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Personalization through student choice often shocks me to how talented so many of our students truly are (especially the ones that don't know it yet, and find that first spark to unlimited potential).

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All these comments will be ignored and we will just go back to the way we have been doing things. 

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All these comments will be ignored and we will just go back to the way we have been doing things. 

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I believe teaching the edges requires providing a variety accessible resources that are students can access at any time. This includes during and after class. This is preferable learning since student needs are based on the their learning styles and multiple learning intelligences.

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In biology there is nothing average. Each organism is an individual. Even though there are species with simialr phenotypes the genotype of each individual is unique. To meet our students individuality in the classroom is a wonderful theory however the problem lies with technolgy, resources and curriculum. When these are average and not exceptional there is not bridge for the individual student to travel their own path of learning.

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This hit home. There is no average.

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Do not design for the "average" as it destroys talent. We lose 50,000 of the brightest minds a year. We must nurture the talent.

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This Ted Talk displayed the importance of designing lessons that reach all students and their talents and learning styles.

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Equality asserts that every student should have the same access to a high-quality education regardless of where they come from.

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I loved when he showed a photo of the "average" desks in a classroom! YES!!!! We need resources/funding/effort to help us move from the average classroom environment, materials, supplies... to the one where we are not just conforming to the average. How can we get to that though?

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We should bring back or adopt programs that personalize learning for students.

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We need to focus on each student individually, all students are on different levels. This video really does speak on changes that need to be done in order to prepare our youth for their future.

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Teaching to the average does not work, teach to a wide range according to their ability levels.

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We need time and resources to be able to design curriculum to meet all students where they are instead of trying to meet an average student that does not exist. Class sizes need to be reduced and teachers given time to meet the needs of all of our learners.

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The comparison between the school environment and the AF is a great. The average model clearly doesn't work in the classroom, which is why we spend time differentiating instruction. However, I would also like to spend less time if we could have a math curriculum that supported math differentiation.

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A System Designed for the Average is Designed for No One

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A System Designed for the Average is Designed for No One

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So much about the education system was created for the "average." Standardized testing, classroom design, curriculum, etc. If we want to de-average our learning environments, we need to make rapid shifts to make it happen.

Assessments need to change. Classroom design needs to change. The aerospace contractors remind me of the education system. Flexible seating and variable classroom design costs too much money- so classrooms look the same year after year.

We cannot expect teachers to be average and teach in the same way using the same resources. Teachers need time and funds to differentiate for students. We need $$ for resources that provide differentiation. We need time to design and implement UDL lessons. We need to see what UDL lessons look like in practice, instead of just learning about it in theory.

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Focus on nurturing the individual potential of each student.

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The question that needs to be asked: Why do we teach?

The subjects we teach play a pivotal role in developing our students' abilities so that they are more successful in the future. Success varies and therefore our approach should.

Our students have strengths and needs that require heightened attention and support.

With teachers who are merely just as incredible and flawed as our students, creating the "perfect" educational environment for each them can be stressful and challenging; however, it is that exact effort that makes us so special.

We can only try, try, and try again with hopes that we reach many of our "one" students.

Todd Rose provided a necessary reminder that we can face the challenges head on as we work towards supporting all students based on their strengths and needs.

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When lesson planning, I have found it helpful to keep specific students in mind. I think about the highest, lowest, most focused, most distracted etc students.

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Ban the Average and design our learning environment to reach the edges in education!

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Ban the Average and design our learning environment to reach the edges in education!

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We need curriculum and technology so we can teach kids where they are at... to nurture their individual potential!

Simple solutions can have a profound impact!

We can use technology to make a flexible learning environment!

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We need to focus on reading and basic math concepts.

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I like that :-)

Intuitively, I knew it, but I like putting a name to it.

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Awesome talk, 100% agree with his beliefs. But how do we "take out the average"? How do we adapt our teaching to meet the needs of the high, low, and everything in between? I would love to hear actually strategies for how to implement this in the classroom.

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Like "normal", average is just a statistical aberration, an anomaly. It does not actually refer to anything meaningful.

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I love this idea of teaching to the edges. Our Studies Weekly is a great example of how this can be done, using the online component. We need to look closely at our curriculum choices when selecting new materials for those that allow for differentiation to meet the needs of all students.

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Our grade level believes in differentiation to meet the needs of all our learners. This is why we often have to purchase additional resources because the programs we are provided just do not have the ability to be adjusted. This is particularly true in math, where the boring black and white copies of the work pages use a font that is way too small, and frequently does not even provide enough space from students to do their work. In language arts, Wonders has an "approaching level," which is not approaching at all and is still waaaaaay above the level of our struggling readers. It literally has almost the same word count as the on-level with a marginally easier lexile level. This is not accessible for many of our readers.
The point is that we will continue to meet the needs of our precious students because we love them and want them to be successful, but it would be great if we were provided with the materials we need for that instead of having to create our own or purchase materials.

