blog post</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Now that we have the capability to have online days, are snow days a thing of the past?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s not the first time I’ve been down this rabbit hole. Back in 2011, I tweeted the following:</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 100px; overflow: hidden; width: 552px;"><img height="100" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/mDLUFR8-A9Xq6-mqdZnQgPcOLIXOn6V6R-WMRsLrDM6M9avouvY4RaIphxNpgJqe_7lLvrPE_zJUO03kp_fdk9arrihFIS5pNzkQqSiyvOd0Cwe3hGEz0j042RiOFFyNEYxlcOf8" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="552" /></span></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Back then, I called it cool and innovative, but that was Pre-Pandemic, before the reality of the logistics to really make it happen. I was also inspired by a student, Zachary Maxwell, who, in 2014, wrote and directed a film called </span><a href="https://vimeo.com/112013365" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anatomy of a Snow Day</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. This film deals with all of the logistical elements that must be in place in order for New York City to issue a rare snow day for students. Among those issues are transportation, type of precipitation, accumulation of precipitation, wind chill, public transit access, etc. At the time, access to Zoom and Google Meet weren’t even thought of. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In short, if we can pull it off, why don’t we?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are some of the considerations from those who responded:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Quickly changing an in-person lesson to an online lesson is complicated.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Who is going to be their learning liaison / helper / parent in this situation?</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do all students have the equity of access to devices and the internet? (And where does the funding come from to pull that off?)</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If we have allotted snow days, shouldn’t those be depleted before moving into an online option?</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If the day is just a bunch of busywork to accommodate the situation, is it worth it?</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What about students with special needs? How will an online day support their individual needs and interventions?</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Will teachers have the time they need to plan for a day’s worth of meaningful instruction?</span></p></li></ul><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In my original tweet, I hashtagged the phrase #ChangeMyMind. It was an invitation to others that I was open to differing opinions and was welcoming the perspectives of others. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Going forward, how can we leverage our capabilities and reconcile them with nostalgia?</span></p><br /><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Could there be a balance? A partial day? A real snow day on one occurrence with an online option for the next occurrence?</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Districts prioritizing the equity of devices and internet access for every student.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In terms of social / emotional learning and wellness, do we have an obligation to uphold tradition in this case? Perhaps we could do this with some parameters for helping families and communities shovel out or catch up on a hobby or launch a learning investigation of something that is of personal interest or cook something together - or even just to unplug and enjoy the day. There’s learning in all those things too--just not content-driven or traditionally assessed at school.</span></p></li></ul><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Jefferson County Schools, Superintendent Bondy Shay Gibson wrote </span><a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/go-build-a-snowman-school-district-declares-snow-day-to-help-families-at-tough-time/2510948/#:~:text=Jefferson%20County%20Schools%20declared%20a,will%20outgrow%20by%20next%20year.%22" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THIS LETTER</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to parents and students where she wrote that the snow day was “an opportunity to make some memories with your family,” and that “We will return to the serious and urgent business of growing up on Thursday, but for tomorrow...go build a snowman.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Perhaps this is one of those situations where “just because we can” doesn’t mean “we should.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In one response to my tweet, a teacher simply wrote, “Kids need snow days.” Perhaps everybody does.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’d like to amend my original #ChangeMyMind hashtag with #UpdatedPerspective. I still think this is a conversation worth having and that perhaps, as the years roll along, that there may be an equitable space for finding learning opportunities for bad weather days, perhaps only after scheduled snow days have been used up. Or maybe we just stick with tradition: cuddle up with a book, some hot chocolate, a Netflix binge, unlimited sledding, snowman building, and memories to last a lifetime...</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And in the interest of ending this on a positive note, please enjoy the following parody from Mary Morris, a third-grade teacher in Tennessee who shared her feelings about Snow Days in this parody of Adele’s </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hello</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="352" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YnIRfvFLiWQ" width="585" youtube-src-id="YnIRfvFLiWQ"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-24844688092888830732021-01-04T11:26:00.006-08:002021-01-04T19:04:50.395-08:00The Kids Will Be Alright (And We Can Never Go Back To The Way Things Were)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9qsLjOE22htluaX2t7fr8_tSHbWo5zVWrCsXh6Odor-cTcQFv48crpT4Qp2JQnUsPZHv4izIQssoTZM58xRhcAOD29w4zOwMgfaMF51SJDSY8dbHQDKobRj1U1uJBv2QalSFzsxjlIU/s1242/IMG_5934.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1242" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9qsLjOE22htluaX2t7fr8_tSHbWo5zVWrCsXh6Odor-cTcQFv48crpT4Qp2JQnUsPZHv4izIQssoTZM58xRhcAOD29w4zOwMgfaMF51SJDSY8dbHQDKobRj1U1uJBv2QalSFzsxjlIU/w354-h253/IMG_5934.jpg" width="354" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">It’s not the filling of a pail anymore. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s not even the lighting of a fire.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-b3d91ee5-7fff-f6e6-c03a-e8ab3b61c113"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s all about creating the conditions in which fire can occur in whatever the learning scenario may be.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of late, there have been a lot of eduTwitterers, advocates, reporters, and educational sharers of all types that are woefully lamenting what kids have lost, what they are missing, or what they are needing during the pandemic. They are missing months of instruction. They will end up being a year behind in their learning. They will be lost in the next grade level. They are missing socialization and human interaction. They are spending too much time on screens.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But what about what they’ve gained?</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Pandemic has been awful--worse than awful, but it has bestowed some gifts that wouldn’t have necessarily happened without it (or might not have happened so quickly!):</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Social and Emotional Learning:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> One of the high notes of pandemic outcomes has been the laser focus on social and emotional well-being for students and even their teachers. While SEL was already gaining some traction in classrooms, the pandemic spurred action around building relationships with students, investing in those relationships, checking in on how everyone is doing (many times on a daily basis!), and providing school and community supports in very specific ways. </span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Equity and Cultural Responsivity:</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The moment schools closed and learning from home began, we were thrust into a zone where the learning location and situation was being broadcast to everyone. Some had devices, some had phones (some had no devices!), some had dedicated spaces, some shared space with siblings. Some brought ideas to the learning table because they were in their home environments that were different than what they would offer in a social setting at school. Some parents became learning partners. All of what happened contributed to the collective understanding of what students were offering of themselves, their cultures, their family mores, and how the learning must respect where students come from so that the learning is relevant for all.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Major Upgrade to Differentiated Practices:</b> Teachers often tell me about their differentiated practices in schools, though many times, what they describe is either more work or less work, or opportunities for deleting an assignment or portion of an assessment. The scaffolds really aren’t there. In remote learning scenarios, teachers had to quickly figure out how to layer instruction that builds knowledge and skills in particular and effective ways. This meant learning to leverage online meeting technologies to schedule time with small groups and individuals, rediscover the magic of the mini-lesson, and learn the ebb and flow of the individual tides of independent and guided instruction and different finish lines for performance.</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Priorities in Instruction:</b> Of the many questions I was asked when working with teachers, one of the most prevalent ones was: What matters most in instruction? My answer was almost always, “I don’t know. It depends on the lenses through which you are looking at what is a priority.” I had great conversations with teachers about what critical learning meant. What are the students learning that will be the basis for their future learning? What are the students learning that will serve them in multiple content areas? What are students learning that are lifelong skills? What is the difference between what I teach and what students learn? What do I need to add to my program? What will not work in an online environment? What do I have time to accomplish? These have always been good questions to ask about our curriculum and instruction and they will continue to be drivers of quality curriculum going forward!</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Toolboxes for Learning:</b> One of the many things we learned early on was that there was no one size fits all resource. While many companies purported to have exactly what you need, all fell short in one way or another. This was actually a good thing. It forced us to think about the suite of tools that matter to learning or are the most beneficial for students. This toolbox was contributed to by teachers and students and became dependent upon what needed to be done and which tool is the best for engaging and assessing student understanding. This was a much different scenario than trying out what was shiny and new out in the edtool ether and seeing if it worked. We had to make quick decisions about efficacy and then give students some choice of tools that matter. This scenario is not going away...</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Self-Direction and Self-Navigation Skills:</b> Whether remote, blended, or in person, students were thrust into opportunities for being more responsible for their own actions, contributions, time-management, and decision making. Students have a level of autonomy that they haven’t had before because they are operating in multiple types of learning spaces. Teachers are managing these spaces and are relying on students to do their part--to be contributing eduCitizens in this new learning landscape. I’ll admit, there were days when I was sure that everything was on the verge of falling apart, and then the students would pull through and show everyone what their readiness levels really were. And now that we know that they are capable, even at a young age, how can we leverage this level of independence and decision-making skills in future learning endeavors? (On a related note, I’ve noticed that people, in general, who are working together to get through this pandemic, are way better at self-direction than they were previously and this is great that it’s being modeled for our children. I’m talking directly to those people that put their carts away at the grocery store or don’t hoard toilet paper--thank you.)</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Project and Problem Based Learning:</b> The pandemic and remote/blended instruction became a great opportunity to move away from the encapsulated day to day lesson plans entrenched in classrooms and focus on more project/problem-based learning opportunities that involved research, collaborations, mini-lessons, and new assessments. Some of this was done in relation to the load of the teacher and how they were managing multiple students in different learning scenarios and some of this was done in order to maximize thinking and engagement for all students. I’m hoping the practice sticks around. </span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>EduEcosystem Constructs:</b> Learning in a pandemic shined a brilliant light on the way we’ve always done it. And perhaps the way we should consider doing things from now on. We learned that location doesn’t matter nearly so much as the quality of the learning and the relationships you have with those you’re learning with. When we think about all the creative ways we dealt with synchronous and asynchronous time, we worried less about seat time and more about quality instruction. The conversations that we would normally have had about grades transformed into conversations about impact and how well students learned what we intended for them to learn and the feedback we offer for improving their work. We learned that there is perhaps a new recipe to consider when thinking about learning that sticks: it starts with people and relationships, then what’s worth engaging together during synchronous times, then creating or co-creating new ways for students to demonstrate what they are learning, all while giving them more opportunities to self-navigate and more autonomy in their work. </span></p></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ongoing, what do we do? What do we stop doing? Continue doing? Start doing?</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In my humble opinion, we can’t go back to normal, whatever that might mean. All that we have learned about learning and teaching must be part of the lenses through which we look at future curriculum design opportunities. Whether the learning happens in school live, in a blended format, or even in continued remote opportunities, we want to persist with all that we’ve leveled up to in the last 9 months. This includes thinking about synchronous, asynchronous (perhaps flipped?), and even semi-synchronous events where we move in and out of online/offline and in-person/remote scenarios with the dexterity and grace of a swan.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is there a conversation to be had about what students might have lost or missed? Certainly. But that shouldn’t be a focal point. Our focal point should be on what students (and teachers) have gained during this time and how we can build on those gains to do extraordinary things in the future. This is a significant moment in time for many reasons. Personally, I want to focus on the positives and moving onward and upward. I can be considerate of what support students may need as we come out of this pandemic but with the wings they’ve grown during this time, I want to see them fly.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo: Michael Fisher</span></p></span></div><p> </p>MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-68640873146742708672020-07-29T04:54:00.002-07:002020-07-29T04:56:06.180-07:00Prioritizing Standards as a Basis for Curriculum Planning<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VTx-4uSp3HI" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
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In this video, we will look at a process for prioritizing standards as a basis for curriculum planning.<br /><br />
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<span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ancillary documents and resources are here: </span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Determining Standard Priorities Organizer:</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=comments&stzid=UgyQ3Vz3RC-1xorpnjR4AaABAg&q=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fdocument%2Fd%2F1BnkxT0FPwZFRFBI69SZAzvhKfjUxX9Q0g9xqCQtVzt0%2Fedit%3Fusp%3Dsharing%25C2%25A0&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjJjOFU1NnlHdGZ0U0xudUFkejBWY0RIRkJid3xBQ3Jtc0ttWnIxN0pNYzNCRXA3UkYzNkVpRGRpZHpSVmNMR2hLeWE1VU9Ia3dBbmYxRXc2NHNZYk9VOG5FbWx0dU1lOWlFM2dkakJCTElrcGZTUUpVNmRmaHdadWVlVnB6R1BxSG90ZnhNVWFlVVJhUExrejNCQQ%3D%3D" rel="nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: var(--yt-endpoint-text-regular-decoration, none); white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BnkxT0FPwZFRFBI69SZAzvhKfjUxX9Q0g9xqCQtVzt0/edit?usp=sharing </a><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Priority Standards Organizer:</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=comments&stzid=UgyQ3Vz3RC-1xorpnjR4AaABAg&q=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fdocument%2Fd%2F1RZG8cWNabhi9KpPjPCYVWpbAwmihvV-02jeTbEqs5es%2Fedit%3Fusp%3Dsharing%25C2%25A0&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVotN1h6TGVGY2NMMU0wdUJVVzNMV0lZc1hCZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttSFhWVlVOZVc0MlZDZ2c1QmFnakcyVnhHYm1feUV4eC1oN3dTbnZLc2RRVXBKazR3dzhwOUFmekJKRW11dVp0VmM4ZXE0T3BLQ1VrZEpmUTNHUnlUTWIzd005QnN5V3ROQksxY1Z5THpHMzZxQ2dBZw%3D%3D" rel="nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: var(--yt-endpoint-text-regular-decoration, none); white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RZG8cWNabhi9KpPjPCYVWpbAwmihvV-02jeTbEqs5es/edit?usp=sharing </a><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reopening Schools Website: </span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=comments&stzid=UgyQ3Vz3RC-1xorpnjR4AaABAg&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.transform.curriculum21.com%2F&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVEybjF5YllqeFdObE1SV0dNSVpWd2s0Y240d3xBQ3Jtc0trNkpEbWVqczhVdE14Vi0zMGxiRVVxVlJzUHFhTFRTQWNpbmNucjBPOTQ4ZjltSW1GTDRKTXlrRnIzVWRsNm1nd2d5SHhLNnpLeXhjVUFlUnl4RHBJbWVJUk5tNldMb2VXLXBIWjE4M2dYQ0UtVk9HZw%3D%3D" rel="nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: var(--yt-endpoint-text-regular-decoration, none); white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">www.transform.curriculum21.com</a><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rigorous Curriculum Design:</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=comments&stzid=UgyQ3Vz3RC-1xorpnjR4AaABAg&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.larryainsworth.com%2Fbooks%2Frigorous-curriculum-design-getting-started-with-rcd%2F&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXdsWTVHMFdLVHZZWUpSMmUyZjdtUzhoWW9wUXxBQ3Jtc0trY2xZU1RCc21YMkh5eE9oLTNkSTdKa3JQVUpydkR2ck5WUWkzNnptUEdORVpjZkVMeGlSRkROOUMyLW5jWmwxMEdRQV8zWjdDaV8zTk95VHRPMlJ2QzNGTnFWVEtfNEwycFlLazVnd3U0YV9uMFA1aw%3D%3D" rel="nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: var(--yt-endpoint-text-regular-decoration, none); white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://www.larryainsworth.com/books/rigorous-curriculum-design-getting-started-with-rcd/</a><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mapping the Big Picture:</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=comments&stzid=UgyQ3Vz3RC-1xorpnjR4AaABAg&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ascd.org%2Fpublications%2Fbooks%2F197135.aspx&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXVMY2lwaGlubGtnaVpPQmVZeWwwLVVMb3FqQXxBQ3Jtc0treEdsSnQ3V3ZNTnZaY2ZjLV9qRHdhczJrNTc3cUEtMzBkVllBMDNKamJtY2wzVGdaWVB0MGZkSXhwMWI2Zlo3TkVJYWxQYmJCVGo3Ull6NHRPRXdyNlhNZl9qdnZxcnBhRFJQNDRZb3JVWUdUMGN0MA%3D%3D" rel="nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: var(--yt-endpoint-text-regular-decoration, none); white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/197135.aspx</a><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Getting Results with Curriculum Mapping:</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=comments&stzid=UgyQ3Vz3RC-1xorpnjR4AaABAg&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ascd.org%2Fpublications%2Fbooks%2F104011.aspx&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazYyR1BCa3VmaGJxdW8zbWdXQUVPRUh6QkNoUXxBQ3Jtc0tsbWt2T3ZsQW5nNVZhcHRyZ1RnbEVfdE9xUTk1TzdNeEpiX05NdlV4YU53RVRHbXN2N2oxN0VxSEZ5dmpKb3QyN3I3VUJod3hpM2pDS1BMWm9OM09mcjdPNXBPQkx3bUZlWnNjenhoSWZTOFJEY3NaYw%3D%3D" rel="nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: var(--yt-endpoint-text-regular-decoration, none); white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/104011.aspx</a><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Guide to Curriculum Mapping:</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=comments&stzid=UgyQ3Vz3RC-1xorpnjR4AaABAg&q=https%3A%2F%2Fus.corwin.com%2Fen-us%2Fnam%2Fbook%2Fguide-curriculum-mapping&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnk3d29FVnVqbXFjdVNpTHprR2pZNjBTMFptd3xBQ3Jtc0ttcWltR0tiNHdEdDlnVGQ5WlBJMjJyTlUzSHJTMHE0RmxnTFhSTlI0YjRyMGN5VW1aSEdvWEp3X0N0TW5DLTNXYlkxSlVDbzI5eGdXSnQwb3ZoTlhBNVMxaVZpZi10aHBJTWhubEJnN2VGbFV2ZkZqMA%3D%3D" rel="nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: var(--yt-endpoint-text-regular-decoration, none); white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://us.corwin.com/en-us/nam/book/guide-curriculum-mapping</a><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hacking Instructional Design:</span><span class="style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #030303; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" dir="auto" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=comments&stzid=UgyQ3Vz3RC-1xorpnjR4AaABAg&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHacking-Instructional-Design-Extraordinary-Contemporary%2Fdp%2F1948212110&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHBwMGI0LUFsUjZvNzNuU2Y4M0VuRndoY0VjZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttMnBLYkRfWUI2VWZlU3QxNjMzN0ZPMXdGc2lWdUszRjZzTkVoWnZ6bzI2c3I5RWdNWXVhNnpLWGFqd0k5OXpYejRHa1ZoM09wNDZmWV9yRHBGTnlmcUcxS1MyRDRkT1BiLVMyRWk3dzNPSXQwZU5wTQ%3D%3D" rel="nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: var(--yt-endpoint-text-decoration, none); white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Hacking-Instructional-Design-Extraordinary-Contemporary/dp/1948212110</a><br /><br /></font>
