Student Perspectives

At the beginning of every school year, I have my students and their guardians sign a student work release.  I do this so I can use their work during professional development and conferences and to create student models for other students. The added benefit is that I can share some of their thoughts here.

My Friday student check-in was a simple “How are you doing with the workload and eLearning?”  Their responses have caused me to reflect on how I will deliver eLearning as the closure continues.  As we think about how we will provide feedback, it is important to remember to ask for our students’ feedback too.  

These are my seniors, seniors who are still grappling with not having prom, grad night, and probably a graduation ceremony.  I’m a little teary writing this because I recognize the bond we have developed throughout the year and I may not see them again.  I realize for some, my classroom was their safe space.  

But I’ve written enough.  Read the feedback my seniors are sending in their own words instead.

“The work you have given us is simple and understandable so I have no issue with this class. I do think some teachers are being a bit to much and leaving more assignments now then they used to. I don’t have home wifi so when I do work on my chromebook it is pretty slow because I use my mobile hotspot.”

“I am very overwhelmed with my classes and the workload is becoming a burden since I am trying to help provide for my family and run errands for those who are not able too”

“i think all my teachers are being reasonable but sometimes its just hard when you have to babysit and turn in work. sometimes the kids wont let me be.”

“I think you’re doing more than all of my other teachers are doing by checking in everyday and asking questions such as these. You are more responsible, i would probably suggest sending a school email just to help remind people.”

“Everything is going fine nothing much has gone on, finished all my work from my other teachers and the reading, well I ended up reading Cinder but then I got bored and read the other suggested books.”

“Hello Ms. Scerencse, I am doing well, as I hope you are too. You’re directions are great and straight-forward. Unfortunately I have just started looking for a book today but I should find one by tomorrow and will ask my mom to force me to read it once I find it seeing as I’m not really a reader. My teachers are being fair with their work and I am trying to keep up as well as I can. Thank you for your concern towards us (your students,) it is greatly appreciated.”

“i’m honestly lost and my grade is going down i don’t know how to fix it, this is frustrating i want to go back to school”

“To be honest all my teachers are giving out a lot of assignments and they do not explain very well. This is very stressful. Thank you for being so caring and making sure everything is well.”

“I think the amount of work and direction is fine & my other teachers are still adjusting to using google classroom so there’s not much work yet.”

“Hello. You are doing a great job checking in, giving us updates with the latest news, but most importantly giving us work to do over this difficult time. Only you and one of my other teacher are doing the same thing which is a positive thing but then again not all are being responsible. I recently got a letter from the district about my 504 Plan but I don’t understand it… Do you mind looking at it ? Thank you. Also.. I am really scared of my grades dropping from all of this. They already have significantly.”

“I’m doing good Mrs. just a little stressed with the whole school thing. How are you doing ? I think what you have been giving us is good also I like the check-ins. My other teachers have been sending work like today we took a quiz for my 6th but I didn’t wake up in time to complete it, also that’s is a struggle I know everyone else has this morning. I don’t really need any support but I do have a question. Is the book everything everything a good book ? Hope your doing well!”

“My teachers are giving me a lot of work and i have to b online for school time so i have to wake up at 8 in order to get the help i need or able to turn in assignments before 2:45 it’s a lot because my parents work and i have to babysit my little sister idk this all makes me stressed and overwhelmed also i work to help out my house”

“Most of my teachers are still getting use to google classroom so not much work has been uploaded, its a different experience for myself and I’m guessing for many others but I’m sure we will get use to it . As far from the assignment I am currently reading the book that I chose but i hope that eventually everything gets better . Thank you Miss hope you are doing well and stay safe.”

“I feel like the work you are assigning right now is good. Other teachers are giving a lot of homework. Just more directions for stuff that i dont understand”

“I am okay. Other teachers are giving me a lot of work but I am not afraid of no challenge.”

“no. its the perfect amount of work reading a book. my other teachers are just sending us work and are not explaining and i text them back and do not get a reply so it is hard for me to turn in my work. Bit i am trying my hardest to turn in everything. hearing from a teacher and communicating with us is perfect personally with me because what ever is happening i just get anxiety and it just bothers me that this is happening. Thank you for everything hope you are feeling and doing well have a nice weekend.”

“I think that the work provided is fine and the directions are clear. The Independent Reading Project helps me better manage my time between the other work my teachers have provided. Some teachers are not as clear with their instructions but the work is reasonable for the most part.”

My Phone Call with Spectrum

We have all seen that the major telecommunication companies are offering free internet service to students due to the unprecedented school closures.  But what does that really mean? Is free really free?

Caveat: Equity is about more than internet access.

I have been extremely concerned about how much of the work teachers have posted this first week of the school closures requires internet access.  I know several of my students only have limited internet access, many relying on limited phone data. My own cell phone plan provides 2GB of data that I share with my mom; that allows us to watch 4 hours of video…not each, but combined…not daily, but a month.  And according to the Pew Research Center, I am upper class; most of my students’ families are not.

