A cross-functional leadership team sets a clear vision for the school, its culture, and what teaching
and learning look like before putting technology in classrooms.
All subtopics align with the VILS outcomes and guiding questions align with the criteria in the Portfolio Framework Guide. Use the questions to guide your reflection on the artifacts to narrate your journey toward the goals.
Guiding question:
How does the school leadership team collaborate to support VILS goals??
The Leadership Team at Mildred Osborne collaborate regularly to review data from teacher/student observations, Behavior Management Classroom (BMC) scores for teachers, and assessments from Exit Tickets to Interim Assessments (IAs). Leadership then takes this data to give evidence of meeting school goals or to make new/adjust goals that will continue to better the staff and students at Mildred Osborne Charter school.
How does the district leadership team support innovation and collaboration related to technology?
Crescent City Schools (CCS) CMO meets regularly with all school leaders to discuss school initiatives and goals that will continue the innovation of faculty and students on campus. Data from assessments, BMC, and observations are used during these meetings in order to assess if goals are being met and what new goals are needed in order to continue the growth at Osborne. The CCS CMO IT works very closely with the VILS coaches to answers questions and come up with real solutions to situations coaches have found themselves in when it comes to the VILS technology and it's accessories.
3. Could you provide examples of how your Professional Learning and Information Technology practices have been adapted based on your reflections and insights gained from fellow members of the VILS network?
Certainly, our commitment to professional growth and information technology adaptation within the VILS network has greatly influenced our practices at Mildred Osborne. Inspired by the insights gained during a Quizziz EdCamp, I recognized the potential of Passive Coaching, leading to the creation of a comprehensive Newsletter System. This system reaches all teachers in our institution, offering valuable tech tips and classroom programs. Additionally, during a VILS EdCamp, I was introduced to the innovative Magic School AI, which I subsequently integrated into our school's tech resources. The collaborative nature of the VILS network consistently provides opportunities to acquire new knowledge and access programs, which I enthusiastically incorporate into our school's professional learning and technology practices, ensuring that our educational community remains at the forefront of pedagogical innovation.
Guiding questions:
Describe your Teacher Leader Corps, including recruitment, onboarding, activities, and impact.
The Teacher Leader Corps (TLC) is a group of selected teachers who demonstrate a strong commitment to integrating technology and innovative instructional practices. Recruitment focuses on identifying passionate educators through an application and recommendation process. Onboarding includes comprehensive training in VILS tools, peer coaching techniques, and leadership skills. Activities include leading professional development sessions, creating digital resources, and mentoring colleagues. The impact of the TLC is evident in the increased use of technology in classrooms, enhanced teacher collaboration, and improved student engagement and performance.
How has the TLC impacted instructional practice, student achievement or engagement, leadership development, and capacity building at the school?
The TLC has significantly influenced instructional practice by promoting the adoption of technology-enhanced teaching methods, leading to more interactive and engaging lessons. This shift has contributed to higher student achievement and engagement. Additionally, the TLC has fostered leadership development among its members, empowering them to take on greater responsibilities and drive school-wide initiatives. Through these efforts, the school has seen substantial capacity building, with a growing culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Mr. Baker serves as an exemplary model for our teaching community, embodying the ideal classroom environment we strive for. He is deeply committed to fostering a learning atmosphere where students enjoy continuous access to digital education, leveraging a diverse range of programs and the Amplify curriculum. Mr. Baker ensures that various vital components of his lessons, such as the Do Now and Exit Ticket, are consistently completed using digital devices.
Beyond his exceptional classroom contributions, Mr. Baker extends his expertise to support his entire 5th-grade team in effectively integrating technology into their teaching practices. He regularly conducts mini-professional development sessions for his colleagues, introducing them to innovative programs and approaches they can apply in their own classrooms. Furthermore, his dedication to this cause has earned him recognition in the November BearByte publication, featuring videos showcasing his adept integration of technology in the classroom to inspire and educate fellow educators campus-wide.
Mr. O stands out as a distinguished member of our esteemed Teacher Leader Corps. His unwavering dedication to enhancing the educational experience for our students at Mildred Osborne is truly commendable. Mr. O exhibits a remarkable willingness to embrace innovation, never shying away from asking questions and fearlessly experimenting with novel approaches.
A defining characteristic of Mr. O's teaching style is his remarkable ability to swiftly adapt to new technologies and instructional strategies. It is not uncommon to witness him acquainting himself with a new program one day and seamlessly incorporating it into his lesson plans the very next day. Mr. O consistently harnesses the power of digital tools such as the Amplify curriculum, Google Classroom, and a diverse array of engaging digital review games to ensure our students are well-prepared for both in-school assessments and the LEAP standardized testing.
His dynamic approach to teaching and his proactive embrace of digital resources have undoubtedly contributed to the academic success of our students at Mildred Osborne.
Ms. Clemons serves as a dedicated and exceptional 8th-grade Math and English teacher in our ranks. She epitomizes the role of a teacher who consistently goes the extra mile to support her fellow colleagues with any technology-related challenges or inquiries they may encounter.
Whether it's assisting in tech troubleshooting or imparting invaluable insights into the best practices for leveraging online curricula, Ms. Clemons stands out as the go-to resource for her peers. Her willingness to share her expertise and offer guidance has proven invaluable in enhancing the digital proficiency of our teaching community.
Furthermore, Ms. Clemons skillfully strikes a balance between the integration of devices in her classroom and maintaining a focused, productive learning environment. She adeptly navigates the potential distractions posed by technology, ensuring that her students remain on track and engaged with their studies.
The presence of Ms. Clemons on our team is a source of immense gratitude, as her expertise and dedication greatly enrich the educational experience for both students and colleagues alike.
Self-Reflection: Use the portfolio guide and self-reflect on your progress (Choose one: Emerging, Aligning, or Optimizing).
I believe we are optimizing in this aspect.
How does your school demonstrate excellence in showcasing the outcomes listed above?
Mildred Osborne demonstrates excellence by continuously adapting and improving our teaching practices through the efforts of the Teacher Leader Corps (TLC). Our TLC members lead professional development sessions, create digital resources, and mentor colleagues, resulting in widespread use of technology in classrooms and enhanced teacher collaboration. For instance, Mr. Baker's integration of digital education and mini-PD sessions, Mr. O's quick adoption of new technologies, and Ms. Clemons' support in tech troubleshooting exemplify the impactful outcomes of our initiatives.
Next Steps: What are your next steps to implement powerful learning experiences for students and teachers and improve teaching practices for technology integration?
Our next steps include expanding the Teacher Leader Corps to involve more educators in leadership roles and providing ongoing, targeted professional development sessions focused on advanced technology integration. We aim to implement new digital tools and curricula, inspired by the latest innovations from the VILS network, and continue fostering a culture of continuous improvement through regular data analysis and feedback. Additionally, we plan to enhance our support systems for both teachers and students to ensure seamless adoption and effective use of new technologies.
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