Middle+School+Focus

= Middle School Focus: Innovative Educator Program =

Feedback on the proposed Innovative Educator Program:
-During professional development we can have many different options=>we can choose what we want to take, rather than 'forced' -The ENTIRE district should move to google docs and gmail -Don't be afraid to teach a couple of students the tools so they can teach their peers. - Classroom observations- Be careful, we want to observe quality instruction. C21l will come to District 11 to create video of outstanding classroom instruction. Check out c21l you tube videos from the COMFORT of your home. (You tube is blocked in district)
 * What are the strengths?** This program is acknowleging teachers that want to lead the way. Giving teachers value. Creating models for the rest of the school, and the students. Avenue for new ideas, new growth, innovation, and INSPIRATION!
 * What are the challenges?** How do we get other teachers to buy-in? Time and location. This is a great group of teachers, but we don't see each other every day. The funding may be a challenge, but we can utilize free programs. How do we take advantage of professional development so that it does not take time away from instruction.
 * Suggestions for creating a strong professional development program.** We need to have a way for teachers to select what classes they want throughout the year. Need to have the option of signing up for classes throughout the year.

Online & Blended Professional Development:
-Classes need to be given at different levels (differentiation?! whoa) -Have classes more focused on 'Collaboration' rather than just 'google docs' or the other tool. IF we can have classes on the varying 21st standards then they may be utilized more. -Have a teacher (at each school) that is the expert on each tool.(Develop the leaders in the school)
 * What classes do we need?** We need classes that cover the tools and concrete ways to manage the tools. We will be changing the way of thinking for a lot of teachers. We need to make them see that it is 'ok' to give some of the control to the students.

If interested in course creation, list your name here: Michael Anderson If interested in becoming a course instructor, list your name here:

What resources are needed to make this a success?
Time for...
 * Hardware**: Netbooks or laptops (mobile labs), Installed Projectors (projectors are not utilized because they are on carts that slide around creating more problems than rewards), School-wide WIRELESS THAT WORKS, continue to update computers.
 * Software**: Try to take advantage of as many 'cloud' programs of posible, Using 'firefox' that updates automatically or allowing teachers to update on their own. Free websites (such as blogs) need to be more accessible to students and teachers. How can we expect the students to respect the software outside the school if we can't train them in the school.
 * Resources**: pads that you can walk around the room with and write on. The district needs to look at the classroom furnishings and see if there is a better way to set them up for collaboration. Technology needs to be accessible to electricity. Class sizes need to be taken into account as well.
 * District policy support**: Teachers should have more responsibility. You shouldn't have to jump through so many hoops to try a new program on your computer.
 * Professional Development**: Train the trainers. The trainers need to be actively using the programs in the classroom so they can better assist the teachers for implementing the new technology right away.