https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks For each domain choose the guiding question that is most interesting to you. Make connections to what you are or are not hearing and seeing from teachers. Then comment on two posts from fellow participants. You will be creating 4 original posts and 2 comments. en-us 2020-09-08 17:23:39 UTC 2021-11-18 18:53:44 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1860209534 How does the physical arrangement and virtual design of the classroom support self-directed learning and peer collaboration?
At my site (Chesterbrook ES), the physical arrangement greatly matters with classroom management as well as student behavioral responses. Students have greatly benefited at having just a bit of space between themselves and the next peer- for those students that are neat to the other end of the spectrum, to those that are still trying to figure out how much space they need. Sometimes the groupings/clusters of desks together, help encourage chatter whereas being explicit with students as to when that should occur (teacher prompts, students adjust their bodies to begin speaking to partners). We saw a huge benefit from the start of the year when there were clusters of desks and tight rows vs. when we were given instructions to space the students out- it was almost as if students had a big sigh of relief to have that space back (particularly after spring learning where all the desks were separated). ]]> 2021-11-02 01:12:56 UTC https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1860209534 helomelin https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1860222535 In what ways are students and teachers making connections across curricula?
My prior experience has been at the secondary level (both middle and high schools) so being at the elementary has been an amazing experience! I have never fully appreciated how much the elementary  teachers collaborate until I saw it in person- being in a 650 student elementary school where there are 3-4 classes per grade level, you truly see the level of collaboration and teachers pulling together projects and assignments so students can make connections across content area. 
~ Heather Lomelin, Chesterbrook ES]]> 2021-11-02 01:18:22 UTC https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1860222535 helomelin https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1860229699 How does the teacher act as a facilitator of learning?
I think being at the elementary school, you can see a lot of learning by doing at every grade level. You do see plenty of explicit teaching as well as guides, rubrics, checklists as the students are all figuring how to do school but it's really interesting to see at every grade level, how teachers create that 'gradual release' of learning to the students. For some students, they tend to latch on wanting an adult to do it for them (we are seeing this to a huge degree with the physical act of writing in Grade 2) but it's making sure that you've created a relationship with the student so they have that level of trust to try something challenging, even when they don't like it, to expand their skills and grow as a student. 
~ Heather Lomelin, Chesterbrook ES]]> 2021-11-02 01:21:43 UTC https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1860229699 helomelin https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1860242524 What forms of feedback are students given? 
At the elementary, there is definitely a ton of feedback being given. However,  teachers really very intentional at creating a relationship and level of trust in the classroom in the beginning of school.  Feedback and how students react to it, can greatly vary with younger students. Some students are perfectly fine with the feedback while others take it personally (either they want perfection and never want to be wrong). This can be challenging as you want to be honest so it's beneficial but also need to work at developing that confidence with the elementary students, which has to be developed. 
~ Heather Lomelin, Chesterbrook ES]]> 2021-11-02 01:27:05 UTC https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1860242524 adhill3 https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1860672640 How do the physical and virtual learning environments work together to support student learning? At Luther Jackson, teachers incorporate both learning enviornments on a daily basis. As students learn in classroom systems and online platforms like Schoology they develop a variety of skils with support from teachers and opporuntites to collaborate with peers.]]> 2021-11-02 04:51:20 UTC https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1860672640 adhill3 https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1860702014 In what ways are digital citizenship and technology skills embedded into lessons? Teachers have students utilize their laptops during lessons. They are used to collaborate, demonstrate understanding, learn, all while building skills. This allows opportunites to model citizenship at the same time. It makes me think of how doing so will prepare students to thrive in a world where technology is everywhere. I often see students helping other students with technology issues or supporting new students.

]]> 2021-11-02 05:08:54 UTC https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1860702014 adhill3 https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1860725618 How does the teacher act as a facilitator of learning? At Jackson, teachers are intentional about the way they facilitate learning by making sure they guide students to a deeper level of critical thinking and allow student voice. At the middle school level students are exploring/developing their identity and it is powerful to see them have opportunites to show it in the classroom. I appreciate teachers openess to student perspectives and that they have created safe learning enviornments where students are engaged.]]> 2021-11-02 05:23:18 UTC https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1860725618 adhill3 https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1860736698 How have appropriate accommodations been provided to students? At Jackson, we have a diverse population with diverse needs. I appreciate seeing teachers implement accomodations to support learning. I also appreciate them reaching out for support in providing appropriate accomodations. Students have varying learning needs and it is great to see this development through MTSS. After the last few years I think it is even more important that appropriate supports are implemented.]]> 2021-11-02 05:30:46 UTC https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1860736698 alarson35 https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1900318425 I think this year more than ever, with the county's SEL initiatives and the integration of social-emotional learning into not only Advisory but most Tier 1 practices, we are truly having a name for those inclusive welcomings, engaging activities and ways to show that each student is a unique and important part of the classroom environment. It is taken into account by greetings, warm-ups, different ways to convey messages and help students learn material and various ways of delivering and practicing information.]]> 2021-11-18 18:47:14 UTC https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1900318425 alarson35 https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1900323865 I feel fortunate to work at a middle school that still uses the team model, because in our team meetings each week (or every other week) not only do we discuss student concerns, but teachers discuss what their upcoming lessons are and try to find ways to support each other's curricula. It goes back and forth across English, History and Science to work on all types of notable skills - writing, non-fiction reading, but even incorporating some of our Portrait of a Graduate standards and the 5 SEL key components as well.]]> 2021-11-18 18:49:25 UTC https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1900323865 alarson35 https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1900327526 At Rocky Run I have seen a lot of choice over the last few years in the projects teachers offer. Students often can access choice boards to be able to show their knowledge in a way that is best reflective of them - whether it be through something auditory, visual, written or more creatively. Not only do the teachers have more fun grading, but we really get to see the wealth of talents our students have.]]> 2021-11-18 18:50:52 UTC https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1900327526 alarson35 https://padlet.com/kjbiernesser1/Bookmarks/wish/1900333499  I truly believe that this feedback encapsulates the other questions asked and gives the teacher feedback as well. Are students are able to understand their objectives, work collaborative or individually and produce work that reflects their knowledge? We've seen such a growth in the type of learning assessments more than just multiple choice testing, and the feedback piece is so important. I think goes so much beyond the SIS gradebook. I also feel like it is so important for teachers not only to give the feedback, but make sure that the students understand and have the opportunity to grow from it; to know that their work was viewed, and teachers are able to find both glows and grows for everyone. 

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