<br />MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-57610000826249176252020-07-09T08:19:00.004-07:002020-07-09T08:19:40.190-07:00Student Voices: Remote Learning Lessons and the Return to School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yJLkpGaR-6nDlBm9ZgA1X_L6SMXbSye72XDB3psg8efueL1HJ7vNWt07zoq8s4L-NNR-5pTkRSE8N65gTY5p48NuAdympSr_gWYzPrN6u_0x_VYah6U3PST-SXnn4vKAwobkX0vjh40/s1600/preschool-playtime-1564034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yJLkpGaR-6nDlBm9ZgA1X_L6SMXbSye72XDB3psg8efueL1HJ7vNWt07zoq8s4L-NNR-5pTkRSE8N65gTY5p48NuAdympSr_gWYzPrN6u_0x_VYah6U3PST-SXnn4vKAwobkX0vjh40/s320/preschool-playtime-1564034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt;">In the Washoe County School District in western Nevada, stakeholders were surveyed about the return to school in the fall. Among those stakeholders were students who were asked about four key areas of concern including health and safety, learning issues, the physical environment, and their attitudes about returning to school.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">63% of students supported going back to school with 29% reporting that they would be more open to a blended environment. Based on their experiences with distance/remote learning, students were asked about their priorities for distance education, which included attention to new learning and live meetings in small and large groups with their teachers.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">While 65% of students said that they would be returning, another 29% of them said that they would only do so depending on their school district’s plan, which could include a variety of options for masking, social distancing, temperature checks, etc. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">In Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County residents were also surveyed with 77% of parents reporting that virtual learning was either a “no” or a “maybe” if given a choice when schools reopened. The school district, based on their collected data, is still anticipating tens of thousands of students opting for virtual instruction, causing an expansion of the Hillsborough Virtual School as they prepare for whatever fall will bring.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Students at Boston University indicated that most were excited about coming back to campus in the fall but had concerns about integrating with the surrounding community, health and safety concerns about facial coverings and social distancing, and also reported that they feel the depth and quality of their educational experience may suffer if they are not in person on campus.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">If learning does continue to be online or blended, students have offered some insight into what is working and what is not working based on their three-month remote learning experiences.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Students that contributed responses to the New York Times’ Current Events Conversations Writing Prompts shared some of the same overlapping concerns, including that the workload was overwhelming at times, that for some, it’s impossible to learn anything new through distance learning, and that there was a lot of confusion involved. Some responses also talked about the preference for learning online and others talked about how much they miss the social aspects of school.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Some of these same concerns were echoed by respondents to a survey by New York’s Chalkbeat Education News Service in June. Students were concerned about the assignment of tasks devoid of explanations and elaborations. Students questioned how compact the day was versus regular, in-person school as well as the lack of communication around questions and deadlines for assignments.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">In a Western New York suburban school district, a high school teacher asked her students to reflect on remote learning and the impact that it had on them. Here is a sampling of the questions that were asked:</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">How have you done overall with this "remote learning" time? What worked for you? What didn't?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Where has your motivation come from?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">How are you balancing your course load? Has this time been more difficult managing assignments?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">What advice do you have for the school if "remote learning" continues? <o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">And here are some of their responses (paraphrased or edited to summarize responses, invite clarity, or to omit identifying information):</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Being at home kind of made work feel like an option.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Remote learning was a challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">My main motivation came from my parents, not from myself.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Some students reported having to take care of or teach siblings which impacted their work and ability to meet deadlines.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Students had trouble with organization and/or creating a schedule to get work done.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Advice for planning: be understanding and lenient with grades, deadlines, and expectations for learning new material.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Some students reported issues with devices and learning management systems.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Live video enabled questions and real time conversations that recorded video did not.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Not being able to go to school has made me miss it.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">It is way easier to learn with a teacher in front of me.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Remote learning is way harder than being in the physical classroom.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">(Before the quarantine) I didn’t go to (physical) school often. Remote learning was the best thing to happen.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">When my mother tested positive for Covid-19, I missed weeks worth of work taking care of her.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">I get sidetracked often, particularly when it comes to things I don’t want to do.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Using technology slows me down.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">I find myself doing many other things which has caused stress because I’m not managing my assignments.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">It will be very hard to continue with remote learning.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">As districts are actively working on plans for the fall and whether their scenarios will be in-person, virtual, or a blend of these, it’s important to keep students and their perspectives at the center of the decision making processes. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">There are a lot of difficult choices ahead and we need to ensure that our decisions around those choices include student voices. From what has been shared here, and across multiple other resources about reopening schools, it’s clear that everyone, especially students, wants to see a return to normalcy. Within the confines and parameters that we are now working, students have ideas and comments about the quality of instruction, the attendance to their individual needs as online and in-person learners, and their desire for socialization and communication both with peers and teachers. Inviting student voices is critical to the success of any planned scenario for getting back to school.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">References:</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Bauman, C. (2020, June 25). NYC students want to return to in-person learning this fall, but with caveats. Retrieved July 07, 2020, from https://ny.chalkbeat.org/2020/6/25/21303600/coronavirus-nyc-students-want-to-return-to-in-person-learning-this-fall-but-with-caveats</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Laskowski, A. (2020, June 11). Students Voice Range of Emotions about Returning to Campus This Fall. Retrieved July 08, 2020, from http://www.bu.edu/articles/2020/students-react-to-fall-2020-campus-reopening/</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Sokol, M. (2020, June 10). Nearly half of Hillsborough parents, teachers wary of returning to schools. Retrieved July 05, 2020, from https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2020/06/11/nearly-half-of-hillsborough-parents-teachers-wary-of-returning-to-schools/</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">The Learning Network. (2020, April 09). What Students Are Saying About Remote Learning. Retrieved July 09, 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/09/learning/what-students-are-saying-about-remote-learning.html</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Washoe Schools. (2020, July 7). COVID-19 Response / Reopening Surveys. Retrieved July 07, 2020, from </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://www.washoeschools.net/survey"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">https://www.washoeschools.net/survey</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px;">Photo by Anissa Thompson from FreeImages.com</span></div>
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MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-57430280148979456452020-06-01T20:43:00.004-07:002020-06-04T07:52:14.859-07:004 Pedagogical Considerations for Ongoing Instruction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45D0CSEdeu48pqsjj5oPIb5kUvlFus1n-JIql4ea1kvhWdFI0tBQtSrln5Dgk5PImtRkYuwXwlZig5JIMZ_WJ9P6yVPA-wYbrVqL71CwccVr21jgRTtDqRAfvuR9l1Zj3bldbv147k6A/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45D0CSEdeu48pqsjj5oPIb5kUvlFus1n-JIql4ea1kvhWdFI0tBQtSrln5Dgk5PImtRkYuwXwlZig5JIMZ_WJ9P6yVPA-wYbrVqL71CwccVr21jgRTtDqRAfvuR9l1Zj3bldbv147k6A/s320/IMG_7381.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Since we are likely to be continuing to deal with the fallout from the Covid-19 Pandemic in the fall, I wanted to offer some ideas for how teachers can approach the way they are teaching whether the learning is online or offline, remote or physical. I’ve been working with teachers and students during this time and what follows is based on observations and wonderments during our work together, while also adding my own thoughts about creating a contemporary curriculum. <br /><br /> As a companion to each of the following, I’d like to underscore the importance of connections and the social / emotional needs of students. It’s going to be difficult to learn if students are having trouble negotiating safe learning spaces and trauma-informed learning opportunities. This pandemic has been rough on students, whether because of access issues, managing home and school responsibilities, loss of structure, caring for family members, etc. All students will be impacted in some way and we have a responsibility to be proactive about caring for them as they come back to school. <div><br /> Students need to be able to start from where they are and move forward as they are ready. This may require many scaffolds and differentiated opportunities to get students to a place where learning can occur. <br /> If at all possible, and especially for elementary children, perhaps give some thought to moving them as an existing group to the next grade level. For instance, take a current classroom of students and move them together to a new teacher without breaking them apart or reconfiguring groups for next year. Students may benefit from the maintenance of already created classmate relationships and interpersonal dynamics. While there may be a small percentage of need-based switches, keeping students together may be helpful in quickly getting the learning back on track. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> We have a unique opportunity to truly build a community of learners. We’ve learned so much about our capabilities as educators and there is so much more on the menu of what can accomplish with students as our focus and our partners in navigating contemporary learning practices. That said, the following, in tandem with considerations for social / emotional needs, are umbrella categories that can be applied no matter how you document your curriculum: <br /> <br /> <br /><b> Foundations:</b> <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> Remember that one of the big curriculum constants is the standards. Those standards are a launching pad in and of themselves when you think about what concepts build over time, like in math or science, or skills that are practiced and sophisticated over time like reading, writing, research, and speaking. It may be worthwhile to have some discussions here at the end of the school year and during summer curriculum work around some priority standards and what they mean in the transition from one grade level to the next. </li><li> In addition, it’s always a good idea to help teachers situate their perspectives by exploring grade-level standards that are one grade level above and below the current grade they teach. That may be particularly important this year, for students who missed a significant portion of in-person instruction. </li><li> Have collegial discussions and consensus around what standards are most important. This will be especially critical if learning continues to be online. </li><li> In order for students to begin new learning, what prerequisite skills must they be proficient with? What concept basics do they need in order to move to the next learning moment? What parts will need explicit instruction? What skills and concepts can be independently learned? How will support be given for new learning and continued practice? </li></ul><b> Explorations</b> <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> Whether online or in-person, it is critical in contemporary learning to give students opportunities to explore and discover as an introductory step to launching the learning process. We want to build curiosity and spark authentic inquiry. </li><li> This is a great opportunity to invite students into the learning process. What direction might they take the learning? Where could they look for answers to their questions? How might they approach the attainment of learning targets within a teacher’s desired plans? What are some unintended consequences / opportunities when students have a voice and choice in their own learning? </li></ul><b> Documentations</b> <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> This is also a great opportunity for students to document their learning processes in a variety of ways: notes, sketch notes, models, examples, podcasts, websites, everything on the continuum of traditional to contemporary that allows students to collect and curate their explorations, discoveries, and inquiries. </li><li> Those documentations should be collaboratively created as a community of learners with contributions from students, teachers, experts, anyone with knowledge to share. This is a good opportunity to reach out to different networks for contributions to the students' documentation of their learning. </li><li> Note that documentations are also an assessment of process and progress. They are coaching opportunities to help guide students through and beyond what they are being tasked with learning. </li></ul><b> Creations</b> <br /><ul><li> What will students DO with what they’ve learned? This is, perhaps, the most contemporary action that a teacher can take when thinking about assessment. </li><li> This is also another good moment for students to be able to offer their voices and choices for how they will demonstrate their learning. </li><li> Teachers can help students expand the audience for their work beyond the classroom. With an increased audience, students will create higher quality work / deliverables. </li><li> Teachers can also help students transcend the depth of their demonstrations of learning. Are we going to continue to offer worksheets or end of unit textbook assessment opportunities or can we promote more contemporary actions like a community presentation, a film festival, or the creation of something really innovative or surprising.</li></ul> Included with this blog post are two organizers to help teachers as they unravel what to work on now and what to work on next. Please note that these organizing tools are in Google Docs in “VIEW ONLY” mode, meaning that you can copy these into your Google Drive, and then they belong to you to manipulate as you see fit. I am open to comments, questions, suggestions for improvement, or any other dialogue that will make this process easier for all involved. <br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nfRfWSEVL7vQbsHIyl9vDB2_V2b5-OeL0dU9p9OoROw/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">5 Pedagogical Considerations Organizer </a></li><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1btqGSws2PyPzDYDWnPPyzc_bt1bdm7LDGD4dllp6TrI/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Learning Experience Plan Organizer </a></li></ul> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> Note that the Learning Experience Plan Organizer is split into three sections: Documenting Instructional Design, Documenting Instructional Practices, and Documenting Contemporary Decisions. These can be worked on individually or in relation to needs on top of what you may already have documented. In short, you may not need the whole thing.</div>MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-15871670292506142712020-04-17T15:46:00.003-07:002020-04-20T05:38:08.537-07:007 Questions to Ask in Our Transition Plans<h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 18pt; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It’s been a little over a month for many school communities and we’re still facing weeks, if not months, of continued remote learning. But we also have our sights set on what’s next as we prepare for what is after right now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We’re grappling with some old questions that now have a renewed focus:</span></div>
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<li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>How do we invite students into the plan? </b>Listening to and acting on student voices has never been more important. They should be invited partners in the coming work. If students are to be self-directed and have more autonomy in the classroom then they have to have a stake in planning, outcomes, and deliverables. Contemporary learning isn’t contemporary unless all voices are included, student voices in particular - they are the ones doing the work. It makes sense to establish the worth of their ideas early in the planning stages, as they have been the recipients of the many different modes of instructional and learning practices over the last few weeks. They have good ideas about what works for them. More here: <a href="https://er.educause.edu/blogs/2020/4/what-some-students-are-saying-about-the-switch-to-remote-teaching-and-learning?fbclid=IwAR3RalHqWNMJ7kxeoR0XNlfJKGnY0cxV5sf0fF0dpwGbFCvSW6XLi-3H1KQ">See what students are already saying about remote learning</a>.</span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>How can we invite and maintain the highest levels of equity?</b> Now that we have blatantly uncovered the haves and have nots in terms of access and support, there is a renewed responsibility for supporting all learners in every way we can. Now more than ever, we have to be advocates for every single student. This is not just a school effort. This is a community responsibility, working in coordination with schools, local government, parents, and students. We can shape school into something wonderful, something we’ve never been able to do before now with everyone at the table in whatever ways it takes to get them there. More here: <a href="http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/summer20/vol77/num10/Why_COVID-19_Is_Our_Equity_Check.aspx">Why Covid-19 is our equity check</a>.</span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>How do we focus more on quality and authenticity in autonomous and multi-synchronous environments? </b>Schools should think about how they can leverage performances and demonstrations of learning for the sake of knowing students have learned what is intended for them to learn. Do our grading and assessment systems embody quality or quantity? If students are at the planning table, what possibilities exist in the creation of deliverables? Would a shift toward discovery and exploration with a clear focus on inquiry help the community of learners grow their thinking and performance capabilities? It’s a challenge for sure, but a worthy challenge to embark on with students. Students (and their teachers!) can do challenging things. That’s been proven as of late. Let’s keep the momentum going! More here: <a href="https://www.solutiontree.com/blog/modernizing-your-instructional-practice/">Modernize your instructional practices in 11 ways.</a></span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>How do we support parents and families in all the ways we need to for access, continued engagement, and as essential elements of our systems and programs? </b>If parents are going to be in a renewed partnership with schools, it would be helpful to continue to invite, appreciate, and design learning experiences with parents as contributors. The responsibility for instruction and learning has swiftly shifted. It would be amazing to keep this community of learners in place as we move forward to whatever happens after our current situation is over.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Parents as partners has the potential to revolutionize education. It always has. Now that the spotlight is on how much we critically need parents, perhaps we can be more mindful about including them from now on! More here: <a href="https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2020/04/18/infographic-7-tips-for-parents-supporting-remote-learning/">7 tips for parents supporting remote learning.</a></span></span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>What is the real worth of traditional modes?</b> If schools are truly in charge of their schedules, times for learning, intervention practices, curriculum development, etc., then there should be planning that involves remixing our traditions. We’ve never known what we could do until we had to do it. And now that we’ve done it, we’ve shifted our capabilities and heightened our opportunities and potential for real impact. We must leverage these new capabilities and make room for new thinking and new possibilities. More here: <a href="https://www.learningpersonalized.com/from-traditional-high-school-learning-to-co-creating-learning-experiences/">From traditional high school learning to co-created learning experiences.</a></span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>How do we rethink spaces and places for learning?</b> What if we set up online and interactive spaces at the beginning of the school year in the same way we collect phone numbers and other needed/essential information? Some thought should be given to identify early who doesn’t have access and actively work to get students into equitable spaces. Districts may need to consider deployment plans for wifi access with hotspots and with devices. Schools should establish synchronous and asynchronous places to learn and reimagine physical spaces for the benefit of the learner. Schools should spend time at the beginning of the year onboarding students into multi-synchronous environments with expectations that learning can happen anywhere, anytime, with a renewed focus on learner needs (SEL), self-direction, communities for learning, and joy.</span></li>
<li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>What else might we need to think about?</b> Upending traditional structures will also matter if we start back to school under continued rules for social distancing and sanitization. Districts may need to consider options for roving start times and student rotations throughout the day. This will necessitate conversations about priorities in instruction and assessment and create opportunities for bold and robust teaching and learning.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We have a renewed sense of community and contribution from an array of stakeholders. This is a good time to put in the work of observing and analyzing what’s happening now to help inform what happens next.<span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "arial";"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">What questions are on your mind or that you are wrestling with as you plan ahead? Share your questions and comments below as we start to unravel our next steps.</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Image from US Department of State, Labeled for Reuse</span></span></div>
MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-18204819839125943612020-03-12T18:48:00.003-07:002020-03-13T19:29:33.481-07:00Coronavirus Conversations: Leveraging Networks and Resources for Online Learning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Please see additional blogs from colleagues and friends after this blog post...</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As learners are potentially and quickly shifting from a physical space to a more connected online and public space, teachers want to maintain opportunities for exploration, staying on track with learning goals, all while keeping students safe in a new learning environment. If and when schools close and alternative methods have to be deployed, teachers will want to continue to be clear about student learning goals and objectives. This will require being thoughtful about WAYS in which they will potentially interact with students and WHAT they will use as relevant resources to support continued student learning. If this will become an opportunity for “online schooling” rather than just online learning then there will be some expectations for self-regulation, motivation to continue to learn at home, and figuring out how students will demonstrate their learning in this new model. </span></span></div>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-707eb74a-7fff-99ae-897e-87181b13c050" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The big goal here is not just to access information for the sake of doing something should school close, it’s really creating opportunities for collaborative learning and cooperative thinking while leveraging innovations we’ve not had before. We’re enabling learning ANYWHERE! With ANYONE! To that end, here are some potential options for engaging several levels of networks with students:</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Small Teacher to Student interactions: </span><a href="https://www.remind.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Remind App</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or </span><a href="https://www.classdojo.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Class Dojo</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (For teachers to push out announcements, tasks, ideas for learning, links, etc.)</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Small-Group / Classroom level interactions: Schoology or another online access platform for learning...including blogs. (For teachers to engage in group connectivity, create learning teams, share materials, assign work, converse with students, brainstorm potential (digital) products, etc.)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://support.schoology.com/hc/en-us/articles/201001973-Guide-to-Schoology-Groups" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Creating Groups in Schoology</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6020279?hl=en" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Google Classroom</span></span></a></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Large Group interactions: Social Media such as Facebook or Twitter (For districts/schools to share announcements, global expectations for a learning organization, create space for conversations and district to home communications.)</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You may want to consider surveying students now to find out which students do not have access and begin planning resources for those students that are not online.</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Consider “Office Hours” for equity by phone or school-based phone system to push out information (perhaps daily) for on and offline learning opportunities.</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don’t forget snail mail. Documents and information can also be disseminated in the mail, particularly for students with limited or no online access.</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you want to explore multiple options for online learning structures or management systems, </span><a href="https://www.smore.com/py5nz" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK THIS LINK</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to see a list.</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you want to contribute to a resource list for schools/teachers of online learning opportunities, </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYCVU7iZmBbWp4eej34TXeSGxkv-6Ld6E_UwIA2AGxIjnoAA/viewform" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to access a Google Form to share resources. There are already quite a few tools there and we welcome any ideas/resources you have to share!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1c_m16mzmm0WEj36DHSyOcnS22YC0oq82Wo1GePHjhIg/edit?usp=sharing" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to access the spreadsheet of those resources.</span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Districts may also want to take a look at this document from International Teachers on the logistics of their responses to school closures and some of the big decisions that they had to make: “</span><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AZYaeXp9aWebmC8Qmb4dzUQuQMfTAatZqAmYbNLbgew/edit?fbclid=IwAR3Qcj_eP9KxsJ81VhaTNkaN0C9GDQEVNdqUzAlvIc8iIlGFY79sTlV8XGk" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If I Had It To Do Over Again</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If there is time for your school/classroom, it would be a good idea to practice with students on the usage of these tools and any protocols for their use prior to implementation. This especially important for younger students (and their parents!) to make sure there is clarity about expectations and instructional actions at home. My hope is that this is good practice for future unexpected closures such as snow days. What if we just have online days instead? My hope is also for resiliency in the face of adversity. We must believe that we are up to the challenge at hand and model perseverance and ingenuity for our students. We’re navigating the unknown and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a place of fear...it needs to be a place of hope. We will weather this storm.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-563fa015-7fff-8e31-87cb-d7031ae0b029"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Note: This post is part of a collaboration between several friends and colleagues who all support great teaching and learning. Check out these other great posts to help you support at-home learning for your students:</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Mike Anderson</strong></h3>
