Reflecting in the Stillness of March

As March briskly marches in 
Time bows its head and Winter salutes.
Reflection jumps forward
And all launch their campaigns.
Winter lingers.
Time fidgets.
Reflection pauses
In the cold stillness.
March holds on tight
To stop the madness
But Time passes by,
Letting Daylight pass through 
While Spring awaits its resurrection.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Enough is enough!" I said many times this winter. Although, I was not sure what this past weekend would bring, Daylight Savings Time presented a gift, saving me from the doldrums of winter. Since the Blizzard Blues' slump needed a make-over, my heroine, DST, crept in.

It's dinnertime. I look out the window and notice a new sight, the outside-in, light. Lingering in its brightness, I am refreshed and pause to wonder. Will this one single sight discard slump time; let Spring step forward; awaken my senses that have laid dormant?

Join me this March Monday to kick-start one of my favorite reflective practices, poetry writing, and shake off the Blizzard Blues.

Do you have a March Madness poem to share? 

Creativity and imagination are beckoning! 

Mondays move me to thought.

Call me to still doubts.

Find gratitude

in quiet corners of stillness.

JOIN ME IN THIS MARCH MONDAY REFLECTIVE PRACTICE.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

Backchannel Fun: Behind the Scenes of NYEDChat

In the world of Twittersphere magic there is an element that sparks creativity and light-heartedness: backchannel conversations. Last Monday, my Google co-moderators and I took guest host, Peter Catalanotto, backstage (so-to-speak), for a test ride before

NYEDChat aired. Since it was Peter's first Twitter ed chat and Google Hangout experience, he good-naturedly agreed to learn how to navigate two platforms (Google Hangout and Twitter chat) while responding to the questions posed on the topic, teaching writing to children. What transpired was instant collaboration with a harmonious ring that made Peter comfortable with my group of dedicated PLN Peeps: Tony Sinanis, Vicki Day, and Blanca Duarte. It was not until the evening's NYEDChat was over that the real fun began. As our moderating team tried to wind down from the flow of tweets that streamed across our screens, we continued our backchannel conversations, unbeknown to the Twitter followers who already wished us good night. Donning various virtual props from the Google Effects' menu, we enjoyed many moments of light-hearted laughter that you will not find documented in the Storify version of the February 24 2014 #nyedchat. With a desire to capture the merriment, a screenshot was taken to be immortalized in the annuls of NYEDChat on nyedchat.wikispaces.comn/home. 

Backchannel Fun
Tony Sinanis, center, Left to Right: Carol Varsalona, Peter Catalanotto, Vicky Day, Blanca Duarte 

What follows is my tech-age tale to memorialize the enjoyment of a truly enjoyable time with the moderators' guest host, Peter Catalanotto. 

Once upon a time, there was a magical peepdom called NYEDChat, located somewhere in the Twittersphere, where knowledge and smiles ran like flowing water. A jovial king, Tony of Cantiague, resided there and looked kindly upon those who entered his peepdom. Wise man that he was, he surrounded himself with a group of five, like-minded individuals, who traveled from near and far to serve the Peepdom of NYEDChat. Along with Tony of Cantiague, they spread good cheer and brought conversations of great magnitude every other Monday to all the good tweeps in the land. There was Lady Carol, keeper of the documents, blogger, and publicist, Lady Victoria who storified the records and smored the good news, and Lady Blanca who identified her technology talents with a jeweled crown, fancying herself a royal princess. Sir Bill, the in-house doctor and chief confidante to Tony of Cantiague, and Lady Starr, blogger personified, rounded out the team. The Council's fame grew with each Tweet Chat and the news reached to outside peepdoms. Tweeps virtually gathered to learn and share smiles that were generously bestowed. All was golden BUT good fortune has its way of turning to dust at times. 

After many cold and wintery days, a strange disease took hold of the land. The Blizzard Blues made everyone cranky. Smiles were forgotten. "Ah, an intervention is needed!" called Lady Carol and so a decree was announced by Tony of Cantiague. "Let it be known that in our peepdom, hot chocolate, a roaring fire, and a special NYEDChat will bring joy to all." The search for an unparalled hero who could rescue the peepdom from the Blizzard Blues began at the stroke of midnight.