This morning I called the number that was provided to families to set up their free service.  Here is a paraphrased transcript of the call with my internal dialogue in parentheses.

Recorded Voice: Your current wait time is 28-32 minutes.

Customer Rep: Good morning, I see you already have service with us.  How can I help?

Me: I’m actually calling because I’m a school teacher and would like more information about the services you are providing students.

Customer Rep: I’m happy to help.

Me: Are there any fees associated with this?  Is there an equipment fee?

Customer Rep: There is a $5 monthly fee for the router, but the modem is free.

Me: (this is not free) Ok, how do families go about setting this up?  Do they need documentation to prove they are low-income?

Customer Rep: There is an online low-income qualifier form that families can complete. They can upload proof there.

Me: (how do they fill this out if they don’t have internet?) Does qualifying for free or reduced lunch count? (what form do students have proving this?)

Customer Rep: Yes, but wait.  Did your school provide a flyer?

Me: Yes

Customer Rep: Could you read it to me?  

Me: Well, it isn’t really a flyer.  It is a notice that says call this number to set up free service for eligible residents.  I’m trying to determine what “eligible” means to help my students.

Customer Rep: In that case, they do not need to fill out the online form (thank goodness).  They just call and provide their address. If their address qualifies, which most will, and they are new customers that did not have prior service, we will set it up and ship out their equipment.  Be aware that shipping will take a couple days.

Me: You just mentioned prior service.  What does that mean?

Customer Rep: They can’t have had service within the last 30 days.

Me: What about customers who have other services with you, but not internet?  Would that count as new service?

Customer Rep: Yes.  They can call and get internet added.

Me: Thank you for your help.

Customer Rep: I notice that you have not taken advantage of our great mobile phone plans.  Would you be interested…

My Take-Aways:

1. Free is never free.
2. Even if families called immediately to set up service, they still may not have set up or even have their equipment yet.
3. Teachers: Don’t be a data hoarder.  Your class is not the only class they are taking.

Sick Day

How do you take a sick day when you are working from home? I have no sub to call. Is there a protocol for this? I don’t want to unnecessarily worry people by saying I’m sick, but it has been a hectic few days and I need a mental health day.

I did what I would normally do when I call in sick. I posted a message to my students and answered any emails they sent. And then I went back to bed.

I didn’t feel guilty. I realized that these are trying times and we may need to take a break. My students may need one too.

Don’t forget to take time for yourself.

Trying Something New

I really have used the Ask a Question in Google Classroom before. I assumed it would be easy to adapt it to remote learning. Things didn’t go as smoothly as planned.

I know the importance of the relationships I have built in my classroom. We joke. We kid. We know not to cross the line. I care more about losing that connection than I do about losing the instructional impact I make. I decided I would post a daily meme contest to keep that relationship going. The first topic I posted was “Ms. Szerencse’s Reaction to School Closing”

It failed.

It wasn’t because the students were inappropriate. I realized after posting how easily it could have gone that way even with my school-appropriate caveat. It actually wasn’t anything the students did.

It was me.

I didn’t realize that students couldn’t post an image in Ask a Question in Google Classroom. I didn’t realize I never showed them how to respond to others. I received more questions about how to complete this optional assignment than I had all year about any other assignment.

It failed, but my students succeeded.

When they couldn’t figure out how to complete the assignment, they asked.  When they realized that their peers couldn’t see their submissions, they also posted their answers in the comments for the assignment.  When they realized they couldn’t post an image, they described the image in words and then provided the caption. Some even figured out how to save their image and then post a link.  

Failure leads to Success.

Here is today’s meme winner; I deserve it.

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Shifting Gears

I knew walking into work on Friday that it would be the last day I would see the students.  I suspected it was coming. I ordered my students’ book codes at Open eBooks earlier in the week so they could independently read from their phones.  I wasn’t worried at all. My students were already on Google Classroom and this would be a new opportunity to try out some of the student engagement tools we hadn’t had a chance to try face to face. I was ready.

I spent Saturday on social media while getting my classes ready to go completely online.  I saw many discuss the lack of education the children would receive both because of the lack of digital preparation and the belief that real learning can’t occur online.  Ha, not my students. I still was thinking “I got this” as I started creating my complicated student choice board with embedded links.

Sunday changed everything. Somewhere in social media land, I was reminded: Maslow over Bloom. It was a hard slap in the face.  I was reminded that the reason I received free eBook codes is that over 70% of my students are low-income.  I was reminded how many of my students’ families live paycheck to paycheck. I started to think more about having a faculty fundraiser to send meals to families than I did about my curriculum.   I read Rebecca Barrett-Fox’s “Please Do A Bad Job of Putting Your Courses Online”

I shifted gears.

Below is the letter I sent my students and their families.

