Student Voice and Choice Reflection by Christine Mostoller https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3 Please respond to the presentation. What thoughts, questions, or ideas do you have for this PLC? Did you hear something you liked? en-us 2018-01-30 22:52:38 UTC 2018-03-23 20:34:39 UTC hello@padlet.com Sam Fisher sfisher38 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/234575115 I like the idea of Breakfast or Lunch Teacher and student meetings.

I like the idea of bringing back the principal cabinet.

I appreciate that this group read books and research, and consulted with our admin.]]> 2018-02-23 05:01:36 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/234575115 Char Hurst https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/236329723 I strongly agree that student choice should be part of instructional / assessment practices. When students have a choice they tend to embrace the activity and have a sense of ownership. In my personal experience, when I give students a choice in the classroom, they are more engaged and their overall performance improves.]]> 2018-02-28 11:27:56 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/236329723 Lori Hess https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/237172919 I agree with Char's comment because I have also found that when students are given choices they tend to be more motivated. I see that your PLC has completely shifted its focus. Does this mean that your initial ideas are no longer being investigated for possible implementation? I thought some of your ideas about student meetings were interesting. ]]> 2018-03-01 20:26:51 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/237172919 Caitlin Hunt https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/239412394 I thought the surveys given to club advisors indicate that many students in at least one club also participate in other clubs.  I’d be interested in finding ways to get students who are in NO clubs involved in at least one club or extracurricular.  I think this would help with the feeling of involvement and voice in our school.  I am also wondering if there is any research to support student choice and increased test scores?  Since I teach subjects that involve a test (Keystone, SAT, AP), I struggle to find activities that provide student choice while also getting results on the “test.”  Keep up the good work!]]> 2018-03-07 21:14:24 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/239412394 Jane Carberry https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/239424620 I liked your original focus on making the students feel heard. Goes well with the Mental Health PLC.

Seeing that you are shifting gears, I agree that because we are all different types of learners, students should be able to choose how to receive information and can better retain it when given a choice. Does this create “extra” work for the teacher if having to create the same lesson in many learning styles?

Thanks and great work.

BTW: I would have chosen to get my information from the timeline because I could take my time to study and make notes on the information rather than try to rush through reading the slide before the next one popped up!]]> 2018-03-07 21:54:47 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/239424620 Dale Shreiner https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/239461092 First off: you can NEVER go wrong with Ric Flair and John Williams music. 

I really like the idea of giving kids options in how to learn and  present what they know. I feel I'm better at giving kids the opportunity at presenting their information in a way of their choice but I overlook giving them the opportunity to choose how to learn. More guidance in this would really help me. The nice thing about Canvas (the PLC I was in) is that it provides a platform for students to get the information in different ways. 

I also like the original focus. At this age, kids like to know they are heard. Given them the opportunity to share their ideas with teachers who don't dismiss them helps them feel more invested in the school and will increase engagement. Can we act on both the old and new focuses of this PLC?]]> 2018-03-08 00:47:00 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/239461092 Emily Wolfe https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/239910267 I really liked the first focus of this PLC. I understand the need for the new focus too though. It almost seems like they could be two different PLCs in the future. 

If anyone really wants to see student-voice in action I encourage you to come to 203 or 206 Monday's from 2:45-4:30 each week. Youth & Government kids is based in student-voice. It is so great seeing what issues these young minds see every week and the solutions they create to fix these problems.

I also think it's awesome that the administration took student leaders' voice in mind when finding a solution to the nationwide walkout this week.

It's amazing how giving kids small choices can have a major impact on their ownership of this school, their learning, etc.


]]> 2018-03-08 20:39:15 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/239910267 Lisa Smith lisasmith5 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/240653978 I think the focus of this PLC group is great. Our students really want to be heard and when listened to they have a lot to say. With one of my classes, we watch a brief segment about current events and what is happening in the world. Depending on what the issues being discussed are we have a discussion where I let the students voice their opinion and the things they have said on some of the toughest subjects still amazes me. Allowing them to have a voice in what activities are being done in the classroom or giving them choices on a project can really make them feel empowered.