From a lofted manor far away a single voice responded. "It is I, Sir Peter, who will restore smiles to the land of NYEDChat through my pen and brush strokes." Couriers tweeted the news. "Hear ye, good peeps. A talented author/illustrator of children's tales will ride through storms of snow and ice to bring pearls of wisdom to our land. It has been decreed that smiles and laughter will be restored." 

The night that Sir Peter came to the royal council was a fortuitous one but shortly after his grand arrival, things went awry. Not familiar with Twitter proceedings at court, Sir Peter needed the tutelage of the royal council before his pearls of wisdom could be spread near and far. The usual potion, 1-2-3, did not seem to work and in the Google Hangout space next to Sir Peter's name a blank picture appeared. King Tony belted out, "Take action, for the hour approaches when the royal chat is to commence." With a flick of a sparkle from the tiara upon head, Lady Blanca, lit the screen and voila, Sir Peter appeared.  Then, a royal glitch occurred: "Oh, no! Will the scheduler work?" As that was said, the clock struck 8:30 and the royal chat commenced. The conversation flowed slowly at first, making the transition to a faster pace manageable for the hero with pen in hand. Country folk listened and lurked, while veteran twitters chirped away responding to Sir Peter's wisdom and each other's comments. Despite all of this, smiles were not restored and the quest seemed to be doomed.

The royal council watched a frowning eye peering out from King Tony's monocle. "Oh dear, what shall be done?" Lady Vicky exclaimed. "Stoke the fire, pour more hot chocolate, and provide the Storify to see if smiles will be restored." King Tony proclaimed. The task was accomplished but still to no avail. What would become of the land of NYEDChat? 

With that last thought, laughter filled the room and the Blizzard Blues turned golden. In place of Sir Peter, a friendly dog and an empty potion was found. As in all tales with happy endings, our land was saved from the Blizzard Blues by the gallant hero who restored smiles through the flick of pearls of wisdom and good-hearted laughter. 

Truth be told, "Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face." 

(Victor Hugo)

So, enjoy life, "For a day without laughter is a day wasted." 

(Charlie Chaplin)

Visit #nyedchat tonight for another learning opportunity with favorite peeps.

Escape the Blizzard Blues-Engage with NYEDChat

By now, most of the country has felt the repercussions of the extreme weather conditions that are causing what some have termed, the Blizzard Blues. 

Yes, WINTER, you hit us hard this year. 

It seems that the constant barrage of snowstorms, freezing ice, and rain has been a source of concern in New York State, as is the case across the country. Hazardous road conditions, dropping temperatures, and potholes are the driver's worst enemy and you even have to watch where you walk for fear of falling.

By now, everyone has a story to tell of the Winter of 2014? 

My short tale is: within the past month, I traveled to Albany during the BIG snowstorm; got hit two days later in Albany with another  BIG storm, and traveled back to Long Island for a few more BIG snowstorms. After one of these storms last week, I backed out of the driveway only to land in one of the snowbanks. Needless to say, I had to dig myself out. There was one brief moment when I thought the big, white, fluffy snowflakes falling outside my window looked beautiful but that thought did not last long because the snowy particles kept fluttering at such a pace that it became difficult to manage a day outside. Sadly but true, snow shovels and salt bags have become the artifacts of the season, replacing the lovely decorations that once graced my front porch. 

-And-

By the way who predicted that the weather station and meteorologists were going to be my constant go to advisors each day? 

So, I am thinking that those suffering from the Blizzard Blues

Need an Intervention

How about a cup of hot chocolate, a cozy fire, and a NYEDChat conversation?

JOIN US 
This Monday, February 24, 2014
for a lively and engaging discussion on 

"Teaching Writing to Children"

with

Peter Catalanotto, Author/Illustrator 

http://www.petercatalanotto.com/

@P_Catalanotto

UPCOMING EVENTS

8:30 PM

Mar. 3, 2014      Chris Lehmann & Kate Roberts, Authors/Consultants 

 "Teaching Reading in New York State: Where We Are Now, Where We Could Be"                      

Other Dates and Speakers for March and April will be announced.

