A Christmas Carol - 7th Grade

I'm a little late with this post, but I need some help. We recently read this classic novel as a part of our seventh grade curriculum. As a building we are looking at reviewing and revising our book list for grades 6, 7 and 8. I am stuck. I like this novel, but I'm not sure if we should keep it. It seems that I have as many questions as answers for this task. I have some pros and cons for reading the book as a class at the 7th grade level.

Pros:

• The book is full of figurative language that can be dissected and analyzed
• There are many play and movie versions that offer many opportunities to compare and contrast different writing styles and viewpoints
• There are many themes, but they really don't dwell on one singular theme of Christmas

Cons:

• The 1800's. The language is so different and is really tough for the students to get through at times
• The chapter length makes it hard to divide it into equal parts
• Dickens. I love the guy, but students, not so much. The lexile is about right for middle school, but it seems like it is challenging at times for students.
• Timing. Do we have enough time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to read it all and teach it effectively?

So that is where I am with this novel. I can't decide what to do here. So, I'm crowd sourcing this thing. Let me know what you think. I you read it or have read it at the middle school level let me know. Thanks.

Pre-Service Teachers and #ohedchat

I am so excited about what just happened that I have to blog about it. We held #ohedchat and the topic was New Teacher Preparation. This is a topic that I have suggested many times, but the votes just weren't there for it. Tonight it happened and it was everything I expected and more.

First of all, new and Pre-Service Teachers got involved in the chat. This was so important for them. Some of them lamented about not feeling like they were a part of their cooperating school and district. Hopefully, they felt welcome during the chat. We also had a lot of participation from my Alma mater, Kent State. One of my favorite teacher/professor was even in on the chat. Dr. Kist

I kind of wish that I had my PLN to fall back on during my Pre-Service teaching days. I had a great experience don't get me wrong, but it is nice to have other people to fall back on as well. There are people in my PLN that are go-to people for certain things. I could have used that a few times back then.

I hope that the Pre-Service teachers take the time to make their PLN count. This is a great resource and should not be ignored.

I said that this was my favorite chat so far and I mean it. This has helped revive my passion for the chat. For whatever reason, I have had a hard time getting into the chat lately. I needed this. Thank you. Thanks to all that participated, I needed this.

Stop all this "Stop the Common Core" Stuff

I have had enough of this stuff already. We have people talking about conspiracy theories and brainwashing, now we have a bill in the Ohio House that is trying to stop the implementation of the Common Core standards. Really? After all the work that teachers and administrators in Ohio have put into unpacking, repacking, backpacking, talking about and now implementing the new standards. My school is teaching the Common Core Standards this year. Why? Why would we be aligning with the Common Core if we aren't responsible for them until next year?

Because it is good teaching that's why. The Common Core standards are going to make our students think deeper and analyze the material in ways that they never have before. Our old standards were too broad and didn't have the rigor of the new standards. That's what I care about.

I don't care that Tea Party people think that it is the federal government taking over our education system. I don't care that the public comment period was only two months long. I don't care. I care that our students (my own children included) are going to be challenged. They will be challenged and that will prepare them for college and their careers.

Some folks want to think that President Obama wants to brainwash students by requiring them to read more informational text. When was the last time that you had to read a novel for your job? When was the last time you had to give a book report including the character's thoughts and feelings? My guess is it was a long time ago. Not that literature isn't important, but if we want to prepare kids for the "real world," it just makes sense that we would require them to learn how to effectively read informational text. That is what they will read in the "real world".

Come on people, let's get real. If you want to do what is best for kids, then you will stop all this "Stop the Common Core" stuff. I'll let Mike Ditka take it from here...

The Day the Dictionary Died

September 24, 2013-Dover,OH- the evans edition was first on the scene at an apparent wordicide at Dover Middle School. The alleged incident happened in Mr. Jeremy Evans' classroom. According to reports from the scene, Mr. Evans claimed that the dictionaries that reside in his room, were effectively dead. Students were working on defining key terms for their novel that they are reading. Apparently instead of using the Meriam-Webster antiques, the students were instructed to use BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) and google the definition. Students were surprised that the teacher instructed them to ignore the dictionary, but were more than willing to whip out their ipods, tablets and smartphones.

