Classroom Discussion Week 1

Discussion 1: Who should contribute?

RBAs and the strategic plans created to develop them are only as effective as the input provided in their
development. In other words, if you dont have the right contributors to the development of the plan and the
measures/results you wish to achieve, your plan isnt going to be as effective as it could be. Indeed, your resul
may look a bit like the "Real Design Process" cartoon--that is, a quite a bit different to each stakeholder group.
By now, you should have selected the school for which you will develop a technology strategic plan. Now
determine who should be involved in developing the strategic plan for your selected school.
In your initial post identify by name (if you can) and title who should be involved in developing the technology
strategic plan for your school. Explain why you feel youll need these particular folks to contribute.

Draft a msg to them telling them about your strategic planning project for this class and asking if theyd be willin
to give you some input along the way. Post your invite with your initial post, but dont send just yet. Youll send
Monday after youve gotten some feedback from your classmates.

My Response

I have chosen Staff Sergeant Lucian Adams Elementary in Port Arthur ISD as my school of choice. I am curren
working at this school as the librarian on an emergency permit while I finish up my school librarian certification.
Although I'm hoping to transition to a different school within my district, I felt that the school that I'm currently
working at would be my best chance of getting feedback and results. Below I have listed the people within the
district that should be involved in developing the technology strategic plan for my school.
Superintendent - Dr. Mark Porterie
Principal - Cheryl Tripplett
Assistant Principal - Lucrecia Harris
On my campus it is common for the assistant principal to take on tasks that involve helping graduate students
courses with assignments like this.
Curriculum Supervisors
I feel that any type of technology integration will have an impact on curriculum and instruction.
Rhonda Calcote - ELAR
Catherine Whitehead- Math
Amanda Die - SS
Rita Leger - Science
Technology
Anthony Jackson - Chief of Technology
Kenneth Daigre - Technology Supervisor

Gina Flanigan/Phoebe Hightower - MIS Programmers (librarians in the district contact these two women a LOT
whenever there are any issues with library related software)
Kendal Lee - Campus Technology Rep

Robin Arceneaux-Beaty - Chief Education Reform Academic Officer

Mrs. Beaty is the supervisor of all librarians within the district and has become a great source of knowledge an
guidance for me in my current position.

Cherry Peacock - Librarian at Robert E. Lee Elementary

Mrs. Peacock is a veteran librarian with more than 20 years of experience at the same school. She has becom
mentor for me, and she is my go to person whenever I need insight or help. I feel that consulting her with all of
her knowledge in the field would be a great asset.
Message Draft:
Dear _________,

My name is Ashanti Mayes-Alvidrez, and I'm the librarian at Lucian Adams Elementary. I'm currently working on
completing my school librarian certification, and I am enrolled in a strategic planning for technology integration
course. Throughout the next six weeks of this course, I will be developing a strategic plan for technology
integration for Adams Elementary. I am contacting you because I may require some assistance and/or input fro
your area of expertise in developing this strategic plan.
I know that our schedules in the education field are already quite hectic, but any assistance that you could
provide me throughout the duration of this course would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Ashanti Mayes-Alvidrez
Librarian
Lucian Adams Elementary

Base Group Discussion Week 1

Week 1: School Strategic Plan
See detailed instructions for this assignment under Data/Doc Analysis in Week 1.

In the forum below, post the school strategic plan and the most recent Campus STaR Chart for your selecte
school as attachments to your post. Also be sure to save both documents for your strategic planning eportfolio.

In your initial post, compare Campus STaR for your selected school to the 2009-10 Statewide STaR Summary
How does your school compare to other schools in the state in each of the strands? Please make this initial po
by Friday of Week 1.

On Saturday and/or Sunday, examine the analyses (comparisons) posted by the other members of your group
a reply to each group member, compare your school to your groupmates' school. How are they similar and/or
different to each other? How are they similar and/or different from other schools in the state?

My Response

The school that I chose is Lucian Adams Elementary in Port Arthur ISD. I currently work at this campus as a
librarian. I don't have the improvement plan in hand at this moment due to the fact that it is not published on th
district or school website. However, I have requested from my principal to receive a copy in order to use for this
course.

The district website does provide an outline of all of the projects that are underway in the district in order to ma
improvements throughout PAISD through the use of a bond (http://www.paisdbond.org/index.php).
The 2013-2014 Campus STaR chart summary for my selected school shows that the campus is considered
Advanced Tech in the four key areas.
I. Teaching and Learning 18 Advanced Tech
37.8% of Texas schools fall into this category.
II. Educator Preparation and Development 16
26.8% of Texas schools fall into this category.

Advanced Tech

III. Leadership, Administration and Instructional Support 18 Advanced Tech

55% of Texas schools fall into this category
IV. Infrastructure for Technology 15 Advanced Tech
61% of Texas schools fall into this category.