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.learningpersonalized.com/maintaining-school-momentum-as-learning-moves-home/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #8bc441; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">Maintaining School Momentum as Learning Moves Home</a></strong></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Mike Anderson</strong> shares how we can support routines and behaviors, offer choice, and use language to value the voice of learners as they engage in at-home learning.</div>
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Mike Fisher</h3>
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.learningpersonalized.com/coronavirus-conversations-leveraging-networks-and-resources-for-online-learning/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #8bc441; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">Coronavirus Conversations: Leveraging Networks and Resources for Online Learning</a></strong></div>
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<span class="redactor-invisible-space" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Mike Fisher</strong> shares that if schools need to make decisions about learning online there are several considerations. This includes scale — how big or small you want the opportunity to be and whether your messages and interactions are for big or small groups. It also includes multiple relevant resources and knowing where to go to get what you need for learning experiences.</span></div>
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Bena Kallick and Allison Zmuda</h3>
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.learningpersonalized.com/learning-about-yourself-as-you-shift-to-home-based-learning/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #8bc441; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">Learning About Yourself As You Shift to Home-Based Learning</a></strong></div>
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<span class="redactor-invisible-space" style="box-sizing: inherit;">In their first blog post, Bena and Allison offer reflective questions both for educators and students to consider as the entire school community faces new challenges and opportunities. To find more ideas and suggestions on Personalized Learning with Habits of Mind, please visit Learning Personalized and The Institute for Habits of Mind</span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.learningpersonalized.com/tips-for-managing-impulsivity/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #8bc441; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">Tips for Managing Impulsivity</a></strong></div>
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In the second blog post, Bena and Allison suggest a few tips to a Habit of Mind worth tending to right now— managing impulsivity. To find more ideas and suggestions on Personalized Learning with Habits of Mind, please visit Learning Personalized and The Institute for Habits of Mind.</div>
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Aaron Roberts</h3>
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.learningpersonalized.com/5-tips-for-families-as-they-transition-to-home-learning/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #8bc441; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">5 Tips for Families as They Transition to Home Learning</a></strong></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Aaron Roberts</strong> considers the parent, guardian, and caretaker perspective with this new shift in learning. Now that school is suddenly at home, how can adults and kids work together to make a powerful home learning environment? These five tips can help you make the best of this situation. Roberts is a Learning Experience Designer with Mason City Schools in Mason, Ohio. Stories about Mason’s journey into personalized learning <a href="https://masonlearns.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #8bc441; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">can be found at their blog</a> and by following their exploits on Twitter using <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23MasonPLJourney&src=typed_query" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #8bc441; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">#MasonPLJourney</a></div>
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Silvia Tolisano</h3>
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.learningpersonalized.com/remotelearning-its-happening/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #8bc441; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">#remotelearning – It’s Happening …</a></strong></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Silvia Tolisano</strong> shares her concrete tools and pedagogical guidance on how to grow thinking and sharing with learners in a virtual space. <a href="https://www.learningpersonalized.com/remotelearning-its-happening/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #8bc441; text-decoration: inherit;" target="_blank">Her blog post</a> shifts our perspective from purely a reactionary one to an “incredible opportunity to document these new forms of learning and collaboratively redefine teaching and learning for the future.” Silvia’s site is a treasure trove of instructional practices and processes that elevate learner voice and co-creation as they seek out information and share their ideas with others.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Picture credit: Pixabay - </span><a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/corona-coronavirus-virus-pandemic-4901878/">https://pixabay.com/illustrations/corona-coronavirus-virus-pandemic-4901878/</a></span></div>
MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-59168819027328499822018-12-14T05:19:00.000-08:002018-12-14T05:43:25.568-08:00Sandy Hook Remembrance<br />
Reposting all of the blog posts written five years ago for ASCD's EDge social network in memory of all who lost their lives at Sandy Hook. The EDge links no longer work, but all of the blogs are below.<br />
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Bless the families of all. We will never forget.<br />
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In Memory of Charlotte Bacon<br />
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By Elizabeth Fisher<br />
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Charlotte Bacon is a name I will never forget.<br />
Only two months before I first heard her name I gave birth to our own Charlotte. I had no idea of the deep connection I would soon be making. The morning of December 14, 2012, I took our Charlotte to my workplace to meet my colleagues. When I was on the way home my husband called me to tell me about the tragedy at Sandy Hook.<br />
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I couldn’t believe what he was saying; I didn’t want to believe it. Here I was introducing my precious, innocent Charlotte to my world of work and someone else’s precious, innocent, Charlotte was taken from their world...our world. My heart was so heavy because I was still able to pick my Charlotte up and hug and kiss her but Joel, JoAnn, and Guy Bacon couldn’t do that anymore. It crushed me to think that they, as well as the other families, were going through something so horrible. My heart is still heavy when I think about it. But I want them to know that they are not alone and that there is still good in the world. There is always hope.<br />
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When I was five years old my sister Mary, just two years older than me, died suddenly. My entire life exploded in front of me and I didn’t understand anything that was happening. My parents didn’t understand. I only knew that one day I had my sister and best friend and the next she was gone. That one moment has affected every moment since but I’ve only recently come to realize that. It was a horrendous time in my life; one that I cannot change. My tragedy was a powerful teacher about the ways of the world, even at five years old. Even then, I knew that Mary’s life had purpose, though she was only here for seven years.<br />
Likewise, Charlotte Bacon’s life had purpose. She was a loving daughter and loving sister. She loved animals, especially lambs, and had dreams of being a veterinarian. She loved the color pink. I didn’t personally know Charlotte but I know she was important. She is important. I know she was loved. I know she is loved.<br />
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I am empowered by the things I’ve been taught, whether the lesson was taught by a loving teacher or by the ebbs and flows of life. I live and I learn. I learn to appreciate the actions of others, such aCharlotte Bacon’s parents, who continue to be voices for their child. I learn to invite moments of remembrance for those that have gone before in little everyday things: the kindness of others, shooting stars, smiles, normalcy. I learn to move on, not by forgetting the past but by embracing it. I learn to continue loving harder and deeper because I now have the capacity to do so. I learn to live better in spite of what life throws at me.<br />
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On this day, I choose to celebrate Charlotte Bacon. From now on, December 14th will be a remembrance day for me--for remembering all of these wonderful Sandy Hook heroes and their families, and in particular Charlotte. I’ll think of her when I hug my Charlotte, when I see a little lamb, when we visit the veterinarian, when I notice the color pink. All things Charlotte Bacon would love.<br />
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Remembering Sandy Hook Elementary's Special Angel Daniel Barden<br />
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By Janet Hale<br />
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I have been spending time this past week reading through the blog posts on Daniel's Facebook Page: <a href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhatWouldDanielDo&h=b96d5268582f8daaa0015d851eb52b9">What Would Daniel Do?</a><br />
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He is loved by his family and missed every day in every way. Each post shares an insight into this precious child who expressed his love and compassion for others at such a young age.<br />
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What I find so intriguing is the unconditional love for so many expressed in the narratives shared by his Mom, Jackie, and Dad, Mark. In a recent post Mark commented:<br />
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“As we started off to our respective stores, Daniel suddenly peeled away from his mom and siblings shouting: "Daddy! Wait! I'm coming with you!" As he sidled up alongside me, I felt his little hand grasp mine. I looked at him and said: "Daniel, don't you want to go with them and pick out the treats?" He looked up at me and replied: 'But Daddy, you were all alone! I came to comfort you....'<br />
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And that is how seven year old Daniel Barden lived his life: noticing someone alone and passing up something desirable to give his companionship and comfort.<br />
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Ask yourself if you know of someone who is alone this holiday season. If you have a spare moment, make an extra phone call, write a note, or schedule a quick holiday season visit. A little companionship and comfort goes a long way.”<br />
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My tribute to Daniel will be to do just what he and his family desires: to make a special effort to love those around me who I know as well as those who are strangers. Giving a hug. A listening ear. A meal. Time.<br />
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May you find it in your heart to do the same … For Daniel.<br />
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Thinking of You with Love<br />
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We thought of you with love today,<br />
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but that is nothing new.<br />
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We thought about you yesterday,<br />
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and days before that too.<br />
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We think of you in silence,<br />
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we often speak your name.<br />
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All we have are memories,<br />
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and your picture in a frame.<br />
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Your memory is our keepsake,<br />
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with which we will never part.<br />
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God has you in His keeping,<br />
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we have you in our hearts.<br />
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A million times we`ve wanted you.<br />
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A million times we cried.<br />
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If love could only have saved you,<br />
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you never would have died.<br />
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It broke our hearts to lose you.<br />
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But you didn`t go alone.<br />
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For a part of us went with you...<br />
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the day God called you Home.<br />
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~<a href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myforeverchild.com%2Fstore%2FWsAncillary.asp%3FID%3D53&h=6685b4a33de5d27e6e941914e7e92d">Author Unknown</a><br />
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Rachel D'Avino<br />
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By Linda Daniel<br />
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Guest post by a fellow colleague Linda Daniel, who teaches Foreign Language at Starpoint Middle School in Lockport, New York.<br />
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One year ago today our hearts were filled with darkness and unanswerable questions. Humanity at its worst had confronted humanity at its best. At first glance it appeared that evil clearly won. As the layers of a horrendous act were peeled away, we found light, beauty and hope in the lives of those who were unimaginably taken away from the people that loved them, needed them and wanted them.<br />
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This light, beauty and hope shined down on a world in mourning. We were blessed to get a glimpse of the beautiful souls taken away from us. As I learned about Miss Rachel Marie D’Avino all I could think about was how brave and strong she was in those last moments. Day after day I wondered, how did Rachel have the strength to keep calm, stand her ground and be the rock her students needed? She was able to do all of these things because of who she was, a smart, determined, hardworking and compassionate lady.<br />
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Rachel continues to teach and inspire me. I would like to encourage all the readers, especially teachers, to embrace Rachel’s legacy. It is never too late for anything! It’s never too late to start smiling, to start a new sport, to become involved in a charity, to go back to school, to have compassion with those suffering from a mental illness, or to start being the teacher your students need you to be. We can learn how to be our best by following Rachel’s example. When a day goes bad, as they sometimes do don’t hesitate to fix the problem. Listen to your inner-voice to make a change.<br />
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On this Newton Remembrance day, I vow to allow Rachel to shine through me. I will smile to those who never smile back at me. I will make a student laugh. I will make a charitable donation. I will donate my time and talents I will exercise my mind, my body and my spirit. I will force myself to be a hard worker the entire day. I invite all of you to do the same.<br />
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Rachel, you shared gifts with the world that were priceless. Those gifts will never stop giving. Your inspiration will never stop inspiring. Your smile lives on day after day and memory after memory in those that knew and loved you. As they enter new chapters of their lives your spirit is there, as well. I feel you shining down and blessing us with a positive light and ray of hope that tomorrow will be brighter for everyone. Thank you for inspiring us. Thank you for your selfish sacrifices. Thank you for being you. You will never be forgotten.<br />
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Olivia Engel: <a href="http://26in2013forsandyhook.blogspot.com/2013/12/race-reflection-olivia-engel.html?showComment=1386816804814">http://26in2013forsandyhook.blogspot.com/2013/12/race-reflection-olivia-engel.html?showComment=1386816804814</a> by<br />
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Dear Joey...a note to a very special Sandy Hook child<br />
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By Paula White<br />
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Dear Joey,<br />
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My birthday is December 10 and my best friend's is December 11, the same as yours. I can't imagine not having her here to celebrate my birthday with and I know your family is probably looking at your 8th birthday without you with sadness and longing to have you here.<br />
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It says so much that your family nicknamed you Joey from your more formal name of Josephine--my Dad did the same for me as a toddler--from Pauline to Paula. I love the nickname Joey--I wish I had known you personally. However, your pictures say a lot about you.<br />
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Your precious smile, your contagious enthusiasm for life and your eager willingness to play and be silly will always be missed. But is it exactly those things that will also sustain the ones who love you and wish you were with them today. You made your family smile. You made your family laugh. And you made their hearts full when you hugged them and shared your love with them.<br />
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I am so incredibly sorry your life was cut short. I also know you are in a loving, giving, wonderful home now where you are being taken care of with care and grace. Your family's sorrow may last a long time, but their love--and yours for them--will last forever. Love transcends all.<br />
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The strength of everyone involved in the Sandy Hook tragedy has impacted the world. Teachers (and I am one) now look at our classrooms differently. (Where would my children be safer? What would/could/should I do to keep them safe? How can I keep them safe?) I keep my classroom door locked. I talk with my children about strangers more and the importance of following OUR safety procedures.<br />
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But I also make sure that worry does not permeate our lives--because I want to see the smiles on their faces like the one on yours in your pictures. I want them to be enthusiastic about life and all it has to offer, as you were. I want them to play and be silly and enjoy the laughter and love of those around them as you did. You see, you--and your friends--and your family and other families of Sandy Hook inspire those of us who are left. The pain, fear and incredible sadness you all had to endure was way more than any one should have to overcome, especially at such a young age.<br />
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Your legacy is to leave the rest of us with determination to be like the Sandy Hook community--to be brave, stoic, and strong in the face of adversity. Your legacy is inspiration to make each moment count and live, love and laugh to the fullest of each moment we have. Your legacy is a promise of strength, connecting and sharing to survive together.<br />
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Your legacy, Joey, that you left to each and every other person in the world, is hope. And I thank you and your family for that precious gift. May God bless you all.<br />
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http://mysandyhookfamily.org/<br />
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This letter was also posted on <a href="http://amplifyingminds.wordpress.com/">my personal blog</a>--Amplifying Minds<br />
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Ana Marquez-Greene<br />
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By Mike Fisher<br />
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It’s been a year. A year of suffering and pain, of inspiration and hope, of determination and resiliency. Our newest day of infamy has become an opportunity to celebrate heroism, to celebrate incredible courage, to celebrate the lights that shine as long as we keep them lit.<br />
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This time last year, I did not know Ana Marquez-Greene. On the morning of December 14th, 2012, that changed. I was on the phone with a colleague as the events in Newtown unfolded. We watched Twitter and Facebook reports that preceded the news. We watched as the news confirmed our most horrific fears. I went home that night and hugged my own children tightly, heartbroken for the families that did not have that opportunity.<br />
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Days after the events in Newtown, I discovered the<a href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRememberingAna&h=35ec3ab19734ff4e3aa0b9ed48101e3c"> Facebook page</a> that Ana’s parents had set up for her. I felt compelled to follow it and let it be the one way, in that moment, that I could give back. By listening. By participating. By seeing this precious child and the happiness that she brought the world. By letting her life inspire my own.<br />
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Over the last year, I’ve seen so much shared by Ana’s parents and have come to love the light that she is. She was a dancer and singer, she loved second hugs and second breakfasts, she was smart and beautiful and loved by all. She has no idea how much her story, her personal story, has inspired me this past year. Her parents have no idea how inspirational they’ve been to countless people around the world who look to them with both awe and the deepest of sympathies.<br />
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I remember Ana in my daily prayers. I think of her when I work with teachers. I wonder constantly about how she continues to contribute to the world. Because she does.<br />
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Ana Marquez-Greene makes me brave. She makes my children brave. Her memory is a legacy of opportunities to be brave and awesome and capable and worthy.<br />
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As long as I live I will celebrate her light. I will celebrate all of their lights. These children and these teachers deserve to lifted up and carried on and remembered for millennia.<br />
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On this Newtown Remembrance Day, I challenge you:<br />
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To smile when you work.<br />
To dance when you can.<br />
To sing out loud just because.<br />
To grab a second hug.<br />
To have a second breakfast.<br />
To be inspired by a child.<br />
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Ana Marquez-Greene, darlin’, you live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew you and everyone who has gotten to know you thanks to your wonderful parents. Please know that you are inspiring educators everywhere. Know that you are being held in the warmth of memories both real and virtual and that people around the world are thinking about you.<br />
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In honor of this day, and as a result of reading this entire blog post, I encourage you to do something nice in the name of Ana. A random act of kindness. A cup of coffee for the person in line behind you. A blanket for the man on the street. An extra tip for your waitress. A surprise for your child. A “No Homework” pass for your students. A smile to everyone you meet.<br />
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We will never forget you, Ana. We will never forget you all. We will never forget Sandy Hook.<br />
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In Memory of Dylan Hockley<br />
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Annabelle Howard<br />