  

Watch for more information about our Live Streaming Event 

Tuesday, May 6th, 8:30 PM 

with Pam Moran and Ira Socol

Teachers as Constructors of Exploration

**************************************************************************

SEND IN YOUR THOUGHTS

Why tweeps should join the NYEDChat conversations.

Some colleagues already responded.

CONVERSATION CORNER: 
Why Join NYEDChat?

I truly enjoy NYEDChat. It is one of my favorite chats on Twitter. This group generates a real feeling of passion, energy, and positivity in education. There is clearly a love of teaching and children. Thank you for coming together and creating a space for collaboration with such wonderful moderators and educators throughout NY and beyond!

-Lisa Davis @ lisaodavis

I look forward to the NYEDChat and its connections because I can connect directly to colleagues in NY who are juggling similar demands and can often find solutions and inspirations from the shared approaches.

-Lisa Meade, @ LisaMeade23

NYEDChat expands the school walls. My PLN (colleagues & friends) are there to support, teach and guide me at any time, anywhere!! I have learned so much from NYEDChats & look forward to expanding that on Monday night. Thank you NYED moderators!

-Emily Peterson, @emilyhpeterson 

NYEDChat features a distinct brand of educators who are tenacious, focused, and have a "New York State of Mind" - just what the circumstances call for in best supporting success in our schools today.

NYEDChat is the perfect supplement to the face-to-face relationships we nurture daily - a community of committed educators, dedicated to providing the support, enrichment, and nourishment our professional spirits need, to meet our challenges...with success...together.                                                                            -Dennis Schug, @DJrSchug

See The Power of the Professional Learning Community for Carol Varsalona's thoughts on why NYEDChat?

Please send in your thoughts on why you joined NYEDChat for a future posting.

My co-moderators, Bill Brennan, Vicki Day, Blanca Duarte, Starr Sackstein, and Tony Sinanis, and I look forward to connecting with you online to make NYEDChat a strong voice for the educational community.

When Hard Work Becomes Too Much

John Wayne succinctly said, "My favorite four-letter words are 'hard work'." 

BUT I ask what happens when the hard work you involve yourself in becomes too much? 

Do you pack up and run away from the task at hand? 
Do you stick with it until you cannot stay awake? 

I have been asking myself that question for the last month with no resolve. 

So it is time to hit the PAUSE Button. 

Okay, so I hit it. NOW WHAT?

PAUSE

REFLECT

BREATHE

REDESIGN MY PATTERNS OF LIFE

That one little word that I needed came to me-PAUSE!

So, I am packing up, turning off the computer, and on my way to the yoga studio for a breath of hot air and me time. 

Sounds good?

When hard work becomes too much-find the solution for you. 

Come Together Yoga Studio, Sportset

Solution Found:

I came back from yoga practice with energy and a pearl of wisdom.

Find Space in the Stillness of the Mind to 

Reflect, Rethink, and Redesign life.

Formative Assessment Can Be the Game Changer For You

While moving through the Twitter feeds on Sunday, I found a compelling #nctechat conversation on formative assessment facilitated by Franki Sibberson and Antero Garcia. Although I entered the chat late, what I participated in was enough to hook me into a blogpost invitation on formative assessment from Franki Sibberson. 

While assessment seems to be a contentious word these days, I am a proponent of formative assessment, a reflective process through which an effective teacher can gauge what students know and are able to do with what they learned on a daily basis. Formative assessment has the capability of transforming teaching and accelerating student learning through careful analysis of student work and thoughtful, scaffolded planning of next steps toward achievement. 

After reading the NCTE Position Statement, two thoughts resonated with me and validate my own thinking on formative assessment-the first being that it "truly informs instruction" and the second that it is “the lived, daily embodiment of a teacher’s desire to refine practice based on a keener understanding of current levels of student performance." The SmarterBalanced Assessment Consortium discusses formative assessment as a “deliberate process used by teachers and students during instruction…” While both thoughts focus on the process, the product, feedback from oral or written student work, is a critical component. Teachers who immediately review data they gather gain instant feedback necessary to plan next moves revolving around the lesson's learning targets. 