Mr. Evans was available for comment. When asked about allegedly killing the dictionary, he had this to say. "I wouldn't call it murder. I didn't kill the dictionaries, I just told them to use BYOT. The dictionaries in my room were printed in 1963, that's means they are 18 years older than me. Why would I make them use antiques, when they have the latest and greatest technology in their backpacks?" Mr. Evans neither admitted nor denied the charges. He did add this "The internet is a powerful tool and we need to find ways to integrate it into our rooms whenever and wherever we can. Using google to define terms just makes sense to me. Call me a murderer, but I think it is just too powerful to not use. When was the last time you used a dictionary? I can't remember the last time I did. I do use the internet to define words all the time. Wordicide or not, it just makes sense." the evans edition will have more on this developing story as more details emerge.

What is Technology?

I hear the word being used constantly. How do you use Technology in the classroom? Are you integrating Technology? I used to teach a Technology class at my old school. Heck, I'm even on the Technology committee in my building. I use the term as well. What does it mean? Isn't Technology too generic? When we use the term, are we talking about devices, digital text or social media? I think we mean all of them actually.

When we talk about integrating Technology, for the most part, I think we mean devices. Isn't a paper and pencil Technology though? At some point in history when the pencil was invented, teachers and administrators probably talked about integrating them into the classroom.

I think we need to start separating these ideas. If we want to integrate devices, then say that. If we want to incorporate social media, say that. If we want our students reading digital text, then put a device in their hands and get them reading. I just think the phrase "Integrating Technology" has become overused and generic.

I almost hate this term at this point. Is there another term or terms we can use in place of Technology.

I hope at some point we aren't talking about how to integrate it anymore and it is just a part of what we do. Ten years from now we better be doing it, and not talking about it.

*(I know that technology shouldn't be capitalized all the time, but I used it for emphasis here.)

SLO's or Value Added? Take your pick?

The district I will be teaching in next year, Dover City Schools, has been conducting meetings for Student Growth Measures and Student Learning Objectives. I attended one recently and had a few thoughts. First of all, I wondered why would I need to learn about this? I am a Value-Added teacher so I don't need to learn about the SGM's. Maybe this is just something that all first year teachers have to go through. I had been operating under the assumption that I didn't need to write SLO's because the value-added data would make up the SGM portion for OTES. As it turns out, we may have the opportunity to include a percentage of SLO data into our SGM even if we are value-added. Also, we may not have to write them now, but give the legislators a few more years and we'll see what happens.

But seriously, I actually liked a few aspects of the SLO process. A FEW not all. Here are a few of my random thoughts:

I was surprised at how east the SLO's seem to be to write. The template seems pretty straight forward. 

I am not thrilled about spending time to write these rather than spending time on curriculum.

Easy is not a word I would use to describe the Tiered Growth Target portion.

I like that I would be reading and interpreting the data rather than another agency (ODE, Batelle).

I like that I would have control over the growth targets.

All of this leads me to a question for those of you reading this. Would you rather take the gamble on OAA's and OGT's, or go throught all the work to write your own growth targets? Would you rather be a teacher that is all value-added, or a teacher that has to write SLO's? I find this interesting. Please let me know your thoughts on this one.

Remember your Inspiration

I recently returned from volunteering at a 4-H summer camp. If you are not familiar with 4-H, it is an organized youth development program that allows children in ages 9-18 take projects that are hands-on learning and geared towards real-life application. Projects range from sewing, model rockets to livestock projects that will be exhibited at the county fair. I have helped with this camp for 12 out of the last 15 years. It is a wonderful experience for all of those involved.

This year I found myself thinking about my first year there as a camp counselor. It was the summer between my Junior and Senior year of High School. I was in a cabin of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade campers. I had a blast. I was so happy to see the kids having fun and I enjoyed helping them learn new things and meet new people. I didn't realize how happy I was until after all of the campers left. I stared around the empty and silent cabin. I was beside myself. I knew in that moment that I had to do something with my life that would put me in the presence of children all of the time. That was the moment I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I enjoyed the relationships with the kids and I enjoyed leading others and stepping up when leadership was needed.

I wanted to share this with you because in the midst of new legislation and mandates and summer we sometimes lose our way. We forget why we became educators; for the kids! Let's not get lost in all of it. You might think I'm crazy for spending my summer doing some of the same stuff that I would do during the school year, but let me tell you it has energized me for the coming year. OTES, OAA and SLO's be damned, I will start the  year remembering my inspiration. Although in August I may have to revisit this post myself to get that extra push to really get motivated for the year.

Thank You

This post is a little different. It is very personal and is dedicated to my colleagues at Sauder Elementary. I have accepted a position at a new school district and want to let all my friends know how much they mean to me, so here goes...

