Ongoing Professional Learning

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.

1. How do the above supports align with the steps outlined in your Transformation Action Plan or Sustainability Plan?

The personalized and small-group support strategies for teachers align seamlessly with the outlined steps in your Transformation Action Plan and Sustainability Plan. They foster a shared vision, provide ongoing professional learning, ensure consistent access to technology, engage families, and promote equity. The alignment is evident through documented evidence such as coaching documents, meeting notes, PD resources, survey data, and structured processes for maintaining and improving technology integration.

2. How have VILS Learning Experiences impacted student learning in your building? What role has administrative support or VILS coaching played in that?

The VILS Learning Experiences have significantly enhanced student learning in our building by integrating technology that promotes interactive and personalized learning. Students are more engaged and motivated, leading to improved academic performance and a deeper understanding of the material. Administrative support has been crucial, providing necessary resources and fostering a culture that embraces innovative teaching methods. VILS coaching has played a pivotal role in equipping teachers with the skills and confidence to effectively implement these new strategies. Together, these elements have created a dynamic and supportive learning environment that benefits all students.

The VILS coach plays a pivotal role in our comprehensive three-week Professional Development Session, held for our teachers prior to the start of the school year. This dedicated time is instrumental in ensuring that our educators are well-equipped, not only with their own tech tools but also with a deep understanding of the student-facing programs. Throughout this period, teachers engage with essential platforms such as SchoolRunner, Google Classroom, Clever, and Securly, equipping themselves with the knowledge and proficiency needed to seamlessly incorporate technology into their instructional practices. This preparation ensures a smooth transition for students who may choose to engage with technology from the very first day of school.

As the VILS coach at our school, I have consistently prioritized the enhancement of professional development opportunities for our educators. During the initial three weeks of intensive Professional Development sessions that all our teachers attend, I played an integral role in facilitating learning and knowledge retention. To maximize the accessibility and interactivity of these sessions, I diligently recorded each session and subsequently transformed them into EdPuzzles, creating engaging and interactive video resources. These EdPuzzles, alongside pertinent supplementary materials, were thoughtfully organized within a dedicated Google Classroom platform.

This Google Classroom serves as a comprehensive hub for ongoing professional growth and acclimation to our school's unique culture and systems. It plays a pivotal role in onboarding new staff, ensuring they have seamless access to the essential Professional Development modules that prepare them for the upcoming school year. This strategic approach not only streamlines the orientation process but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and collaboration within our educational community. Through out the year, the GClassroom will be added to for videos such as Data Days, implementing new systems, and any other necessary information that will support the staff at Mildred Osborne.

The BearByte Newsletter is our VILS Coach's secret sauce for spreading the magic of coaching to teachers all around our school, not just those in grades 5-8. It's like a virtual coffee chat that's always brewing with cool ideas and helpful tips. Instead of being limited to a select few, this newsletter opens its digital arms to all teachers, no matter their grade level. It's the go-to spot where our VILS Coach shares all the good stuff - from handy resources to smart strategies. With the BearByte Newsletter, our coach is making sure every teacher gets a piece of the coaching pie, making our school community even stronger, one email at a time.

• Self-Reflection: Use the portfolio guide and self-reflect on your progress (Choose one: Emerging, Aligning, or Optimizing).

• How does your school demonstrate excellence in showcasing the outcomes listed above?

Mildred Osborne demonstrates excellence through consistent implementation of the Transformation Action Plan, guided by data and feedback. The school maintains a robust cycle of professional development, data analysis, and community engagement, resulting in improved instructional practices and student outcomes. The integration of tech-based curricula and ongoing support from the VILS coach and TLC members has led to higher student engagement and performance. Evidence of this excellence is captured in artifacts such as coaching documents, PD resources, and the BearByte Newsletter.

• Next Steps: What are your next steps to adopting equitable teaching practices for digital learning and engaging in responsive, professional learning experiences?

To adopt more equitable teaching practices for digital learning and engage in responsive, professional learning experiences, we will:

1. Expand Professional Development: Offer more hands-on workshops and personalized coaching sessions to address the diverse needs of our teachers.

2. Enhance Family Engagement: Provide additional resources and opportunities for parents to support their children's technology use at home.

3. Refine Data Collection: Improve our data collection and analysis processes to ensure our strategies remain effective and aligned with our goals.

4. Promote Equity: Intentionally plan for and provide tools and programs that address the specific learning needs of students from marginalized communities, ensuring equitable access to technology and resources.

These steps will help us create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment that benefits all students and fosters continuous improvement among educators.