Flex Friday- Staff Input by Derryl Lee https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp Made with swagger en-us 2021-10-12 18:10:15 UTC 2021-10-15 01:08:54 UTC hello@padlet.com The purpose of Flex Friday is to allow students the opportunity to have choice in their learning. It is also an opportunity for students to combine learning with topics that interest them that may fall outside the traditional educational curriculum realm. https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812031146 2021-10-12 21:15:11 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812031146 Flex Friday is vital to our identity at NTH@C because choice is one of our most important pillars that students have here. To take away choice would be to take away one of the pillars that holds our school up. https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812033215 2021-10-12 21:16:29 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812033215 Flex Friday could become an academic space that students build and create. Ie. Student led projects, launches, presentations, etc. https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812034238 2021-10-12 21:17:09 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812034238 First and foremost, we are a place of learning. If learning is not taking place then the session should be reconsidered. https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812035091 2021-10-12 21:17:45 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812035091 I'm not really sure, but I like it :) https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812035501 2021-10-12 21:18:01 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812035501 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812036378 Flex Friday is an opportunity for learners to extend their learning in courses that they have, but also in topics that are not necessarily taught. FF provides choice. It is also an opportunity for facilitators to use for tutorials and coursework, but also provide literacy in topics that they do not normally get to teach. 

]]> 2021-10-12 21:18:38 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812036378 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812037868 It is part of what makes our campus unique and give them opportunities to prioritize their learning which is a first step to choosing coursework in the higher education, if it applies. ]]> 2021-10-12 21:19:37 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812037868 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812038174 The purpose of flex Friday is to provide a variety of opportunities to get needed support in specific areas while having the freedom to expound upon classes of interest to become a well rounded member of society.]]> 2021-10-12 21:19:51 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812038174 flex fridays are a way for students to engage in learning outside of core a academic content. https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812038487 2021-10-12 21:20:02 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812038487 From my experience, "most" schools have so much dead time that kids lay around bored. Here they are busy and enriching themselves. https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812038723 2021-10-12 21:20:12 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812038723 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812038961 Cross-curricular opportunities that are more student led. ]]> 2021-10-12 21:20:23 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812038961 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812040093 Required coursework takes precedence over optional items, such as clubs.

]]> 2021-10-12 21:21:09 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812040093 Extended learning opportunities to enrich learners' lives. https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812040980 2021-10-12 21:21:46 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812040980 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812041202 An opportunity for you to offer remediation and enrichment activities related to your assigned courses that other learners are allowed to attend even if they aren’t in your class. ]]> 2021-10-12 21:21:55 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812041202 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812041308 Flex Fridays are all about giving learners responsibility and ownership of their learning. These things make NTH@C unique to other schools.]]> 2021-10-12 21:21:59 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812041308 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812041776 Flex Friday is one of the ways that New Tech separates itself from the general high school method of learning. It allows opportunities for all grade levels to interact and explore their interests on a common ground status thus creating bonds throughout the school.]]> 2021-10-12 21:22:17 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812041776 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812041858 Maybe have a little more direction such as a particular theme aka learning outcome or norm that we could tailor our sessions to?]]> 2021-10-12 21:22:20 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812041858 FF gives us that something extra that other schools do not offer. https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812042643 2021-10-12 21:22:49 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812042643 To provide enrichment, and educational expansion on topics of interest to the facilitators and students. It's a space to provide instruction in deeper areas of the subject that may not be covered in the TEKS https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812042999 2021-10-12 21:23:03 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812042999 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812043370 Learners in CTE classes have to take CTE Flex Sessions for required minutes by TEA.]]> 2021-10-12 21:23:18 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812043370 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812043509 I see it expounding on student lead classes providing small group sessions in an array of collaborative efforts.]]> 2021-10-12 21:23:23 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812043509 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812043946 All staff should have their sessions in early enough so that we can all see the layout for the day and adjust accordingly.]]> 2021-10-12 21:23:41 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812043946 It is one of the ways that we are able to provide a deeper and more nuanced education if it is used correctly. https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812044017 2021-10-12 21:23:43 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812044017 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812044030 Since our course offerings are small compared to a larger school, this allows the learners to be able to expand what they’re learning beyond just one year in one persons class. ]]> 2021-10-12 21:23:44 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812044030 Purpose https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812044050 The purpose for FF is to allow classes to extend their learning beyond the traditional possibilities of the class period. Guest speakers, project launches, project culminations are all made more possible by FF. It is also a time for teachers or students to offer sessions to teach learners skills (SEL or otherwise) that they might not have gained in the classroom. It is also a time for teachers to explore topics that are good for learners to know, but wouldn't normally be able to be achieved through the class period. ]]> 2021-10-12 21:23:45 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812044050 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812044336 To create learning experiences for learners that tune into their passions!]]> 2021-10-12 21:23:56 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812044336 I believe we should monitor the # of greens each time slot just like we monitor the # of conferences. https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812044814 2021-10-12 21:24:12 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812044814 jbence https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812045073 Flex Fridays play many important roles:
1) a place for learners to gain extra support and make up missing assignments
2) have both learner and facilitator share their interests, purposes, and passions through carefully designed, intentional sessions
3) offer new directions and considerations for our learners
4) encourage learners to take ownership of their learning]]> 2021-10-12 21:24:22 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812045073 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812045651 If you make required sessions, and only 2/3 of your kids can come, it ends up being soooooo much more work for you.]]> 2021-10-12 21:24:42 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812045651 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812045761 Flex Friday is an enrichment day that allows learners to explore their passions, provide deeper learning opportunities to enrich your content area, and provide a place for learners to process what they are learning in class.  lt allows for learners to receive tutoring in at risk classes, explore various subjects that are not covered by the traditional TEKS, and provide leadership opportunities where they can become the facilitator as they teach a session themselves. It also serves a place where cross curricular projects can occur, introduce outside guest speakers, and provide a variety of assessment opporuntities.