In regards to technology, it appears that my campus has developed a solid foundation for technology
integration/application but has not yet developed a system in which technology has become an integral/daily pa
of instruction.

My campus falls in the Advanced Tech classification in all four categories which seems to be one of the two ma
classification areas that many Texas school fall within. I believe that this is due to the fact that there has been a
push in Port Arthur ISD in the last few years to increase technology use and access to technology in our schoo
We service many students that are considered low socioeconomic status, and the district feels that it is importa
to increase technology in our schools in order to help meet the students where they learn.

PAISD is currently developing plans to increase technological use in instruction through a bond. Last year, eac
school received carts with tablets (my campus received 5 carts with 25 tablets on each cart) and WiFi was
installed at every campus. We are currently having issues with the WiFi and tablets, and it seems that the effor

to step up each school's technology is a slow process that improves a little more each year.

There has also been discussion of each elementary campus receiving a smart table. I feel that this course will
great for me since there is such a push for technology integration and planning in my district right now. I've also
been trying to figure out how to implement more technology in my library as well.

Classroom Discussion Week #2

Discussion 2: Technology Areas of Work

In its School Technology and Readiness Chart (STaR), Texas Education Agency identifies 4 key areas of work
related to technology integration:

teaching and learning

educator preparation and development

leadership, administration, & instructional support

infrastructure for technology

The NAIS identifies five areas:

leadership

teaching and learning

professional growth and learning

infrastructure and administrative operations

digital ethics

The ISTE standards offer something a little a different. A set of standards for Students, Teachers, Administrator
and others. Indeed, the Teacher STaR Chart is based on the standards for teachers, which in turn are based on
standards for students. Standards for administrators are based on standards for students and teachers; items
related to leadership on the STaR and in the NAIS principles are also connected to these standards for
administrators.

All of these key areas, principles, and standards are pieces of the technology planning puzzle. In your initial po
explain how these pieces might fit together. Identify what you think the key areas of work related to tech
integration for your school will/should be. Consider whether your schools mission and vision should guide the
identification of key areas of work.

My Response
Mission: Our mission, as the primary source of public education in the community, is to meet the unique

educational needs of our diverse population by providing a comprehensive quality education for students of the
Port Arthur Independent School District.
Vision: PAISD will lead Texas in continuous school improvement by offering to its students a quality education
necessary for them to achieve academic excellence.

Above I have listed the mission and vision statements for my district. Adams Elementary also uses the same
vision and mission statement. As I write my post, I will try to keep in mind this vision and mission. One thing tha
stands out to me is that our district has a diverse population with unique educational needs. To me, this speaks
volumes. It sticks out and shows that the "I'm going to teach my one way and you're going to learn" method of
teaching will not be effective with our student population. Some other key terms that stick out are continuous
school improvement and academic excellence.

With my school's vision and mission statement in mind, I think that all of the key areas are vital as they all com
together and support one another. For instance, if you have the infrastructure but the teaching and learning
aspect is not up to par, your students will have access to technology but will not be utilizing that technology to
support curriculum effectively. If you have the teaching and learning aspect on target but you don't have the
infrastructure, then you simply may not have the means to integrate technology on demand to your students.
One area that I do feel is of great importance is teaching and learning. We strive to have student centered
learning environments where students take charge of their learning and the teacher serves as a facilitator.
However, on my campus I've noticed that there are very few classes that are student centered.

If instruction is always teacher facilitated, integrating technology into the classroom can seem like a chore or
burden to an already overwhelmed teacher (teacher burn out is pretty high at my campus and it's not uncommo
to lose teachers before the year is over). Integrating the appropriate technology that is aligned to the core cont
areas can appear daunting, and I realize that this is something that needs to be taken into consideration if we a
to meet the unique educational needs of our students and promote continuous improvement.

Base Group Discussion Week #2

Week 2: Mission & Vision Statements
Analysis Task

Your second Data/Document Analysis task is to analyze your schools mission and vision. Take them apart and
explain what each of the parts might mean. In your analysis, consider how each part should (or shouldnt) infor
a mission and vision statement for educational technology at this school.

Then write a mission and a vision statement for technology that align with the mission/vision for your school.
Explain how/why you think your statements support the school's mission and vision. You should also consider
key findings from last weeks analysis of your Campus STaR Chart (i.e. where you are currently with education
technology, compared to where you want to be, and/or where other schools in the state might be).

Post your analysis and draft mission and vision statements by Friday.
Feedback
In your responses to your teammates, analyze their draft statements.

Do you think they align well with the schools mission and vision?

Do the statements adhere to the guidelines for missions and visions that you read/heard about in this
weeks readings and resources?

Does the mission seem more like a vision? Or vice versa?

Post feedback to each member of your group by Sunday.

Modify/Repost

After youve gotten feedback from your team, revise and repost your mission and vision statements. Be sure to
post your modified statements as a reply to your initial post, so that it remains in the same thread. Post your
modified statements by Monday.

