The Educational Triage Podcast

A Conversation on Flow with Philip Summers - Part One

A Conversation on Flow with Philip Summers - Part One
 
This week our dear friend, Philip Summers, teaches us about Flow. 
What is Flow?  
Well, if I were to put it simply, it’s finding your “zone” where you are so focused on what you’re doing that nothing else really exists - and then, several hours later, you return to a regular reality with an accomplishment.  Sometimes people find this in gaming, or even in projects 
 
How do we, as teachers, access the ability to include our students in FLOW? And engage them? 
 
There are four categories of states that need to exist in order for Flow to occur: 
Psychological
Environmental
Social 
Creative
 
I have added some sites with information for you to access:
Tapping into your Flow State
 
Also, here is an article that will also open your mind to more questions and answers:
When good is good: A virtuous circle of self-efficacy and flow at work among teachers

A Conversation with Marion Wagner on School Psychology

A Conversation with Marion Wagner on School Psychology
 
Marion Wagner is a former school psychologist who still remains active in her concerns and actions for students in our schools.  She went into the field out of a love for students and learning but was stymied when she found herself spending her time in front of a computer doing paperwork rather than serving the needs of the population she believed she was hired to help.  She practiced in three states, Oregon, Colorado,  and Nevada, and found all three varied greatly in how they utilized her skills and office.  She fell prey to the burnout that is suffocating so many of our good teachers and staff. 
 
Now, she works, using much the same skill sets, helping women “solopreneurs” in their journeys to start their own business no matter what that is.  
 
Join us as we explore insights into the mental frameworks both from the views of the psychologist, students, and teachers.  I must admit, I learned a great deal and I’m sure you will, as well.  This is exciting as it is stimulating. 
Here are some takeaways:
1.  Why do we assume that all students are going to be ready, or should be ready for specific forms of learning/skills at a specific age?
2.  What do the standards truly mean, and why are we using tests that measure a moment in time rather than a skillset or ability?  Don't we spend enough money for them to figure that one out? 
3.  How are we meeting the first three steps of Maslow's hierarchy for every student? or do we simply agree that the collateral damage is just that?  Why do we allow for such collateral damage? 
These are some of my thoughts that came out - maybe you have some others? What piques your interest and discussion? 
 
If you’re interested in her podcast, you can find it here: 
Dare To Decide - Amazon Podcasts OR, you can find it on iTunes, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, iHeart Radio,  or any most other platforms you prefer.  
Also, don't forget to join the new podcast, Alternative Jigsaw, A podcast that helps newer teachers begin to access the use of their "instrument" and talents in working in Alternative Education.
Please do visit the National Association for Alternative Education for more resources! 
And, visit AERO for even more resources.

A Conversation with Valinda Jones from Gates High School

Episode 17  Valinda Jones from Gates High School
 
Valinda Jones is the principal at Gates High School in Tacoma Washington. 
 
She began as a Drug and Alcohol treatment counselor and found herself in Alternative Education.
 
IN this interview, we learn about her journey, how the high school grew, and became effective and a place of learning and nurturing.
 
How did they grow their graduation rate?  
 
How did they counter their massive dropout rate?
 
How did they nearly eliminate suspensions and expulsions?  What are their solutions? 
 
This is a great frank, and absorbing discussion on what they discovered and how working with the right team can change the culture of complaint to a culture of trust. 
 
Why did they change from being an Alternative Learning Experience to a Basic Education platform?  How did that work?
 
How does Alternative Education work in Washington State?
References:
 Laura van dernoot Lipsky the author of Trauma Stewardship, https://traumastewardship.com/laura-van-dernoot-lipsky/
She also has a great Ted Talk called Beyond the Cliff that talks about vicarious trauma, https://youtu.be/vnOO0mWcTbs
 
 Also referenced Randy Sprick, author of Safe and Civil Schools, https://www.safeandcivilschools.com/aboutus/trainer_bios/sprick.php
 
Dr. Bruce Perry and Trauma-Informed Training
 
Restorative Practices also came into practice. 
 
Join us, won't you?! 
 
Also, don't forget to join the new podcast, Alternative Jigsaw, A podcast that helps newer teachers begin to access the use of their instrument and talents in working in Alternative Education.
Please do visit the National Association for Alternative Education for more resources! 
And, visit AERO for more resources.
 

Episode 16 WTF IS Alternative Ed, Anyhow?

WTF is Alternative Education?
 
Def:  an educational program or system that is separate from a mainstream educational program or system and that is designed especially for students with academic or behavioral difficulties Gov.
There are so many things said about Alternative Education.  We can begin with what IS regular education and look at its purposes and beginnings.  Alternative Education is an entity that came about to help the students who couldn’t be successful in such an overbearing and confined manner.  
 
In this episode, the trio hashes out and makes some epiphanies as to the true nature of Alternative Education.  
 
One Note:  Tony states that by 1900 30 states had compulsory education laws.  This is erroneous.  There were 32 states that had those laws, and it took 18 years for the rest to catch up and pass theirs.   So, as you can see, all this is still relatively new and just over 100 years old.  
 