]]> 2018-03-11 23:50:49 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/240653978 Jessica Drake https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/240658774 I think the goals for this PLC are super relevant and important to what's going on in our school. I think students often feel like they don't have a voice or their opinions don't matter. As a new teacher, I often feel like when students ask me "why" we do something in our school, I never know the answer. I normally just say because administration says so. But I would love for the students to really have a say in what goes on in our school so it doesn't need to be just because the administration says so. Do we have a student government or senate that students can exercise their right to have a say in what goes on in our school? I think we underestimate what the kids will say because they're "kids". With everything that has happened recently with the student survivors in Florida, I think we should all take note that students have a STRONG voice and have GREAT thoughts that adults should listen to. ]]> 2018-03-12 00:31:08 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/240658774 Rebecca Kotzman rkotzman https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/241140294 This PLC did a very creative job presenting their information with choice for the audience! I liked how you presented two options to deliver the content (the presentation and the timeline) and two different options to assess the audience (cahoot and ticket-out the door). I have found that when choice is offered, students are more likely to engage and be accountable for their learning. 

I think the student/teacher breakfast or lunch is a great idea! I feel as though sometimes only the "honor roll" students get this opportunity with the teachers and the so called "bad" kids are over looked. Our students need to know that they are valued and important- because without them, we wouldn't be here! ]]> 2018-03-12 22:14:54 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/241140294 Cassandra Pribanich cpribanich https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/241152518 I like that you included the process of developing your perspective from the school as a whole into the classroom.  Dana Mitra, assistant professor at PSU, who you referenced in your video (1:34), has some good content on her website http://psu-us.academia.edu/DanaMitra that is more focused on student voice overall but has some research and ideas that extend into the classroom. Most of them are accessible on the site. She is also a fellow at Students at the Center. One of the focuses is on learning that is student owned.

When looking at the classroom, I agree that there is a lot of cross-over between this PLC and instructional practices. The other PLCs your group identified are about choice in creation, which fits as well. Moving forward, student voice in the classroom is something that we all do to varied degrees. A progression or evolution of a low-voice classroom to a high-voice classroom with examples could be helpful for those who are looking to increase student engagement and autonomy through voice. ]]> 2018-03-12 23:22:57 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/241152518 Roy O'Neill Voice & Choice loneill3 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/241158881 I thought it was great that you were able to come up with a couple other different perspectives, Penn State Harrisburg, Hershey H.S. and Mike Donahue, always a great idea. I agree with other who wrote about suggested options, presentations/timelines and Kahoot and ticket out the door, students love Kahoot!
Also must agree that project based leaning and voice and choice great combination]]> 2018-03-13 00:04:33 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/241158881 Deanna Morder https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/241590676 Voice- choice is providing the student with options in which I love and fits in well with project based learning. Great resources with seeking others perspective on this topic. ]]> 2018-03-13 19:15:01 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/241590676 Kirsti Larsen https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/241650079 Very creative way to present your video, giving the different options to meet different learning styles. Voice and choice is so important in giving students the chance to be heard, which results in more engagement and ownership in the learning process. I also agree that your PLC would fit in great with project based learning. I think it was really neat how you made the different contacts with other schools/individuals to broaden the scope.]]> 2018-03-13 22:22:18 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/241650079 Jon Dickey https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/242167487 A voice by anyone is strong when heard and appreciated. Promoting ownership promotes growth, and growth is education. ]]> 2018-03-15 02:18:49 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/242167487 Trevor Davis https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/242620338 I enjoyed seeing and hearing about your journey throughout the school year within your PLC. Student voice within instruction and assessment is definitely a concept that should continue to be refined and considered for all of us. This might include having students choose ways in which to show their knowledge of content/standards or providing students with the opportunity to have a choice when developing rubrics/grading criteria which can increase their buy-in and also make the expectations clearer to them. I'm looking forward to seeing what you continue to find throughout the school year!]]> 2018-03-15 22:38:48 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/242620338 Tiffany Lewis https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/242985706 I like how you provided us choice on how to learn about your PLC - very fitting :)

