Standard 1 - Visionary Leadership
Candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to inspire and lead the development and implementation of a shared vision for the effective use of technology to promote excellence and support transformational change throughout the organization.
1.1 Shared Vision
Candidates facilitate the development and implementation of a shared vision for the use of technology in teaching, learning, and leadership. (PSC 1.1/ISTE 1a)
The Shared Vision Paper is a description of the views, mission, and vision of the Thomas County School System. It was created to dissect what ways Thomas County Schools are reaching their students and what goals for the future are involving stakeholders. Understanding of individual’s roles as teachers, coaches, community members, parents, and students is an important contribution to the shared vision. I created a survey to help all groups be aware of the current vision and goals, as well as where there may be some discrepancies.
This artifact demonstrates mastery of the Shared Vision standard by facilitating the development and implementation of Thomas County’s shared vision. The survey was used to gather ideas, thoughts, and views served as part of the development and implementation of the vision. Using the survey’s responses, I can compile common themes that principals and other administrators may use to gather view that may contribute to discussions in the future. These discussions would help stakeholders understand the school’s future goals and what part they play in those goals. By sharing my research with the administration and dialoguing to begin a clear, informed, common-goals discussion with all stakeholders, I have contributed to the implementation of the school’s shared vision.
Since completing this artifact, I understand how the smaller “pushes” in our schools help develop the future goal of Thomas County Schools. I appreciate that instead of an unorganized approach, there are different milestones that should be met before continuing. To improve the quality of the artifact, I would implement the survey and any other research involved during school months so that there is more participation. I would also share my findings with stakeholders, instead of just administration.
The work that went into creating the Shared Vision paper has impacted school improvement. While there was a vision in place at our school, it had not been verbalized recently in simple form. The artifact helps faculty development by establishing clear roles for future years with administration, teachers, and other stakeholders. This impact can be assessed by reviewing the school’s vision at a later date and noting the changes, or improvements.
1.2 Strategic Planning
Candidates facilitate the design, development, implementation, communication, and evaluation of technology-infused strategic plans. (PSC 1.2/ISTE 1b)
The Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis was involved the final project for the ITEC 7410 class. The SWOT Analysis helped me understand areas of weakness and strength that we could improve upon for Thomas County Schools. In it, I researched our current reality and identified essential indicators of effective schools to discuss what is working, things that aren’t, and things that other people might see from the outside as possible areas for improvement.
The SWOT Analysis shows mastery of this standard by serving as the tool that allowed me to design an assessment of our school. The SWOT Analysis is an excellent way for any school or school system to develop a plan for evaluating effective technology use. By researching Essential Conditions as developed by ISTE for effective technology in schools, I was able to communicate with the school faculty and develop a present-level strengths and weaknesses document to implement growth in the schools. Understanding what areas could use improvement lays the groundwork to facilitate the design of a technology action plan for the school system. After researching each area, I was able to make suggestions for future use as well as site opportunities for communication and evaluation.
Effective leaders work through things systematically instead of quickly and without input from others. When writing this SWOT Analysis, I know now what is involved when making a new technology plan and when looking for ways to make the technology in my school more effective. To improve the quality of this artifact, I would meet with more technology coaches and instructional technology specialists. I think that by hearing first-hand what areas we could improve in as a system, I could focus on those and put my research to better use instead of covering a broad spectrum of areas.
This artifact will definitely impact school improvement, as I will assist in making a new technology plan for our school. In turn, this will affect the other areas as well. A new technology plan will result in faculty development and could change student learning. This impact can be assessed by evaluating our reality at a future date and again using the SWOT Analysis.
1.3 Policies, Procedures, Programs & Funding
Candidates research, recommend, and implement policies, procedures, programs, and funding strategies to support implementation of the shared vision represented in the school, district, state, and federal technology plans and guidelines. Funding strategies may include the development, submission, and evaluation of formal grant proposals. (PSC 1.3/ISTE 1c)
The Grant Proposal was an extension of the SWOT Analysis artifact. In it, I focused on an area that could use improving from the Analysis and developed a plan to write a grant to submit for review. When writing the SWOT Analysis an area that resonated with me was the Essential Condition: Equitable Access. I teach in an area that has many opportunities, but I also have many students that are not or cannot take advantage of these opportunities. I proposed an afterschool program for students with low socio-economic statuses where they are able to have access to computers/technology/etc daily to foster an interest in technology.
In the Grant Proposal, I used research and recommendations from the SWOT Analysis to guide my proposition. I focused on an area of concern which was students from low SES backgrounds. After focusing on this area, I further developed the recommendations to an afterschool program for students with low SES backgrounds. The students would benefit from additional technology time so that they are equally as familiar with technology as their peers. After developing the plan, I also included steps for implementation of the program should the grant be accepted. First teachers would select students who would benefit from the program and then there would be a selection process. After selecting students, the afterschool program would begin and meet once a week.
