Russ Kupperstein

Upper School Principal
International School of Ouagadougou

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

Exhibitions of learning mirror the real world, increase equity, encourage student agency, and moves away from the misconception of learning "excellence as an inherently scarce commodity."

https://t.co/oyNFMGQSEN

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

This ->"If the work is important enough to assign, we should hold students accountable for doing it, even if it is late," and of course I appreciate the focus on authentic assessments through audience/real-world problems/applying 21st century skills.

https://t.co/45pzbEqEAt

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

This made me think of scheduling and how providing time during the day, reducing the number of transitions, having consistency, and providing the space for students to be by themselves or with others can encourage feelings of safety and security.

https://t.co/ix0Q9HXkDA

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

Nice strategy to have students focus on a disposition or prioritize a value they want embrace in an activity. Also am interested in the idea of having a critical friend to spot the behaviors and its frequency/appropriate use/effect.

https://t.co/WsHgZFOSwy

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

Really interesting to consider how difficult it is to anticipate the dynamics of a multi-generational learning community constantly interacting in a shared space.

https://t.co/UDovit1JOT

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

Being another voice in the room and clearing obstacles to innovation are ideas that resonated with me.

https://t.co/hcIU7DaAHk

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

Like the idea of "safe zone" + we're a step closer with in-class ban. Some argue we need to teach Ss how to use tech appropriately, not deny use of tech. I would argue finding balance with tech might mean making some elements of the day tech-free.

https://t.co/FmDloDaaru

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

More evidence supporting societal pressure, not genetics, as most significant contributor to gender imbalance in sci/math fields. Brains of both genders studied show similar levels, locations of activity + performance on achievement measures up to age 8.

https://t.co/LihUaKZuEZ

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

I love the cog sci connection here, putting dual coding into action. Note-taking must be taught and should be strategic, should be meaning-making rather than rote, and the visual aspect of this reinforces retention and deeper understanding.

https://t.co/ppkEdphy4u

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

Great inquiry approach, and a Hattie high impact strategy ( CTA, e.g. how Historians think). Rather than use prim. sources to confirm DI, allow Ss to tell a version of the story as seen through remnants/artifacts period. Compare Ss' analyses? Discuss bias?
https://t.co/MOATwMYpwL

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

Worth thinking about, + reading some of Alfie Kohn's writing on the topic. At least, it's worth questioning current practices and refocusing on the rationale for extended learning beyond the school day. The key word for me was the word "balance."
https://t.co/NewAfVvODh

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

Try-it Tuesdays and serving food family style to teach kids how to share and moderate their own consumption, novel ideas.

https://t.co/1i11MojPKF

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

Good advice, to play games with your kids, implicitly developing collaboration, communication, content skills, critical thinking, creative innovation, and confidence.

https://t.co/bX7B9t5cF3

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

Grading for equity, vs. average, sounds a lot like the MYP best-fit approach that prizes growth over most skill-ready. Also reflects some of the newer inclusion practices supported by IB.

https://t.co/LTHiUXQz0Q

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

I appreciated this Q: Do I work to ensure that there is not one standard of excellence at my school, but rather multiple pathways for students to have academic and social success?

https://t.co/P299GbZvIB

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

Social class least discussed in 🏫, least recognized by Ss in daily experience. Need to avoid putting out fires, focusing on topics that become problems, acknowledge media fills the 👪/🏫void when examining social issues, laying foundation of assumptions.

https://t.co/yDVUkl63k6

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

Enjoyed the embedded skills of an artist deepening the engagement of students in other subject areas, and it's neat how art provides an entry point for all students regardless of reading proficiency. With ELL, SEN populations we need that.

https://t.co/S2yjF4LvAT

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

Trying to understand the research... is it also possible that Ss in early college courses are more college ready? Is the article promoting pushing Ss into tougher classes? Ss need best fit: highest potential for both learning and achievement, i.e. grades.

https://t.co/5Af8o70vEK

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

Spaced practice, retrieval make sense, supported by research. Am not a fan of hw in ES, research mixed in MS. Also don't love the word "downtime" as it connotes low brain activity, when we know Ss are most creative, self-directed in uptime away from 🏫.

https://t.co/DFWrRWIeaF

[Russ Kupperstein @RussKupperstein]

Some of this is the result of shorter blocks with more passing periods that eat away at the lunch block, but also it's philosophical: 🏫 need to provide space for Ss to be self-directed, socialize, organize themselves, and lunch is a great space for that.

https://t.co/8kfu0SoP7t