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As educators we need to meet students where they are at. We need to change the mindset of how all students are average. One of the reasons we have many behaviors is because we treat student as average. Like Billy if the work is to hard or to easy we will most likeky see an increase in behaviors. Build rapport with each student get to know them and do not assume they already know it.

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We must meet the needs of every student - and he made great points!!

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Simple solutions can have profound impact on individuals.

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This sure seems like an argument for tracks to me

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I really like the idea of collectively demanding from the people who create curriculum that they need to provide us with materials that fit the needs of our students. Providing teachers with materials that is already differentiated is extremely helpful.

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This sounds wonderful, but how do we actually incorporate this into day to day teaching? I can see this work more with the new Studies Weekly curriculum, but how do we make this idea work in reality with each of the various subjects.

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This sounds wonderful, but how do we actually incorporate this into day to day teaching? I can see this work more with the new Studies Weekly curriculum, but how do we make this idea work in reality with each of the various subjects.

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This was a powerful TED talk. I loved the analogy of the cockpit and creating "adjustable seating." The idea of a "jagged learning profile" for all students was helpful in thinking about strategies to implement these ideas.

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This was a powerful TED talk. I loved the analogy of the cockpit and creating "adjustable seating." The idea of a "jagged learning profile" for all students was helpful in thinking about strategies to implement these ideas.

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The missed opportunities on capitalizing on student talent is what resonated with me the most. We have students who may not be fitting into the box that is average, yet have so many potential strengths that we can tap into and use to engage and motivate them.

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Education is all about trying to constantly reinvent the wheel. However, the wheel was invented in a system that was...average. Right? As teachers we are taught and KNOW that we must differentiate our instruction to meet the needs of ALL learners in our classroom. The curriculum provides resources for EL, struggling, grade level (average), and advanced learners. Of course, technology is an asset that can be utilized to support and supplement instruction and access. Other real-world and more impactful factors were not included in this TED Talk. Factors such as: home life, instructional minutes being taken for non-academic purposes, class size, consistent support for teachers, and lack of prep time for teachers to complete mandatory tasks aside from instruction. Ask a real teacher what it takes to reach ALL students. Who identified Billy as a struggling reader? The teacher or the TED Talk guy? Who put into place something that would help Billy access the curriculum while supporting his reading? The teacher or the TED talk guy? We as a team understand the message that was trying to be communicated, but isn't this what we already do every day in our classrooms?

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There is nothing average about our kids. We need to invest in them and meet them where they are. We need to give students individual opportunities to reach their true potential. We need to nurture our students strengths in order to watch them flourish.

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Do not assume the average about your students.

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After listening to is I feel sad and not inspired.  It is hard for me to think that I did not help my academically.

Furthermore, this shows for the need to have math differentiation at the middle school level.

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If You Design Lessons For The Average Student, You are Designing A Lesson That Fits No One

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If You Design Lessons For The Average Student, You are Designing A Lesson That Fits No One

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The video really discusses the way in which we can close the equity gap in education. Educators now have the resources to do this more so than any generation before us. With continued support from districts to explore this teaching philosophy, educators can make impactful changes to the classroom that challenge and support all students.

I really love the idea of "banning the average" within the classroom; designing lessons for the average student defiantly didn't work for me as a kid. Understanding that all students have different learning strengths, weaknesses, and styles should be normalized within the classroom. Meeting students where they are at, identifying what supports they need, and valuing what they already know is fundamental to responsive teaching.

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Students may not do well based off of educational averages, but that does not mean that they have nothing to offer. We have to put in the work/effort to find what inspires or drives them so that we can help fuel that success.

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Because not all students fit the "average" mold, we have to provide multi-modal methods and strategies for learning to draw on students' strengths. Technology has allowed this to happen in a way that allows students to be successful at whatever level they are working at.

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We must design lessons to meet the needs of students and their varying abilities. There is no such thing as "age appropriate" or "average student" when learning. Students vary on many dimensions of learning.

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Take your time to get to know your students. By having their best interest and knowledge of them as people will give you more insight and help of how to approach a lesson.

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We lose so many students by teaching in a way that is "one size fits all". We need to understand their strengths and weaknesses. However, this becomes challenging when they are all tested the same way.

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There is no average. There is no one size fits all.