From completing the Grant Proposal, I learned that writing a grant can be less intimidating than previously thought. I also found myself to be pretty passionate about what I was developing and enjoyed creating something that may be used in the future. However, I did not submit my proposal to any agencies. This is something I hope to rectify in the future so that I can experience the entire grant process.
This artifact would directly impact student learning and school improvement. By focusing on students, their experiences at school improve as well as other areas academically. The impact could be assessed by observation of students in classrooms. If there is no indicator of a student from a lower SES having trouble because he or she is not familiar with the technology, then the afterschool program is working.
1.4 Diffusion of Innovations & Change
Candidates research, recommend, and implement strategies for initiating and sustaining technology innovations and for managing the change process in schools. (PSC 1.4/ISTE 1d)
The Action/Evaluation Plan artifact details the points of action recommended after the SWOT analysis for ITEC 7410. After conducting the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis, I selected 5 goals in need of improvement and elaborated on the steps that needed to be taken for advancement. The goals that I focused on involved: skilled teachers, instructional change, student-focused, diversity considerations, and school related technology plans.
This artifact demonstrates the master of Standard 1.4 Diffusion of Innovations & Change, by recommending strategies upon the completion of research into the current state of technology at Thomas County Middle School. Strategies including professional development, classroom observations, work samples, and technology team meetings are provided to initiate and sustain technology incorporation and innovation. In addition to the strategies suggested, a timeline details when and how to implement the strategies followed by a success indicator upon completion. For example, when initiating change in instructional methods with technology, teachers will use professional development to learn research-based activities on Chromebooks. After working on the activities, administrators will conduct classroom observations to gauge how well the activities are being implemented in to lessons. The success indicator for this goal is, “By 5/30/17, TCMS teachers will have used Chromebooks at least 2 times each week as proven by lesson plans and student work samples.”
From completing this artifact, I developed a deeper understanding of an action plan. I feel more confident in suggesting strategies and steps for achieving goals in our school. To improve the quality of this artifact, I would provide more detailed steps. I would also ask for more input from our current technology coaches. Having input from someone who is constantly seeing the current state of technology in our schools, is an invaluable resource.
The work that went into creating the artifact impacted faculty development. By assessing the faculty’s progress within the steps suggested on the action plan, the faculty can be seen as improving or not. The action plan outlines the short benchmarks and overall goals for improving our technology use in the school.
Candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to inspire and lead the development and implementation of a shared vision for the effective use of technology to promote excellence and support transformational change throughout the organization.
1.1 Shared Vision
Candidates facilitate the development and implementation of a shared vision for the use of technology in teaching, learning, and leadership. (PSC 1.1/ISTE 1a)
The Shared Vision Paper is a description of the views, mission, and vision of the Thomas County School System. It was created to dissect what ways Thomas County Schools are reaching their students and what goals for the future are involving stakeholders. Understanding of individual’s roles as teachers, coaches, community members, parents, and students is an important contribution to the shared vision. I created a survey to help all groups be aware of the current vision and goals, as well as where there may be some discrepancies.
This artifact demonstrates mastery of the Shared Vision standard by facilitating the development and implementation of Thomas County’s shared vision. The survey was used to gather ideas, thoughts, and views served as part of the development and implementation of the vision. Using the survey’s responses, I can compile common themes that principals and other administrators may use to gather view that may contribute to discussions in the future. These discussions would help stakeholders understand the school’s future goals and what part they play in those goals. By sharing my research with the administration and dialoguing to begin a clear, informed, common-goals discussion with all stakeholders, I have contributed to the implementation of the school’s shared vision.
Since completing this artifact, I understand how the smaller “pushes” in our schools help develop the future goal of Thomas County Schools. I appreciate that instead of an unorganized approach, there are different milestones that should be met before continuing. To improve the quality of the artifact, I would implement the survey and any other research involved during school months so that there is more participation. I would also share my findings with stakeholders, instead of just administration.
The work that went into creating the Shared Vision paper has impacted school improvement. While there was a vision in place at our school, it had not been verbalized recently in simple form. The artifact helps faculty development by establishing clear roles for future years with administration, teachers, and other stakeholders. This impact can be assessed by reviewing the school’s vision at a later date and noting the changes, or improvements.
1.2 Strategic Planning
Candidates facilitate the design, development, implementation, communication, and evaluation of technology-infused strategic plans. (PSC 1.2/ISTE 1b)
The Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis was involved the final project for the ITEC 7410 class. The SWOT Analysis helped me understand areas of weakness and strength that we could improve upon for Thomas County Schools. In it, I researched our current reality and identified essential indicators of effective schools to discuss what is working, things that aren’t, and things that other people might see from the outside as possible areas for improvement.