My Response
Adams Elementary Mission Statement: Our mission, as the primary source of public education in the
community, is to meet the unique educational needs of our diverse population by providing a comprehensive
quality education for students of the Port Arthur Independent School District.

Analysis: I believe that the mission statement acknowledges that our students have unique educational needs
and that our population is diverse. Each one of our students has a unique background and culture. Many of ou
students are classified as economically disadvantaged. My campus in particular within the district has many
students that do not have very stable home lives, and they move around from place to place. Our mobility rate
normally above 25%.

Despite the fact that many students are constantly coming and going or that they may not have the most stable
and nurturing home life, it is still the mission of our school to provide them with an education that meets their
needs (whatever those needs may be).

Adams Elementary Vision Statement: PAISD will lead Texas in continuous school improvement by offering to
its students a quality education necessary for them to achieve academic excellence.

Analysis: The vision statement once again reiterates the importance of a quality education for our students. It a
highlights that the road to academic excellence involves continuous school improvement. The ultimate goal is
student success
Now for my mission and vision statements......
Technology Mission Statement: To provide our students with access to technology in order to enhance the

comprehensive quality education provided by Adams Elementary.

Technology Vision Statement: To provide seamless technology integration in which students are using
technology daily and have a variety of tools that provide a deeper understanding of knowledge.

Classroom Discussion Week 3

Discussion 3: SWOT Analyses

You wont have SWOT results from your invited participants before you make your initial post, so were going to
look at an example SWOT for educational technology. I had the honor of leading a technology strategic plannin
retreat at Good Shepherd Episcopal Schools in 2012. Although the retreat lasted a full day, we needed to
accomplish most of the steps that youll take over these 7 weeks in that single, 8-hour dayincluding a SWOT

To do this as efficiently as possible (both time- and technology-wise), we had participants enter their comments
into a shared Google doc with their iPads. We then converted each section of the SWOT into a wordcloud for
further analysis and discussion by the group. Here are the mission and vision we drafted, along with the text
comments and SWOT wordclouds from the GSES Technology Strategic Planningretreat.

Take a look at the comments and wordclouds from the GSES SWOT. What do you notice? How do you think th
will compare to yours? List what you think the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to tech
integration at your school are. Keep in mind that strengths and weaknesses are internal, while opportunities an
threats are external.

In your replies to each other, identify items listed that you hadnt thought of, but that you think are applicable to
your school.

My Response
GESS SWOT Obeservations:

I noticed that lots of strengths on the SWOT are weaknesses for my campus that we are constantly struggling
improve. Qualities that I felt are most important also were prominent in the wordclouds such as support, trainin
time, and collaboration.

The threats that appeared in the SWOT are also threats that I'm concerned with as well. Although providing
students with access to technology can provide engagement and rich learning experiences, I am fearful of cybe
bullying.
SWOT for Adams Elementary:

Strengths
-push to integrate technology within the entire district
-efforts are already being made to improve infrastructure
-already have some tools available that simply need to be utilized effectively
-high student interest in more technology in the classroom

Weaknesses
-teacher willingness (many teachers on my campus are resistant to change because they feel it will mean more
work for them or simply do not want to divert from their way of doing things)
-the tablets we have only allow for up to 5 users and once a student logs on to a tablet then they must use the
same tablet all year (need tablets without this limitation)
-more tablets
-training for teachers on technology available
- time limitations make it difficult to collaborate
Opportunities
- rethink how schools work and delve into a deeper learning experience
-expansion of eBooks collection
-more interactive learning environment

Threats
-budget/financials (there is a push in our district for technology but our district is so large that it can be difficult t
increase technology)
-cyber bullying (we already have an issue with bullying on our campus and I fear that adding technology can ta
this arena to a brand new playing field)
Base Group Discussion Week 3
Week 3: Strategic Challenges & Advantages
Analysis Task

Hopefully, youve gotten a few responses to your SWOT from participants at your school. At a minimum, you ha
your own responses, as well as some ideas from your classmates and the GSES SWOT.

Based on these and data from your Campus STaR Chart, try to identify the 3-5 strategic challenges, and 3-5
strategic advantages. The following Templates for Writing Strategic Challenges & Advantagesmay help you
thinking. Provide an explanation for each, telling what data (from SWOT or STaR) it is based on. Be sure to
attach your SWOT (at least, what you have thus far) and your STaR Chart to your post. Try to post by Friday, b
take until noon Saturday if you need a little more time.
Feedback

In the feedback you provide, try to determine whether the challenges and advantages your teammates have
identified are valid based on the data collected. That is, do they accurately reflect whats in the SWOT and STa
data? Do any issues seem to be less than "strategic" or mission critical? Are there challenges and advantage
that havent been identified? How would you have interpreted the data differently?