The flow chart on the Tennessee Alternative Education filter is available at: 
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/testing/tn_alt_participation_guidelines_flowchart.pdf
 
Also, don't forget to join the new podcast, Alternative Jigsaw, A podcast that helps newer teachers begin to access the use of their instrument and talents in working in Alternative Education.
Please do visit the National Association for Alternative Education for more resources! 
And, visit AERO for more resources.

Episode 13 - How Do States Define Alternative Education?

Episode 13 - How Do States Define Alternative Education? 
 
Well, it would seem natural that there was a thread that held Alternative Education together from state to state, but just looking at the federal definition, states are all over the map (no pun intended) with how they look at it.  
First, please have a gander at this site: https://nationalcharterschools.org/a-game-grant/data-visualizations/
 
This gives us a state-by-state analysis of how each state fares with its achievement rates.  
 
Then, we can also look here: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/midatlantic/pdf/REL_2014038.pdf
 
Here is where we can look and see how each state looks at Alternaitve Education.  Interesting, isn’t it!? 
 
You might also enjoy looking at this document:  https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/e39a7c38-400f-4e92-b5c7-f84ce1836ba2/downloads/1cr0n9msg_679421.pdf
 
This last document helps put into perspective some of the definitions, but is there a simple definition that truly will work with the student and the schools?  Or are we simply spinning wheels to accommodate some particular optic for the politicians?  
 
Also, don't forget to join the new podcast, Alternative Jigsaw, A podcast that helps newer teachers begin to access the use of their instrument and talents in working in Alternative Education.
Please do visit the National Association for Alternative Education for more resources! 
And, visit AERO for more resources.

Episode 14 - What Makes A Great Mainstream/Alternative Education Teacher?

Episode 14 - What Makes a Good Mainstream/Alternative Ed Teacher? 
 
While both mainstream and alternative education teachers share many of the same qualities, it’s always good to revisit what may be a reassessment of how we’re doing.  We’re not perfect, by any means, and we should always be looking to improve upon our methods, demeanor, and skills.  AS we continue to progress in years, experience, and with different curricula, we should be alert and open to receiving critical and honest feedback.  
 
The goal for this episode was not to crow, or humble, but to investigate and share what students and the general populace consider to be the basis of good (if not GREAT) teaching.  Currently, I work with some of the most amazing colleagues and I learn so much from watching them in their mainstream classrooms.  Teachers, though, aren’t always alert to watching those in other departments and how they engage their students.  It shouldn’t really matter the subject - the skills and deployment techniques of caring, building a community, and fostering the relationships are universal.  
 
I couldn’t honestly remember how many sites I visited in researching this, but here are a few: 
 
https://blog.teachmint.com/qualities-of-a-good-teacher/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/the-12-qualities-great-teachers-share/2011/06/13/AGL64fTH_blog.html
https://www.slideshare.net/GlaizaGubaton/personal-and-professional-attributes
https://www.careeraddict.com/teacher-skills
 
Most are quite similar, but none are really the same as those of the students I interviewed: 
 
Mainstream:
Sense of humor
Relaxed
Accessible
Understanding - empathy
Listens
Equity & Equality
Make connections over and above academics
1:1 Connections
Feel comfort in knowing they will come to you.
Even-tempered
Non-Authoritarian but have control
Put boundaries on friendship
Listener with empathy
Knows what they are teaching with more than just one way of doing it. 
Able to jump student-to-student and accommodate each one
Personable - can talk to and relate
Can be trusted
Push for Success
Willing to go out of their way to help
Teaches 
Gives options to do the work
Supportive and help you to succeed
Always happy to have you around
Pays attention
Cares about your well-being
More than school - actually follows through with what they say/promise
Alternative Ed
Mentorship rather than a teacher
Feel Welcomed
Recognition
Relaxed but know you have rules
Respectful
Educate - not Punish
Push us
Hold you accountable
Stricter with actual consequences
Treat as a person, not like a number or little kid
Treat as an adult
Be blunt and not sugar coat - but you know they’re on your side. 
Friend/Advocate/Mentor
You can count on them, no matter what
Take time to know you and understand what you need and will help you get it
Willing to kick you in the donkey with love
Help you find your own way to your success
Care and pay attention to
Follow through with what they say/promise  
 
 
Also, don't forget to join the new podcast, Alternative Jigsaw, A podcast that helps newer teachers begin to access the use of their instrument and talents in working in Alternative Education.
Please do visit the National Association for Alternative Education for more resources! 
And, visit AERO for more resources.
 

Episode 12 Consensual Learning - What Is It?

Episode 12 
Consensual Learning - What Is It?
In this episode, the trio discuss what Consensual Learning might look like, without using the Democratic Schools model.  
 
Lively may be one way to describe the enthusiasm shared.  
 
Did “A Nation At Risk” begin the downfall of what might be considered solid education?  Could it be that this sent us the message but was it misinterpreted or did someone plot out the direction that forgot about students? 
 
How do you create a program which best honors the students’ interests and isn’t the prison where students believe they are subjected to spend so much time?  Ideas are pitched and discussed. 
 