Throughout my career as a reading specialist, administrator, and now as a consultant, I have realized the potential of formative assessments in the classrooms of effective teachers. Quick reflective practices and protocols, such as Learning Targets, Exit Tickets, Quick Writes, Fist-to-Five, Thumb Up/Down/Sideways, or Think, Ink, Pair, Share, used at the right moment provide feedback to assist students who need support and those who need to be challenged. At the same time, the formative assessment tool allows students to self-assess, reflect, and use feedback to adjust their learning. But follow-up is essential in order for teachers to adjust their teaching and plan future lessons to help students succeed. This is the PAUSE point for teachers. How often have we put aside student work with the intentions of carefully analyzing it later? We need to make the time to review results and 

purposefully use the data to move forward. Further, we need to provide opportunities for students to grapple with gaps in learning. From this pause point, we can take actionable steps to provide the scaffolds to help all learners make progress.

For years, reflective practitioners have employed tools and strategies to study student behavior and learning patterns as a means to move students forward as learners. "Kidwatching" activities have been utilized by teachers of balanced literacy classrooms since Yetta Goodman coined the word, but the potency of this practice was not fully embraced by all teachers. The NCTE Position Statement reminds us of the need to look closely at the data, student work being one data point, that will provide a window into student learning. As Fisher and Frey note in the cartoon from their book, Checking for Understanding, "It is assessment which helps us distinguish between teaching and learning."

It is not enough to understand that learning is a process. We, as the facilitators/guides, not the sages, must lead learners to the realization that they are the main actors in the student-centered classroom, the owners of their learning. We must take a proactive formative assessment stance to design a variety of tools or choose the right tools, such as the tools and strategies in the NCTE Position Statement or the teaching practices and protocols for ELA on EngageNY that will assist students to vocalize or record their thinking and new learning.

Ultimately, we must change the culture of the classroom to include effective teaching practices that place formative assessment, "successment" (coined by Kristi Mraz), as a go-to practice in order to energize and improve teaching and learning. During this time of challenge and change in education, formative assessment can be the game changer that empowers teachers to know their learners, inform their instruction, and assist students to own their learning. Empowerment comes from within and through the collective voice. 

Are you ready to help students grow through the power of formative assessment?

***********************************************************

10 Important Elements of Formative Assessment

from the 2013 NCTE Position Statement

"Formative Assessment That Truly Informs Instruction"

1. Requires students to take responsibility for their own learning. 
2. Communicates clear, specific learning goals
3. Focuses on goals that represent valuable educational outcomes with applicability beyond the learning context.
4. Identifies the student's current knowledge/skills and the necessary steps for reaching the desired goals.
5. Requires development of plans for attaining the desired goals.
6. Encourages students to self-monitor progress toward the learning goals.
7. Provides examples of learning goals including, when, relevant, the specific grading criteria or rubrics that will be used to evaluate the student's work.
8. Provides frequent assessment, including peer and student self-assessment and assessment embedded within learning activities.
9. Includes feedback that is non-evaluative, specific, timely, and related to the learning goals, and that provides opportunities for the student to revise and improve work products and deepen understandings.
10. Promotes metacognition and reflection by students on their work.

Finding the Power of the Collective Voice

It was less than one year ago, that I began to explore Twitter as a professional development tool. For a decade before joining this conversational platform, I explored the strength of connected voices through collegial circle and listserv conversations. Little did I realize how social media could strengthen the power of the virtual voice. As I have said before, it was the passion in the message from Tony Sinanis and JoEllen McCarthy that led me to lurk and learn. My close encounter with the Twitter world of powerful chats unfolded from that moment forward.  

Twitter is a viable channel for the collective consciousness to have a voice.  In the Twittersphere, there are different circles of like-minded individuals who discuss timely and relevant topics about teaching, learning, reflection, and life. From my first #satchat, the educational world's Saturday morning chat, I was able to connect with educators across the country and then, that linked me to other chats and other tweeps. At first, there was a learning curve and then a familiarity with the platform and its power grew. 