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This was such a powerful TED Talk. I love the analogy of the cockpit and the pilots. No one is completely average. How do we design lessons for ALL students? Students who excel in one subject are not great in another but it doesn't mean they aren't smart. I was terrible in math but was great in other subjects.

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There are so many students that would benefit from this.  Now they just become bored & lose interest.

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One size does not fit all. We can use assessments to determine where students are and meet their individual needs but we do need more time to be able to do the work that's involved with meeting each student. 

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One size does not fit all. We can use assessments to determine where students are and meet their individual needs but we do need more time to be able to do the work that's involved with meeting each student. 

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Through the use of technology, we can give students choices and build in scaffolds that make grade-level content accessible for all students. There are numerous apps and extensions available to students now that can break down learning barriers and allow us to teach "to the edges."

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Designing learning opportunities to the edges requires teachers know their students needs, capabilities, likes and dislikes well. That can be a daunting task in middle school when I have almost 200 students each day. I have to look for ways to connect with my students, hear them and see them in order to try and meet their learning needs. It takes time, planning, creativity and collaboration to meet this goal.

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this explanation seems so obvious that our students will never fit the average ideal because no one can be exactly the average. The idea that we will lose focus on someone strengths as we can only see their weaknesses seems to be exactly what we are doing. in my own reflections, in my lessons, i can see how aim to the middle for speed and difficulty when i design them. i will think how i can start to shift my own designs

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I think the integration of technology has allowed us to teach to the edges providing more options and opportunity alongside the textbook curriculum.

I would like to see at the decision-makers level a willingness to re-imagine the daily class schedule and how that could allow us to better teach to the edges.

Until then teachers will continue to grow, learn and stretch to reach all levels in their classroom through diversified teaching strategies.

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That was awesome!  All we need is adjustable seats in the classroom and were going to do great!
or
Use technology to teach students at the level they are at and allow them to excel through the curriculum at a speed and pace that fits each students individual needs.

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I fully believe in everything this man said I have seen so many cases of children that shine in some subjects but need constant support in other areas.

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If we are able to stop designing for average and create curriculum that "is designed to the edges" we are able to capture more student's interests. We could lose student's who have great talent simply because they do not fit the "average" mold that has been told to us. Every student is unique and can bring something to the table. I don't believe that a student is not a "good" student because they have weaknesses. Why are we allowed to recognize our weaknesses and play on our talents as an adult, but as young students, we are expected to be good or "average" at everything? It's not realistic.

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Average destroys talent , simple solutions can save those students who's talents will be lost forever. We as educators tend to stay in our "bubble." We teach the way that is most comfortable to us, we need the training and the tools to be able to venture out to meet the needs of all of our students. We need to take the time to REALLY get to know our students to see what the REAL underlying issue is for their struggles.

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Everyone has a jagged learning profile. It isn't enough to teach to the middle. Design lessons to reach the lows and highs. Design opportunities for all students to succeed. The speaker spoke about how, simple solutions equal greater improvements. It can be as simple as building relationships to learn how student's learn and allowing students to express their learning in a variety of ways.

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There are so many great thoughts and suggestions already here!  Thank you.

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There are so many great thoughts and suggestions already here!  Thank you.

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The designs need to change. I want to encourage and inspire my students to move towards achieving their best. I hope to include small changes to create big changes in my classes.

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There isn't a one size fit all approach. The average teaching design destroys talent and make sit difficult to see weaknesses. We should seek simple solutions as they can have a positive impact on our students.

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I strongly believe our industry is on the thresholds of change. We're at the "blame the teachers" part of this scenario. Teachers are reaching maximum capacity, and the result is potentially burn-out, career change, or becoming resolved to failure. We are a finite resource; there is a finite amount of time, there is a finite amount of energy. There is only so much training can do when it continues to fit outdated models and ignores obstacle after obstacle. During the TED TALK, I really connected to the statement that our curriculum assumes all students read at grade level. I would add that for subjects like mathematics, it is assumed all students mastered foundational concepts, retained what they've learned, and can apply it. Demanding more from those that put materials into our classrooms sounds like an appropriate measure, long overdue.
Something to think about as we move towards unavoidable change: When the pilots were being studied, did the researchers speak with them? I wonder what insights they offered, or could have offered, had the people making the decisions spoke with those battling the realities of the situation. When will they start talking to teachers?

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One size does not fit all. All of our students are unique and need to be treated as such. As teachers, we need to need to utilize the student's talents and meet the students where they are at.

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Teaching to the edges reminds me of low floor, high ceiling opportunities. Don't get so bogged down in curriculum that you forget to include these.