Modify/Repost

After youve gotten feedback from your team, revise and repost your strategic challenges and advantages. Be
sure to post your modified statements as a reply to your initial post, so that it remains in the same thread. Post
your modified statements by Monday.

My Response
Adams Elementary Star Chart Results
I. Teaching and Learning
II. Educator Preparation and Development
III. Leadership, Admin., Instructional Support
IV. Infrastructure for Technology

Advanced Tech
Advanced Tech
Advanced Tech
Advanced Tech

Strengths
-push to integrate technology within the entire district
-efforts are already being made to improve infrastructure
-already have some tools available that simply need to be utilized effectively
-high student interest in more technology in the classroom
-Technology in every classroom (teacher computer and at least 2 student computers)

Weaknesses
-teacher willingness (many teachers on my campus are resistant to change because they feel it will mean more
work for them or simply do not want to divert from their way of doing things)
-the tablets we have only allow for up to 5 users and once a student logs on to a tablet then they must use the
same tablet all year (need tablets without this limitation)
-more tablets
-training for teachers on technology available
- time limitations make it difficult to collaborate
-aligning information and communication technology skills with pedagogical practices
Opportunities
- rethink how schools work and delve into a deeper learning experience
-expansion of eBooks collection
-more interactive learning environment
-expansion of technology in classrooms that could include smart boards

Threats
-budget/financials (there is a push in our district for technology but our district is so large that it can be difficult t
increase technology)
-cyber bullying (we already have an issue with bullying on our campus and I fear that adding technology can ta

this arena to a brand new playing field)

-standardized testing paper and pencil format can make it difficult to implement technology as students need
be exposed to the format of the STAAR test.

Strategic Challenges:
1. If we don't address the need for proper and thorough technology training for teachers, we will not be able to
properly integrate technology into the classroom.
2. If we could only motivate teachers to be more open and less resistant to the necessary changes that will ma
technology integration more seamless, we could be a campus characterized by collaboration, success, and
innovation.
3. If we don't address the need for more time in order to conduct proper training, we will not be able to provide
students withknowledgeable teachers.

Strategic Strengths:
1. We can build or expand our district's push to integrate technology within the entire district to help overcome
teacher's reluctance to change.
2. We can build upon the opportunity to delve into a deeper learning experience to overcome our the "paper an
pencil" format that many teachers stick to due to the pressures of STAAR testing.
3. We can learn to efficiently utilize the current technology tools that we have available in order to overcome
budgeting issues and lack of access to technology.
I received two responses back from those that I emailed. Their responses echoed my own. When writing my
strategic strengths and weaknesses, I realized that according to my Star chart it appears that my campus is in
pretty good shape in regards to technology. I had to reflect on what I've seen on my campus as both a teacher
and a librarian and decide what strengths/weaknesses to highlight.
Training, effectively utilizing the resources that we currently have, teacher investment and budget issues were
some of the areas that I felt could have a huge impact on the success or failure of our campus technology
integration plan.

Revised Post
Updated Strategic Strengths and Challenges

My explanations of the challenges and strengths are based off what I see as issues on our campus and the inp
I received from my SWOT responses. The Star chart for my campus doesn't tell the complete story, and I was
actually surprised that we scored advanced tech in all areas. We do have an ever expanding technology
department, but there appears to be a disconnect when it's time to actually implement change.
Strategic Challenges
1.If we don't address the need for proper and thorough technology training for teachers, we will not be able to
properly integrate technology into the classroom.

Explanation: Our district as a whole has issues with properly training teachers and staff. Our training often skim
the surface and serves as more of a general overview instead of a proper training. Teachers often leave trainin
feeling as if their time has been wasted. If our campus could utilize professional development days as an
opportunity to provide teachers with hands on training, I believe that this would have a great impact on trying to
implement technology. The two teachers that responded to my SWOT both mentioned lack of proper training a
weakness.

2. If we could only motivate teachers to be more open and less resistant to the necessary changes that will ma
technology integration more seamless, we could be a campus characterized by collaboration, success, and
innovation.

Explanation: This strategic challenge comes from teacher SWOT responses stating that many teachers are
resistant to change. One teacher provided me with an example. Our dyslexia teacher stepped up to help
implement a character development program at our school called Character C.A.S.H (courteous, accountable,
safe, helpful). A previous campus that she worked for with similar demographics to our campus used the progra
with success. However, many teachers on our campus are not participating in the program due to the fact that
they simply feel it won't work and don't want to try something new. The teachers that are implementing the
program correctly have seen changes in behavior in their students. I feel that teacher buy in is highly important
when it comes to implementing any type of campus wide change.

3. If we don't address the need for more tablets in our school that are capable of allowing more than 5 users to
log on per year, we can't become a school characterized by daily technology integration.