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Dear Dylan:<br />
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I love your name. I nearly called my son Dylan.<br />
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I’m thinking of you. It’s amazing how many people are thinking of you today, wishing they had known you longer, wishing they had known you, and also wishing they’d never heard of you, because that would mean nothing horrible had happened to you.<br />
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I have seen your sweet, sweet face on a Facebook page. You look like every teacher’s dream and every parent’s dream. Your family and friends are extraordinary, strong, and kind people.<br />
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You are an amazing little man, Dylan. You have always been loved and always will be loved. And missed. Lots of people have come together and helped each other to keep going. You continue to make beautiful things happen here on earth.<br />
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With love and hugs from everyone,<br />
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-Annabelle Howard<br />
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A Tribute to Dawn Hochsprung, a Connected Educator<br />
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By Kristen Swanson<br />
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Dawn-- how I wish we had known each other. I think I could have learned a lot from you.<br />
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I can still remember the evening of December 13, 2012. I was reading articles on my iPad, including the Harvard Business Review Blog. Although I didn’t know it at the time, Dawn Hochsprung was doing the same thing a few states away. In fact, she even tweeted an article about leadership and beating stress that night.<br />
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The next day, we both went to our respective schools to help teachers and kids. On that day, Dawn proved to be the ultimate leader, putting her students ahead of herself. Dawn’s story and Dawn’s courage during the tragedy at Sandy Hook have continued to inspire me over the course of the year.<br />
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Dawn gave everything she had that day, but Dawn was the kind of person who gave everything she had every day. Dawn was a connected educator. She read Connected Principals, followed ASCD on Twitter, and shared amazing pictures of her students learning on social media. She never stopped learning or reading or caring.<br />
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So, as we honor Dawn’s memory today, let’s keep:<br />
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Connecting to each other<br />
Putting kids first in every tweet, plan, and action<br />
Staying positive<br />
Being courageous<br />
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Dawn-- how I wish we had known each other. I think I could have learned a lot from you.<br />
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In Memory of Madeleine Hsu<br />
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By Elizabeth Fisher<br />
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Dear Madeleine,<br />
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You were born on July 10, 2006. I was born on July 10, 1972. I remember the day you were born even though I never knew you. It was the day I told my grandmother and favorite cousin that I was pregnant with my first baby. It was an exciting day. I was sharing the news of life and you were being born. I know your Mom and Dad were so happy. I was happy too. It is a day of joy...even still.<br />
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When someone enters the world it is an exciting time. Life is filled with potential, possibilities, dreams, hopes, love, etc. That’s what your life means to me. Your life means the world to me. Your life means potential, possibilities, dreams, hopes, love, etc. Even when the world is filled with horrendous things, like what happened to you...we have to remember Pandora’s Box. Even with all of the ills of the world there remains one thing...HOPE. It’s what gets me out of bed in the morning. It’s what gets your parents out of bed too, I’m sure. Your life has meaning. You were taken away from us too quickly and I’m sure if your parents had just one more minute with you they would hold you and kiss you and tell you they love you because you mean the world to them. You always have and always will.<br />
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When I think about you, I think about life...mine, yours, and everyone one else before and after us. Everyone is a person no matter how small and you have given us the biggest thing you could have given us in your short life...HOPE. Hope for a better today and hope for a better tomorrow.<br />
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You will never be forgotten. You are loved.<br />
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Love,<br />
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Liz<br />
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Chase Kowalski<br />
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by Fred Ende<br />
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During those moments, often between wakefulness and falling asleep, when we have some of our most freeform and random thoughts, I have sometimes wondered what it would be like to have a birthday on a holiday. Would both be celebrated on the same day? Would the birthday be influenced by the holiday? If I were a young child, would I be happy or saddened by this? Some holidays, in particular, would be extremely interesting to share a birthday with. Like Thanksgiving, or even more so, Halloween. If I was eight years old again, what sheer joy I would have to be trick or treating on my birthday!<br />
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These musings were simply that, until I acquainted myself with Chase Kowalski. Chase turned eight this past October 31st, but he wasn’t able to celebrate on Halloween. Nor was his family. In fact, for them, and all who knew Chase, Halloween won’t be seen again as a day filled with mischief, magnificence, and wonder. Instead, it will be a poignant reminder of what isn’t anymore, and unfortunately, what has now become. Chase Kowalski was one of twenty-six learners killed at Sandy Hook Elementary a year ago, twenty-six learners who even with their varied roles and live experiences believed that schools were not only meant to be places of learning, but places of safety. Clearly there is much work to be done.<br />
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When a person’s life is taken early, we say it is before his or her time. That comment is often made in an attempt to show sympathy and ease the pain of those who knew that person well. Yet that thought, as sincere as it may be, is an understatement for the twenty first-graders who perished at the hands of one person whose motives still are not clear.<br />
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I never had the pleasure of knowing Chase. What I know of him I have learned from various websites, a Facebook memorial page, and the commonalities that all parents of young children, regardless of background, share. I’ve learned that Chase loved the outdoors, was an avid bike rider, builder and tinkerer, and had recently completed his first triathlon (what a feat for a first grader!). As a parent, I know that he was a child who was loved deeply, who loved to be with family and friends, and who loved learning. Even without personally knowing him, of these I have no doubt.<br />
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A person’s life is like a house. As we age, we get to enter more rooms, and decorate them in whatever fashion we please. Sometimes the furnishings are chosen by us. At other points, we have no say. Yet, by the time we’re old, we’ve explored the house in full, and for better or worse, have come to accept it, faults and all. But for the very young, who are just starting to explore the first floor, and can’t even imagine what else there is to see, there is so much to learn. This speaks to the enormous tragedy brought upon Chase and his peers. Their homes will never be fully explored and will never be fully furnished. And that’s not fair.<br />
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As a society, we must make sure that we do everything in our power to prevent schools from being places of violence. As educators we must do what we do best: teach and learn with others to make sure that our buildings and districts are safe. As members of PLCs and connected leaders and learners we must share what we’ve learned with the world at large and stakeholders in our communities. And as individuals, we must take care of those around us, so our children can literally and figuratively build their homes, so that we may, someday, find ourselves in them.<br />
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To learn more about Chase, his family, and the Memorial Fund created in his honor, please visit: <a href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FChaseKowalskiMemorialFund&h=38191382c868924b108c2ee2cc9c3471">https://www.facebook.com/ChaseKowalskiMemorialFund</a><br />
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In Memory of Jesse Lewis<br />
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Steven Weber<br />
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One year ago, Jesse Lewis went to school and entered his kindergarten classroom. According to his mother and friends, he was a happy six year old who loved life and had a radiant smile. He loved horseback riding. Following the events that took place on December 14, 2012, Jesse's mother left the school and went to her mother's house. While she gathered her thoughts, she noticed her son's handwriting on a chalkboard. The chalkboard read "<a href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.nbcconnecticut.com%2Fimages%2F654*436%2Fjessestill.jpg&h=abeba27f336a3b2cbace9563c74b038">Nurturing, Healing, Love.</a>" These words, scribbled on a chalkboard in a six year old's handwriting, became the inspiration for Scarlett Lewis to write a book titled, "<a href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hayhouse.com%2Fdetails.php%3Fid%3D8366&h=f2de9397593de9c50ee648e13d2e545">Nurturing, Healing, Love: A Mother's Journey of Hope and Forgiveness</a>." 100% of the proceeds from sales of this book will be donated to the <a href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jesselewischooselove.org%2F&h=c360e635935edd466f58941417e44f0">Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation</a>.<br />
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While the nation remembers Sandy Hook Elementary School and the Newtown community this weekend, I want to take a moment to remember Jesse Lewis. I never had the privilege of meeting Jesse, but I can tell he was a student who loved school and was a great friend to his classmates. As an education blogger, I often write about the whole child, teaching students citizenship, and the importance of a positive school climate. The world will miss all that Jesse had to offer. However, in six short years, he was a positive light in his community and he continues to inspire teachers and administrators. We know that every school in the world has a Jesse who is creative, curious, passionate about learning, and wants to have a positive impact. We have to tap into each student's talents and passions and help them see how they can make a difference in the world. Through the book that Ms. Lewis wrote, Jesse continues to make a difference in the world.<br />
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On this day, I choose to celebrate Jesse Lewis. From now on, December 14th will be a rememberance day for me. On behalf of the Hillsborough Elementary School (NC) staff, we remember Jesse Lewis, the teachers, and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School. We remember this tragic day in our nation's history and we think of your school community often. We know the important role you have in preparing students for College and Career Readiness and we pause to remember the Sandy Hook students, staff, and families this weekend.<br />
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In Memory of: James Mattioli<br />
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By Mike Fisher<br />
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Dear J.,<br />
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I’ve been reading a lot about you lately. I’ve discovered that you were a kid that liked sports, spiky hair, and hamburgers with lots of ketchup. I know you loved school and math and your big sister, Anna. I know your teachers and friends and family thought you were pretty awesome. I think you’re pretty awesome too.<br />
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I sit here this morning exploring a very liminal space with me on one side and you on the other. I’m sure it’s a place your parents and family and friends have been multiple times over the last year. I desperately want to know why even though I know in my heart that there is no answer to that question. So that leaves me wondering what next?<br />
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For one thing, I found out that a<a href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesandygroundproject.org%2F&h=a8c4b0eeee46ad29f58cf485caee8e91"> playground is being built in your honor</a>. A group of really cool people are building playgrounds for all of the children, one for each of you and your friends.<br />
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Another cool thing is that the Newtown Football team is playing in honor of you and the other kids, even changing their colors to the Sandy Hook palette for the season. They’ve had a really good run this year, 12-1. You would have loved it.<br />
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Your parents also set up a fund in your honor so that they can support the things you loved so much. (℅ Newtown Savings Bank, Newtown, CT)<br />
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This weekend there will no doubt be many tributes to you and your classmates and I hope those will go on for years. I just wanted you to know that wherever your light is today, across that liminal space, people around the world are thinking about you and figuring out ways to keep your light shining bright for a long, long time to come.<br />
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By the way, we’ve got a 6 year old in our house too...and she loves a lot of the same stuff you do, minus the spiky hair, and with much more of the ketchup.<br />
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You’re an angel to us all.<br />
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Love and peace,<br />
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Mike Fisher<br />
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Grace McDonnell: <a href="https://commonplacegrace.com/2013/12/11/for-the-love-of-grace/">https://commonplacegrace.com/2013/12/11/for-the-love-of-grace/</a><br />
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In Memory of: Anne Marie Murphy<br />
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By Mike Fisher<br />
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On the Facebook Remembrance page for Anne Marie Murphy, there is a picture that asks that we “Remember the Guardians.” Truly, Guardian is the best word to describe Anne Marie, as she was both a special education teacher and a hero.<br />
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Heroes like Anne Marie are in classrooms across the world today, willing to do whatever it takes to protect the children in their charge.<br />
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From what I can gather online about Anne Marie, she was an inspiration to all her knew her, particularly the students. One student in particular, Dylan Hockley, was found in her arms when first responders arrived.<br />
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She liked walking and the arts. She was the devoted mother of four children. And she was a teacher. She was a teacher that gave her life to protect the children that she taught and loved.<br />
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I care about her light continuing to shine in this world. I care about maintaining conversations of heroism about her and the other teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary. On this Sandy Hook Remembrance Day, I want all educators to think about their roles as heroes to the children they teach.<br />
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Godspeed, Anne Marie. You are truly a guardian.<br />
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In Memory of: Emilie Parker & the Sandy Hook Angels<br />
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Johni Cruse Craig<br />
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WOW! It has been a year. I clearly recall walking into our building on Monday, December 17, 2012 and feeling overwhelmed with emotions as the building was swimming in green and white as students and teachers wore green in remembrance and honor of the victims in the Sandy Hook tragedy. So many hearts and souls grieved on this day in history, December 14, 2012.<br />
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One year later and their spirits live on… As I reflect about such a tragic day in history when so many beautiful spirits transitioned from this physical realm, Albert Einstein’s thought resonates in my spirit…“Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be changed from one form to another.” This statement is very appropriate and true as we remember and give tribute to the victims in the Sandy Hook tragedy.<br />
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Though my heart aches for each and every soul affected by this tragedy, I would like to specifically address the beautiful, vibrant, loving, caring and talented Emilie Parker. My, my, my…her physical body was young in age, but her soul was rich with love.<br />
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Emilie’s family, friends and supporters have done an extraordinary job capturing and sharing many reflective and informative moments over this past year. These published works have provided me with a very clear vision as to who Emilie was and the spirit that continues on making a difference in this world. You know, when you watch or read something, it often produces some type of feeling. As I focused on the information about Emilie, I felt the strength of her spirit picking up momentum through the many vessels created to carry her energy forward on this journey. She was created for a purpose and it is manifesting through the lives of many connected to her in spirit.<br />
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The strength that radiates from Alissa (Emilie’s Mother), Robbie (Emilie’s Father), Madaline (Emilie’s Sister) and Samantha (Emilie’s Sister) is simply amazing and contagious. To know of the tragedy and circumstances, yet read and watch the communications from this family is a testament of who Emilie was in her physical vessel and is in spirit. Her family is moving forward in life and carrying on in the spirit of little Miss Emilie.<br />
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In the video “Evil did not win”, Alissa (Emilie’s Mother) shared the things that Emilie loved. Emilie loved mornings, making art, being fancy, giving and seeing her baby sisters happy. Well, at the age of 6 and her passion and love for life, without knowing you could speculate that he was much older. That fact in itself is evidence that she was created for greatness. Alissa stated some very profound things learned from this tragedy. Please take a moment and reflect on the words she shared: grief, peace, patience, forgiveness, joy and love. I did, and all I could think about were the fruits of the spirit. Exactly…Emilie’s fruits are being manifested in the spirit for many although she is gone physically. What a blessing!<br />
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Yes, she transitioned from this life by a horrendous crime, but I truly believe that God makes no mistakes. Her spirit and energy lives on and will make significant differences in the lives of many.<br />
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We have a duty and responsibility to seek our purpose and be obedient to your calling as we remember and give tribute to these Angels. There are many options as several Sandy Hook Angels have organizations in their honor to go towards philanthropic needs that embody their spirits. Emlie’s family also leads 2 additional projects: Emilie Parker Art Connection and Safe and Sound Schools.<br />
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The Sandy Hook Angels and Emilie’s life was not in vain. Their energy lives on!!! Can you feel it?<br />
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A Letter to Jack<br />
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Dear Jack-<br />
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I am pretty sure you have had a great year given where you are and all, but I know it’s not quite where anyone thought you would be at this time of your life. I hope you were able to take in a few baseball games this year as I know you are a baseball fan like I am. I didn’t go to any games this season but watched several on the Internet, but we both know that’s not the same. But, it’s really not a big deal as I am pretty lucky to have such little things to trouble me. I can’t imagine what your family feels when they hear a phrase like “that’s not the same.” I can’t imagine what is the same for them.<br />
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I think about you and your classmates often. I visit a lot of schools in my job and some times when I pull in to a parking lot and look at the school, I wonder if everyone is safe inside. I wonder if there is a kid in the school who is sad or hurt beyond what I can imagine and needs help he isn’t getting. I wonder a lot of things but mostly I wonder what I can do to make sure what happened to you doesn’t happen to another kid.<br />
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I know it has been just about a year since your death and I just want you to know that I am thinking about you, your family, your classmates and their families, and your community. I hope that I and other people like me come to understand what we need to do differently to make sure kids like you don’t have to go through what you did.<br />
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Take care of yourself and enjoy the beautiful winter views!<br />
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Becky Fisher<br />
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In Memory of Jessica Rekos<br />
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Allison Zmuda<br />
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<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/YnrRYqhA0Wu35Fm11jrKPGfD2m7KoGeHQ82PdOIZXmo7vCDIB4NjhEBdu-v4-CSCeLs942MIch0w9Iwsp6d07ByyPbk1pYUgFtBlK_7B-vfQo4vN0_Uym0vnBLxHL_LHQYb3QEce" />Jessica's legacy continues to shine bright through people, places, and communications. As a former Newtown resident and teacher, my husband and I had the privilege to teach her uncle, Brian Rekos, whose twinkle and smile remind me of this sweet girl. The hope, love, and generosity she shared was remarkable for her young years and captivated all that knew her — individuals, horses, whales. How can you be connected to a six year old girl that you never met? When you visit the playground built in her honor in Fairfield, CT, you see her personality embrace all who come here to play, to remember, and to enjoy the precious present moments.<br />
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What I know to be true from personal heartaches and devastation is to appreciate this moment even in the darkest hour. Newtown residents continue to lead by example by honoring the legacy of every child through spaces that engender love and and laughter. I am Newtown. <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/3wph3MZya0xa-7xUeGDB8uLkaUvyTHp6LZW6yi6Nqxh48ehCbZ7kw1q-3BhqjXEGM1pvkFkLlW7hLeFDpvPk52wsikN0Y6cLYKZhE1ZOOEJHYPgr4dxwyCyKkQOuLjnLydAdb1hp" /><br />
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Lauren Rousseau<br />
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by Elizabeth Fisher<br />
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Lauren Rousseau represents every new, young teachers’ hopes and dreams. Actually she represents every teachers’ hopes and dreams. We want to inspire and to motivate. We want to teach and to make a difference. She was hired as a long-term substitute teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary just a couple of months before she was taken away from her loved-ones.<br />
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She made a difference though.<br />
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Her life is imprinted on every teacher’s heart. Each day they wake up, go to school, and teach their students. They are doing it for what she lived and dreamed of...a better future for our children. I thank her for for doing what she did - the unimaginable. She protected lives. She saved lives but gave her own. She did something that can never be forgotten; she went to war and came home a hero...even though she never signed up for that.<br />
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She made a difference.<br />
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She wasn’t only a teacher. She was a daughter and a sister. A girlfriend and a friend. A neighbor and a passerby. She meant something to someone. She means something to everyone. She will always mean something. Her life was precious. She was and is still loved.<br />
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She continues to make a difference: to those who knew her, to those who have come to know her over this past year, to those who are inspired by the difference she made. Including me.<br />
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Mary Sherlach<br />
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by Mike Fisher<br />
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In the face of thunder<br />
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Many folks just run away<br />
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They seek out safer places<br />
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Where they huddle and they pray.<br />