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Not all students are on the same level. You have to meet them where they are at. Just because they are in a certain grade level doesn't mean that they are at that level.

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I find this very interesting and agree with the philosophy, but in reality we need time, training and materials that differentiate as much as students need We do not have the time in the day, and management to do this by just listening to this video We will need to see how this actually is managed in the classroom I differentiate instruction and have for years, but it on my own not because the district has trained me We need to also meet the needs of all teachers too

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I think this is why there is such a push for school choice, in our current environment. Parents no longer trust the average classroom, as it only plays to the average ability per student (grade/age equivalence). We are finding more and more that most students don't necessarily "learn" true reading fluency until 3rd grade for girls, and 4th/5th grade for boys. This can affect comprehension skills. Sooner or later we are labelling "learning handicapped" based on arbitrary numbers, the average. Parents, and some teachers, are sick of this. We should be looking, and finding, the potential for each student. I loved the "jagged profile". Our students are very similar to these fighter pilots. We should be showing them the respect they deserve, and stop grading them, or expecting them to achieve, simply the average.

-Mr. Sims, Vanessa Wolbred, Perla Alatorre, Leslie Ruiz.

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Be sure to engage students in activities with low floors and high ceilings.

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The current structure of our education is made to benefit an average student that doesn’t exist, we need to ban the average and show support to individual students in order to nurture there talents.

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Each student is unique and has individual learning styles and methods. We need adjust some of our teaching habits to find ways to benefit all of the students in our classroom, and not just the high or the low or the ELD or the RSP.

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We need the tools to be able to reach these students. We need differentiated materials, instructional aides, and time to implement these practices.

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What is average? This TED Talk was very powerful and inspiring. It is crucial to know our students' abilities so we can accommodate everyone. Especially in this year when there is such an exaggerated disparity between all learning levels, it is very important to know how to address all students' academic needs. (Harkins, Goodale, Smith, Simpson, Vinsky)

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We need expert ELD teachers to pull out our ELD students. This district expects teachers to perform miracles every day.

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I agree with his message of giving students different opportunities to see their strengths and weaknesses. We need to explore what each student needs. I do not agree that technology is the answer though, if technology is so amazing why didn't every student succeed and feel successful last year? We need more specials, enrichment, and hands-on activities. Not everyone should be expected to go to college, many people I know did not go to college and are extremely successful because their elementary, middle, and high school provided them with experiences and met their needs.

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One thought was that our students are given iPads to use for our students. It would be nice to have all apps open to the students.
We work with special needs students and so we feel we do reach the edges.
The aides here are awesome!
It would be nice to see the gen. ed. students use tools that should be available to all.

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Our students are unique and they all do not have the same needs. It is important to be mindful of this while teaching our students. We need to make sure that they feel heard and understood.

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It's wonderful to be inspired year after year with great speakers that bring life experiences. I would love to see school districts put in to practice what we learn each year.

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The thought of using digital curriculum that is "designed to the edges", causing me great concern. His comments were lovely and heartfelt, however, vocational technology and hands-on curriculum trumps more "screen time." If technology is the answer, why didn't our kiddos make better progress during distance teaching?

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I think if we continue to remind ourselves that each student has a jagged learning profile (no such thing as average) when we see below average results for a student it will remind us to problem solve and look to provide the student with what they need to be successful. This was an amazing message.

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It is my hope that classroom teachers have more instructional supports in and out of the classroom. Students could benefit from more services such as ELD pull-out and in class instructional aides. The reality is we need more time to maximize instruction.

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Lesson planning should be more than targeting a certain objective. Students are unique and bring their own strengths into the classroom, as well as specific learning needs. Considering barriers to learning is vital. It will require us to differentiate our instruction to provide supports for all. This will definitely increase student success. Fantastic Ted Talk!

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one size does not fit all. Take time to explore and nurture students needs.

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There are several powerful points in Rose's TED talk. All Students have a jagged learning profile and we cannot design our classrooms for the average student because we are doomed to fail. We need to provide multiple opportunities to represent what we know by providing unique opportunities for action and expression. In my own learning journey, my fifth grade teacher saw that I loved to read but that I struggled with comprehension. She spent everyday after lunch reading to the entire class from a novel and then engaging us through seeing, listening, writing and drawing the characters and themes of the story. This resulted in my comprehension increasing to the 7th grade level and tapped into my talent by providing opportunities to understand my weakness and build on my weakness in a safe classroom.