My journey with social media has taken me from the behind the scenes lurker to the visible forum of Google Hangouts. As a member of the moderating team of #nyedchat, I have spent many delightful moments chatting with my team and with those who join our forum, whether it be via Twitter or Google Hangout. My blogging experience grew simultaneously as I entered the Twitter world as another avenue to explore voice. Being a lover of language has helped me gravitate to the use of a new platform for conversation. Realizing that others are reluctant to engage in active chats, I enthusiastically invite educators to explore the power of the collective voice. Thoughts captured from online conversations can lead to transformative action in districts, classrooms, organizations, and in personal lives. 

If I have convinced you to join the conversation, please start with #NYEDChat. Each new experience or link will provide asynchronous professional development, outside the structure of your school day, and build a circle of committed educators. By joining NYEDChat, you can become one of the voices of New York State educators who have virtually bonded as a committed professional learning network attempting to impact teaching and learning.

UPCOMING EVENTS 

8:30 PM EST

Feb. 24, 2014     Peter Catalanotto, Author/Illustrator 

Teaching Writing to Children

Mar. 3, 2014      Chris Lehmann & Kate Roberts, Authors/Consultants 

Teaching Reading in New York State: Where We Are Now, Where We Could Be                       

Other Dates and Speakers for March and April will be announced.

  

Watch for more information about our Live Streaming Event 

Tuesday, May 6th, 8:30 PM 

with Pam Moran and Ira Socol

Teachers as Constructors of Exploration

The Teacher As An Awakener

An interesting quote by Robert Frost passed through the Twitter and Pinterest networks recently that started me thinking about the role of the educator in this time of challenge and change.  

"I am not a teacher, but an awakener." 

Focusing on the underlined word in the quote solidified an image of whom an awakener might be. Although I have not found the context for Frost's statement, I propose that an awakener is a reflective, passionate practitioner, observer of life and relationships, who ignites his/her surroundings; creates interest in topics through collaborative discourse; invites others to explore, question, and discover additional avenues to learning. With clarity of vision, an awakener sees limitless possibilities and with a growth mindset fosters a spirit of positivity. He/she impacts learning through critical thinking, collaborative moves, and active engagement, influencing the development of a change-focused culture.  

To support my thinking, I created the visual above. Coupling this image with Stronge's statement about the teacher being the "most influential school-related force in student achievement," solidified my notion that the educator is the awakener, the essential change agent of learning environments. In various studies, teachers have been recognized as facilitators and guides on students' journeys. With their expertise they provide the scaffolds necessary for students to become problem solvers, synthesizers of information, and independent learners, able to deal positively with 21st century issues. As reflective practitioners, teachers are pivotal forces, helping students become better at what they need to know and be able to do to meet the rigors of the Information Age and Common Core State Standards. Teachers awaken the mind and senses to embrace learning in innovative ways.

These awakeners are visible in classrooms as modelers of learning, in PLCs as collegial collaborators, and in online conversations and training sessions as thinkers and learners. They listen intently, collaborate, and strategically plan how to use their new knowledge to impact teaching and learning. They are the front line instructors who create passion-filled learning spaces supported by a belief in the "I Can Do This" message. Positivity guides these teachers, awakeners of learning, as they support students in becoming critical thinkers of the Information Age.

With the national concern to accelerate all learners' growth an urgent matter, classrooms need to be facilitated by awakeners. Through collaboration, reflection on past practices, and shifts in thinking, literacy landscapes can be redesigned to provide vigorous, high quality learning opportunities for students. The potential is there to energize education through active awakenings. It is the noticings, wonderings, and discoveries that will propel us forward as we, instructional leaders, continue to be the awakeners of learning.

“Students learn only from teachers who are themselves in the process of learning." 

J.McCall 

As a 

Learner - Awakener - Change Agent

Be Positive Poster created by Team 1, Beaumont, Metzak, Naggar, Plattner @ Silas Wood Sixth Grade Center, SHUFSD, 2014