Explanation: This comes from a teacher's SWOT input and input from a programmer in the technology
department. Our campus has 5 carts with 23 tablets on each cart. Each grade level (1st-5th) is supposed to be
able to check out a cart whenever needed in order to be used for instructional purposes. However, the carts ha
been sitting in storage for over a year. One of the reasons for this is due to the fact that no one can decide on
how they will be used most fairly.

Each table only allows 5 users to log on. Once a user logs on to a tablet, they must then use that tablet for the
entire year. In 2nd grade, there are 7 classes with about 25 students in each class. The 2nd grade cart will only
allow 115 users, but there are about 150-175 2nd graders. The 4th grade has a similar situation as well.

Strategic Strengths
1. We can create a more interactive learning environment in which students can become creative thinkers,
problem solvers, innovators, and 21st century learners.
Explanation: This strength comes from SWOT analysis and conversations with some teachers on my campus.
There was a teacher who felt that students on our campus are used to worksheet after worksheet. Last year I
was forced to "drill and kill" in preparation for STAAR testing. Integrating technology will allow students the
opportunity to go beyond being good test takers and allow them to create, think, and explore.

2. We can learn to efficiently utilize the current technology tools that we have available in order to overcome
budgeting issues and lack of access to technology.

Explanation: This strength comes from SWOT analysis. I feel that in terms of technology, we are not effectively
utilizing what we already have on site. For instance, we have brand new tablets that have not been used in ove
year, we have a Wi-Fi system that was set up but never fully finished, and we even have some computers that
aren't being used. We need to make sure that we're utilizing what we have and not just let it sit and go to waste
Especially since budget normally is an issue for many schools.

3. We can utilize technology to expand our character development program in order to help overcome bullying.

Explanation: This strength is one that I developed not only from SWOT analysis but also from responses that I
received in this forum. I feel a little unsure of this one and could use some feedback. Bullying has been an issu
on our campus. We have started a character development program on our campus that encourages and rewar
positive behavior. Although integrating technology could lead to cyber-bullying, I feel that we could use
technology as a way to enhance our character development efforts.

For instance, the technology push can help me to purchase more eBooks that can be used by the entire campu
that deal with developing character (the company we purchase from allows unlimited downloads). Teachers are
constantly asking for books on honesty, friendship, etc., but I simply don't have enough for all of them. We coul
also have contests in which students develop the best anti cyber bullying campaigns.
Please provide some feedback. Especially on Strengths #1, strength #3, and challenge #3.

Class Discussion Week 4

Discussion 4: Strategic Goals & Objectives
Olsen identifies 4 broad areas for setting priority goals. Olsen calls them "objectives," but the more common
terms for this highest level are goals, priorities, or priority goals. In this class, we will use for this highest level.
She conceptualizes these as mini-vision statements for the main areas of work in an organization: people,
processes, customers, and finances.
Take a look at the priority goals for the Mesquite ISD strategic plan. Notice that Goal 1 pertains to MISD's
customers--in this case, its students. Goal 2 addresses another "customer" for MISD: the parents and
community the school serves. Goal 3 pertains to MISD's people or employees. Goal 4 focuses on MISD's
processes and finances.
Next take a look at the department level plans for Instructional Technology and for Instruction at MISD. Notice
how the goals for those departments align with the district goals, mission, and vision.

Now take a look at the technology areas of work that we discussed in Week 2. In your initial post, try to answer
least 3 of the following questions:

How do the areas of work you identified align with Olsen's " broad areas"?

Do they align with priority goals that MISD's addresses in its district and department strategic plans?

Do you see alignment between those areas of work and the priority goals set by the school that youve
selected in its strategic plan?

Now that youve conducted your SWOT, do the results prompt you to refine or change the technology
areas of work that you identified in Week 2?

The reason I'm you to reflect on these questions is that youll want to identify one priority/goal for each area of
work. Please make your initial post by Wednesday; reply to 3-5 of your classmates' posts by Saturday.
My Response
How do the areas of work identified align with Olsen's "broad areas"?
The technology areas of work discussed in week 2 were
I. Teaching and Learning
II. Educator Preparation and Development
III. Leadership, administration, and Instructional Support
IV. Infrastructure

I can see ways in which the broad areas of people, processes, customers and finances align with the technolog
areas of work. For instance.....
-People and customers align with teaching and learning as teachers make up an influential part of the people
within the organization who ultimately have the highest impact on the customers (the students)
-People also aligns with educator preparation because ensuring that your workforce is properly trained will imp
your overall productivity
-Finances align with leadership, administration and instructional support as the star chart indicates that that th
is the area in which funding and grants are handled.
-Processes align with infrastructure since more than likely the technology department will seek to enhance
access to technology available
Do they align with priority goals that MISD addresses in its district and department strategic plans?
I can also see the alignment with Mesquite ISD's district and department strategic plans. For example,

Goal 1: Optimize academic achievement for each student...............this goal pertains to customers (the student
and aligns with Teaching and Learning. In this category, the teaching of technology TEKS and integration of
technology into core content areas is important for student academic success.