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And then there are the angels<br />
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That keep us safe and warm<br />
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They shine a light in darkness<br />
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They lead us through the storm.<br />
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The storm that came that day<br />
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Was unlike any other<br />
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There was no time to think<br />
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No time to run for cover.<br />
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Mary Sherlach faced the storm<br />
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That, in a flash, released<br />
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So many souls, so many lights<br />
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From the barrel of the beast.<br />
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And all the while the storm raged through<br />
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On this cold December morn<br />
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The brightness grew around us<br />
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From all the angels born.<br />
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So on this day of honor<br />
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Of our heroic angel lights<br />
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I’d like to remember Mary<br />
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As the brightest of the bright.<br />
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She exemplified the courage<br />
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That our profession requires<br />
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She’s the kind of educator<br />
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To which I myself aspire.<br />
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Her bold acts give us solace<br />
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And lifelong inspiration<br />
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And she deserves from all of us<br />
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An exuberant ovation.<br />
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And when the clouds part ways again<br />
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Revealing shafts of sun<br />
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Giving way to rainbows showing<br />
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The healing has begun.<br />
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Rest in honor, Mary<br />
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Your bright light will always shine.<br />
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Your memory, at peace, lives on<br />
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In our hearts and minds.<br />
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Victoria Soto<br />
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by Michael Thornton<br />
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DECEMBER 14, 2013<br />
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The Oxford dictionary defines tragedy as “an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress”. Baby Boomers discuss where they were when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. Millennials talk about where they were when the Twin Towers were hit on September 11, 2001. These tragic events have shaped our country into what it is today.<br />
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December 14, 2012 is now etched in the minds of every generation. One year later, the Sandy Hook School tragedy is still looming as one of the darkest days in American history. I remember being outside during recess when my colleagues and I first learned about the tragic event. It was a surreal and saddening moment. As I watched 60 five-year olds play joyfully on the playground, I struggled to grasp the horrific events that happened just 360 miles away.<br />
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As an educator, my number one priority is to keep my students safe. Every school across this great nation as this same goal. Sandy Hook Elementary was no different. Neither was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaLeighSoto26">Victoria Soto</a>. I didn’t know who Victoria was before December 14, 2012.<br />
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After December 14, 2012, her heroic act will forever touch my heart.<br />
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Ben Harper wrote a beautiful song titled, <a href="http://youtu.be/zPH-E9hyaUw">I Shall Not Walk Alone</a>. I can’t listen to the song and not think of Victoria and all those lost on that tragic day. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Leigh_Soto">Victoria’s</a> memory should be carried on by all educators. Most of us say we would do anything for our students. Victoria did. She gave her life. In return, she should be <a href="http://connecticut.news12.com/news/victoria-soto-children-s-reading-center-at-the-stratford-library-honors-the-late-sandy-hook-teacher-1.6606385">honored</a> and revered for her sacrifice. Furthermore, she, the teacher, taught us all a lesson. That love is real. Thank you.<br />
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In Memory of Benjamin Wheeler<br />
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Elizabeth Fisher<br />
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Dear David and Francine,<br />
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I saw your video on Katie Couric and I was moved by your strength. Of course my heart aches for you and the loss of your dear son, Ben, but I can’t help but feel empowered by you at the same time. You said that you wanted us, as parents, to imagine what you went through, are going through, and will go through. I can imagine it. I don’t want to. I hate it. But I will, for you and Ben and the others.<br />
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I said those same words one time to a colleague whose stepson had just died of a brain tumor. “I can’t imagine what you are going through.” A few months later my own daughter, 3 years old at the time, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I vowed that day to never utter those words again and I haven’t since. But until I saw you on Katie Couric saying that you wanted us to imagine what happened as if it happened to us, I never thought about those words being powerful in another way...a positive way.<br />
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I don’t know you and never met Ben but I can picture him clearly after you shared his nickname, Crash. I’m sure it is quiet now in your house if he and his brother were the equivalent to 4 kids. But, what fun memories you must have. Try to enjoy the quiet and think about him. I know you can still smile when you think about him and you should. He plowed through life full force living each day to his fullest and even on those days when you think you can’t, do it for him and for your other son. Do it for each other. Take each day as it comes. Even if he can’t be with you physically, he will always be with you in your minds and hearts and that is a gift that can never be taken from you.<br />
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My thoughts are with you. You are not alone.<br />
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Liz Fisher<br />
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Sandy Hook Remembrance: Allison N. Wyatt<br />
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Heidi Hayes Jacobs<br />
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(NOTE: At the request of my dear friend, Mike Fisher, many of us are writing tributes to the victims of Sandy Hook.)<br />
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Allison Wyatt, 6 Years Old<br />
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I never met Allison Wyatt, but after seeing her endearing photo on her Facebook page dedication I feel that I had a glimpse of an angel. Her smile is easy and soft and she is comfortable as she looks at the camera. Allison was lovely. I flashed on what her parents and family must be feeling a year later with the sincere hope that they are finding some peace.<br />
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The Sandy Hook tragedy is still palpable. Fathoming the events is simply not fully possible.<br />
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A few weeks ago I was walking through a school in New Fairfield, Connecticut, a few miles from Sandy Hook with the building principal who is a close personal friend. I had always wanted to see 'her school'. It was a beautiful facility with engaged kids. There was a surprising moment as she noted that the security on the doors totally changed. No visitor can actually go straight into the building, but is viewed through a security camera then circumvented through a tight office corridor. The entire school population practice lock-downs several times a year now with escape routes. Sandy Hook changed the entry way into elementary school. <br />
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After reading the comments on the Facebook page about Allison it is clear that during her short time on the planet, she had already become a treasured person. We are educators and every day in schools see a radiant face like Allison's regularly. Bright, engaged, lively faces accompanied by loud, playful, laughs, cries, and talking. She reminds me that in the classroom, on the playground, or the school bus- children are life.<br />
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Allison's Facebook Page:<br />
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<a href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpages%2FRIP-Allison-N-Wyatt-Sandy-Hook-Massacre-Victim%2F312603292177246&h=d878e9901279bb67fb673f7320ed2e6a">https://www.facebook.com/pages/RIP-Allison-N-Wyatt-Sandy-Hook-Massacre-Victim/312603292177246</a><br />
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Another entry for our Sandy Hook Remembrance Blogtacular was submitted by Tom Adams, principal of Newfane Middle School in Western NY on his school’s blog. His thoughtful post, entitled<a href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnewfanemiddleschool.wordpress.com%2F2013%2F12%2F12%2Fthe-banality-of-heroism-from-unspeakable-tragedy-to-inexplicable-hope%2F&h=22ca6c4db8597005431b2b2563e57f"> Heroism - From Unspeakable Tragedy to Inexplicable Hope</a>, is a tribute to all of the students and staff and reminder that teachers are heroes everyday.<br />
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Additionally, the families of the Sandy Hook students and staff have created their own remembrance website, which I encourage you to visit:<a href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmysandyhookfamily.org%2F&h=1ceeefd5fe1661dad557746249b1a9"> My Sandy Hook Family</a><br />
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Several years ago, the singer Jewel wrote a song called “<a href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DAfsS3pIDBfw&h=511beb4df5e21ba9d8db47102f7d42">Hands</a>.” I first heard the song at an assembly for<a href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rachelschallenge.org%2F&h=298198bfdcebaa52703049d4626b27a"> Rachel Scott</a>, one of the victims of the Columbine shooting. During the presentation, we learned that Rachel had drawn her hands on the back of her dresser with a note that said, “These hands belong to Rachel Joy Scott and someday will touch millions of people’s hearts.”<br />
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Today, as I reflect on the last year, the lyrics to the song are especially poignant, in particular this beginning stanza:<br />
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If I could tell the world just one thing<br />
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It would be that we’re all okay<br />
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And not to worry ‘cause worry is wasteful<br />
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And useless in times like these.<br />
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What we need to do now is remember. We need to keep these lights alive forever. We have to continue to be vigilant for our children and our schools.<br />
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I encourage you all to read the blog posts that are contained here. These wonderful colleagues have captured the essence of the students and staff at Sandy Hook and have done their parts to keep these lights shining brightly.<br />
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I’d like to say one more time how much I appreciate them giving their time and talent to this project and I am humbled by their eloquent words.<br />
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Many blessings to all of the families involved.<br />
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We will never forget you.MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-78278466463087100952018-12-07T20:08:00.000-08:002018-12-15T20:15:14.054-08:00Holiday Teacher Efficacy Campaign and Book Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWyhvCHAuafkHjNeosQffOJqXtq8jedpcEmd7pRM77yjlO0sShq8KhVaSxmhtpA-9NYEcJhc4t_TF3tl4FI17ap-Eu8MQnHXSO-cGbwtZrvKXAcopbz3eUKwlrqSK3L2Q1EdRfRlcOCo/s1600/helix-christmas-tree-vector-clipart.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWyhvCHAuafkHjNeosQffOJqXtq8jedpcEmd7pRM77yjlO0sShq8KhVaSxmhtpA-9NYEcJhc4t_TF3tl4FI17ap-Eu8MQnHXSO-cGbwtZrvKXAcopbz3eUKwlrqSK3L2Q1EdRfRlcOCo/s200/helix-christmas-tree-vector-clipart.png" width="141" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DOYcZSaHYpibuoG1fwK0JfYv04ldfI8XeUhFvpE1Nh7kBCydj4E_3IO7Ybd1JEBXretzkHBBfoOA3aEIJWfIYSbA-rwqjh8F0ZRTo6g6baCMmQY3HApnrXOSnJA2eIsUsaPAW3mHod4/s1600/51ZjVA3qxML._SX348_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DOYcZSaHYpibuoG1fwK0JfYv04ldfI8XeUhFvpE1Nh7kBCydj4E_3IO7Ybd1JEBXretzkHBBfoOA3aEIJWfIYSbA-rwqjh8F0ZRTo6g6baCMmQY3HApnrXOSnJA2eIsUsaPAW3mHod4/s320/51ZjVA3qxML._SX348_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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UPDATE: This Campaign has come to an end. Keep an eye on the blog, though, we may be able to run it again in the summer of 2019! (Added 12/15/18)<br />
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Welcome to a Holiday opportunity to provide teachers with instructional design materials so that they can be the most engaging and contemporary teachers possible. Up to TWENTY teachers will receive a free copy of the Hack Learning Book: HACKING INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN: 33 EXTRAORDINARY WAYS TO CREATE A CONTEMPORARY CURRICULUM and all educators that submit an entry will get a digital bonus book with instructional design templates for organizing learning experiences. All participants will be invited to share their learning with their colleagues and encourage contemporary learning strategies for all of their students!<br />
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Educators are invited to share their best ideas with a community of learners. Please note that this information will be seen by all who participate for two reasons: 1) So that everyone can benefit from the ideas of others, and 2) so that participants can network / contact each other for questions or ideas. Only the educators that participate in this campaign will have access to this document. It will not be openly published on the web. Additionally, email addresses will NOT be shared with all participants so please be sure and include your Twitter Handle if you have one!<br />
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This campaign is made possible by the generosity of Thrivent Action Teams, Thrivent Financial, and Times 10 Publishing. If you're on social media, and want to share your gratitude, please generously use the hashtags #livegenerously and #HackLearning. You can also tag our benefactors @Thrivent and @HackMyLearning<br />
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Thank you to everyone who volunteers their information and to all educators who work with children!<br />
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Happy Holidays to all!<br />
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Link Removed...MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-39509913927800778312018-06-13T18:26:00.000-07:002018-06-13T18:26:23.346-07:00Upgrade Your Curriculum with Infographics<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">
*As ASCD Edge begins to shut down, I'm going to be republishing some of my content here so that I can keep it. This blog post was from five years ago...but still quite relevant!" - Mike<br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I’ve got two turntables and a microphone.”</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m sure there are better examples of connecting multimedia in pop culture than this line from Beck’s song “Where It’s At” from 1995, but this lyric and the song title speak directly to my current upgrade idea.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I think in multimedia. I believe I always have. I suspect many of you do as well and certainly, your children and your students do. Our modern world is creating a new breed of student, all synesthetes, who learn best by involuntarily connecting words, pictures, moving images, and sounds.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enter: Infographics.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">
<a data-mce-href="../service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fgrade6kms%2F8557067743%2F&h=643d6588c1ca83a3f89255f0492684f9" href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fgrade6kms%2F8557067743%2F&h=643d6588c1ca83a3f89255f0492684f9" target="_self" title="Infographics by mikefisher821, on Flickr"><img alt="Infographics" data-mce-src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8528/8557067743_7431501c04.jpg" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8528/8557067743_7431501c04.jpg" height="500" width="354" /></a></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In terms of modern learning opportunities and upgrades, I think Infographics are “Where It’s At.” Two turntables and a microphone, indeed, as well as a word processor and a camera and software to remix it all together.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They’ve been used in advertising and news media for decades and are starting to become a viable instructional strategy in classrooms around the world. The act of creating them addresses multiple standards and the finished product is a demonstration of integrated reading, writing, comparative analysis of text and more, all done in an illustrative and artfully designed way. The brain holds on to that. It’s mental glue.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In terms of the Common Core, creating Infographics of the content you are ALREADY teaching addresses the following specific standards:</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reading:</span></div>
<ul data-mce-style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #3b3b3a; vertical-align: baseline;" dir="ltr" style="color: #3b3b3a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-mce-style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.</span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; color: #3b3b3a; vertical-align: baseline;" dir="ltr" style="color: #3b3b3a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-mce-style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.</span></li>
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;" style="font-family: "times"; font-size: small;"><br /><span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Writing:</span></span></div>
<ul data-mce-style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-mce-style="color: #3b3b3a; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #3b3b3a; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.</span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-mce-style="color: #3b3b3a; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #3b3b3a; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.</span></li>
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<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’re looking for a quick upgrade, this is a good place to start! There are dozens of tools online that will help your students start visualizing their learning in new ways. Here are a few resources to add to your toolboxes:</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<ul data-mce-style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><a data-mce-href="../service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fteacherleaders.typepad.com%2Fthe_tempered_radical%2F2013%2F02%2Fintroducing-students-to-infographics-activity.html&h=411c4588fedace514b283f1e4f521d97" href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fteacherleaders.typepad.com%2Fthe_tempered_radical%2F2013%2F02%2Fintroducing-students-to-infographics-activity.html&h=411c4588fedace514b283f1e4f521d97" target="_self" title=""><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bill Ferriter’s Awesome Blog Post</span></a><span data-mce-style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on creating Infographics without technology!</span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><a data-mce-href="../service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpiktochart.com%2F&h=4d9e4416c46827eeacb8ab9878896c81" href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpiktochart.com%2F&h=4d9e4416c46827eeacb8ab9878896c81" target="_self" title=""><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Piktochart</span></a><span data-mce-style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - Their tagline is “making information beautiful.” This is a tool that allows the user to design an infographic with hundreds of embedded text and image tools.</span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><a data-mce-href="../service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.smore.com%2Fapp&h=3f586e49e1f5431abaacdb3ed337468" href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.smore.com%2Fapp&h=3f586e49e1f5431abaacdb3ed337468" target="_self" title=""><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Smore</span></a><span data-mce-style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - Smore is an online flyer app, but the design elements embedded in the application allow for chunking of information and content as well as adding your own content specific visuals.</span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><a data-mce-href="../service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedu.glogster.com%2F&h=fa50e7816533de6681fbe1fa7d165bf" href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedu.glogster.com%2F&h=fa50e7816533de6681fbe1fa7d165bf" target="_self" title=""><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Glogster</span></a><span data-mce-style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - While now a paid service (but with a 30 day free trial!), Glogster is the ultimate Infographic / Online Poster maker. Students could potentially add information, graphic elements, pictures, videos and sounds. It’s a multimedia dream and engages students exactly in the multimodal ways they operate!</span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><a data-mce-href="../service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fgroups%2F16135094@N00%2F&h=741627f2156d38372c662994c1c304d" href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fgroups%2F16135094@N00%2F&h=741627f2156d38372c662994c1c304d" target="_self" title=""><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Infographics Group on Flickr</span></a><span data-mce-style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - A group created to share infographics for practically any purpose. Use the search box in the groups page to search for infographics related to the content you are teaching!</span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><a data-mce-href="../service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.diigo.com%2Fuser%2Fmikefisher821%2Finfographics&h=614e116843ad18b3f9e4463381d4385" href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.diigo.com%2Fuser%2Fmikefisher821%2Finfographics&h=614e116843ad18b3f9e4463381d4385" target="_self" title=""><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My Diigo links on Infographics</span></a><span data-mce-style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - As I add to this, you’ll have an up to date resources of cool things I find online related to Infographics.</span></li>
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><a data-mce-href="../service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.livebinders.com%2Fshelf%2Fsearch%3Fterms%3Dinfographics&amp%3Bsearch%5Btype%5D%3D0&amp%3Bcommit%3DSearch&h=d86e14ba9798e07252f432439ffe82a" href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.livebinders.com%2Fshelf%2Fsearch%3Fterms%3Dinfographics&amp%3Bsearch%5Btype%5D%3D0&amp%3Bcommit%3DSearch&h=d86e14ba9798e07252f432439ffe82a" target="_self" title=""><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LiveBinders Resources</span></a><span data-mce-style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - TONS of binders created around using Infographics, many of them specifically for teachers!</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By the way, in this day and age of modern learning, learning isn’t just about SHOWING what you’ve learned, it’s also about SHARING what you’ve learned. Encourage your students to use the Social Components of some of the Infographic websites. Encourage them to post to the Flickr Group. Encourage them to solicit feedback about their work and then encourage them to upgrade their work. This is AMPLIFIED learning. This is OUT LOUD learning. </span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is WHERE IT’S AT!</span></div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://groups.ascd.org/groups/detail/142595/upgrade-your-curriculum/" data-mce-style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;" href="http://groups.ascd.org/groups/detail/142595/upgrade-your-curriculum/" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;">Upgrade Your Curriculum</a><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;" style="font-family: "times"; font-size: x-small;"><strong> - Edge Group</strong></span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;" style="font-family: "times"; font-size: small;"></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="line-height: normal; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;" style="font-family: "times"; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><a data-mce-href="../service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Ffisher1000&h=fa36d3b5b87505c6e973ebfdb9a2052" data-mce-style="outline: none; cursor: pointer; color: #1ea1e4; font-size: 12px;" href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Ffisher1000&h=fa36d3b5b87505c6e973ebfdb9a2052" style="color: #1ea1e4; cursor: pointer; font-size: 12px; outline: none;" target="_self" title="">Mike on Twitter</a></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="line-height: normal; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;" style="font-family: "times"; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><a data-mce-href="../service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjanet_hale&h=d7eaf1da59f58fb42bc9b9d28c881c5b" data-mce-style="outline: none; cursor: pointer; color: #1484be; font-size: 12px;" href="http://edge.ascd.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=127586&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjanet_hale&h=d7eaf1da59f58fb42bc9b9d28c881c5b" style="color: #1484be; cursor: pointer; font-size: 12px; outline: none;" target="_self" title="">Janet on Twitter</a></span></div>