Flex Friday helps us live out part of our mission statement: empowering learners, as they pursue their passions, collaborate to solve real world problems and practice leadership in their community.]]> 2021-10-12 21:24:46 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812045761 More learners could lead the sessions in the future. They could develop their own curriculum and follow their passions. https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812045914 2021-10-12 21:24:51 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812045914 Parmeters https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812045989 learner choice]]> 2021-10-12 21:24:53 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812045989 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812046030 Without FF, our ability to collaborate across campus is extremely hindered. FF is used for project launches, collaboration across subjects, and project culminations. WIthout FF to help with these things, they would almost definitely decrease. FF is also vital because it allows for Networking, which is so important for the culture of our campus.]]> 2021-10-12 21:24:55 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812046030 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812046109 It allows learners to explore beyond what is prescribed by the TEKS so that they can see what sticks with them and what doesn’t before going off to pick a degree or career after graduation]]> 2021-10-12 21:24:58 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812046109 jbence https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812046275 What an incredible opportunity to attend to both the learner and facilitator SEL needs]]> 2021-10-12 21:25:03 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812046275 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812047097 Opportunity for students to maybe “take” one of those courses we talked about in our dream sessions. Maybe arrange a series of classes on a topic we as facilitators are personally interested and use that to expand the curriculum offered at this school to keep learners interested and engaged.]]> 2021-10-12 21:25:34 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812047097 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812047112 I feel that their should be an equal amount of curricular content and creative outlets for our learners. Some thrive in further solidification of their knowledge base while others need that creative outlet that is accepted in a safe space. Flex Fridays permits both.]]> 2021-10-12 21:25:35 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812047112 Preferably, it would be a space for facilitation and student leading. Or it could be a space to bring in more diverse topics and subjects for specialized learning. https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812047461 2021-10-12 21:25:47 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812047461 jbence https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812047563 Including learner and community member-led sessions. Having people from off-campus come learn, bond, and lead with us. ]]> 2021-10-12 21:25:50 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812047563 Purpose https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812047931 Provide choice to learners so they are able to pursue academic/career interests, deeper dives in content, and build relationships with classmates with shared interests.  ]]> 2021-10-12 21:26:05 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812047931 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812047954 We need to make sure we’re not all having tests or required sessions that consistently conflict with each other.]]> 2021-10-12 21:26:06 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812047954 Avenue for Mission Statement. https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812048019 It helps us fulfill our mission statement.  It provides a place for RTI and community of life long learners.

]]> 2021-10-12 21:26:08 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812048019 There should be some time deadline so students can not switch again n again for session. https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812048034 2021-10-12 21:26:09 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812048034 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812048434 We could have facilitators take turns hosting independent studies.]]> 2021-10-12 21:26:24 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812048434 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812049220 Club meetings make it really hard for teachers to have sessions for their classes.

