GDIT 709: Instructional Program Development

Mars Area School Districts K-12 TEAM Program: Technology Education Advancement Model

Proposed by Tammy Mitchell

December 2010

Introduction Background Information Mars Area is a growing School District located in southern Butler County approximately 25 miles north of Pittsburgh. The District serves the communities of Mars and Valencia boroughs as well as Adams and Middlesex townships. The Mars Area School District educates a total of approximately 3,153 students in grades K-12. About 99% of Mars students are Caucasian and less than 1% of students are Asian, Hispanic, and African American. Eight percent of students in the Mars School District are considered to be from low-income families as determined by their eligibility for the free or reduced lunch program. The school district is comprised of 5 separate school buildings including the Primary Center (K-1), Elementary School (2-4), Centennial School (5-6), Middle School (7-8), and High School (9-12). The District is staffed with experienced and caring professionals who join in offering a remarkably varied curriculum. The School District is committed to the cooperation of the School Board, Administrators, Teachers, Parents and Community Leaders through the Strategic Planning Process. Despite its growth, the Mars Area School district believes it is small enough to offer personalized attention and large enough to provide broad experiences. Our residents support the educational life in our schools, not only with their tax dollars, but also with their generous volunteer work within the five school buildings and in various support and booster organizations.

Mission Statement The Mission of the Mars Area School District is to create and sustain an educational environment that allows all students the opportunity to realize their maximum learning potential.

Vision Statements The following Vision Statements reflect how the Mars Area School District envisions the fulfillment of its Mission Statement. This Vision represents what the District foresees for its current students, and will evolve to reflect the changing environment for which the District shall prepare future students. Upon graduation from the Mars Area School District, (we envision that) our students will proudly and confidently begin their adult journeys with the following attributes because: 1. Competency our students have been exposed to a diverse, broad-based curriculum suited to individual levels of ability to become self-motivated, lifelong learners. 2. Adaptability our students are flexible and creative problem-solvers who, after learning in a technologically rich and forward-thinking environment, are prepared to meet the challenges of an evolving global economy. 3. Responsibility our students actions are guided by personal values and a civic-minded compass to become productive, contributing citizens of strong character. 4. Respectfulness our students have experienced opportunities for social growth in a safe and positive learning environment supported by a community, staff, administration, and school board who value education. Shared Values In order to ensure all of its students are equipped with the competencies, attitudes, and principles associated with being successful in the present and in the future, the Mars Area School District bases its programs and services on the following Core Beliefs:

1. Being Proficient Students will gain the knowledge they seek and need to become successful and contributing members of society. 2. Being Flexible Students will gain the skills to be able to adapt their knowledge to any situation. 3. Being Dependable Students will learn how to be responsible and accountable for their own actions. Students will also learn how to take pride in their hard work. 4. Being Respectful Students will learn how to be respectful of their superiors and their peers as well as respect the diversity of the ever changing world. Strategic Plan Mars Area school district has developed a strategic plan for the years 2008-2012. The Mars Area School Districts Educational Technology Report that was approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the years 2008-2011 include the following goals and strategies that the district will work towards over the span of 5 years: Communications Goal- Reading and Writing Description: The District will meet and exceed AYP Goals in Reading and consistent improvements in Writing. Strategy: Data-Based Decision Making Description: Staff, District-Wide, will use data to make decisions in curriculum development, instructional delivery, assessment practices and technology use. Strategy: Quality, Expansion and Distribution of Technology Resources Description: By 2012, all classes and courses will be integrating technology in a seamless instructional approach.

Mathematics Goal- Mathematics/Science Description: The District will meet and exceed AYP Goals in Mathematics with "improvement links" to Science. Strategy: Data-Based Decision-Making Description: Staff, District-Wide, will use data to make decisions in curriculum development, instructional delivery, assessment practices and technology use. Strategy: Quality, Expansion and Distribution of Technology Resources Description: By 2012, all classes and courses will be integrating technology in a seamless instructional approach. Technology Goal Description: The District will Expand the Integration of Technology in Curriculum Design, Instructional Delivery, Data Analysis and Reporting District-Wide. Strategy: Quality, Quantity and Distribution of Technology Resources Description: By 2012, the District will have achieved its goal of expanding its technology capacity in the educational, instructional, management and operational areas aimed at increasing student achievement and performance.