Goal 2: Increase the awareness and involvement of families and community in the success of students.......this
goal pertains to customers as well. This goal was a bit more difficult to assess which category it was aligned w
After rereading information on the Star chart, I can most closely align it with administration and support due to

fact that it centers on creating a support system with the goal of student success in mind and utilizing local
funding.

Goal 3: Hire, develop, and retain exemplary employees........this goal pertains to people and aligns with educat
preparation. In order to develop and retain exemplary employees, it's important to ensure that they are properly
trained through professional development and meet SBEC standards.

Goal 4:Ensure effective operations driven by quality processes.........this goal pertains to processes and finance
and aligns with infrastructure and administration and support. Administration and support deals with funding wh
infrastructure deals with processes.
Now that you've conducted your SWOT, do the results prompt you to refine or change the technology
areas of work that you identified in Week 2?

The original technology area of work that I identified in week 2 was teaching and learning. I originally thought th
my campus needed to focus more on become more of a student driven learning environment with teachers act
more as facilitators. After conducting my SWOT and reflecting on some of the responses that I received, I now
feel that educator preparation is a key area.

Many teachers feel that they are not properly trained and wouldn't even know how to effectively use technology
so that it is aligned with the curriculum and meeting the necessary educational standards. We often have issue
with receiving training that simply skims the surface and doesn't provide a rich learning experience for teachers

Although I still feel that teaching and learning is an important area, the overwhelming consensus seems to be t
educator preparation is highly important on my campus.

Base Group Discussion Week 4

Week 4: Priority Goals and Objectives
Analysis Task

You wrestled a bit with alignment of technology areas of work and the overarching goals in your schools strate
plan in your initial discussion post this week. For your data/document analysis, take that a little further.
List the priority goals for your school. Also list the key technology areas of work that your technology plan will
address. Then write a priority goal for each area of work. Explain how that goal aligns with the priority goals of
school.

Next, write at least one objective for each priority goal. Be sure to keep in mind the difference between goals a
objectives.
Post your analysis, goals and objectives by Friday.

Feedback

In the feedback you provide, evaluate whether the goals are really goals, or if they seem more like objectives. A
the objectives truly objectives? Or do they seem more like priority goals? Do any goals or objectives seem mor
like strategies or tactics?
Modify/Repost

After youve gotten feedback from your team, revise and repost your priority goal and objective statements. Be
sure to post your modified statements as a reply to your initial post, so that it remains in the same thread. Post
your modified statements by Monday.

My Response
Campus Goal

Key Technology Area

of Work

Priority Goal for

Area of Work

How the Goal Aligns

with the Priority
Goals of the School

Objective

Define and
implement
measures by
which student
success will be
obtained for all
subgroups

Teaching and
Learning &
Infrastructure

Ensure that teachers

have access
technology in the
classroom that appeals
to a variety of
students

Provide teachers
with a list of all
of the
educational
technology
available to them
and how to
access it

Will seek to have

97% or higher
student and
teacher
attendance rates

Teaching and
Learning, Educator
Preparation, and
Administration and
Support

Will increase
parental
involvement
opportunities

Administration and
Support

Ensure that teachers

have administrative
support in order to
provide engaging
lessons in which
technology is
integrated in order to
boost student
attendance
Develop parental
involvement in
regards to technology
available through the
school so that they
can be involved in
their childs education

The school wants to

ensure that ALL
students are
successful. If
technology is being
used that does not
appeal to particular
subgroups, then it will
not be effective.
My campus is
determined to keep
attendance high. By
integrating technology
and preparing
engaging lessons, we
can encourage student
attendance.
Parental involvement
has normally been
very low on campus.
However, providing
parents with resources
that are available to
their students
(eBooks, Accelerated
Reader information,
etc.)

Model lessons
for teachers in
which technology
integration yields
high student
interest.

Encourage
parents to install
the eBook reader
on their computer
or device so that
they can
download and
read books with
their students.
(Our eBooks
remain on the

Will provide
professional
development
opportunities for
staff to improve
instruction and
skill sets for their
respective
positions

Educator Preparation

Provide teachers with

instructional
technology training so
that they can
effectively integrate
technology that aligns
with the curriculum

Professional
development is a big
concern on my
campus. Teachers
often feel that they
dont know how to
use the resources that
they are given in a
way that supports
learning objectives.

devices
permanently once
theyre
downloaded. Its
basically getting
free eBooks).
Increase the
amount of
meaningful
instructional
technology
training that
teachers receive
by having a
monthly on
campus training.
(This wouldnt
be difficult in
terms of time as
we have several
PD days in which
the principal
decides what
training we
receive)