Six years ago I walked into a building where a nice woman looked at me over her glasses and greeted me shortly there after, I walked into a room with a good-looking blonde lady. I told her a few jokes and talked about some educational stuff and tricked her into thinking that I would be a good fit in her building. Little did either one of them know that on my way to the interview, I was pumping myself up by telling myself that I had to get this job or I would have to give up on this dream of being a teacher. Michelle and I were both looking for jobs and wanted to start a family. I needed to get a job to support this family. Had it not been for Sauder Elementary, I would not be a teacher today. I cannot leave without telling you how important you have been to me. In my 6 years here I have never once thought that I was the best teacher here. I know this to be true because I have seen the lessons and activities in your rooms. You have pushed me to become a better teacher. I am the teacher and the person that I am today because of you. I remember in my first year, hearing people say “Welcome to the Sauder Family.” I didn’t think I was a part of the Sauder Family until February of that year when a little thing called the Variety Show happened. That is when I truly felt like a part of the Sauder Family. I am leaving the Sauder Family to spend more time with my family at home. Even though I am leaving I know that I will always be a part of the Sauder Family. I wish there were better words to describe my gratefulness to you. Unfortunately the only words I know, seem too small to express my gratitude, so here goes; THANK YOU!

My 5 Year Old; The Teacher

A few weeks ago my wife and I took our three sons to get their immunizations. The good news is that they are all done until before they go to kindergarten. While we were waiting, my five year-old spotted a flier encouraging people to eat locally grown fruits and vegetables. I of course starting quizzing him on the different foods and asked him to identify each of them for me. He did a really good job and was able to identify all of them. Then something happened...

he said, "Dad, what meal could you make out these foods?" Initially, I didn't really know what to say to that question. I don't think I have ever asked him a question like that before, so I wondered where he got it. Then I realized that I needed to answer his question. I am not even sure what I answered, i think it was something like an omelet. I then asked him what he would make and her replied, a salad with all of the foods in it. I wasn't as surprised by his answer as I was at the question. I thought that he was teaching himself better than maybe I could. I used think I was kinda good at it.

I know that these are the questions that I should be challenging my students with everyday. I don't need to ask the simple identifying questions with my 5th graders, and thanks to Barrett, I now realize that I should ask those same questions of my sons. I need to challenge kids to create, not regurgitate.

My sons are amazing and they continue to surprise me everyday. I hope to be able to show this post to Barrett in a few years to show him how deep his love of learning was at this age. I also hope that never goes away.

The Connection Question

This post was inspired by a tweet that I saw as a quote from the recent NASSP conference. There also seems to be this idea or myth (call it what you want). That the connection we make through technology is not a meaningful or worthwhile one. It is also a thought that has been clanging around in my head for awhile now. Is Social Media making us more or less connected?

There is no doubt that personally, I have connected with a lot of inspiring people through my social media journey. Have I truly connected? Does that connection mean something to me? To answer these questions, I will give two examples of social media connections and the relationships that are built as a result.

1. #ohedchat - If you don't already know about what is going on with this great educational endeavor, I will direct you here and here. Obviously, we have made some great digital connections through this technology of the twitter chat. However, that was simply not enough for some folks. During one chat the idea of a tweetup was mentioned for those involved in the chat. I thought it would be a great way for folks to connect socially and meet up. That wasn't enough for some of the #ohedchat folks, they have concocted a socially and educationally engaging day for members to connect and continue to learn.

2. TCC Class of 2000 Reunion - My graduating high school class has not had any reunions. I won't get into the many reasons that have kept us from connecting up to now, but the fact is we haven't yet. One of our classmates started a Facebook page and added all of his friends that he graduated with to the group. We are about two years away from a possible 15 year reunion, but we have started a good conversation so far. I have been friends with some of my past classmates for a few years now, but we are now focusing on meeting face-to-face again.

I use these two examples to illustrate a point. I believe that technology and social media give us meaningful connections. No one, even technology and social media experts, could argue that face-to-face communication is inferior to other forms. But if technology is our tool that we use to make those new connections, then isn't that meaningful? Shouldn't we be leveraging technology to make those meaningful connections? What do you think?

Remember that Awesome Worksheet?