Improvement and Advancement Over the past three years, the Mars Area School District has continued to grow, advance, and evolve in all educational areas, especially where technology is involved. With the rapid advancements in technology hardware, software, and systems, Mars Area School District strives to stay current through curriculum development, instructional delivery, assessment practices and technology integration. Within the last year, administrative position changes have been made

providing the opportunity for additional change and development of our districts programs to meet the needs of the staff and students.

Mars Area School Districts K-12 TEAM Program: Technology Education Advancement Model

The TEAM program being proposed will provide an opportunity for Teachers, Administrators, School Board Members, and Community Leaders to work and learn collaboratively to develop the skills needed to stay on the leading edge of technological advancements in education so that technology can be seamlessly integrated into curricular areas with expertise. Purpose of the Program The purpose of TEAM is to build teams of educators within Mars Area School District at different levels of technological experience and expertise with the end result reflecting the ability of all classes and courses to integrate technology seamlessly in their instructional approaches. Need for Program With the hire of a new Assistant Superintendent, opportunities have been provided for teams of faculty members to meet and discuss current curriculum and technology integration. Through these opportunities, teachers have voiced their concerns, needs, and suggestions regarding the Districts current technology program. Some concerns that were noted regarding current practices include: y K-6 students are not receiving computer technology instruction from a highly qualified instructor in that area.

7-8 students have had computer classes cut in the past 2 years from 90 days of instruction to 45 days of instruction

y y

When students enter grade 5 they are not prepared to use features of Microsoft Word When students enter high school they are unable to type proficiently and are unable to navigate the web efficiently

y y y

ISTE standards are not addressed in current curriculum Some teachers lack basic computer skills Some teachers do not feel confident in their ability to teach computer skills to young children

In addition to the concerns reported at various meetings at the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year, a needs assessment was conducted among faculty members to identify programs in which they need to be trained. Meeting Needs Through TEAM Program The ability to hire a number of certified instructional technology teachers/coaches would be ideal; however because of the budget, that is not currently a feasible option. Mars Area School District is made up a large group of highly educated and dedicated individuals with diverse talents and expertise. TEAM will provide the opportunity for the diversity and expertise of the Mars District professionals to be shared and extended through a highly motivational and supportive effort. Certified TEAM members will be highly qualified to instruct students in computer usage as well as have the ability to integrate technology into their personal curriculum. All K-12 teachers will be required to complete the first two levels of the TEAM certification program giving them the ability to use technology in their day to day planning and management routine.

In addition, teachers will learn strategies and best practices in instructing students while in the classroom or computer lab. Level 1 and 2 certification will build the competencies of teachers to integrate technology into their subject area curricula. Teachers will have the opportunity to extend their competency, comfort level, and skill level beyond level 2 certification. Teachers wishing to do so will be monetarily compensated for the time they invest in achieving their goals.

Program Participants Participant School Board Members Role Provide input into program planning and development Review and approve program & budget Provide input into program planning and development Complete Level 1 and 2 TEAM training Assess TEAM program Provide input into program planning and development Complete Level 1 and 2 TEAM training Complete Advanced Levels TEAM training Assess TEAM program Benefit from TEAM program through instructional integration Assess TEAM program Attend Community Technology Workshops Assess TEAM program Certification None

y Administrators y

y y Teachers & Staff y

Level 1 required Level 2 required Level 3 optional Level 4 optional

y y Students y y

Level 1 required Level 2 required Level 3 optional Level 4 optional

None

Parents/Community

y y y

None

Program Goals 1. Engage staff in professional growth and leadership 2. Provide opportunities for educators to become technologically proficient 3. Provide opportunities for educators to become highly qualified, proficient and advanced integrators of technology within their curriculum 4. Provide a support system for educators attempting innovative methods of instruction 4 Levels of Certification The certification process will be broken up into 4 Levels of TEAM certification. All teachers and paraprofessionals will be required to complete Level 1 and 2 certification in effort to ensuring that all adults working with children have the basic understanding and computer skills needed to use computer technology to manage their daily routine, integrate technology into the curriculum, and assist students in using technology in the classroom and computer labs. Teachers will have the option of extending their learning, knowledge and skill base by continuing on to Level 3 and/or 4 of the TEAM certification program. As these Levels are optional and teachers will be voluntarily participating, monetary compensation (hourly curriculum rate) will be provided for time spent training and working outside of school hours. Teachers participating in Levels 3 and 4 will be provided with more advanced skill training and introduced to computer programs and tools that will allow them to use and integrate technology more efficiently and effectively. Once teachers become a Level 4 TEAM member, they may apply to become a TEAM Trainer. Differentiation in TEAM Certification Since all teachers will come into the program with different levels of competency, the program will be differentiated to ensure success and achievement at all levels. Teachers may