Mother Nature’s Pedagogy: How Children Educate Themselves is one of the articles referred to. Dr. Peter Gray, Ph.D.  from Boston College is the author. 
You may also enjoy his article on how Hunter-Gatherers had the right idea with education! 
 
This is a topic we will explore further, and figure out different iterations.  
 
Be sure to subscribe and tell others about us.
 
We want your comments and input!  Please help us and respond! 
 
Have an idea?  Let us know :  Edcuationaltriage@gmail.com
 
Would you like to publish something to our blog?  Send it to our email and we’ll gladly review it and put it up!  Educationaltriage@gmail.com
 
Visit our website and help us build!  https://www.educationtriage.net/home
 
Please share, subscribe, and rate us!   WE also would love to hear your ideas and feedback! 
 
Also, don't forget to join the new podcast, Alternative Jigsaw, A podcast that helps newer teachers begin to access the use of their instrument and talents in working in Alternative Education.
Please do visit the National Association for Alternative Education for more resources! 
And, visit AERO for more resources.

Episode 1.10 - Creating a Sense of Belonging

What is the Sense of Belonging at School?  We hear admin and teachers speak of our “School Family”, but does that truly include the students?  Is it truly inclusive of everyone?  What does that phrase really mean?  
 
What do we do to ensure all members of our community feel included, wanted, welcome, and contributing?  How are all voices heard and respected?  
 
What is it we do?  What can we do better?  
 
How do we help students feel safe?   - this can be seen from all sides.  Do you feel safe with your students?  This is integral!  If you believe they should feel safe, then so should you - what is holding you back from being authentic?  This does not mean you need to be an open-book, but that you are accessible to ALL students.  
 
What is the buy-in? How does “Stealth Learning” come into play for you? 
 
We explore the crust of this very deep topic - and begin to delve into the research that is linked below!  
 
Thank you for listening! 
 
Remember to subscribe and rate us - every episode counts! 
 
Visit our website - it’s still building - and if you want to send us something to include (e.g. would you like to post your thoughts in the blog?  Send it and after a review, we may be able to post it!  We need more voices heard!) 
 
Also, Check out these resources: 
 
Quantum 10 Conference and Framework (Conference December 7-9, 2021)
 
National Alternative Education Association
 
Alternative Education Research Organization (AERO) - Education Revolution
 
For this episode:  
Psychology Today Creating a Sense of Belonging
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1228555.pdf
 
Here is a diagram of the factors/Themes of Sense of Belonging in School, per a 2007-17 study on At-Risk Students.  These students expressed mainly variables such as family, mental health, trauma, and poverty that impacted a student’s SOBAS. 
 
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1228555.pdf
 
Also, don't forget to join the new podcast, Alternative Jigsaw, A podcast that helps newer teachers begin to access the use of their instrument and talents in working in Alternative Education.
Please do visit the National Association for Alternative Education for more resources! 
And, visit AERO for more resources.

Computer Platform Learning in the Alternative School/Program

Episode 8 - Computer Platforms in Alternative Education
 
Is teaching via a computer platform a viable method for our populations? 
 
How well can students actually learn?  
 
Is this passive? 
 
What about students who require “hands-on” or paper learning?  
Does this leave them in the dark? 
 
Are students being punished for not complying in the mainstream? 
 
What about SpEd students? 
 
What about a sense of community? Collaboration? 
 
How does this play into isolation which we all know is dangerous for many students at this time? 
 
It’s always there - a canned curriculum
 
Need to be a strong learner?  What about those who need further direction or are not adequately equipped?
 
How does an algorithm actually work as a “teacher”?  
 
How does the physical environment impact the learning for the student, now many worked and are working from home? 
 
Can it be a primary or a supplemental form of instruction/learning? 
 
These are just some of the questions we muddle through.  
 
It seems there has been quite a strong promotion of these types of platform-based learning programs in our districts.  Does this honor the students’ learning processes? OR is it just seen as an efficient means by which to shove kids through the system (and for many shoved into even more failure)?
Our Website is UP!  Please check in at: https://www.educationtriage.net/
 
Also, don't forget to join the new podcast, Alternative Jigsaw, A podcast that helps newer teachers begin to access the use of their instrument and talents in working in Alternative Education.
Please do visit the National Association for Alternative Education for more resources! 
And, visit AERO for more resources.

What Did We Learn from the Pandemic?

Episode 1.7 - What Did We Learn From the Pandemic? 
 
The pandemic opened its arms to us to teach us more than we realized.  Think about how you welcomed the changes - were you stressed?  Did you find yourself strung out over students and their attending? 
 
What did we learn about control?  
 
What innovations did we realize we could integrate into our classrooms and our lives? 
 
What made our lives richer? And what did we find was simply unnecessary? 
 
These are discussed as we reflect on the differences between being in a regular environment after spending so much time teaching from the virtual platforms.  
 
And, if we learned anything are we able to continue implementing what we did? 
 
Also, don't forget to join the new podcast, Alternative Jigsaw, A podcast that helps newer teachers begin to access the use of their instrument and talents in working in Alternative Education.
Please do visit the National Association for Alternative Education for more resources! 
And, visit AERO for more resources.
https://www.educationtriage.net/home