When I first learned of the possibility of us moving to online education, I thought we would go on with our normal curriculum.  But as I reflected on it this weekend, I realized that these are not normal times. Some of you are focused on family responsibilities, some of you are worried about getting all your credits for graduation, some of you are disappointed by the loss of senior activities and some of you are worried about what missing school will mean for college.  

Reading has always provided me a sense of comfort, and even though I know you are not all avid readers, I think it can find you some comfort too.  Let’s take a break from our normal curriculum and read a book, any book, and complete a project of your choice. If you are feeling stressed, find a light-hearted, relaxing book and pick one of the creative projects.  If you are worried about missing academic rigor, find a challenging book and complete one of the essays for your project. You can choose to read a book on your own, read with a self-selected group, or read with a group that I create.  You can even read a book one-on-one with me! You can find your own book or I can help you find one. You may find one on the Open eBooks app (please email me if you need your code and PIN) or read a book you already have. Please complete the attached survey so I can guide you through your choices. The project options are posted in Google Classroom. You may also choose your own project; just get it approved by me.  Your project is due when we return to school; this may change if the closure is extended.

I will also post some optional enrichment activities and online discussion topics to keep us engaged throughout the closure.  I will work on providing you feedback on your essay that was due today so you can complete your revision; remember you may still complete your essay (and all other missing work) if you haven’t turned it in yet.

This is a new experience for all of us, but we will work through it together.  Part of that involves communication.  I am willing to provide more or less work at parent/guardian request; I understand that every family situation is different.  I will keep you posted as things evolve.  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  

Stay home, stay safe, and stay connected.

Reflecting on a Lesson, Part 1

It wasn’t a planned lesson.  When I heard the news the day before, I thought about using it as a warm-up activity but quickly dismissed the idea.  Not being a fan or a native of Los Angeles, I didn’t fully grasp the impact until I looked at social media in the morning. I knew I had to change my lesson plan but wasn’t sure how.  Luckily another teacher shared what she had put together before I had even finished brushing my teeth. Over the next series of posts, I will share what reflecting on that day taught me about my teaching, my students, and myself.

Remembering Kobe: Using Sources Effectively

The prompt:

Most people will remember Kobe Bryant for basketball, but he was much more than a player including a writer. Explore the texts below. Write a reflection about Kobe Bryant either on paper or digitally.  You may consider the following questions:

• • What did you learn about Kobe as a writer?
  • What did you learn about Kobe as a person?

Texts written by Kobe Bryant

In the middle of students reading silently and clicking away at computers I hear, “Ha! He’s got jokes!” The following discussion occurred:

Student A: Which one are you reading?

Student B: Um…(scrolling up to the title) “Letter to My Younger Self”

Student A: What was funny?

Student B: It wasn’t funny-funny. It was true-funny.  He said that seventeen-year-olds get bored reading 2000 words. (scrolling) Let me find it.

Student A: Ha. That is true. Huh. But not today.  I’m reading a lot today.

One of the biggest skills I want my students to learn is how to effectively use sources. It is the most talked about topic in our English department and has been for years.  We try multiple strategies, but most students have not transferred these skills naturally into their writing. Here, in an impromptu conversation, my students did it naturally.  It was a bonus that they were discussing tone.

Why?  

I started to think about the other times my students naturally cite sources and use textual evidence.  At first, I thought they only did it when they were discussing topics they chose or were interested in, but I realized they do in during Jigsaw or Reciprocal Teaching activities too.  They do it when they have a purpose, when they want to convey information so someone else can use it. Even though that is the reason that we cite sources when we write, I don’t know if I have explicitly explained that enough times for it to connect and transfer.  I know I have been explicit that we do it so we don’t plagiarize and I wondered if that is what many students think is the main purpose of attribution.

The next day as we started the culminating writing assignment for our current unit, I shared the anecdote with my students.  I explained that they need to use the sources in their writing for the same purpose that they do when they talk about the sources.  As I perused their drafts, I noticed many were adding their sources and I’m excited to see what they turn in next week.

I know this is just the first step in teaching using sources effectively to connect and transfer.  I realize in future units, I need to provide more time for students to select their own texts and share them with their peers.

Next post: Remembering Kobe: Personification

 

New Year Ice Breaker

I set a goal three years ago to start a blog. Two years ago I wrote that goal on a postcard at a conference and it was mailed to me 6 months later. A year ago I started my blog, but published nothing. Since I just paid the renewal fee, here is my first, but hopefully not last, post to start the new year.

An ice breaker to start classes after Winter Break.

1. Find someone who missed the countdown to the new year.

2. Find someone who had to pretend to like a gift he/she received.

3. Find someone who slept in past noon over break.

4. Find someone who returned a gift he/she received.

5. Find someone who read a book over break.

6. Find someone who traveled out of state over break.

7. Find someone who was excited about a gift he/she received.

8. Find someone who received a college acceptance over break.

9. Find someone who binge watched a show over break.

10. Find someone who spent an entire day in their pajamas over break.