I'm interested to see what you guys come up with. I often find it very difficult to provide my students with choice in the classroom because it can become overwhelming when students are working on many different tasks at the same time. As a Keystone tested area, I also find it difficult to make sure everyone is learning exactly what they are supposed to be learning when I open up learning options. It takes a lot of time and meticulous effort to ensure that each option is obtaining the same learning outcome. I'm excited to see if you guys uncover simplified ways to develop choice in the classroom with activities that are easy to develop!]]> 2018-03-16 19:15:50 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/242985706 Tammy Grimes https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243012961 Thank you for sharing the development of your PLC from beginning to now, and the focus change.  I did catch several book titles during your video that looked interesting regarding student voice in school reform and learning options.  I agree with Tiffany's comment below - the struggle in tested areas is keeping that balance between covering all required curriculum and meeting students' individual interests and learning styles.  
I'll be interested to see updates from your PLC as you move forward. Interesting topic!]]> 2018-03-16 21:30:31 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243012961 Lynn Miller https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243083447 The validates the fact that we have a lot of students doing a lot of things.  We as coaches and club advisors need to be very flexible with our members.  I like the idea of bringing back the principal’s cabinet.  Meetings with students during the delayed start are also a good idea.  I liked the different ways you presented the information to us.  ]]> 2018-03-17 15:02:53 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243083447 Ashley Kessel akessel3 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243103151 I think it is great that you reached out to Middletown clubs to get their thoughts/opinions. What I found particularly interesting was the responses you got for the question "If you could do something more with your club/organization...?" The response I felt that was most telling was the one that mentioned getting more students involved in the Middletown community. I would be interested in seeing how students could go about doing that, and how we as teachers could help facilitate that as a school wide goal. ]]> 2018-03-17 17:52:57 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243103151 Dana Schlader https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243132989 I was disappointed to see that your first idea was redirected-- I think it should be reinstated :)

I really loved how you surveyed each organization within the school and posted the results for us to view. Even though I am aware of the organizations that the school has to offer, I feel that I don't know enough about them to suggest them to other students. Student voice/choice would allow the rest of the school to learn more about each club/organization. I think it would be fun to have a "Club Fair" where student representatives from each club could run a "booth/table" and promote their club to the school. The rest of the student body could choose a few booths to visit and see if these clubs would be a good fit for them. This might be less intimidating then walking into a room with a huge group of people where they don't know anyone. Allowing a "Club Fair" would give students the opportunity to talk in small groups, or one on one with members and allow for a more personal connection--and possible recruit!  

Another idea would be to form a committee of representatives from each club to sit on a "board" and be the voice for their club. This group could meet periodically and discuss what opportunities they might have to work together--such as more community service, or come up with other ideas that could benefit the school or their group. 

Additionally, this group could discuss fundraising opportunities. With our school being so small, I feel that we are ALWAYS competing against each other to fundraise. It would be nice to delegate different fundraisers to different groups, that way one group could "own" a certain fundraiser and there wouldn't be so much competition. 

Lastly,  I feel that student voice/choice needs to be a mouth piece to the community. It would be nice for students to work together to promote the great things that are going on at MAHS so that the community could get behind the school instead of going against it. 

 I believe the other idea has value, but I believe that we give students as much voice/choice as much as we can in the classroom. Ask admin if you can go back to your original plan! I want to see how it could work!