<div data-mce-style="line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">
<span data-mce-style="line-height: normal; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;" style="font-family: "times"; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><a data-mce-href="http://shop.ascd.org/Default.aspx?TabID=55&ProductId=85005108&Upgrade-your-curriculum:-practical-ways-to-transform-units-and-engage-students" data-mce-style="outline: none; cursor: pointer; color: #1484be; font-size: 12px;" href="http://shop.ascd.org/Default.aspx?TabID=55&ProductId=85005108&Upgrade-your-curriculum:-practical-ways-to-transform-units-and-engage-students" style="color: #1484be; cursor: pointer; font-size: 12px; outline: none;">Upgrade Your Curriculum Book</a> - Now available in the ASCD bookstore</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="line-height: normal; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;" style="font-family: "times"; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">Also, if you just can't get the Beck song out of your head, and you've hummed it the entire time you've read this...here's the video:</span><br />
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Other resources to consider (Updated April, 2014):</span></div>
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<ul data-mce-style="margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div data-mce-style="line-height: 1.15; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-mce-style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“</span><a data-mce-href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=32828" data-mce-style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=32828" id="32828" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Create My Graphic” tab in this binder</span></a></div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://list.ly/list/1FA-infographics-in-the-classroom" data-mce-style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://list.ly/list/1FA-infographics-in-the-classroom" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Infographics in the Classroom list</span></a></div>
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<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div data-mce-style="line-height: 1.15; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a data-mce-href="http://neomam.com/interactive/13reasons/" data-mce-style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://neomam.com/interactive/13reasons/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">13 Reasons your brain craves infographics</span></a></div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=265035" data-mce-style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=265035" id="265035" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Infographics - Developing Visual Literacy</span></a><span data-mce-style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (livebinder)</span></div>
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<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div data-mce-style="line-height: 1.15; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a data-mce-href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=143539" data-mce-style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=143539" id="143539" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Infographics for Librarians, Educators, and other cool Geeks</span></a><span data-mce-style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (livebinder)</span></div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=324992#anchor" data-mce-style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=324992#anchor" id="324992#anchor" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Visually Informative </span></a><span data-mce-style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(livebinder)</span></div>
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<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div data-mce-style="line-height: 1.15; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a data-mce-href="http://www.pinterest.com/search/boards/?q=infographics education" data-mce-style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.pinterest.com/search/boards/?q=infographics%20education" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Loads of Infographic Boards on Pinterest</span></a></div>
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<a data-mce-href="https://educlipper.net/#boards/search/infographics" data-mce-style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://educlipper.net/#boards/search/infographics" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">eduClipper Infographic Resources</span></a></div>
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<a data-mce-href="https://www.diigo.com/user/mikefisher821/infographics" data-mce-style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.diigo.com/user/mikefisher821/infographics" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My Infographic resources on Diigo</span></a></div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://www.teachthought.com/technology/46-tools-to-make-infographics-in-the-classroom/" data-mce-style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.teachthought.com/technology/46-tools-to-make-infographics-in-the-classroom/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">46 Tools to make Infographics in the classroom</span></a></div>
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<li data-mce-style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 15px; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div data-mce-style="line-height: 1.15; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a data-mce-href="http://www.teachthought.com/literacy-2/a-primer-on-infographics-in-the-classroom/" data-mce-style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.teachthought.com/literacy-2/a-primer-on-infographics-in-the-classroom/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Primer on Infographics from TeachThought</span></a></div>
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MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-32339196063650330032017-04-27T09:27:00.000-07:002017-04-27T09:36:20.447-07:00Stereoscopes with Google Cardboard<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I recently tagged along on a field trip with local students to the </span><a href="http://bnhv.org/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in Amherst, NY. The students were learning about New York State History, specifically the area around Western New York. This regional history gem is a sprawling campus that includes both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including real churches, schools, and homes where students and museum visitors can step back in time and see what life was like in the 1800s.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During the tour of one of the houses, the docent shared a device called a stereoscope.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Photo Apr 26, 10 45 23 AM-001.jpg" height="250" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/LX9uGOyvvzX3PGjgm7UGVv3bZ9inm0e_r_uxpvqY9SlqyzViT9Ghvsqo1skaUxhqkHiZqB9qBKnVAFr_V26_0d9pX7LzaI-cpeChLQhHpapD1TNZTj1taZde1nI1Suh-Al2VsRf0" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="250" /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The students were very excited by this device, which was once one of America’s most popular forms of entertainment. Invented by Charles Wheatstone in 1832, with a patent in 1838, then upgraded in later years by Oliver Wendell Holmes, a stereoscope is basically a pair of glasses with uniques lenses and a platform for holding a special picture that takes advantage of human binocular vision so that two images side by side merge to form a single three dimensional image.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The docent let each student (and the adults who tagged along!) look through the stereoscope which depicted images of life in the 1800s. The kids were amazed, as was I, at the 3-D images we saw. It reminded of the ViewMasters we used to have when I was a kid. And then it reminded me of something even more modern: Virtual Reality.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When the students were done, I took pictures of the stereoscopic images with my phone. I wanted to see if they would work in Google Cardboard headset. I cropped the images to the edges of the stereoscopic picture, enlarged the picture to fit my phone’s screen, and horizontally placed it into the Google Cardboard headset. And what do you know, it totally worked!</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I made a short movie that shows the stereoscopic images I photographed at the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village (used with permission) which you can access here:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><insert movie=""></insert></span></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5D_jkpfmOSs?ecver=1" width="640"></iframe>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Note: This is a stereoscopic movie, so plop it right into your own headset to view in 3-D!</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, cool as it is to be able to view stereoscopic images in Google Cardboard, it’s also cool that it opens up some cans of worms of what this discovery means in terms of learning and engagement.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Students could search Google and/or Youtube for stereoscopic images and movies, particularly of historical importance that they can now use as a more dynamic image to analyze for details and draw conclusions from. This level of critical analysis likely already lives in the curriculum, but using the stereoscopic images may provide a new level of engagement that would cement the learning in a student’s brain!</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Students could create their own Stereoscopic images as a piece of media that can be viewed in Google Cardboard, or be part of a larger presentation like a movie, that shows not only the stereoscopic images they created, and also what they learned about the content related to the images they constructed. I created the stereoscopic image below using Google’s Picasa tool. I imported the picture of the inside of the one room school house from the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village tour. I cropped it to a square shape, lightened it up a bit, and changed the color to sepia tone. I saved the picture, then saved a copy. I selected both pictures and clicked the “Create” option in the file menu up top. I chose “Picture Collage” with the two pictures. Picasa loaded the two pictures, and I chose options for a Grid Setup, with No Spacing, and a formatted Aspect Ratio of 16:9 (HDTV). Then clicked on “Create Collage” and noted that the now Stereoscopic image lived in the Picasa Folder in My Pictures. I exported the image, via Dropbox, back to my phone and opened it to view in Google Cardboard. Totally worked. You can save the following image to your phone and try it out:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img alt="Pictures2.jpg" height="239" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/AYrmTBEXpz2WeTqsft6xxm4_toCv1tAsivrccXxyJkxkpZnaoZueuBJitZs5AV-ExWAphY1bGvg_jAk17GKrPUnrpB30lcTJ5YdbCcvZy0rxcCPfkNx2gfzcQ79uBEiWF1UkpTfq" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="425" /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The caveat was a slightly grainy image, but that added to the historical look of it.</span></div>
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<ol start="3" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is a new opportunity for media-making with both images and movies, or as part of a larger presentation that includes voice-overs, live speaking, or virtual field trips. While the idea for this was spawned by my visit to the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, this could really be done with any content, any place, in multiple ways. This is an invitation to something new to think about and hopefully spark some creative ideas by you or your students.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’d like to thank the people at the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village for permission to use the Stereoscopic Images in their collection as well as their commitment to preserving local history in such an interesting way. If you ever find yourself in Western New York, the Heritage Village is a definite must-see! Perhaps you should bring your own Virtual Reality headsets--there might an opportunity to use them!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1e1e; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mike Fisher</span></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/fisher1000" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #32b9c8; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">@fisher1000 </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ascd.org/Publications/Books/Overview/Ditch-the-Daily-Lesson-Plan.aspx" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #32b9c8; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ditch The Daily Lesson Plan</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1e1e; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, available now from ASCD</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ascd.org/Publications/Books/Overview/Upgrade-Your-Curriculum.aspx" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #32b9c8; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Upgrade Your Curriculum</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1e1e; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, available now from ASCD</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ascd.org/Publications/Books/Overview/Digital-Learning-Strategies.aspx" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Digital Learning Strategies</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1e1e; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, available now from ASCD</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1e1e; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-90235718683741906042017-04-23T09:03:00.003-07:002017-04-23T09:03:59.526-07:00Cell Phone Science<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGpvmZ3geFXtCpiH27gtaooXddu1QJNzCMcogc4tDz2mvZCMXWl591XxP5CssQJOxpjM8emSdaf4Vb3Qwl2UJx8CkHlG3eHL2rsbbiWuiF3zFvzdjbdWi5Pi6Aj660QDZigIs0t7WrmY/s1600/photo-mar-09-6-30-10-pm_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGpvmZ3geFXtCpiH27gtaooXddu1QJNzCMcogc4tDz2mvZCMXWl591XxP5CssQJOxpjM8emSdaf4Vb3Qwl2UJx8CkHlG3eHL2rsbbiWuiF3zFvzdjbdWi5Pi6Aj660QDZigIs0t7WrmY/s320/photo-mar-09-6-30-10-pm_orig.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Observe→ Diagram→ Describe→ Question→ Research→ Explain→ Simulate.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I work with schools that are adopting the Next Generation Science Standards, I’m often working actively to shift the perspective from the building of content knowledge through reading about it versus experiencing it. In order for Science learning to happen, science must be done, actively, so that through observation and discovery, students are able to explain their thinking and build conceptual knowledge. In the new science standards, there are engineering practices - skills - that students must demonstrate in their roles as students who think and work like scientists. When it comes time for students to demonstrate their understanding, these same verbs are part of the performance expectations. In many of those performance expectations, the words I started this blog post with are represented. I tried to come up with a catchy acronym for them but ODD Q. RES isn’t exactly ROY G. BIV. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While reading about science is still important, the real building of knowledge starts with what we notice, what we observe, rather than stoic reading about the same information with little or no interaction or context. In the new Science standards, there’s a lot of observation going on and from that observation, students are expected to diagram, describe, ask questions, define problems, analyze, model, research, explain, plan and carry out investigations, and argue a claim with evidence.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In reading through the new standards and the associated dimensions: Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas, it dawned on me that I had captured quite a bit of observable phenomena on my cell phone. I’m always taking pictures of interesting phenomena around me, both when I travel and in my own backyard. Many of these pictures are well suited to launching a scientific investigation using these new dimensions.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I made a folder on my phone to collect all of the science related images I had captured and I posted some examples on my website here: </span><a href="http://www.digigogy.com/phenomena.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.digigogy.com/phenomena.html</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m very interested in the notion of phenomenon-based teaching and using what’s around you as fodder for launching a research quest. With the proliferation of devices that students have access to, it just makes instructional sense to send them out into the world around them and create collections of their own local phenomena so that they can Observe→ Diagram→ Describe→ Question→ Research→ Explain→ Simulate.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let’s look at the first picture on the Phenomena Website I shared, of the Luminescent Scorpion. That picture was taken at my colleague and friend </span><a href="https://twitter.com/Janet_Hale" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Janet Hale’s</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> house in Tucson, Arizona several years ago.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxiunedFYDFqsWh1yUKRx9JiUp8VaDRKYyfq2R_yRCR-lumTABF6qNa1k-vA9Bys6LlyUH1ZJZEd4oPIK9_nvv54VvQauo3Wv7iEBnLnKNrefIYrYtf6zYk8I41vXwtzfjHLYz_p6suDQ/s1600/photo-may-06-8-49-49-pm-1_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxiunedFYDFqsWh1yUKRx9JiUp8VaDRKYyfq2R_yRCR-lumTABF6qNa1k-vA9Bys6LlyUH1ZJZEd4oPIK9_nvv54VvQauo3Wv7iEBnLnKNrefIYrYtf6zYk8I41vXwtzfjHLYz_p6suDQ/s320/photo-may-06-8-49-49-pm-1_orig.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a lifelong student, this observation launches my quest to discover why a Scorpion glows under a blacklight. There are many questions to ask, diagrams and descriptions to draw and write about what is happening, research to explain what’s going and perhaps creating a simulation or a game to test my claims. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On the phenomena website, I included a series of questions to launch the learning around the pictures I shared and/or the observations and images you or your students collect:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What questions could you ask about this image? (Good questions tend to lead to other questions that expand or refine the initial query.)</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With whom could you share your questions or theories?</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How could you use Social Media to evaluate and communicate information?</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How could you explain what is happening in these pictures?</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How could you model or simulate your descriptions and/or explanations?</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How could you engage in an argument around a claim you could make about the phenomena in these pictures and the evidence that supports your claim?</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Besides discovery level explorations for Science students, answering these questions leads to the added benefit of opportunities for developing content-area literacy: written descriptions of phenomena, written explanations, communication orally and in writing, reading supporting documentation, navigating and translating domain-specific language and vocabulary, etc. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’re interested in joining this conversation, specifically about modeling, descriptions, and explanations, please join me in a Curriculum Spark webinar on May 5th at 3:30 PM EST / 12:30 PM PST, courtesy of Rubicon Atlas. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Register for free here: https://www.rubicon.com/offerings/professional-development/events/cell-phone-science-modeling-ngss/</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ll be talking more about capturing phenomena on your phone and using it in the classroom to launch discussions, quests, and research!</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mike Fisher</span></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/fisher1000" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #32b9c8; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">@fisher1000</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ascd.org/Publications/Books/Overview/Ditch-the-Daily-Lesson-Plan.aspx" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #32b9c8; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ditch The Daily Lesson Plan</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, available now from ASCD</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ascd.org/Publications/Books/Overview/Upgrade-Your-Curriculum.aspx" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #32b9c8; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Upgrade Your Curriculum</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, available now from ASCD</span></div>
<br />MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-76427963905209303492017-03-22T20:03:00.001-07:002017-03-22T20:03:55.782-07:00Pushing Boundaries: Renewing our Mission<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1e1e; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 22px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
Guest Post from Elizabeth Fisher, coordinator of Professional Development at Erie 1 Board of Cooperative Education Services in Buffalo, New York. On Twitter @elizabethfisher</div>
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Hanging on the walls of myriad schools and proudly displayed on district websites, mission statements form the basis of belief systems and goals for the communities of learners within them. These statements usually represent ambitious and exuberant objectives in academics, behaviors, and aspirational goals for being creative or accomplished or striving for excellence.</div>
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Curiously, none of them have statements such as:</div>
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We strive to do well on the state assessment!</div>
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We are creative insofar as it benefits the raising of test scores!</div>
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Our students go just above the state average!</div>
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In the current educational climate, you would have difficulty finding schools that still maintain their aspirations in the wake of barely understood new standards, over-analysis of data, and dehumanizing teacher evaluations. The system is working hard to stifle creative expression in its teachers, and by extension, its students. Something must be done. Something must be done quickly.</div>
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Our missions still matter--and we must rededicate ourselves to making sure that we are on the right track. To paraphrase Justin Timberlake, it’s time to “bring creativity and risk-taking back.” But how do we do it?</div>
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We need to establish a climate which includes doing what’s in the best interest of students as well as encouraging each other to become risk-takers. What I offer are three steps teachers can consider doing immediately to bring creativity and risk taking back into our schools so that our mission statements are truly a mission worth embarking on.</div>
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NOT YET MENTALITY: No one is ever really wrong, they just may be exploring an idea that either leads to a dead end or opens the doors to new opportunities. If students aren’t understanding it, then they are “not yet” there. We need to provide opportunities which build, in the words of Carol Dweck, a Growth Mindset. We need to be talking with that mindset in mind; maybe adding the word, “yet” to the end of our statements (“I can’t do it, yet.”). Doug Lemov wrote an article called, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Culture of Error</i>. I highly recommend reading it and discussing what implications are drawn to improve our practice. What are we already doing that is working? What changes are needed to allow for this type of thinking?</div>