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There are several powerful points in Rose's TED talk. All Students have a jagged learning profile and we cannot design our classrooms for the average student because we are doomed to fail. We need to provide multiple opportunities to represent what we know by providing unique opportunities for action and expression. In my own learning journey, my fifth grade teacher saw that I loved to read but that I struggled with comprehension. She spent everyday after lunch reading to the entire class from a novel and then engaging us through seeing, listening, writing and drawing the characters and themes of the story. This resulted in my comprehension increasing to the 7th grade level and tapped into my talent by providing opportunities to understand my weakness and build on my weakness in a safe classroom.

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Years ago we had wonderful GATE programs build in to our elementary schools. WE had a teacher for this, these students were pulled out for special lessons and had after school enrichment opportunities. This has all been taken away. Why? If we want to reach ALL learners, why are we not investing in our GATE students anymore?

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Student's learning is not linear, it is jagged. It is imperative that we give each student different opportunities to learn the same concepts. Students do not all learn in the same way, they all have strengths and weaknesses. It is our job to tap into each students potential and build off of that. Giving them all the tools to learn efficiently.

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Side note (additional comment)
Other schools in our district have nice adjustable chairs for teachers. Some schools only have hard old fashion teacher chairs. Shouldn't the teachers ALL be provided with these nice chairs? We want greatness from the teachers, then we should be providing them with the proper tools as well.

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We have to stop design for the "average" and realize our students come to us with a jagged size profile. We have the tools especially now with technology but we need to nurture and change our mindsets to expand our talent pool and build on their potential.  We need more tools and the "buy in" from all and not just some. There is a real disconnect between elementary and middle. We don't provide access to all material for all students. At times there is no willingness to change and take a look at the curriculum and how we can better meet the needs of our students. 

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We have to stop design for the "average" and realize our students come to us with a jagged size profile. We have the tools especially now with technology but we need to nurture and change our mindsets to expand our talent pool and build on their potential.  We need more tools and the "buy in" from all and not just some. There is a real disconnect between elementary and middle. We don't provide access to all material for all students. At times there is no willingness to change and take a look at the curriculum and how we can better meet the needs of our students. 

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Seeing our students as individuals and not just numbers is the key. Expanding their horizon and build their confidence is paramount to them reaching their full potential. As educators, we need to provide them the platform to become their "best self"...

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It is important to know your students and their abilities so you can accommodate and meet them where they are. Teaching to the average is a disadvantage to every student as not one student is the average.

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When designing our lessons, we need to consider the jagged learning needs of our students. Planning for the "average" student will result in missed opportunities for learning and engaging. We are dared to be bold and ban the average, because in reality, it doesn't really exist. As an educator, it seems like a daunting task to meets the needs of students at the edges. As with the example of the Air Force, it is not impossible, but we will definitely need the time to plan and the resources to make it happen.

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Provide a learning environment to fit the needs of the students and meet them at their level.  Provide lessons with flexibility for students to best fit their needs.

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Ban the average!! Expand our talent pool!! Nurture individual talent!! Seems to me that it starts with curriculum that disperses the idea of an "average" student...

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By designing lessons, and providing supports for students that go beyond the middle of the road we can provide an equitable education for all of our students. Students have different needs and when we focus on what the "average" student is capable of we are doing a disservice to our students who are near the edges.

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For our student population the assumption of average is determinantal in their learning opportunities. When all curriculum is based on the average it lowers their ability to have access to Math, Science, Reading and Social Studies. This type of one size fits all hinders this student population. If learning was created for all students there would be less of a need for scaffolded participation through an IEP. Students on IEP's could participate with their Gen Ed Peers.

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Design to the edges requires training in current curricula. 

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Design to the edges requires training in current curricula. 

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There are so many tools to offer students who are below average readers, like text to speech and speech to text. From what I see, the issue is learning those tools and figuring out if they're available.

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In the current system, tools and assessment are areas that need to change in order to teach ¨jagged learners.¨

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In the current system, tools and assessment are areas that need to change in order to teach ¨jagged learners.¨

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In today's society, what is average? We need to make small adjustments to reach all student in some way.

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Ban the Average, Embrace the Jagged Learning Profiles

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Ban the Average, Embrace the Jagged Learning Profiles

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In order to reach our students we have to acknowledge and nurture the varying needs of each student. If we design learning environments for the average, we reach none. Let’s challenge the strengths and nurture the weaknesses so that we can expand the talents that lie within.

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How do we currently design learning environments to the edges and where can we improve?

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How do we currently design learning environments to the edges and where can we improve?

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We can provide UDL for students in our classrooms based on IEPs and ensure that all parties involved follow the accommodations in order to best implement an individualized program for students.

Collaboration between general education teachers and special education teachers is needed to help the students not be forgotten.

Average destroys talent and potential , and we get a shot in schools to nurture it instead of destroy it.