**I am also in favor of the "prom club"!** ]]> 2018-03-18 01:08:56 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243132989 Michele Myers https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243198453 Very creative video. The timeline was great at the end. I loved seeing the progress of your group in one place. Like Jane, that would have been my preference of learning. I appreciate all of the research that your PLC did on your original topics and that has led you to a new focus. I agree with Dana regarding a "club/organization fair." This idea has been thrown around in the past. I also think it would be good for the teachers/staff to know what happens in each club/organization so that they can better support their students with choices when they want to get involved. Thank you for sharing your video.]]> 2018-03-18 15:07:05 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243198453 Jody Wenrich https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243215522 Thanks for providing the viewer with 3 different ways to learn about your PLC. I think that in order to make sure activities and classroom learning is relevant to students, they need to feel that they have some input into it. That being said, students sometimes do not have the knowledge or experience necessary to make the best decisions. This is where we as educators come in. We must find a way to guide students through the process of how to "appropriately" share their voice. Student Voice can be very empowering to students, but could go rogue without proper thought and reflection. Students must also realize that they will need to exhibit tolerance for other's whose voices do not reflect their own. I see this PLC topic being implemented more easily within classroom instruction as compared to club activities. Either way, it is good practice in teaching/learning those soft skills that young adults (and some old ones too!) need to develop to be successful in all walks of life.]]> 2018-03-18 17:02:30 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243215522 Tim Neff https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243217522 I actually like the original thought process you had in getting student input for the school as a whole. I really liked the student/teacher breakfast/lunch idea where the students could give opinions in a comfortable and unthreatening environment. As for the next direction of the PLC, I think that the student choice in the classroom is a process that can be used from time to time to empower the students and allow them to work in an area most comfortable to them. Lastly, I will add that I think that this option is easier to use in certain subject areas than others.]]> 2018-03-18 17:15:10 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243217522 Ray Shearer https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243221167 I was a little confused at first what the goals of your PLC were.  It looks like your PLC has changed it focus as you worked throughout the school year.  Providing student with choices in completing projects and assessment can be challenging.  One place that I have incorporated student choice is when we first introduce students to word problems.  After spending several days in class go through examples and students working on additional examples on their own, the students take the assessment on word problems.  For each type of word problem, the students have a choice between two similar problems to complete for the assessment.   ]]> 2018-03-18 17:39:10 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243221167 Julie Killian https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243284170 I think the breakfast meetings are a really interesting idea.  Any time students can connect with teachers outside of the regular classroom setting, it can build bridges, but some of us just don’t have the time to commit to clubs, sports, etc. on a regular basis, as much as we would like to.  Like others have said, I also think getting every student involved in one activity could help them feel connected.

I can relate to your PLC’s challenges.  We had to redo some of our paperwork, too, when we weren’t quite going the way administrators were looking for, and we were disappointed to have to present virtually because we planned to have people rotate through stations.  I’m sure your activities would have been even better in person!  

I’ll be interested to hear what your PLC develops going in your new direction.
]]> 2018-03-19 00:36:16 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243284170 JJ Ortiz jortiz32 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243406891 I appreciate the different avenues you've had to take to get to your final product. Our PLC had a lot of similar challenges in trying to find a focus for the work of our group. It seems as though you've found your focus and have laid out a pretty good plan for how we should be allowing for more student voice/choice in the classroom. It seems as though this could potentially allow for students to be present in class and possibly choose to take the class in almost a hybrid-y type of way while others are taking the traditional class model . If that makes sense. ]]> 2018-03-19 11:14:34 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243406891 Bob Stitt https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243744278 Your first focus of the PLC explored an area of choice that would benefit students at Middletown. Your presentation in the fall showed us many different ways students can be empowered in helping to shape the life and climate at the high school. I also see a need for the second direction you followed in academic choice for students. Students are more motivated in class when they know that their voice in academic matters is important. 