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ITERATE: Practice makes progress. Students need time to improve - everyone does, for that matter. It’s impossible to become better at something if you don’t do it repeatedly and receive specific feedback about how to improve. If we want students who can think for themselves then we need to prioritize our practices. Students need time to try things, to revise them, to create. Our state assessments are given under “first draft conditions” - providing no time for process reading or writing. So, why do we operate that way so often in school?</div>
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QUESTIONS MATTER: Encourage students to think divergently. One thing teachers can start doing immediately is teaching students how to ask questions. “Knowing the answers will help you in school. Knowing the questions will help you in life.” (Walter Berger, <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">A More Beautiful Question</i>). A new process called the <i style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Question Formulation Technique</i> (<a href="http://rightquestion.org/" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #32b9c8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">http://rightquestion.org/</a>) is being used in some classrooms to help develop this skill. In a nutshell, the process involves showing a stimulus (a picture or video), having students work in groups generating as many questions as they can, and then discussing the two types of questions (open/divergent and closed/convergent). Students discuss advantages and disadvantages of both types of questions and practice with changing open into closed and closed into open questions. If teachers are always the ones asking the questions then we are not allowing students to think divergently. We are in essence telling them how to think - convergently. This process helps students as they continue to dive deeply into conceptual and content knowledge.</div>
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We want students who are confident, independent, and creative. We want thinkers who can ask questions, make decisions, and feel comfortable in their own learning process. If that is what we want, then we need to revisit our mission statements often and reflect on whether what we are doing is in alignment with those statements or not. If not, then we embrace it with “not yet” thinking.</div>
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Ultimately, what we want is to give students roots but also to give them wings - we need them to be independent flyers; able to make decisions for themselves, knowing when they can take-off on their own or recognizing when they need the support of others (like birds flying in V-formation). We are responsible for moving our energies forward for the betterment of student engagement and deeper learning; it’s a risky undertaking but worth it. I’m ready to take the risk. Are you?</span></div>
MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-41219064615738974392017-02-15T10:27:00.004-08:002017-02-15T10:27:49.381-08:00SSSSSSkyportunity<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/zQDyDALvRTR6G4zFZ6QYVTqP8Ig50787r4is9jrCDFkfwYdxpJxpzk_nDE96kB0Api_1_yCh00PWYvZWdpiUdY8TM2F1891UtD8-cc3ZcyQyQCuVUTWcYvPNjkt8f_jflW7ViwEj" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/zQDyDALvRTR6G4zFZ6QYVTqP8Ig50787r4is9jrCDFkfwYdxpJxpzk_nDE96kB0Api_1_yCh00PWYvZWdpiUdY8TM2F1891UtD8-cc3ZcyQyQCuVUTWcYvPNjkt8f_jflW7ViwEj" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="248" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sssssalutations Ssssstudents and educator friendsssss. It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged but I’m back today with an exciting collaboration between Darlene Senick, a High School English teacher and Hobbyist Herpetologist at North Tonawanda High School in Western New York and students in Michael Thornton’s multi-age class at Agnor Hurt Elementary in Albemarle County, Virginia.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A couple of weeks ago, Mr. Thornton was asking another colleague on Twitter about her pet snake and I tweeted back to him that I knew a snake enthusiast...Ms. Senick. She agreed to share her knowledge and pets via Skype, so we set a date and started planning.</span></div>
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/J6pIFJyxgQN06vgEraTWAfKqE5F0A2qX08ajNrXFt2mUSXo0l6cegUF_9CB82i24OXKo_yTYIux1BuPHi6Ve3-275GxajSKF4XimFub8w0Zpxk4XeJwzY5w772809ZzcdjHpUNo3" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/J6pIFJyxgQN06vgEraTWAfKqE5F0A2qX08ajNrXFt2mUSXo0l6cegUF_9CB82i24OXKo_yTYIux1BuPHi6Ve3-275GxajSKF4XimFub8w0Zpxk4XeJwzY5w772809ZzcdjHpUNo3" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="232" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. Senick is snake hobbyist and shared a lot of information about her snakes with Mr. Thornton’s Multi-Age group. The students in Mr. Thornton’s class collaboratively contributed to a Google Doc where they each asked a question that they wanted to know about snakes. These questions are the heart of the learning here. Some of the questions are what I would call DRIVING questions: questions developed by the student that may potentially grow with new content and experience. (Alcock, Fisher, Zmuda, in press) The students shared these potential driving questions: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is the most poisonous snake in Virginia?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How far can a snake strike?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is the most venomous snake in the world?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These questions had very specific answers, though they might inspire additional similar questions to help focus the learning around content and concepts.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The students also shared what I would call PROBING questions: questions developed by students (or by teachers) to deepen understanding and make the thinking visible. (Alcock, Fisher, Zmuda, in press) Examples of these questions included:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do snakes change their attitude throughout their life?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What inspired you to be a Herpetologist?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Did snakes evolve from other animals?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These questions require more than just a simple answer and would prompt additional questions and conversations.</span></div>
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QQ4g8Dpc_6Li-mJEOgxH_hQXNlmpuWmL2Xiv0O3ySehKic5daoGggrvnGMGHKGkkckkynDvPl0a43J1Up7uV6v2CKmjO8yTcz_GLCrjMiwUTNTbA0jYUGnL2SEPN4h-Eha9tfL7" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QQ4g8Dpc_6Li-mJEOgxH_hQXNlmpuWmL2Xiv0O3ySehKic5daoGggrvnGMGHKGkkckkynDvPl0a43J1Up7uV6v2CKmjO8yTcz_GLCrjMiwUTNTbA0jYUGnL2SEPN4h-Eha9tfL7" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="329" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Because the students created a collaborative Google Doc, Ms. Senick was able to both answer some of the questions during the Skype video call and answer individual student questions directly in the document after the video call was over.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The reason I’m excited about this entire scenario is that it incorporates the best of what we know about instructional practice with the contemporary capabilities we now have at our disposal. Let me break it down.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These students in Albemarle County, Virginia were being taught by a teacher more than 500 miles away. They were experiencing snakes in a way that a book could never offer and they were able to virtually interact with someone via social media who had knowledge and experience to share. This person had information that the students needed and they leveraged contemporary means to get to her. The teachers were dependent on the students for the creation of questions, which were used to guide the video chat and the students were able to experience the language of the discipline, the content and concepts associated with snakes and their adaptations, and have a memorable experience that they are likely to remember for a very long time. Hashtag #MentalVelcro </span></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rWaiQwOMFh0NGTFsF9EhXqR2v6y1Zj44T7bv3Y3rRcnpUFFjMiTmwZe8_9zlK_MVzJN96yjkI8L1bDlPvnS8ALxr9la-GZXO0nhNufjXja6mjQqm5HvaVq3gOq4ZNvrO8kGt8-pT" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rWaiQwOMFh0NGTFsF9EhXqR2v6y1Zj44T7bv3Y3rRcnpUFFjMiTmwZe8_9zlK_MVzJN96yjkI8L1bDlPvnS8ALxr9la-GZXO0nhNufjXja6mjQqm5HvaVq3gOq4ZNvrO8kGt8-pT" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="178" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They learned about coloration, habitat, how and why snakes shed their skin, the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes, how they use their tongues, how they drink water, and what they eat. Check out the intact snake skin that Ms. Senick shared, complete with eyes and mouth! How cool is that?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This type of learning opportunity is one that I hope to get to participate in more and more. It was easy to setup, in fact, all of this resulted from two tweets, six or seven emails, and sharing Skype usernames. Social Media brought us together, the questions helped guide our instruction, and then the magic happened: real learning. Real, excited, engaged, enthusiastic, and passionate learning happened. And the teachers were as engaged and enthusiastic as the adults!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With opportunities like this, learning can (and should!) happen anywhere. We’re not bound by geographic barriers. We’re not bound by traditional school structures. We’re not limited to what is within the four walls of the classroom.</span></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/vF41EjWWLISZDYFKL3aDsEDzBg0iKLlRbHiGLervQ2xYpZc9MefFUrV8qfqCnf2-UrSqNxfRlE_CVrkhAjK6fEF3c3pTjeKAoZIxqNwM__oRqE8eW4EtQJOLZvKJiY3-QFMlePrL" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/vF41EjWWLISZDYFKL3aDsEDzBg0iKLlRbHiGLervQ2xYpZc9MefFUrV8qfqCnf2-UrSqNxfRlE_CVrkhAjK6fEF3c3pTjeKAoZIxqNwM__oRqE8eW4EtQJOLZvKJiY3-QFMlePrL" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="280" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What this is, is amplified learning. It is learning that is inclusive of all learners wherever they may be. It is learning that happens when we push beyond traditional barriers and mindsets and seek to do extraordinary things.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many, many thanks to Darlene Senick and Michael Thornton as well as their students for an awesome collaborative learning session. If you’d like more information about creating Skyportunities or connecting and collaborating with other classrooms around the world, check out these resources:</span></div>
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<a href="https://education.microsoft.com/skype-in-the-classroom/overview" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Skype in the Classroom</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://aroundtheworldwith80schools.net/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Around the World with 80 Schools</span></a></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You could also engage your networks on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook for additional collaborative opportunities.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Read more about Contemporary Learning Opportunities here:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.solutiontree.com/publisher/solution-tree/mastering-digital-literacy.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mastering Digital Literacy</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ascd.org/Publications/Books/Overview/Upgrade-Your-Curriculum.aspx" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Upgrade Your Curriculum</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ascd.org/Publications/Books/Overview/Digital-Learning-Strategies.aspx" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Digital Learning Strategies</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ascd.org/Publications/Books/Overview/Ditch-the-Daily-Lesson-Plan.aspx" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ditch the Daily Lesson Plan</span></a></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Follow Mike on Twitter: </span><a href="https://twitter.com/fisher1000" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">@fisher1000</span></a></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alcock, M., Fisher, M., & Zmuda, A. (2017). </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Designing the Quest</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Press</span></div>
<br />MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-29956989879155206992016-09-02T10:37:00.003-07:002016-09-02T10:37:39.141-07:00Giving the Gift of Reading is Beyond Valuable & Thanks to Our Libraries it’s Free!<div style="background-color: white; clear: none; font-family: Arimo, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 11px;">
Guest post this week from Kathy Kinney of MrsP.com:</div>
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Even though my mother never finished high school she was a reader and she passed her love of it on to me - and I do so love to read. She took me to the library, and provided me with access to those books, and they became a big part of me. As a child if I loved a book I would re-read it once a year. Some of my yearly favorites were: <em>Cheaper By the Dozen</em>by Frank Gilbreth, Jr and his sister Ernestine Gilbreth Carey; <em>Our Hearts Were Young and Gay</em> by Cornelia Otis Skinner and Emily Kimbrough and <em>The Hobbit</em> by J.R.R. Tolkein. It might seem like an odd combination of books - two biographies and a fantasy tale but what they had in common was living life in a fun, creative and adventurous way. That was the kind of life I wanted as a child and it is the kind of life I created for myself and lead now that I am grown. And that is what the library provided to me, a gift that stretched my imagination and developed a life long love of reading.</div>
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<a class="asset-img-link" href="http://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b7c88b3d26970b-pi" style="border-radius: 0px; color: #888888; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Contest image 2016" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b7c88b3d26970b img-responsive" src="https://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b7c88b3d26970b-800wi" style="border: 0px;" title="Contest image 2016" /></a> That’s why I created my <a href="http://contest.mrsp.com/" style="border-radius: 0px; color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Be-a-Famous Writer contest</a>, to help stretch the imaginations of young students. This year the theme is Libraries! What could be a better word for K-4 students to write about? Just look at the images of these libraries! I can think of a lot of stories just by looking at these, and maybe your students will too!<br />
<a class="asset-img-link" href="http://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01bb092e9c64970d-pi" style="border-radius: 0px; color: #888888; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Library " border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a0120a7e4f25f970b01bb092e9c64970d img-responsive" src="https://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01bb092e9c64970d-800wi" style="border: 0px;" title="Library " /></a> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b8d214efc2970c-pi" style="border-radius: 0px; color: #888888; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Library 2" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b8d214efc2970c img-responsive" src="https://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b8d214efc2970c-800wi" style="border: 0px;" title="Library 2" /></a> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b8d214efc9970c-pi" style="border-radius: 0px; color: #888888; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Library1" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b8d214efc9970c img-responsive" src="https://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b8d214efc9970c-800wi" style="border: 0px;" title="Library1" /></a><br />
I read everyday for entertainment, comfort and to keep my imagination toned and ever ready for my next adventure. Giving someone the gift of reading is beyond valuable and thanks to our libraries it's free. So why not share the gift of reading with every man, woman and child you know - and of course don't forget to gift yourself. Get a library card!</div>
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And if you are teacher, be sure to bookmark my <a href="http://contest.mrsp.com/" style="border-radius: 0px; color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">writing contest</a>. It is open for entries starting September 1st and run to November 15th. It's free to enter. The winners of the writing contest get to build their own library, as their classroom is filled with books in every format from my <a href="http://contest.mrsp.com/Sponsors.aspx" style="border-radius: 0px; color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">amazing sponsors</a></div>
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<a class="asset-img-link" href="http://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b8d214efdb970c-pi" style="border-radius: 0px; color: #888888; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Mackin title card.001" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b8d214efdb970c img-responsive" src="https://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b8d214efdb970c-800wi" style="border: 0px;" title="Mackin title card.001" /></a> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01bb092e9c8c970d-pi" style="border-radius: 0px; color: #888888; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="CantataLogo 3c" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a0120a7e4f25f970b01bb092e9c8c970d img-responsive" data-pin-nopin="true" height="116" src="https://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01bb092e9c8c970d-800wi" style="border: 0px;" title="CantataLogo 3c" width="149" /></a> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b7c88b3f7d970b-pi" style="border-radius: 0px; color: #888888; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Tales2go new logo" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b7c88b3f7d970b img-responsive" height="68" src="https://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b7c88b3f7d970b-800wi" style="border: 0px;" title="Tales2go new logo" width="204" /></a> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01bb092e9c95970d-pi" style="border-radius: 0px; color: #888888; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Capstone_Logo" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a0120a7e4f25f970b01bb092e9c95970d img-responsive" height="53" src="https://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01bb092e9c95970d-800wi" style="border: 0px;" title="Capstone_Logo" width="221" /></a> <a class="asset-img-link" href="http://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b7c88b3f9c970b-pi" style="border-radius: 0px; color: #888888; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Powells" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b7c88b3f9c970b img-responsive" src="https://mrspstorytime.typepad.com/.a/6a0120a7e4f25f970b01b7c88b3f9c970b-800wi" style="border: 0px;" title="Powells" /></a></h3>
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Here are some <a href="http://www.fantasticfunandlearning.com/books-about-the-library.html" style="border-radius: 0px; color: #888888; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">fun books about the library</a> to use as inspiration to get your students excited about writing their own story!</div>
MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-70602480254185778032016-08-13T09:11:00.002-07:002016-08-13T09:11:50.711-07:00Hacking Standardized Test Results<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObP_IT83rty-sVGf205at95LUEacymtThyYwnocrXG3GKLc7o5H6I2Wo1Wd77ul6KcROgcLm0FB7T3EtqpTAFp-ImjEwYjsgdyclTuVqDBILy8OPibRpLGlwSp4t1aUQeI_2JwmZL0cg/s1600/study-table-1412822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObP_IT83rty-sVGf205at95LUEacymtThyYwnocrXG3GKLc7o5H6I2Wo1Wd77ul6KcROgcLm0FB7T3EtqpTAFp-ImjEwYjsgdyclTuVqDBILy8OPibRpLGlwSp4t1aUQeI_2JwmZL0cg/s320/study-table-1412822.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Schools and parents are starting to see their standardized test results roll in. For individual teachers and students, the lauding or damning begins. It’s all about accountability, right? It’s all about systemic improvement, right? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If the test results are not specifically being used to improve student learning then they are more </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">about policy and not teaching and learning</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Any other purpose, including teacher evaluation, school ranking, teacher efficacy, etc. is about those policy decisions and not necessarily supportive of improving student learning. If we can partition the data itself from the ways in which it is being used unrelated to learning, then we can analyze what is worth analyzing for the sake of instructional programs and real student impact.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This partitioning must also include any biases we might have about the assessment. A standardized test is only good for what it was designed to do and usually that design takes into account a large population of potential test takers. It doesn’t mean the data are useless, nor does it mean that other assessments will be useful in determining student proficiencies.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Specifically, we can drill into data reports and look for trends that will enhance our curriculum data (units, lessons, etc.). Schools need both curriculum data and assessment data in alignment in order to have what Bena Kallick and Jeff Colosimo call a “Data Informed Culture.” </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What You Can Do Tomorrow:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Analyze the standard.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Look at your students’ performance on missed questions. Pour over any documents released by your state or test designers in order to better understand what each question is asking. Were the answers close to correct? Test designers will often provide distractor analysis. Did students misinterpret what the question was asking? Use released test maps and documentation to compare the assessed standard to your taught standards to make sure all of the discrete skills are being taught. Standards are checkpoints. Some of them are made up of multiple skills a student must demonstrate proficiency for. The assessment may be a telling reminder that some skills are definitely engaged and that others might need more attention. This is especially true for teachers who did not design their own curriculum but instead rely on a vendor/purchased/downloaded curriculum that they do not subtract from or add to based on their knowledge of their students.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Limit your action plan.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If your state or test designer didn’t publicly release test maps, work with your district data leaders to track them down. Look for versions of data reports that tell you how often a standard has been assessed over several years. If the current year’s assessment is the only time that a particular standard has been addressed over the last few years, then it is not necessarily a priority in your action plan for this coming year’s planning. Your priority is with standards that are addressed in the assessment every year or most years. Your energy is better spent on those standards that are assessed often.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Look for thinking.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m asking you to think back to college days here. Go back to Bloom’s Taxonomy and Webb’s Depth of Knowledge levels. All standards, Common Core or otherwise, can be boiled down to one basic throughline: increase thinking. When you look at your assessment(s), standardized and benchmark/quarterly/summative, what do you notice about multiple levels of thinking? This might be evident through questions that assessed the same standard, particularly if there are different question types. There may be anomalies that suggest that students do well on lower level questions but not on higher level questions. If students are being asked to demonstrate high levels of thinking, particularly across multiple assessments, then those same high levels of thinking should be represented in instruction and resources used for instruction. If there is a mismatch in thinking levels between instruction and assessment, then there will be a mismatch in performance. If students have to evaluate on the assessment but the instruction only addressed description, then the assessment data will likely show the disparity. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Intervene logically.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make sure students TRULY need scaffolds and interventions related to the data. If the standardized test is the only metric to determine extra help or interventions, be careful. Think about all variables involved. Look for other data to inform the decision: benchmark or quarterly assessments, formative data, past years’ performance, and intuition. If the assessment design includes questions that students faltered on but contained questionable distractors or multi-step constructed responses, consider how close the student's’ score was to whatever the proficient cutoff is. If it’s statistically insignificant (read: close), then it is likely that no intervention is necessary. If a student’s score is very low and it’s hard to determine where their specific improvement areas lie, then additional assessments, metrics, and data will be useful in targeting a specific improvement plan. Focus on student deficits the way doctors focus on symptoms. One symptom doesn’t give much information for a diagnosis. Multiple symptoms taken together paint a picture of what the action plan will be.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Analyze other assessment data.