Our Path Forward
Initial Steps
Our common work has focused on implementing the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) within a 21st Century Framework. Our work has focused on developing a vision for student learning. Our board, administrative team, staff and parent representatives have engaged in discussions about what skills and competencies our students will need to be successful in their future.
We have started to put these ideas into practice in our district. Earlier this year, Northwest Prep, our 7-12 charter school, developed and implemented an innovative schoolwide project-based learning model that guides students through the process of deep inquiry focused on essential questions. Last summer, a team from Schaefer Charter School participated in the 21st Century Teaching and Learning Institute at SCOE. They brought their learning back to their site and began working on putting the ideas of project-based learning into practice.
To support teachers in developing project-based learning we established a partnership with Envision Schools. Earlier this year, a team of K-6 teachers participated in professional development focused on developing quality projects aligned with CCSS and essential questions as well as creating assessments to evaluate student work.
This year our district participated in the Sonoma Leadership Network. A team of K-6 teacher leaders and principals engaged in learning about the instructional shifts embedded with the Common Core. Our team worked together to develop a plan for sharing our learning with grade level teams across our district. Through our participation and follow up work, we have been able to build the capacity of our teachers in developing an understanding of the CCSS and classroom practices to support our students' learning.
We have started to put these ideas into practice in our district. Earlier this year, Northwest Prep, our 7-12 charter school, developed and implemented an innovative schoolwide project-based learning model that guides students through the process of deep inquiry focused on essential questions. Last summer, a team from Schaefer Charter School participated in the 21st Century Teaching and Learning Institute at SCOE. They brought their learning back to their site and began working on putting the ideas of project-based learning into practice.
To support teachers in developing project-based learning we established a partnership with Envision Schools. Earlier this year, a team of K-6 teachers participated in professional development focused on developing quality projects aligned with CCSS and essential questions as well as creating assessments to evaluate student work.
This year our district participated in the Sonoma Leadership Network. A team of K-6 teacher leaders and principals engaged in learning about the instructional shifts embedded with the Common Core. Our team worked together to develop a plan for sharing our learning with grade level teams across our district. Through our participation and follow up work, we have been able to build the capacity of our teachers in developing an understanding of the CCSS and classroom practices to support our students' learning.
Technology
A key component of our 21st Century initiative is to provide our students with the essential digital and media skills they will need for inquiry, collaboration and communication. We understand that simply adding new devices and technology alone will not improve student learning. Our approach to upgrading technology and implementing new tools has been to plan and implement new practices strategically. We have engaged in pilot projects at grade levels and school sites. By engaging in our own inquiry, testing new ideas and tools, we have invested in technology in ways that support the development and expansion of learning opportunities for students.
With this vision in mind, we have made the following technology upgrades:
With this vision in mind, we have made the following technology upgrades:
- Updated servers, increased bandwidth, switches and connections
- Installed a wireless infrastructure throughout the district.
- Migrated to Google Apps throughout the district, including Google Apps for students in grades 4-12.
- Invested in mobile devices for student learning -- grants at school sites to acquire laptops and district purchases to provide laptops at the secondary level 1:2 and at the K-6 level at 1:4.
- Purchased iPads for student and staff using grant funding and district resources.
We have also moved forward with our efforts to improve access to technology to support student and staff professional learning.
- Created Edmodo district domain and initiated the use of this powerful social learning tool with students and staff.
- Student use of online tools for digital portfolios, blogging, video editing, Prezi, Evernote, Google Docs, Weebly.
- Piloting the use of iPads in first grade classrooms.
- Student use of iPads for project-based work -- research, video editing, creation of products.
- Web-based applications to provide access for student learning -- Lexia, Study Island.
- Implemented computer adaptive assessments across grades K-8 in Reading and Math (Renaissance Learning).
- District’s focus on moving toward paperless communication with parents via ZippSlip, website, and social media.
- Explore options for expanding access in classrooms through district investment, parent leasing plan and BYOD with a goal of ensuring access for all students.
- Professional development for teachers to provide support for developing skills and competencies in the use of technology for instructional purposes, not simply to access information but to create, communicate and collaborate.
- Parent education component -- workshops for parents on using tools and supporting their children’s learning at home.
Next Steps
Our district is committed to aligning our system to make our vision for 21st Century teaching and learning a reality for our students.
With the steps we have taken so far, we are well poised to accomplish this goal. To support our work moving forward, we will draw upon our strengths as well as our partnerships with outside organizations and networks across our district.
With the steps we have taken so far, we are well poised to accomplish this goal. To support our work moving forward, we will draw upon our strengths as well as our partnerships with outside organizations and networks across our district.
Partnerships:
Establishing and continuing our partnerships with outside organizations will be an important component of our work moving forward. For next school year, we will continue our work with Envision Learning Partners to deepen and expand our understanding and meaningful implementation of project-based learning. Our district has also committed to participating in the emerging partnership ieSonoma that will bring public and private educational institutions to research and develop 21st Century learning practices to transform how we prepare students for their future. Board members, administrators and teachers will be attending the kick-off event on June 10th to learn more about the essential skills our students will need. Networks: To support our on-going work to transform our schools, our district will also draw upon external and internal resources through networks. We have established a membership in EdLeader21, a network of educational leaders from across the country who are actively engaged in aligning their systems and creating structures for 21st Century teaching and learning. Accessing a larger network of educators who are committed to this important work will provide us with a valuable learning opportunity as we begin to put our action plan into place. We also view our learning and active participation in the 21st Century Teaching and Learning Institute as an essential step in establishing a network within our district -- across grade levels, school sites and stakeholder groups -- to align our leadership, classroom and community engagement practices to prepare our students for future success. |