]]> 2018-03-19 20:02:11 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/243744278 Dave Martin https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244222339 I liked how your presentation showed the different steps you had to take throughout the year. I agree that the more power the students have, the more responsibility they will take on. The trick is to get a wider variety of students to make suggestions and take action for our school to improve.]]> 2018-03-20 18:52:26 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244222339 Kathy Sayre https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244228037 It was nice to see the different ways we could obtain the information. My favorite idea was the breakfast meeting. It would be nice to be able to connect with the students in a casual setting, outside of the classroom. The timeline was a very good visual showing how your PLC has progressed.]]> 2018-03-20 19:02:53 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244228037 Yvette Howard https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244291242 Because we have so many different types of learners, it is good to see a variety of ways to access information. I do like the the original direction in which the students had the opportunity to sit with staff and to talk about needs within the school community as well.]]> 2018-03-20 21:39:17 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244291242 Bob Pelletier https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244295203 I thought it was interesting the way you presented your information. I would like to walk a timeline rather than just look at a powerpoint. It is a more incising way to engage students. The timeline was very much a unique way to engage your audience. Thanks. ]]> 2018-03-20 21:59:00 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244295203 Christopher Brown cbrown125 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244301594 It was interesting to see how your PLC changed and evolved. I agree that choice is a very powerful motivator. Breakfast meetings are a great idea. It provides another avenue for students and teachers to develop relationships which can sometimes be difficult in the classroom. ]]> 2018-03-20 22:32:48 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244301594 Sean Burke https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244303241 I really liked the idea of providing students a voice in the school through the avenues of Principal's Cabinet, breakfast meetings, etc. I have seen this in another district, and the students who were chose for these groups was broad and not the typical students who are involved in anything. I also think that it is important to provide choice in regards to assessment. I have found this to be successful with Project Based Learning. ]]> 2018-03-20 22:42:07 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244303241 Katelyn Murk kmurk https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244303725 Student choice is very empowering.  I think that this PLC could work nicely with ours (Project Based Learning) because this is something that I try to incorporate into the projects that the students do.  When students are truly engaged, they are more successful in class and they retain what they learn.  I think that the application of authentic student choice might be more of a challenge in a tested area, however.
 
