Technology Staff Development PlanLopez-Riggins Elementary

By: Ruth Garza

Technology Vision Statement

• The vision of Lopez-Riggins Elementary is to provide all students with access to effective and diverse information technology which will assist them in:– becoming proficient in reading, writing,

mathematics, and critical thinking – being prepared for the next level of education – successfully attaining the skills and proficiencies

required of today's work force.

• In addition, all administrators, teachers, and district/school staff will use technology daily to effectively help students attain high standards and prepare for the future where technology plays an integral part in every aspect of life.

Assessment

• Staff development trainings are conducted throughout the year, including Saturdays, aside from optional summer workshops available to those who are interested.

• Some trainings are optional, but most are mandatory.

• Teachers register for the trainings and receive a certificate of completion, as well as credit hours, upon taking a survey to evaluate the training/trainer.

RemarksWhat Works ! What Doesn’t Work !

• Offer trainings during the beginning of the school year

• Allowing teachers to choose trainings

• Allotting time for hands on training to enable teachers to create lessons

• Offer trainings during hectic times of the year

• Obligate teachers to attend trainings that are irrelevant

• Rushing lecture trainings which don’t allow teachers to practice what they learned (so they forget)

Goals

• To motivate and better assist teachers in their learning of integration technology in the classroom, teachers will be provided with:– explanation of the Texas STaR Chart Campus

report – explanation of the long-term/short-term

technology plan – opportunity to vote/choose technology

application trainings relevant to their grade levels– A reasonable timeline/schedule that will not

conflict important events/dates– Sufficient time to learn and practice a specific

technology application before implementing it in the classroom

– Positive and constructive feedback– technical support and guidance

Action

• Get administration approval and support• Meet with teachers in small groups, or/and

by grade levels• Get input from teachers on specific

lessons/objectives in which technology may be used

• Offer a choice of technologies to integrate into the lesson (Web 2.0 tools and others)

• Create and agree on a reasonable timeline to learn, practice, and create lessons in order to successfully implement them in the classroom

Implementation

The purpose of this technology staff development plan is to assist teachers in their learning of how to implement technology into their lessons across all curriculum. It will not replace, but enhance the objectives being taught by the teacher. In order to better plan and assess this plan, we will look into the following 14 factors…

Connection to Student Learning

• Implementing specific technologies to enhance content area lessons promotes student mastery and performance as well as provide teachers with a different method of teaching lessons

Connection to Student Learning (cont.)

• Students will:– have exposure to rich sources of

information – be able to collaborate with one another

while working in groups– be actively engaged throughout the

lesson• Teacher will:

– Meet the needs of special pop. students by modifying teaching techniques through technology applications

– Modify technology applications to meet the specific goals of the lesson based on student observations/goals (rubric)

Hands on Technology Use

• Trainings will be conducted in small groups and grade levels

• Take place in a classroom setting• Teachers will have their own computer or

laptop with necessary technology applications/internet

• Lesson will be modeled• Teachers will practice using the technology modeled• Teachers will create their own lesson

Variety of Learning Experiences

Technologies and applications used will be relevant to each teacher/grade level. Teachers will have the opportunity to voice their questions and concerns about the specific technology used or to get clarification of how the integration of technology may benefit the student’s mastery of the objective. In addition, a timeline will be put in place to offer teachers a visual representation of the goals and progress. The MTT will be able to provide immediate feedback, mentor, model, and offer ongoing trainings until teachers feel comfortable enough to implement technology in the classroom. Teachers will receive prompt feedback. Also, a website will be available to teachers to assist them with ‘on-time’ tutorials which will serve an immediate support and guidance.

Curriculum Specific Applications

• Teachers in a specific grade level will:– choose a specific objective/lesson to

teach– Clarify student expectations

(assessment)• The MTT will:

– analyze the goals of the objective in order to suggest the appropriate technologies

– help the teachers create a rubric for students to follow and better understand the expectations of the lesson/activity

– Model lesson in order to assist the reluctant teachers who don’t want to ask for help

– Share thoughts in the reflections after instruction is complete

New Roles for Teachers

• Teachers will:– become technology facilitators to our

students– Inspire students to learn and be creative– model use of technology

Collegial Learning

• Teachers will:– Create networks to share ideas with one

another in effort to assist one another and self-reflect

– work collaboratively with each other to create effective student-centered technology lessons

– Motivate one another to overcome challenges and continue their learning of technological applications.

Active Participation of Teachers

• Hands on staff development will be offered throughout the year.

• Teachers will have many opportunities to explore and practice different technology application (Web 2.0 tools and other software/hardware)

• Administration will promote and encourage teachers to learn and implement technology by providing the necessary tools and support– Providing computers/laptops/printers/etc.– Allowing teachers to select relevant

technology staff development trainings

Ongoing Process

It will take much time, practice, and patience to become proficient in technology education. Thus, teachers must continue to assist trainings, collaborate with each other, and self-reflect on their lessons. Most importantly, teachers will need to establish goals and monitor their progress. The MTT, Campus Technologist, or Computer Tech will be readily available to offer continuous support throughout the process. As technology continues to change, we too must adapt to the changes and learn as much as possible to offer students the best education to prepare them for today’s competitive world of technology.

Sufficient Time

• Teachers will attend two hour trainings every other week for the first semester of school.

• Teachers will be able to work together during the trainings and conference periods to create purposeful technology lessons to enhance specific objectives.

• Teachers will be given a nine week period to implement the technology of their choice in the classroom

Technical Assistance and Support

• MTT support and guidance• Website/Wiki with tutorial videos and

examples• Printed instructions/guides of how to use

technologies• Campus Technologist• Computer Technician

Administrative Support

Administrative support will be crucial in the success of teachers’ technology education. Our administrators at Lopez-Riggins Elementary encourage teachers to sign up for trainings and motivate them to integrate technology in the classroom. They will ensure that teachers have the necessary tools to be successful and will acknowledge their hard work and dedication to our students. Teachers will also get high ratings in their PDAS during evaluations in the field of technology applications/integration in the classroom.

Adequate Resources

• Website will be provided with plenty of tutorials, videos, and helpful sites

• Library will have a collection of curriculum integration resources, subscriptions to online curriculum resources, and hardware/software manuals

• Easy access to any technology needed in order to become familiar with it• Opportunities to attend technology conferences or visit other schools who are proficient with technology

Continuous Funding

• Technology is costly! • Teachers may work with

administration to vote on effective software/hardware needed that will be used in the classroom and determine what funds are needed.

• Use FREE Web 2.0 Tools!

Built In Evaluation

Changes in theeducator due to participation

How school has changed

Effects of professional development on student learning

Teachers will be asked to self-reflect and analyze their:

• Progress toward meeting goals

• Attitude • Practices (new ways

of teaching)• New skills learned

Teacher and administrators will show evidence of working together to achieve a common goal through:

• Observations• Budget planning

and policy implementation

• Meetings

Students will demonstrate their mastery of objectives through :

• Diagnostic Assessments

(Spring/Fall)• Standardized Tests

(STAAR)• Student electronic

portfolios• Grades• Technology Projects

The following categories/levels will be assessed:

Resources

• All photos retrieved from https://www.google.com/images