The SWOT Analysis shows mastery of this standard by serving as the tool that allowed me to design an assessment of our school. The SWOT Analysis is an excellent way for any school or school system to develop a plan for evaluating effective technology use. By researching Essential Conditions as developed by ISTE for effective technology in schools, I was able to communicate with the school faculty and develop a present-level strengths and weaknesses document to implement growth in the schools. Understanding what areas could use improvement lays the groundwork to facilitate the design of a technology action plan for the school system. After researching each area, I was able to make suggestions for future use as well as site opportunities for communication and evaluation.
Effective leaders work through things systematically instead of quickly and without input from others. When writing this SWOT Analysis, I know now what is involved when making a new technology plan and when looking for ways to make the technology in my school more effective. To improve the quality of this artifact, I would meet with more technology coaches and instructional technology specialists. I think that by hearing first-hand what areas we could improve in as a system, I could focus on those and put my research to better use instead of covering a broad spectrum of areas.
This artifact will definitely impact school improvement, as I will assist in making a new technology plan for our school. In turn, this will affect the other areas as well. A new technology plan will result in faculty development and could change student learning. This impact can be assessed by evaluating our reality at a future date and again using the SWOT Analysis.
1.3 Policies, Procedures, Programs & Funding
Candidates research, recommend, and implement policies, procedures, programs, and funding strategies to support implementation of the shared vision represented in the school, district, state, and federal technology plans and guidelines. Funding strategies may include the development, submission, and evaluation of formal grant proposals. (PSC 1.3/ISTE 1c)
The Grant Proposal was an extension of the SWOT Analysis artifact. In it, I focused on an area that could use improving from the Analysis and developed a plan to write a grant to submit for review. When writing the SWOT Analysis an area that resonated with me was the Essential Condition: Equitable Access. I teach in an area that has many opportunities, but I also have many students that are not or cannot take advantage of these opportunities. I proposed an afterschool program for students with low socio-economic statuses where they are able to have access to computers/technology/etc daily to foster an interest in technology.
In the Grant Proposal, I used research and recommendations from the SWOT Analysis to guide my proposition. I focused on an area of concern which was students from low SES backgrounds. After focusing on this area, I further developed the recommendations to an afterschool program for students with low SES backgrounds. The students would benefit from additional technology time so that they are equally as familiar with technology as their peers. After developing the plan, I also included steps for implementation of the program should the grant be accepted. First teachers would select students who would benefit from the program and then there would be a selection process. After selecting students, the afterschool program would begin and meet once a week.
From completing the Grant Proposal, I learned that writing a grant can be less intimidating than previously thought. I also found myself to be pretty passionate about what I was developing and enjoyed creating something that may be used in the future. However, I did not submit my proposal to any agencies. This is something I hope to rectify in the future so that I can experience the entire grant process.
This artifact would directly impact student learning and school improvement. By focusing on students, their experiences at school improve as well as other areas academically. The impact could be assessed by observation of students in classrooms. If there is no indicator of a student from a lower SES having trouble because he or she is not familiar with the technology, then the afterschool program is working.
1.4 Diffusion of Innovations & Change
Candidates research, recommend, and implement strategies for initiating and sustaining technology innovations and for managing the change process in schools. (PSC 1.4/ISTE 1d)
The Action/Evaluation Plan artifact details the points of action recommended after the SWOT analysis for ITEC 7410. After conducting the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis, I selected 5 goals in need of improvement and elaborated on the steps that needed to be taken for advancement. The goals that I focused on involved: skilled teachers, instructional change, student-focused, diversity considerations, and school related technology plans.
This artifact demonstrates the master of Standard 1.4 Diffusion of Innovations & Change, by recommending strategies upon the completion of research into the current state of technology at Thomas County Middle School. Strategies including professional development, classroom observations, work samples, and technology team meetings are provided to initiate and sustain technology incorporation and innovation. In addition to the strategies suggested, a timeline details when and how to implement the strategies followed by a success indicator upon completion. For example, when initiating change in instructional methods with technology, teachers will use professional development to learn research-based activities on Chromebooks. After working on the activities, administrators will conduct classroom observations to gauge how well the activities are being implemented in to lessons. The success indicator for this goal is, “By 5/30/17, TCMS teachers will have used Chromebooks at least 2 times each week as proven by lesson plans and student work samples.”
From completing this artifact, I developed a deeper understanding of an action plan. I feel more confident in suggesting strategies and steps for achieving goals in our school. To improve the quality of this artifact, I would provide more detailed steps. I would also ask for more input from our current technology coaches. Having input from someone who is constantly seeing the current state of technology in our schools, is an invaluable resource.
The work that went into creating the artifact impacted faculty development. By assessing the faculty’s progress within the steps suggested on the action plan, the faculty can be seen as improving or not. The action plan outlines the short benchmarks and overall goals for improving our technology use in the school.