I also think that student voice is important among the clubs and extracurricular programs that are offered in our district.  It seems sometimes that the same student voices are consistently heard and others are not always given a platform (or maybe those students don’t know how they can get their voices across).  I like the idea of a Club Fair being a way to advertise and recruit more students to get involved in activities.
]]> 2018-03-20 22:44:50 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244303725 Brian Keyser https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244316280 Any video that starts with the Nature Boy is tops in my book! You took your topic to heart and modeled what you are advocating - nice job! Student choice in the classroom can be a very motivating thing for some students. I'm sure it was frustrating for your group to have to change direction after making the progress on student voice it seemed you were making. I was impressed with your visions in this area and feel it is an important area for this district to explore. And meetings that involve food are ALWAYS good ideas. Thank you for your flexibility and your hard work.]]> 2018-03-21 00:01:59 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244316280 Daniel Riggs driggs3 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244330277 Based on the information you put in your video, it really looks like your group did their research. I definitely agree that we should get the students more involved and help with the decision-making process within the school. I think it will definitely help improve the students’ overall performance in the school. I also feel it would improve the school’s atmosphere. I do something like this with my wrestling team. At the end of the season, I have individual meetings with each of the wrestlers. We discuss the answers they have for a set of questions I ask them to complete. They have to answer questions like; What are somethings they think the coaches should do to help them and the team perform at a higher level next season? Last year a few of the guys felt the warm-ups or cool-downs should be more fun. They suggested we play dodgeball. This year we played dodgeball almost every day either at the beginning or the end of practice. Some guys suggested we go to camp or go to a college match. They thought this would not only teach them somethings, but it would also be a team bonding experience. The past few years we have gone to a wrestling camp and/or gone to see a  Penn State wrestling match. I have always thought that student perform at a higher level if they enjoy and believe in what they are doing. This all begins with letting them have some sort of inout or say.]]> 2018-03-21 01:18:56 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244330277 Beth Gannon https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244455214 I really like the idea of breakfast and lunch meetings, like what we have tried to do with our school board members in the past. This is something I would definitely engage in.  I also think it is interesting that even though we have many places for student voice in our student clubs, it seems like we have to pull teeth to get students engaged and interested, even when the club (like GSA) was student-initiated and is something they should be very motivated and engaged in talking about. I think the second part of your project about student choice or voice in the classroom and curriculum is important, but I would like to hear more about student voice and engagement in the school in general – I think their engagement, desire to be here, and ownership over what happens in the school building goes a long way in their motivation and success in the classroom. ]]> 2018-03-21 11:29:27 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244455214 Andrea Holtry https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244523402 You're right that this PLC can work hand-in-hand with Canvas! FCCLA has a Canvas course that is student-run. I have to create the modules and the pages, but all the pages are set for editing by either teacher or student. Each committee chair sets up meetings, which I add to flex. Then notes are taken during the meetings, volunteers sign up, and these pages are shared in the general meetings that occur once a month. Although I usually have to remind the students to edit their pages, it seems to be a great method to communicate with students that cannot attend the meetings because of other obligations. We can keep a record from year to year in just one place that is readily accessible as the leadership of each committee passes to other students. ]]> 2018-03-21 13:52:45 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244523402 Adam Shaffer ashaffer5 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244525069 I was initially involved in some early conversations regarding Student Voice because Sean Burke and I wanted to change the way that Student Council was used around the school. Our plan was to use Student Council kids to be the communication machine between teachers, staff and students. If, for instance, there were too many kids in the flex classrooms who were not supposed to be there, Student Council could be the messengers to let their peers know that the flex classrooms might be shut down. The same could go for trash being left in the courtyard after lunches. However, I was told a few weeks ago that this PLC had gotten away from Student Voice and more towards student choice. I liked the idea of using Student Council as a way to give students a voice, not only with their concerns, but with staff concerns as well.]]> 2018-03-21 13:55:45 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244525069 Lynn Fallinger https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244649863 I liked the ideas you had originally came up with. I feel that a lot of teachers agree that the breakfast idea was a good idea. But I also like that your focus has shifted to look at more choices for students in the classroom. Choices lets them have ownership ver what they are doing. I also find that when given choices they are able to complete activities in ways that suits them better. I am anxious to see where your PLC heads. ]]> 2018-03-21 17:19:18 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244649863 Trent Baker https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244649935 Very interesting to see how your group has transitioned or combined student voice with student choice.  It provides a great opportunity to offer students and teacher a chance to reflect on their learning.  It is extremely important to hear what students feel work best, but as we know students have different learning styles which is why I feel this PLC in a way connects to my PLC group the instructional strategies PLC.  Our long-term goal is to consider or collect student feedback on the different strategies and find out which they prefer and why.  ]]> 2018-03-21 17:19:26 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244649935 Rob Brodish https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244657823 It was interesting to see how the direction of your PLC change throughout the year. I would like to see the true numbers of student participation in the available programs within our school along with students who participate in multiple groups. Another interesting number would be to see how many students don't participate in any clubs or extra-curriculars. With the new direction of your PLC, this may give the students who don't participate a feeling of belonging and the opportunity to ]]> 2018-03-21 17:32:37 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244657823 Ashley Devine https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244679160 First. I love the jurassic park theme music. Nice touch. Second, in regards to the breakfast meeting idea- our PLC has also made a point to brainstorm ways to utilize the delayed start Mondays more efficiently. Great idea in how you planned to present your material... Honestly, whether you meant for your PLC to mean student voice in giving students a voice in the school or student choice in giving students multiple ways to learn/assess material- both are important. 

By providing students a voice, we are essentially improving the climate of our building- I bet there is research on that. If more students feel as though their opinion about school matters and we take action steps to make them feel heard, I bet the rate of truancy would go down, which means achievement scores would likely go up, and therefore, the graduation rate would increase as well. During our PLC, we had students complete a survey revealing what type of groups they would want to participate in- in terms of mental health. While we thought groups on anxiety or depression would be highest- we were surprised to learn that students want help learning how to study and set goals for themselves. Without gaining their opinion, we could have easily targeted the wrong needs... 

However, regarding student choice- I love the multiple ways of assessing material component. It reminds me of applying for colleges/grad schools... they have many requirements to assess if you are a good candidate for a program- not just based off of a multiple choice SAT/GRE score, but with letters of recommendations, GPA (looks more at your work ethic, I believe), etc. You might have a student with extreme test anxiety who blanks out during exams- but who can demonstrate what they've learned far better through a project or visual... 