Base Group Week 4 Revised Post

Campus Goal

Key Technology
Area of Work

Priority Goal for

Area of Work

Define and
implement
measures by
which student
success will be
obtained for all
subgroups

Teaching and
Learning &
Infrastructure

Ensure that teachers

have access to
technology in the
classroom that
appeals to a variety of
students

Will seek to
have 97% or
higher student
and teacher
attendance rates

Teaching and
Learning, Educator
Preparation, and
Administration and
Support

Ensure that teachers

have administrative
support in order to
provide engaging
lessons in which
technology is
integrated in order to
boost student

How the Goal Aligns

with the Priority
Goals of the School
The school wants to
ensure that ALL
students are
successful. If
technology is being
used that does not
appeal to particular
subgroups, then it
will not be effective.
My campus is
determined to keep
attendance high. By
integrating
technology and
preparing engaging
lessons, we can
encourage student

Objective

Increase
awareness of
educational
technology
available to
teachers.

Increase student
engagement
through
technology rich
lessons.

attendance

attendance.

Parental involvement
has normally been
very low on campus.
However, providing
parents with
resources that are
available to their
students (eBooks,
Accelerated Reader
information, etc.)
Professional
development is a big
concern on my
campus. Teachers
often feel that they
dont know how to
use the resources that
they are given in a
way that supports
learning objectives.

Will increase
parental
involvement
opportunities

Administration and
Support

Develop parental
involvement in
regards to technology
available through the
school so that they
can be involved in
their childs
education

Will provide
professional
development
opportunities for
staff to improve
instruction and
skill sets for
their respective
positions

Educator Preparation

Provide teachers with

instructional
technology training
so that they can
effectively integrate
technology that aligns
with the curriculum

Increase parental
awareness of
resources and
activities related
to educational
technology.

Increase the
amount of
meaningful
training on
campus.

Classroom Discussion Week 5

Objectives, Measures, and Action Plans

This weeks discussion will focus on sorting out the differences between goals/objectives, performance measur
and action plans or strategies.
In my prior experience directing Institutional Effectiveness for a very large community college, I observed that
people frequently confuse objectives, measures, and action plans. For example, in their annual departmental
action plans, department leaders commonly identified one of the following as their action plan for the year
(percentages varied, of course:
a) increase the in-class retention rate by 2% or
b) increase enrollment by 5%.
Similar examples from K-12 settings might read like the these examples:
c) achieve an exemplary rating from TEA or
d) increase the pass rate on the mathematics STAAR test by 10%.

Are any of these examples action plans?

In your initial post, select at least one of the above examples (a - d) and explain why it is or isnt an action plan
Then propose a revised statement that does meet the criteria for or definition of an action plan.

My Response
C) achieve an exemplary rating from TEA
From my understanding of what goals/objectives and action plans based on the readings and videos, this
statement is not an action plan. It appears to be a goal/objective. It answers the question of what we want to
achieve.

An action plan provides detailed steps on how we're going to achieve our goals. An action plan includes items
such as the start date, end date, who will complete the task, and how much it will cost. An example of a revised
statement that meets the criteria of an action plan is as follows:

Priority: High
Action Item: Develop a plan to increase enrichment in the classroom and the enrichment programs available on
campus
Who: Campus Improvement Committee
Start Date: 11-28-16
End Date: 12-16-16
The revised action plan describes a specific step that must be taken in order to reach an exemplary rating. In
order to go beyond simply passing the STAAR, there must be enrichment in the classrooms. The first step in
providing enrichment is to develop a plan to implement programs and changes.

Base Group Discussion Week 5

Week 5: Measures & Actions Plans
Analysis Task

Write one or two action plans or strategies for each objective that you wrote last week. Make sure that your pla
includes/indicates how you will measure the success of your plan. Post your action plans by Friday.
Feedback

In the feedback you provide, evaluate whether the action plans really are strategies or actions that will lead to a
measureable goal/objective. Or do they seem more like goals/objectives or performance measures, without a
specified action to be taken toward achieving the goal/objective? Please provide feedback to members of your
group by Sunday.

Modify/Repost

After youve gotten feedback from your team, revise and repost your action plans. Be sure to post your modifie
plans as a reply to your initial post, so that it remains in the same thread. Post your modified statements
by Monday.
Response
Adams Goal #1: To demonstrate sustained growth in academic achievement
Key Technology Area of Work: Teaching and Learning/Educator Prep/Infrastructure
Goal: Continue to integrate technology in TEKS curriculum and instruction
Objective: Increase awareness and knowledge of technology available to teachers
Action Plan: Provide meaningful biweekly staff development on technology
Priority
High

