Fermilab LInC Online

LInC Staff Development Plan
CESA #7 Interactive Learning Services

Summary

Scenario

Student Pages

Rubric

Index of Projects

1. Mission Statement: To enhance learning through the effective use of technology, which allows learners to interact with resources, identify problems and solutions, utilize information previously unavailable in the school and library environment, and blend that with traditional information and technology.
   
   
2. Current Situation:CESA 7 http://www.cesa7.k12.wi.us has a TEACH Wisconsin technology training grant, which enables schools and public libraries to release staff for the purpose of training Instructor Facilitators to work with teams of teachers and a public librarian who develop an integrated unit, teach that unit, and reflect on its effectiveness. There are thirty-nine school districts and thirty-five public libraries and branches in CESA 7 who are involved in this training grant. Schools and libraries have received hardware and software funding in the past, and need to train staff to effectively use it. The training model is based on work by NCREL, ACOT, Dimensions of Learning, and the Wisconsin DPI, all of which is based on engaged learning, project based learning, and team-based teaching.
   
   
3. Community/School Support: The communities served by the public schools and libraries in CESA 7 are very aware of the need and importance of technology to students and teachers, and have worked diligently to provide those technologies. However, they are asking for results of their investments, and need to see gains in student achievement and community members' skills improving. This cannot occur without effective staff development at both the schools and libraries, so that students and patrons have projects to show and can provide evidence that technology is becoming an integral part of their day-to-day learning. Our training will enable every district and library to produce this evidence, as they will have developed integrated units during the course of the grant period (through June, 2000)
   
   
4. Engaged Learning Goals and Activities:
   1. Participants will choose a topic they currently teach and equipment they already have available to them and create an integrated unit of study.
   2. They will work in teams of education and public library professionals.
   3. Each team member will receive leadership strategies and adult learning techniques, especially as related to technology learning.
   4. Teams will have access to experts in curriculum, technology, integration, and content area, as well as public library resources.
   5. Collaboration between schools and libraries will improve, and effective use of community resources will be enabled.
      
      
5. Professional Development Goals and Activities
   1. Each district in CESA 7 will build a team of Instructor Facilitators who will teach and mentor fellow staff to develop integrated technology units. Those staff members can, in turn, become instructor facilitators who will work with more staff. Ongoing support and training will be available to staff who are developing and integrating units.
   2. Each district in CESA 7 will develop a minimum of two technology integrated units, implement the units, and evaluate those units. Public library collaboration must be evident, as well as sound project based learning strategies which engaged learners and develop higher order thinking skills. The units will reflect state and local curriculum and technology standards.
   3. The units will be shared via web sites, email, videos, and other means of distribution.
      
      
6. Time line: Now through June 30, 2000. By May, 99 - Train the Instructor Facilitators. BY Sept. 99 - help IFs form teams of teachers and staff to write an integrated unit and have it ready to teach. By Jan. 99 - teach the unit. By March, 2000 - Reflect on the unit and present the results to others, via showcase, web site, etc. By July, 2000 - apply for further funding and begin the cycle again. The IFs and participating teachers/staff can train others and increase the number of trained staff.
   
   
7. Assessment/Evaluation - Data is collected for effective evaluation (quantitative and qualitative) for goals and indicators of achievement, integration into the curriculum, and realistic accomplishments for the given situation. This process should be ongoing, including initial and ending assessment pieces to provide direction for future improvement in staff development.
   
   
8. Assessment/Evaluation: Projects will be evaluated by conducting interviews with students and staff as to the effectiveness of the project. Students and patrons will be tested to see evidence of improved learning. Projects will be presented to students, staff and community for input. Reflection sessions will provide input for future participants.