So are you essentially doing two PLCs in one? Distinguished. Haha. ]]> 2018-03-21 18:03:28 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244679160 Cheryl Friedman https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244755085 I actually feel like this PLC ties into so many of the other PLC's (maybe the connection is easier to see because yours was just the last one I viewed-BUT that being said- it is a concept that I think each of our PLC's need to take to heart.  We are here for the students and we need to understand what is the most effective way to reach them (academically, creatively, and emotionally). You have some great ideas and I hope moving forward (with your help), we can all find a way to allow our students' voices and choices help guide us in the manner in which we teach them, direct them and assist them be the best version of themselves now and for their future.

]]> 2018-03-21 20:38:42 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244755085 Lisa O’Connell loconnell12 https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244786594  By allowing students to have a voice and also have a choice we are empowering them to feel vested in our school. I like to see how we can be incorporated with some of the other PLCs that were presented. The school is the students community and by allowing them to have choice we are creating a better community . I would like to see the breakfast and lunch meetings happen between administration and students so that we can always work to solve problems or increase in areas that we as staff may not be aware of .]]> 2018-03-21 23:02:54 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/244786594 Liz Strite https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/245069324 Although the direction you took wasn’t the one that the administration wanted your PLC to take I think it’s one to be looked at in the future.
 
The direction that the administration has wanted this PLC to take seems like it’s in line with many of the other PLCs in that it’s promoting a personalized learning approach to education. 
 
I just had an experience with a lesson that did very well in one class and not as well in another class. Class A wanted more choices with in the application of their background for their mixed media project, class B followed my directions and within the guidelines made personal choices to make the project their own. Class A’s projects became more about the application of the media and less about the initial objective of the lesson. Class B ultimately has better projects because their focus was more on the design objectives rather than the logistics of the media being used. In the end, I have found time and time again that students need structure with some ability and choices to personalize the learning and outcome. 
]]> 2018-03-22 15:43:33 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/245069324 Chris Bradford https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/245279623 I think within the my English classroom, the room and resources I have available to use and fit within the curriculum lends itself nicely to choice. While it's sometimes a choice between a lesser evil in the students' eyes, it is nonetheless choice. Choice can help push towards relevance, which is always the struggle within the class teaching authors dead for centuries. Relevance to engagement, the link is pretty clear. As some others mentioned, the student voice piece is something that piques interest, and in our classroom writing, it is always more engaging and interesting (for me to read, at least) when the students are hitting upon personal concerns and things that are important to them. ]]> 2018-03-22 23:48:20 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/245279623 Luke Copenhaver https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/245280969 I like how this PLC covers the entire gamut of student voice and choice while giving a demonstration of how to apply it in the classroom.  I think that this PLC’s efforts are important in supporting and being supported by the other PLC efforts.  Having a teacher and/or administration line of communication opened with students is helpful for mental health efforts as well as other decision making that takes place at a school level.  In the realm of the classroom, student voice ties in perfectly with the pretty much all of the other PLCs!  Student choice is powerful to help students engage in their own learning.  It can be provided in many ways and supported by Canvas in almost any arena!]]> 2018-03-22 23:58:51 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/245280969 Amy McPhilemy https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/245320969 Love the music! But more seriously we should combine forces! There is such a mental health need with some of our kids . I agree with all that has been said below. We need to spend a little more time listening to the voices of our kids and less time judging them for what we don't know and what we assume. You have some great ideas!  ]]> 2018-03-23 04:16:39 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/245320969 Phil Boehmer pboehmer https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/245660088
You guys definitely did a lot of research, great job! I liked your idea of a breakfast meeting between students and staff, that would be a really interesting idea. Our PLCs might connect (Maker Space) since the idea of Maker Space is to get students engaged and challenged in something that interests them, that it's not a forced assignment or class requirement, but something enriching. 
Side note: Is it bad all I could think about during the video was dinosaurs?]]> 2018-03-23 20:27:49 UTC https://padlet.com/cmostoller1/iarulwrqgpw3/wish/245660088