Responsible
Principal
Technology Liaison
Technology Committee

Start Date

End Date

Cost

Evidence

August 2017

May 2018

Time

Staff Development Sign In

Teacher Feedback

Adams Goal #2: Adams Elementary will provide a Positive, Safe, and Respectful Learning Environment
Key Technology Area of Work: Administration and Support
Goal: Develop parental involvement in regards to technology available through the school so that parents can be involved in ensuring
their children are using technology responsibly
Objective: Increase parental awareness of resources and activities related to technology
Action Plan
Have a 25% increase in the number of parents that are signed up for class dojo.
Priority
Medium

Responsible
Administration
Teachers

Start Date
Beginning of the
1st Six Weeks

End Date
End of the 6th
Six Weeks

Cost Evidence
Time

Teacher Class Dojo Conversation Logs

Adams Goal #3: To ensure fiscal stability

Key Technology Area of Work: Administration and Support/Infrastructure
Goal: Ensure that all technology expenditures are aligned with instructional objectives and that resources are being used effectively
Objective: Utilize the technology currently available on campus before requesting more funding or seeking other sources of funding
Action Plan: Ensure that the Title I funded tablets that have already been purchased are utilized in the classrooms on a weekly basis
Priority
High

Responsible
Principal
Technology Liaison
Technology Committee

Start Date

End Date

Beginning of the
2nd Six Weeks

End of the
6th Six Weeks

Cost
Time

Evidence
Check Out Record

Adams Goal #4: Staff Sergeant Lucian Adams Elementary personnel will promote effective parental and community involveme

through communication, participation, and partnership in accomplishing the district's goals.

Key Technology Area of Work: Administration and Support
Goal: Develop parental involvement opportunities
Objective: Increase parental involvement and community participation to 75%.

Action Plan: Have teachers create webpages for their classes in order to keep the parents/community informed of students' learning an
opportunities to get involved.
Priority

High

Responsible

Start Date

Principal
August 2017
Technology Liaison (During Teacher InTeachers
Service)

End Date

Cost
Time

End of the 6th Six (The district already

Weeks
has it set up so that
teachers
can create their own
webpages )

Evidence

Sign In Sheets at
Events

Please let me know if you see any areas where maybe my action plan was more of a goal than an action plan or if an action plan didn't
align with the campus goal. Also let me know if you have any suggestions on how I could have worded something better or if you have
idea on an action plan that would be better. I'm hoping to use my technology plan for next year on my campus.

Classroom Discussion Week 6

Planning for Improvement

We often hear the phrase doing more with less. What planning and design is really all about is doing BETTER
often with less, but increasingly with what we already have rather than purchasing newer, better, faster. Reflect
an experience youve had in the past with the implementation of new initiative or change. The initiative might
have been the implementation of a new technology, or perhaps was a change in practice or policy. What was th
initiative? How was it pitched to those who needed to make the change? What was their reaction?

Then reflect on whether the initiative fell prey to any of the pitfalls that Olsen identified? How about any of the
concepts that Annie Leonard discusses in The Story of Stuff or The Story of Solutions? What would need to be
done differently for the initiative to be more successful and more sustainable, in short BETTER?

My Response

Before I begin, I want to start by saying that I think that the administration team Im referring to is great and tha
everything that they do is with the best intentions at heart. My analysis of the recent changes is simply how I fe
that things could have gone smoother and some of the challenges that we faced that made things difficult.
My most recent change that I experienced at work was a change in administration. Our assistant principal

became our new principal, and this change in administration was pitched as all of us becoming a family. We we
told to not cry alone or carry any burdens alone and that administration would always be there to support us.

We were going to work on building positive relationships with students and coworkers, administration was goin
to be present and assisting with issues, and overall there would be more support.

Everyone was excited about this administrative change, and it seemed that things were looking brighter. Althou
things are improving, everyone soon realized that change takes time. I do think that this initiative to transition to
"family"/supportive environment did fall prey to some of the pitfalls identified by Olsen.

Lack of empowerment was one pitfall. Plans were made to provide more support for teachers. Although there w
definitely a desire from administration to provide the support necessary, there was a lack of resources available
For example, I went to my principal to ask for some help. I was overwhelmed by all of the additional duties that
had been required to take on and asked if I could be relieved of them for a week to simply catch up and set up
more efficient system so that I wouldn't constantly be drowning. I was turned down due to the fact there was no
one else to perform the additional duties which is why I had been given the additional tasks.

Teachers received similar responses. Although they felt that they were drowning or struggling and needed
support, administration simply was overstretched and didn't have the time or personnel to provide the additiona
support to the level in which a new struggling teacher would need.
We also fell into the overwhelming pitfall. With the administration change, there was a push for many new and
exciting goals. With us already being overcrowded and short staffed, I feel that there were a few too many
goals/changes being implemented.

I think that the administration change would have been more sustainable if there hadn't been so many different
goals that they were trying to implement and if there had been more planning before the school year started.
Many of the new events/changes that took place this school year have been last minute decisions in which a lo
of pressure is being put on certain people. Effective planning would have made a big difference.