A NEW MODEL FOR
Teachers in this district learn how to use technology in the classroom through the Academy model, using 21st century thinking skills.
H
ave you ever attended a man- datory professional develop- ment session that had little or no relevancy to your position?
How about a class where you left excited to try new things, but just never had the time, and the binder sits dusty on your shelf? I once attended a professional develop-
ment session about differentiation when a colleague turned to me and stated what is now obvious: “Why do they expect us to teach using differentiation strategies, yet we are all receiving the same exact training with no regard to our ability, experience or relevancy?” Why indeed? At Cambrian School District, we are try-
ing a new approach as we investigate new technologies. Rather than roll out a one-size- fits-all mandate that you will use this new “box,” which may also sit gathering dust, we have implemented a new model. Early in the last school year we announced the Digi- tal Media Academy, and in March 2012, the iPad Academy, the focus of this article. In the Academy Model, any teacher with an interest may apply to participate. Teach-
32 Leadership
ers are expected to use the technology with their students, create lesson plans, research and develop best practices, and share what they have learned with colleagues. Teachers are using the same 21st century
skills we hope to instill in our students: criti- cal thinking and problem solving, collabo- ration, creativity and communication, as well as skills developing information, media and technology literacy. In return, teachers receive hardware and software; targeted, relevant professional development, and the time to try out new ideas in their classrooms. With the Academy model, our goal is to
provide the information and technology to a few willing and dedicated individuals, who will then encourage others through their example. As more teachers see mean- ingful, effective and productive ways to use the technology, we will get more creative in finding ways to fund the rollout of emerging technologies to more classrooms.
Making it happen Cambrian is a small district in Northern
California. Although we are in the heart of By Deborah Blow and Sandy McConnell
Silicon Valley, like many districts, we have had to make difficult decisions and find every way possible to stretch a dollar, while still making the best choices for our students’ success. We have had to get creative and take a strong stand on what is important for our students’ future. Working with administrators, teacher
leaders, parents, community members and board members, in 2010-11, we developed a meaningful, relevant and achievable strate- gic plan to help take our students and teach- ers well into the 21st century. Our strategic plan created a strong vision for the future and generated a call to action for our staff and community. Once adopted by our Board in August of
2011, it set direction and provided the sup- port and expertise to make the vision a re- ality, both in fiscal and human resources. Included in the plan is a foundation and justification for meaningful investment in appropriate technologies.
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