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Check your summative/benchmark/quarterly assessments for their alignment to both the standards featured in the standardized test as well as the ones you are responsible for. If you want to map out an assessment for the purpose of comparative analysis, you could use </span><a href="http://www.livebinders.com/media/get/ODc2MTI2Ng==" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THIS TOOL</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for doing so. Mapping an assessment for question type, standards alignment, and thinking level is a worthwhile experience for discovering the degree of parallelism between assessments, i.e. how closely they align to each other in scope, coverage, and knowledge demands. This is an important step in aligning curriculum data and assessment data. If we truly want to reach the goal of a data-informed culture, then it’s worth our time to consider how deeply aligned our assessments are.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Doubledown on reading.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can’t repeat this enough. Runners need to run to improve. Readers need to read to improve. The most important thing we can do to improve overall student performance is to give them ample time to read at their instructional level during the school day. The more they read, the more they know. The more they know, the more access they have to difficult texts or multi-step math equations. The more access they have, the higher the probability that they will be able to successfully solve problems / answer questions. Independent reading is a gift. Give them that gift at school.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Continued Data Meetings</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To maintain high levels of alignment between curriculum data and assessment data, continue to discuss it throughout the year where the conversation can be about current assessments rather than just the summative standardized one. Continue to look for trends in the data both as a class and in terms of individual student performance and look for links back to the documented curriculum. Look to grade level standards below and above the grade you teach to inform your knowledge of how proficient a student is with skills that get more sophisticated over time. Look at questions all students did poorly on, is there an easy fix or misconception that can be addressed in follow up instruction? Do students falter on specific question types such as constructed response questions? (Which are also a higher thinking level question as students are asked to “put it all together” for a proficient response.) In short, don’t let data be a once a year conversation directed toward performance on one test. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Questions or comments? Contribute below or contact Mike on Twitter at </span><a href="https://twitter.com/fisher1000" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">@fisher1000</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For more on Hacking Standards and the Common Core specifically, visit </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hacking-Common-Core-Strategies-Standardized/dp/0986104922" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Amazon for Hacking the Common Core</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*Note: Information contained in this blog post is an amalgamated remix of work I’ve read about, experienced, provided professional development for, and had professional conversations about over the last few years of Common Core implementation. To discover more about how to use data to improve student learning, inform instruction, and align curricular goals, consider the following:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Using Curriculum Mapping and Assessment Data to Improve Student Learning by Bena Kallick and Jeff Colosimo</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Driven by Data by Paul Bambrick Santoyo</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://www.mcrel.org/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Data Analysis Resources</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from McRel</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Resources from </span><a href="https://www.lciltd.org/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Learner Centered Initiatives</span></a></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Protocols for Professional Practice by Lois Brown Easton</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.333333333333332px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Data-Driven Classroom by Craig Mertler</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 18.4px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo credit: FreeImages.com user SHHO (2010) under FreeImages.com Content License</span></span></div>
MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-69975131383592356382016-07-28T18:28:00.002-07:002016-07-28T18:28:52.271-07:00Review of Hacking the Common Core!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NOtQU7LygwrTwMFzlHHgjOSxRvjFKPIN1or6Fe3oAiqRTTRcd0DFe3maoN1N4qKn64B9-hnhQlkBbNRgJxmyDVPzWtx5R1B43cBJU23YH3Ir2Ta1a9GaOpHP-PQYMPcDWv9QuYmi74o/s1600/CZb_b9bUcAAJyi8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NOtQU7LygwrTwMFzlHHgjOSxRvjFKPIN1or6Fe3oAiqRTTRcd0DFe3maoN1N4qKn64B9-hnhQlkBbNRgJxmyDVPzWtx5R1B43cBJU23YH3Ir2Ta1a9GaOpHP-PQYMPcDWv9QuYmi74o/s200/CZb_b9bUcAAJyi8.png" width="133" /></a></div>
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The nice folks at MiddleWeb reviewed Hacking the Common Core! Thanks, Rita Platt--I appreciate what you wrote!<br />
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<a href="http://www.middleweb.com/31367/10-strategies-help-you-hack-the-common-core/">View the review HERE</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hacking-Common-Core-Strategies-Standardized/dp/0986104922">The book is on Amazon HERE</a>MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-59195426187916316032016-06-21T18:31:00.000-07:002016-07-28T18:32:14.921-07:00Have a Summer of Fun with Reading and Writing!<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hacking-Common-Core-Strategies-Standardized/dp/0986104922">originally posted on MiddleWeb</a><br />
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Now that we are all fully heading into the summer, I thought it would be a good time to talk about summer reading and writing and how to get kids to continue with their literacy efforts over their break.</div>
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Over the weekend, we had a great #HackLearning chat on Twitter (Sunday’s at 8:30 AM) on promoting summer reading, and a lot of great ideas were shared. In the interest of expanding that conversation, I’d like to share a few ideas to help parents and teachers #HackSummerLearning!</div>
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The best thing that teachers can encourage their students (and parents) to do over the summer is to simply read and write. Kids can read anything of interest, preferably at an instructional level (which might necessitate teachers sharing reading level information with parents). Teachers can then encourage parents to have a daily or every-other-day reading habit.</div>
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A pleasure, not a chore</h4>
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Sometimes parents get lost when the expectation is to keep up with reading logs and document every page their kid reads. Remove that accountability and use the honor system to help encourage parents to keep up with reading.</div>
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Or even better, leverage social media to replace the reading log and have students and parents tweet to a teacher or school-specific hashtag sharing their favorite moments, titles of books, plot twists, favorite characters – anything!</div>
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Don’t make the reading just a student event. Even if the students are older, ask that parents read to their children and have discussions about what’s happening in the books the kids are reading for themselves.</div>
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Additionally, summer is a GREAT time to start co-reading events where the parent(s) and the child read the same book and have discussions about happenings and inferences.</div>
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Another option is “post mortems” where everybody talks about the book in general. We are doing that this summer with our nine year old. We’ve been waiting years to share Harry Potter with her, and this summer is the summer of Harry for us. My wife and I are so looking forward to sharing this with our daughter and can’t wait to rediscover “the magic!”</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hacking-Common-Core-Strategies-Standardized/dp/0986104922">Read the rest of the blog here!</a>MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-81344988382350914682016-04-12T18:44:00.000-07:002016-07-28T18:45:06.807-07:00Podcast: Lesson Planning--Moving Beyond the Way We've Always Done It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bamradionetwork.com/ascd-learn-teach-lead-radio/3829-lesson-planning-moving-beyond-the-way-we-ve-always-done-it"><img alt="" border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_LA-0FXDli58stekA37IBJ9anWRVVvvB7jIzxre_oheCJ0YhBGxKIhC7yRzos-M22pt72FJ-LkOJEYS7A6YbRGWlk5Z0XRjCxsPzpM530AiGGhdXdZDL7Ltc38HAPd5bdQtBTDO_0vQ/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-07-28+at+9.40.32+PM.png" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
Click the image to listen to the Podcast...MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-77521389464633674412016-03-01T18:44:00.000-08:002016-07-28T18:53:03.224-07:00Hacking the Common Core<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hacking-Common-Core-Strategies-Standardized/dp/0986104922" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Cep5pyfVSYaxmZNAKypHRJ-f3W-evl9Ce5BIl12ICFqO_kOa66jFr0eE3Yo1NMzmG8axdB9RWHToNsUPhJlLkn3GSwzGDw63Zb6zRYjx98rHTKPZw8SpWi2JaviH2RiEQq0RE6evtZ8/s320/CZb_b9bUcAAJyi8.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm so pleased to announce that Hacking the Common Core is Now Available on Amazon.com in both print and eBook formats!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From the publisher:</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>There Is Nothing Common About This Common Core Book</b></span></div>
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It's finally here: a book that unravels the Common Core State Standards, exposes the myths, and shows educators and parents exactly how to bring back the fun to teaching and learning--even in a standardized world.</div>
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In <i>Hacking the Common Core</i>, longtime teacher and CCSS specialist Michael Fisher reveals 10 amazing hacks for teaching the Core in all subjects.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Common Core Is Not Evil, but. . .</b></span></div>
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Fisher explains how the CCSS are not evil, while demonstrating their limitations, particularly when teachers trust a vendor product over their own professionalism. Getting to the CORE of contemporary instructional practice and <b>undoing the mass hysteria following the Common Core implementation</b>are both the heart of this book.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>What All Education Stakeholders Will Learn</b></span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; word-wrap: break-word;">How to bring literature back to the classroom</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; word-wrap: break-word;">The truth about <b>close reading</b></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; word-wrap: break-word;">What the instructional shifts really mean for instructional design</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; word-wrap: break-word;">Why we must <b>ditch “Rigor”</b> in favor of “Vigor”</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; word-wrap: break-word;">How to fix vocabulary with "Morecabulary"</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; word-wrap: break-word;">How to <b>upgrade the verb</b></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; word-wrap: break-word;">The problem with the one-size-fits-all mentality</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 20px; word-wrap: break-word;">Why <b>parents need to understand</b> the Common Core</li>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Change How You Teach</b></span></div>
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<i>Hacking the Common Core</i> is the book that every teacher who feels handcuffed by standards and testing has been waiting for. It's time to take back your class, engage all learners, and be amazing for your students. </div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>The Hack Learning Formula</b></span></div>
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The Hack Learning Series formula is perfect for Hacking the Common Core. <b>Forget everything you've heard about standardization and the Core</b>. Fisher throws out or upgrades most information and strategies, and in classic Hack Learning style, he gives you:</div>
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<b>The Problem</b> (Common Core issues that need a Hacker's mentality)<br /><b>The Hack</b> (ridiculously easy solutions that you've likely never considered)<br /><b>What You Can Do Tomorrow</b> (no waiting necessary; you can make writing immediately)<br /><b>Blueprint for Full Implementation</b> (a step-by-step action plan for capacity building)<br /><b>The Hack in Action</b> (yes, people have actually done this)</div>
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<br /><span style="color: blue;"><b>Are you ready to bring the fun back to learning?</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hacking-Common-Core-Strategies-Standardized/dp/0986104922"><span style="font-size: large;">Get it today on Amazon!</span></a></div>
MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-87106820601946891232016-02-10T18:31:00.000-08:002016-07-28T18:35:25.250-07:00Triptiks Can Rev Up Student-Centered Learning<a href="http://www.middleweb.com/27783/triptiks-can-rev-up-student-driven-learning/">Originally published on MiddleWeb</a><br />
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In my workshops and my most recent ASCD book, <a href="http://shop.ascd.org/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductId=168843112&Ditch-the-Daily-Lesson-Plan:-How-do-I-plan-for-meaningful-student-learning?-(ASCD-Arias)" style="border: 0px; color: #198a03; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition-duration: 0.2s; transition-timing-function: ease; vertical-align: baseline;">Ditch the Daily Lesson Plan</a>, I advocate for teachers to work smarter, not harder, and to learn how to plan curriculum for contemporary classrooms and contemporary students.</div>
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My overriding message is still focused on high levels of student engagement. We also want to be sure we include discovery level learning opportunities that are authentic and timely.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 28.8px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">One idea I like to propose for discovery learning is what I call “The Triptik.” I use it as a metaphor for co-creating a learning experience with students where the students are largely responsible for getting to a destination once the destination (or learning objective or project deliverable) has been established.</span></div>
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Those reading this who remember the American Automobile Association’s Triptik® will probably recall that a member would set a destination and then AAA would design a packet of information to help get you there in myriad ways, allowing you to know about construction, alternative routes, direct and indirect paths, places of interest to enhance the journey, etc. The traveler would then have everything they needed to shape a unique travel experience.</div>
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I think this method can well apply to contemporary curriculum design, particularly when we shift much of the responsibility for the (learning) journey to the student. While student choice and voice are important in all contemporary classrooms, they are vital in the Middle Grades classroom, where students have a built-in longing to explore, discover, and create.</div>
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Tips for creating classroom Triptiks</h4>
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In order to design a Triptik® in your classroom, ask yourself the following questions:</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What is a learning journey worth embarking on?</span> This can be a negotiation between teachers and students. Teachers have an understanding of the objectives, standards, etc., but student voice here could reveal iterations of the objective that create opportunities for buy-in and high levels of engagement.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How do I align the journey to standards, and how will I assess it? </span>Whatever the learning experience will ultimately be, the teacher still needs to coach students through learning expectations and coach towards success on whatever the assessment will be. (Hopefully it’s one that is co-designed by students and teachers!)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What are the essential skills that students will need to master as they embark on this learning journey?</span> These essential skills will be determined by the assessments that are designed as well as any standards that a teacher aligns this learning experience to. Additionally, other skills related to the designed task may need to be documented, particularly if they are part of a negotiation with the students on how they will work, learn, and perform. (Such as <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Habits of Mind</em>or even peripheral skills related to contemporary research strategies.)</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What questions need to be asked?</span> Focus the work for the team by helping students develop questions, both essential and supporting, that facilitate students’ finding the right resources to advance their learning and lead them to their learning destination.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How will students and teachers (and anyone else involved in the learning process) communicate and collaborate? </span>Co-creating tentative instructional tasks based on skills and group-brainstormed ways of getting to the assessment / product (where students’ voices impact the planning and delivery of instruction) will allow students a window into what teachers must consider when designing instruction. This conversation could help students self-advocate for scaffolds or opportunities for differentiation.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">How will students be accountable for their work?</span> Be mindful of the destination while you work to get there, setting instructional milestones and providing ongoing feedback. In the Middle Grades classroom, feedback is essential to quality work and improvement. Think of creative ways to distance yourself from traditional grading in favor of helping all students generate a quality product.</li>
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<a href="http://www.middleweb.com/27783/triptiks-can-rev-up-student-driven-learning/"><span style="font-size: large;">Read the rest of the blog HERE!</span></a><br />
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<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 28.8px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">NOTE: “Triptik®” is a registered trademark of AAA and is used with permission.</em>MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-50535248151303550012016-01-16T09:31:00.000-08:002016-02-03T04:08:23.757-08:00Category Cubes: An ARIAS Addendum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’m so excited that the <a href="http://www.ascd.org/Publications/Books/Overview/Ditch-the-Daily-Lesson-Plan.aspx" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #32b9c8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Ditch The Daily Lesson Plan</a> Arias book is doing so well. I’m glad that it’s resonating and that teachers are finding value in new ways of thinking about instructional planning.</div>
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I thought I would add a little amenity to the book for the New Year. What I came up with is called “Category Cubes.” I took the content for the cubes from the section of the book where I describe an inquiry process that I call “The Triptik®.”</div>
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The basic idea of “The Triptik®” is that a learning destination is co-created with teachers and students but students are largely responsible for getting to the destination once the destination (or learning objective or product) has been established / agreed upon. Think about what the AAA company does for it’s customer. The customer decides on a destination and then AAA designs a packet of information to help the customer get there. It includes construction along the way, alternative routes, direct and indirect ways to get to the destination, places of interest, and suggestions for stopping points. The customer would have a one-stop shop of everything they would need to take a unique journey.</div>
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I thought this was a great metaphor for instructional planning.</div>
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In explaining “The Triptik®,” I describe a way to help teachers co-create instructional parameters around potential research or project-based goals. These include a student’s ROLE, their ORBIT, their TASK, how FEEDBACK is collected and used, and LIMITING FACTORS.</div>
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I expanded these parameters into potential student actions and created cubes or dice for students and teachers to use to help with instructional design.</div>
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<span style="color: #32b9c8;"><span style="border-color: initial; border-style: initial; box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BylUtJmBwzR1YzlaRFNzdGktdFE/view?usp=sharing">DOWNLOAD THE FULL SET OF CATEGORY CUBES BY CLICKING THIS SENTENCE.</a></span></span></div>
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A couple of notes about using them:</div>
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Consider printing them on cardstock for improved durability.</div>
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There is a blank template you can use to create your own cubes or perhaps have your students make their own cubes.</div>
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What ever kind of project or inquiry your students are engaging in; it is not necessary to use all of the cubes. You may only need one, you may use more than one to help scaffold or sophisticate.</div>
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On the Feedback cube, there are several ways listed for students to get feedback. You may have to provide some direction / coaching for team, self, or social media feedback.</div>
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On the Orbits cube, note that students may need some coaching help when navigating social media, asking an expert, or creating a good survey.</div>
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On the Role cube, I included a few examples of potential roles for group inquiry. There are many more roles that students could take on. Feel free to remix or revise at your discretion.</div>
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These cubes may be helpful when students are making initial decisions and they may be good for refining their decisions once their work is underway. I hope you find them useful.</div>
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I’d love to know of your successes if you’re willing to share them in the comments section below. I sincerely hope each of you has a fantastic 2016!</div>
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Happy New Year!</div>
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Mike Fisher (on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/fisher1000" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #32b9c8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">@fisher1000</a> )</div>
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Available now from the ASCD Arias series:</div>
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<a href="http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/sf116036/chapters/Ditch-The-Daily-Lesson-Plan.aspx" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #32b9c8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Ditch the Daily Lesson Plan: How do I plan for meaningful student learning?</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ascd.org/cache/publications/books/sf114045.aspx" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #32b9c8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Digital Learning Strategies: How do I assign and assess 21st Century work?</a></div>
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Also available from ASCD:</div>
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<a href="http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/112014.aspx" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #32b9c8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Upgrade Your Curriculum: Practical Ways to Transform Units and Engage Students</a></div>
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Triptik® is a registered trademark of the AAA company and is used with permission.</div>
MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472338580684897991.post-56727902542232365982016-01-15T18:44:00.000-08:002016-07-28T18:48:41.259-07:00Podcast: Common Core Standards: Where Are We Now?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bamradionetwork.com/common-core/3625-common-core-standards-where-are-we-now"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PJQB6zdAbp-nQMeKJXxYNimUHUlLQtJ7pYT1X5s44-ce9kOKrIHTSXJAyMt1eWoUFfEgLHoHYCchiEnW7IIGyvsolmqnqjG5CQrQP8QjxhztvgAY4N76OtB9WCIOisM6EJXl1ILrmY8/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-07-28+at+9.46.38+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Click the image above to hear the podcast...MikeFisher821http://www.blogger.com/profile/09410966680338512226noreply@blogger.com0