complete the assessment process for a certain level to demonstrate proficiency and receive a certification for that Level without attending trainings. In addition, teachers may be able to complete a portion of the assessments for a certain Level and may begin their instruction on that Level starting with the areas of needed instruction. Newly hired teachers will have the same options as they will come out of the college or other setting with varying degrees of technology competence. TEAM Trainers Team Trainers will initially be the technology coaches in each school building along with any teacher who has the ability to complete the Levels 1-4 assessment process and has been accepted through the application process. TEAM Trainers will be compensated with a Curriculum Leader/District Initiative Collaborator yearly stipend as well as curriculum rate for any addition work beyond the commitment of the CL/DIC contract. Program Timeline In serve the purpose and meet the goals of mars Area School Districts strategic plan and professional development initiatives, the TEAM program will be introduced at the start of the 2011-2012 school year. All teachers must complete Level 1 certification before the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year and Level 2 before the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year. By the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year, all teachers will be proficient in using, integrating, and teaching with technology. At that time, the Level requirements will be reassessed and a Level 3 requirement may be put into place to build upon any changes and advancement in technology that teachers will need to become knowledgeable about. Training opportunities will take place at scheduled times which will include times within the contracted school day as well as before/after the school day and in the summer to assure that

teachers have sufficient opportunities to attend trainings, build their skills, and complete assessments. A calendar with scheduled training events will be provided to all faculty and staff members at the start of each school year. In addition, trainers will provide an additional calendar on a monthly basis indication additional training opportunities that will be provided by them. TEAM Instructional Delivery TEAM Instructional delivery will be based on the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers and Students (NETS-T; NETS-S). Instruction will occur face-to-face for both Level 1 and 2 certification with practice, work, and tutorials being asynchronous. Level 3 and 4 certification will be a hybrid delivery model consisting of face-to-face trainings, scheduled webinars, and asynchronous work. A high level of teacher autonomy will be granted as teachers will be monitoring their own learning and making choices about which trainings they will need to attend at a certain time period. TEAM Instruction & Assessment The Table below outlines ISTE standards that will be met through instruction delivered at each level, a summary of general topics that will be introduced at each level, and benchmark assessments that will be completed to progress to the next Level of certification. ISTE NETS-T introduced at each level will be built upon and extended in each subsequent level.

Level

Prerequisites ISTE NETS-T Completion of entrylevel assessment 1.b.d 2.a.d 3.a.b.c 4.a.b.c 5.a.b.d

Level 1 1.a.b.c.d. Certification 2.a.b.c.d. 3.a.b.c.d. 4.a.b.c.d. 5.a.b.c.d.

General Content/Materials Assessment (to be revised and added to with TEAM trainers) y Identify parts of a y Written/electronic computer quizzes y Basic troubleshooting procedures y Portfolio collections of authentic products y Email features and functions y Observation y Posting grades/lessons on Classroll.com y Microsoft Word Basics y Using Microsoft Word with Students y Internet research basics y Data retrieval (Success for All; ON Hands) y Strategies for teaching students at different grades in various curriculum areas y Microsoft Word y Written/electronic extension quizzes y Microsoft y Portfolio collections PowerPoint of authentic products y Promethean Hardware and y Student generated Software samples troubleshooting y ActivInspire y Observation y Promethean Planet y ActivExpressions y Internet research extension y Data analysis y Various Curricular computer Software y Discovery Ed &

Level 2 1.a.b.c.d. Certification 2.a.b.c.d. 3.a.b.c.d. 4.a.b.c.d. 5.a.b.c.d.

y y

y y y

y y

y y

Level 3 1.a.b.c.d. Certification 2.a.b.c.d. 3.a.b.c.d. 4.a.b.c.d. 5.a.b.c.d.