CTE hours are called into question by FF.

Losing one session time slot from last year to this year had a much larger impact that imagined for how many flex sessions are able to be offered.

SEL & life-skill building is important.

About 1/3 of the juniors and 1/2 of the seniors have early release.]]> 2021-10-12 21:26:53 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812049220 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812049878 Flex Friday could be a place where the community can come and be the teachers.  It provides buy-in for learners and community members.  

It is a place where cross curricular opporunties.]]> 2021-10-12 21:27:18 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812049878 Networking is vital and amazing! https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812050112 2021-10-12 21:27:26 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812050112 Future https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812050316 Classes that last for a quarter with the same learners and schedule]]> 2021-10-12 21:27:34 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812050316 That time is sacred when we only get 3 hours in class per week. If there is not a justifiable purpose to sessions they are wasting time. https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812051071 2021-10-12 21:28:00 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812051071 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812051186 A balance between green and required sessions.  

Green sessions with a purpose!  What enrichment opportunities are these sessions providing?  What skills are the learners getting?

]]> 2021-10-12 21:28:04 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812051186 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812051385 Flex Friday is a time for student’s to learn new things. Mandatory requirements for their current courses take away their ability for choice.]]> 2021-10-12 21:28:12 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812051385 jbence https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812051729 What need is being attended to? How can this feel rejuvenating for the entire community? A balance between academic, social-emotional, and personal goals and health should be supported through Flex Friday sessions. ]]> 2021-10-12 21:28:25 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812051729 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812052230 Limit pure worktime sessions that don’t have a specific purpose. Learners sometimes treat it as a day off if there is no structure. I think still having structure to the courses offered is needed at this time. We’ve had almost two years of lack of structure because of COVID and I’ve read studies that it’s not doing anyones mental health much good to have unlimited free time]]> 2021-10-12 21:28:44 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812052230 Social emotional learning is also valuable and flex fridays are perfect for weaving in some of that https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812120574 2021-10-12 22:15:52 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812120574 CTE Required Married to Pursue Passions https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812151401 A wonder that I have is how we (as a campus) better leverage CTE required minutes to support core subjects and provide passion exploration.

Could we have a CTE class that hosts an expert do a biology lab?

Could an artist come in and help learners design their own app with tailored made graphics?

Could a Japanese native speaker provide cultural background to various anime’s and then have learners explore how to create their own?

Just some random ideas.

I just think we could do so much more with those required minutes.  


]]> 2021-10-12 22:39:02 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812151401 Flex Friday is a time for students to pursue their passions, try new things and make connections they never would before. Content specific sessions should be either opportunities for tutoring/help or places to extend what’s going on in the class of students want it. https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812183846 2021-10-12 23:03:46 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812183846 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812186300 It makes us unique and part of who we are. It’s a place for all grade levels to mingle. Also, Pursuing passions is in our mission. This fulfills that in ways that 9-5 school can’t. ]]> 2021-10-12 23:05:24 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812186300 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812189727 I think it would be incredible if every facilitator decides to get some type of CTE certification. Not only could it deepen your course it would allow almost all sessions to be CTE sessions, alleviating a huge pressure for seat time from the CTE facilitators. Most kids aren’t doing anything in those sessions anyways. At best it’s a study hall. ]]> 2021-10-12 23:08:12 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1812189727 https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1814541981 We need to go back to having some sort of check on the required sections for each grade level. I don't know if that means grade levels need to meet or if one grade level team member needs to do the checking, but this might help the problem of learners having too many required sessions.]]> 2021-10-13 16:32:59 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1814541981 Learning Beyond Traditional TEKS https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1814562841 I see every one of these purposes saying that it is for learners to LEARN - either SEL skills, content extension or remediation, cross curricular, enrichment on topics of interest, etc. 

The session purposes shouldn't have to all be course-related content, but they should all have some sort of purpose or skill in allowing the learners to learn.]]> 2021-10-13 16:39:44 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1814562841 Community https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1815828393 More community involvement! We have brought in experts for our content, but having local community members lead sessions about things could be so cool. Local business leaders, elected officials, city managers, cultural leaders, professional athletes, etc. They could come and just give talks about their careers and opportunities learners could pursue.]]> 2021-10-14 03:09:23 UTC https://padlet.com/dlee288/va3g9rooqce54ubp/wish/1815828393