Nope. That was my answer to a student that recently asked me why we never do worksheets. The conversation went a little like this:

Student: Mr. Evans, why do we never do worksheets?
Me: What do you mean 'do worksheets'?
Student; You know like do a worksheet, we all do it and stuff.
Me: Oh, you mean when I hand out a worksheet and talk about something, then everyone 'does it' then we go over the answers?
Student: Yeah like that.
Me: Well have you ever said this to one of your friends; Dude do you remember that Awesome Worksheet that we did last year?
Class: Laughs

I went on to explain a little bit why we don't do that. That because it is not that fun for them and that it does not really help them learn anything. I think they definitely got the idea that I don't particularly like using our time in class for things like that. Anyone can find worksheets at the teacher store and throw them at the kids, but is that teaching? Not to me. I'm a teacher not a resource regurgitator.

I do feel guilty sometimes standing at the copier as I run off some of those "sheets" for homework. Because it's not like I don't ever use a worksheet for something like homework or extra practice. I just don't believe that you can consider it a lesson.

I am so glad that this student pointed this out to me. He obviously has noticed that his past teachers have employed the worksheet method (if you can call it a method). He also noticed that I don't do that, for that I am very grateful. This tells me that students notice more about our teaching methods than we may think. Hopefully they appreciate my approach and will learn more in the end.

Social Media and Teachers ... Who Knew?

I follow a lot of great educators on Twitter. I have noticed that a few states like Iowa and Wisconsin are having their own scheduled Twitter chats. It seemed like a great way to share and learn about all of the issues and topics facing educators and students in Ohio. A couple weeks ago I tweeted a question about if anyone knew about Ohio having a state chat.

Before I knew it, a about 5 people were interested in participating and helping. A few volunteered to promote the chat to their followers. I even volunteered to moderate. What was I thinking? I have never done anything close to something like that. I was very nervous. Not nervous for myself, but for all of the participants. I wanted things to go well for everyone involved.

Well judging from all of the thank you tweets, I think it is safe to say that it went well.

Even my wife, a reluctant tweeter, joined in and learned a few things.

Who knew that teachers could be so into Social Media? I knew the Ohio teachers were out there, but they are way more into it than I ever thought. We even got some reporters from State Impact Ohio in on the fun.

A huge thanks goes out to #iaedchat and #wischat folks for inspiring this great adventure. As I said their ideas and discussions really helped us get this thing moving. More shout outs to Christina Hank, Molly Bloom and Michael Roush. Without their help, #ohedchat would still be an idea instead of a great tool for learning. This whole idea is about 2 weeks old, and I can't wait to see where #ohedchat can take us and what we can learn. If you haven't joined us yet, check us out on Mondays at 9PM. We can't wait to learn from you!

About Value-Added and Challenging Yourself

This post is not about Value-Added Teacher evaluations. I could, and may, write a another post about that. This post is about a workshop that I attended that was put on by Battelle for Kids and how it changed my thinking about my teaching and my life. So if you are reading this and you are not a teacher just bear with me to the end, and you may be challenged as well.

I saw a tweet about a workshop to share some of the practices of Highly Effective Teachers as identified by the research done by Battelle. I have to be honest here. I really wanted to hate Battelle for Kids. We are constantly hearing about how education is broken and needs fixed. This whole Value-Added movement just seems like one more thing to throw at us to break us down. Little did I know that this movement seems to be more about accentuating the positives. I think we could use more of that in all areas of our lives, not just in the teaching profession.

First of all the research method used by Battelle was Appreciative Inquiry. Simply stated, Appreciative Inquiry is a type of research that looks at what is good about something and how we can get more of it. Makes sense, huh? Basically their research found that Highly Effective Teachers positive behaviors fall into 4 categories. Student-Centered, Continuous Improvement, Stability and Goal Orientation. I scored high in the Student-Centered and Continuous Improvement categories. That was not surprising to me. I thought that is where I would fall. For the final part of the workshop, we were put into groups and asked to "stretch" into the categories that we did't score high in.

I loved this. I love that we were challenged to think outside of ourselves. I am going to be thinking about this for a long time. I will be challenging myself to think about how I can put more stability into every lesson this week and beyond. The research revealed that Highly Effective Teachers have a balanced approach to teaching. I think many teachers would that they take a balanced approach. The fact is that we all have to "stretch" ourselves from time to time. Not just teachers, but as parents, spouses and friends. We need to stretch ourselves into the areas that we need to improve. So I challenge you to first identify the area you need to "stretch" into. Then challenge yourself to live in that area over time and everyday because it can help you be a Highly Effective Teacher, Principal, Husband, Wife, Father, Mother or Whatever.