y y

Learn 360 basics Curricular technology integration strategies (grade and subject specific) Google Applications Alternative presentation tools (Photostory, Moviemaker) Advanced features of ActivInspire Advanced uses of Promethean Planet ActivExpressions exporting data to excel Internet Web 2.0 tools (VoiceThread, Skype) Basic website construction Begin building Personal Learning Network Advanced features of Discovery Ed & Learn 360 Global Connections Curricular technology integration strategies (grade and subject specific) Extention and Addition to Level 3 content Alternative presentation tools (Prezi) Lesson Sharing on promethean Planet Advanced website construction

Portfolio collections of authentic products Student generated samples Observation Presentation to Level group members or Content Area colleagues

y y

e-Portfolio collections of authentic products Reflections within learning Blog posts Student generated samples collected in e-Portfolio

y y

y y y

Advance Personal Learning Network Internet Web 2.0 tools (Wikis, Blogs Pod/Vodcasting, Animations) Partnering in training opportunities Partnering in parent workshops Becoming an expert and creating reference resources for using certain tools in instruction

y y

Observation Presentation to Level group members or Content Area colleagues Partnering in training and parent workshops

Program Evaluation Analysis and assessment of the TEAM program will be frequent and ongoing with input from a variety of stakeholders including students, parents, teachers, administrators, and school board members. The success of the TEAM program will be evaluated after collecting data about the various components of the program. Data will be collected through differentiated surveys/questionnaires completed by stakeholders. In addition, data from standardized tests (PSSA; SAT: ACT; Keystone Exams) will be analyzed to determine whether an impact has been made. The Summative Evaluation Expert Judgment Phase (Dick, Carey, & Carey, 2550) table below provides an outline for evaluators to use when assessing the effectiveness of the TEAM program in meeting the Districts needs in the area of technology integration.

Summative Evaluation: Expert Judgment Phase Overall Decisions Is the TEAM program working toward meeting Is the TEAM program effective in providing the Districts strategic plan? highly qualified teachers in the area of technology integration? Specific Decisions Congruence Analysis: y Are the instructional goals at the various levels working to meet the goals and needs of the Program and District? Content Analysis: y Are the instructional lessons and assessments complete and reflective of ISTE NETS-T Design Analysis: y Are the principles of learning, instruction, motivation, reflection, and assessment evident throughout the program Model? Feasibility Analysis: y Are the materials kept current and in working condition? y Are there sufficient materials to be used effectively? y Is the network able to support increased usage? y Does the number of participants interested in advancement accounted for in the budget? The field trial will take place in the programs first year of implementation. Planning and preparation for this field trial will take place throughout the fourth quarter of the 2010-2011 school year and during the summer of 2011. With a committee of TEAM trainers, specific goals and objectives for each level will be identified and evaluation tools will be created for all levels of stakeholders. Questionnaires/Surveys will be administered at various points throughout the school year and TEAM trainers and administrators will collect and analyze the data to identify overall successes and/or additional needs that may need met.

Example of Prototype Survey for Teachers Directions: Please rate the following according to your frequency of use/implementation. Teacher Use of Technology Daily 2-4 times per week 1 time per month Several times per year Never

I use technology To create instructional materials To deliver classroom instruction To manage grades and attendance To communicate with colleagues parents and/or students To gather information for planning lessons To access model lessons or best practices To solve problems and analyze data 4 3 2 1 0 4 3 2 1 0 4 3 2 1 0 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

My students use technology in my class

For word processing To reinforce concepts or practice For internet research To create reports, projects, and graphical presentations To view demonstrations and/or simulations To correspond with experts To build global awareness To solve problems and analyze data

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0

4 4 4

3 3 3

2 2 2

1 1 1

0 0 0

References Dick, W., Carey, L. & Carey, J. O. (2005) The Systematic Design of Instruction (6th ed.). Allyn & Bacon, Boston, Massachusetts. ISTE (2008). International Society for Technology in Education: NETS-T. Retrieved December 10, 2010 from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers.aspx.

Mars Area School District (2008). Educational Technology Report. Retrieved December 10, 2010 from http://mars.pa.schoolwebpages.com/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectio ndetailid=3788&sortgroups=1&sc_id=1210017221&cms_mode=edit

Mars Area School District (2008). Professional Education Report. Retrieved December 10, 2010
from http://mars.pa.schoolwebpages.com/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetaili d=3788&sortgroups=1&sc_id=1210017221&cms_mode=edit

U.S. Department of Education (2010) National Education Technology Plan. Retrieved December 10, 2010 from http://www.ed.gov/sites/default/files/netp2010.pdf.